Date Set For 30th Annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Downtown recently announced the return of the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular.

The holiday season will officially kick off in Stamford Downtown on Nov. 19 at noon with the 30th annual event. The parade is one of the largest of its kind in the country, with giant helium balloons and approximately 100,000 spectators annually.

This parade is produced and funded by Stamford Downtown Special Services District with generous support from local property owners and businesses.

Planned highlights of the parade include 14 giant balloons including favorites Abby Cadabby, Bob the Builder, Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Oscar the Grouch, Peppa Pig and more to be announced.

In addition to the procession's signature balloons, the streets will be filled with music from the Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corp., the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band and high school marching bands from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Uniondale, and Brentwood.

New to the parade this year are the Hartford’s Proud Drill Drum & Dance Corp. and the John F. Kennedy Marching Eagles from Waterbury. There will be fabulous floats and dance groups, the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Santa and more.

The parade is scheduled to begin at the intersection of Summer Street and Hoyt Street and conclude on Atlantic Street and Federal Street, just a short block from the Stamford Transportation Center served by Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, and CT Transit.

On the eve of the parade, a balloon inflation party will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street.

This pre-parade event will allow spectators a behind-the-scenes look at the balloons as they come to life. Music, parade talent, cartoon characters and Santa will greet and delight spectators.

For more information call 203-348-5285, go to the Stamford Downtown Website or follow parade happenings on X @BalloonParadeCT.