Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024

The Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024 is back with an exciting, family-friendly celebration. This highly anticipated annual.

Event takes place on October 19, 2024, transforming the vibrant areas of NewBo Market and the Czech Village into a Halloween extravaganza.

Hosted by the Terry-Durin Company, this year’s parade is themed “Not of This World,” ensuring a night of creative costumes, live performances, and festive activities for all attendees.

Table of Contents

Key Event Details Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024

Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Location: NewBo City Market & Czech Village
Theme: “Not of This World”
Organizer: Terry-Durin Co.

Parade Highlights

Creep Kid Zone
1. Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
2. Activities: Face painting, costume contests, door prizes, balloon twisting, and fortune telling at NewBo Market.
Family Costume Contest
1. Time: 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
2. Judging and awards for the best kids’ and family costumes.
Main Parade
1. Time: 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
2. Parade route through NewBo Market and Czech Village, showcasing floats, themed costumes, and local performers.
3. Expect appearances by “monsters of the night” and spooky attractions along the route.
Post-Parade Black Light Bash
1. Location: Hazzard County American Saloon
2. Time: 8:00 PM
3. A glowing after-party with themed drinks, live music, and Halloween fun for adults.

Additional Festivities

Throughout October, Cedar Rapids offers several Halloween-themed events to complement the parade:

Friday Fright Nights:
1. October 4: Screening of Aliens in the Attic
2. October 11: Screening of Casper
3. Both events start at 6:45 PM with costume contests and family-friendly activities at NewBo.
Trick-or-Treating in the Czech Village: A safe, community event for children to collect candy in costume before the main parade.

Parade Participation and Entry Guidelines

Participants can enter floats or groups for the parade by submitting an entry form by October 14. Awards will be given for categories such as:

Scariest Float
Most Creative Group
Best Walking Unit

Volunteers are also welcome, and interested parties can contact the organizers for more information about sponsorships or volunteer roles.

How to Prepare for the Parade

Costumes: Dressing up is highly encouraged for attendees of all ages.
Transportation: Expect some street closures near NewBo Market and the Czech Village, so plan accordingly.
Food & Drinks: Vendors will be available offering Halloween-themed snacks and beverages throughout the event.

Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024 – A Festive Celebration

The Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade returns on October 19, 2024, bringing a night of thrilling entertainment, spooky fun, and community spirit to the NewBo Market and Czech Village areas.

Hosted by Terry-Durin Company, this year’s event adopts the exciting theme “Not of This World,” promising attendees a blend of extraterrestrial, supernatural, and creative floats, costumes, and performances.

The parade is a family-friendly event but also offers some late-night entertainment for adults with the Black Light Bash after-party at Hazzard County Saloon.

Key Events and Schedule

The celebration kicks off with activities throughout the day, including the Creep Kid Zone from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the NewBo Market.

Families can enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, and costume contests, creating a lively prelude to the main event.

At 5:00 PM, the Family Costume Contest awards prizes for the best kids’ costumes and group outfits, fostering a competitive but fun environment.

The main parade begins at 6:30 PM, following a route through NewBo and Czech Village. The parade highlights elaborate floats.

Roving monsters, and themed performances, ensuring an immersive Halloween experience for all attendees. It concludes by 7:45 PM, setting.

The stage for the Black Light Bash—an adult-friendly event that keeps the energy going into the night with live music and themed drinks.

“Not of This World” Theme and Attractions

The theme “Not of This World” invites participants and spectators to unleash their creativity. Expect to see otherworldly creatures, futuristic costumes, and spooky characters roaming the streets.

This theme is also reflected in pre-parade events like Friday Fright Nights, where movies such as Aliens in the Attic and Casper are screened at dusk in NewBo Market, adding to the festive Halloween atmosphere.

What to Expect as a Visitor

Attendees are encouraged to dress in full costume, as the parade is as much a showcase for spectators as it is for participants.

Halloween-themed food and beverages will be available at multiple vendor stalls throughout the event.

The first 300 kids to arrive will receive Ghoulie bags filled with treats, ensuring young visitors feel part of the celebration from the start.

Given the popularity of the event, early arrival is recommended to find parking or a good spot along the parade route.

Conclusion

The Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024 promises to be a thrilling event for the entire community. From vibrant costumes and lively floats to spooky attractions and the Black Light Bash, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or flying solo, this Halloween celebration in NewBo and Czech Village offers an unforgettable evening.

FAQs

Is the parade free to attend?

Yes, the parade is open to the public, with free admission for all attendees.

Can kids participate in the parade?

Absolutely! Children are encouraged to join the fun through the Creep Kid Zone and the Family Costume Contest.

Are there any prizes for costumes?

Yes, prizes will be awarded during the costume contest, recognizing the best kids’ costumes, family-themed outfits, and more.

Will there be parking available?

Parking may be limited due to street closures. It is recommended to arrive early or use public transport.

Cedar Rapids Halloween Parade 2024 | Complete Guide