Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade Goes Virtual For 2020

ANAHEIM, CA — The annual Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, a community tradition since 1923, will switch to an online format this year with virtual festivities planned for the entire month of October, according to organizers.

"We know a lot will be different," coordinators said. "But traditions reflect those that celebrate them, and we're excited to bring a fresh take on how Anaheim continues to hold the biggest little hometown Halloween festivities around."

The October event in Orange County joins a growing list of community celebrations, still months away, announcing cancellations of their live, in-person festivals and concerts planned for fall and winter due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rose Bowl Parade 2021 officials said this week that, for the first time in 75 years, the New Year's Day highlight will not occur, with other "new and safe ways" to mark the tradition under discussion.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic confirmed today the cancellation of its fall concert series at Walt Disney Concert Hall, due to coronavirus concerns, plus "Hamilton" was delayed to spring at the Hollywood Pantages.

And in San Francisco Bay Area's Half Moon Bay, staff announced in late May that due to COVID-19 the city was scrapping its 2020 Art & Pumpkin Festival, held over an October weekend and typically drawing massive crowds. Plans remain in place for now, however, for the one-day 2020 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off.

In Anaheim, organizers said the cancellation was decided with health and safety as the "utmost priority," and they now are hammering out details for the new, monthlong virtual format, even promising to deliver "an entirely unique way to experience" the 96th annual Halloween parade.

"Look for your favorite musical performers, variety acts, kids' crafts, artists and art contest and our ever-popular costume contests to be hosted online for all to enjoy," officials said.

The live parade and fall festival were scheduled Saturday, Oct. 24.

The fall fest began in 1923, and the parade in 1924, when an estimated 20,000 spectators lined the streets to catch the procession led by baseball superstar Babe Ruth.

Over the years, the dual events became Southern California family favorites, drawing crowds of 50,000, organizers said.

Locals can keep abreast of the upcoming plans via the Anaheim Fall Festival's website.

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