When you work hard to put together the perfect Halloween costume — whether it’s for you, your kids, or even your dog — you want to make sure people see it. These five Halloween parades and costume contests in Northern Virginia provide a prime opportunity to don that costume and march through town. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday with your community in a fun, family-friendly way.
Town of Vienna Halloween Parade
October 23, 7 p.m.
The Town of Vienna has hosted this holiday event since 1946. Maple Avenue fills with elaborate floats, costumed kids, and more. This year, the theme is “Party Like It’s 1999,” in honor of the Club Phoenix Teen Center’s 25th anniversary. Children and chaperones in costume are encouraged to march along with the parade, no registration required. Plus, kids can stop by the Caffi Field Pitching Lanes to pick up a free goodie bag the night of the parade. Maple Avenue, Vienna
Occoquan Costume Parade & Contest
October 26, 10 a.m.
See ghosts, ghouls, and witches pass you by at this costume contest through Old Town Occoquan. Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta will lead the parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park for costume contest judging. Categories include cutest, scariest, funniest, most original, and family/group. No registration is necessary to participate. Mill Street, Occoquan
Halloween Spooktacular
October 27, 3–7 p.m.
The Great Falls Foundation has its annual Spooktacular event, which includes a pet parade. Don’t miss the chance to see four-legged friends in their spookiest, silliest, and most creative costumes. There will be a costume contest for the pups after the parade. Plus, families can enjoy trick-or-treating and spooky music from the Langley High School Band. Note that the date has changed to the Sunday before Halloween. 754-C Walker Rd., Great Falls
28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
October 27, 2 p.m.
This Del Ray tradition continues for the 28th year. The parade marches along Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at East Bellefonte Avenue. Kids, pets, and decorated strollers are encouraged to walk along the route. There will be costume contests for pets and strollers. Plus, enjoy the sight of Del Ray’s houses and businesses decorated in spooky decor. There will be a contest for the best-decorated house or business, a Halloween scavenger hunt, and attendees can bring costumes to donate for kids in need. Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
Halloween Spooktacular
October 27, 3–7 p.m.
The Great Falls Foundation has its annual Spooktacular event, which includes a pet parade. Don’t miss the chance to see four-legged friends in their spookiest, silliest, and most creative costumes. There will be a costume contest for the pups after the parade. Plus, families can enjoy trick-or-treating and spooky music from the Langley High School Band. Note that the date has changed to the Sunday before Halloween. 754-C Walker Rd., Great Falls
68th Annual Leesburg Kiwanis Halloween Parade
October 31, 6–8 p.m.
The Kiwanis Club of Leesburg hosts its annual Halloween parade and kids’ costume photo contest. Get dressed up to see decorated floats move through Leesburg, tossing candy along the way. And don’t forget to submit a photo for the annual costume photo contest. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Feature image of Del Ray Halloween Parade by Nina Schierow
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