Del Ray Halloween Parade: Route, Contests, How To Help

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The 26th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, one of Alexandria's favorite Halloween traditions, returns to the Avenue Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.

Whether you want to participate in the parade's contests or simply observe, the parade offers something for everyone. The parade route will run along Mount Vernon Avenue starting south of E. Bellefonte Avenue to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Residents are invited to march in the parade in their Halloween costumes. Leading the parade as grand marshal will be an outstanding student selected from Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology.

The parade typically draws around 7,500 participants, including special dignitaries and elected officials. After the parade, visit the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields for live music by Mars Rodeo and an awards presentation for the pet & stroller contests, plus best decorated house and business.

Residents may enter the Pet Costume Contest and Stroller Competition by 1:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon and E. Howell Avenues before the parade. Strollers will be lined up to be judged before the parade, and pets will be judged immediately following the parade.

Pet Costume Categories include Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me?, and Vola Lawson Best of Show. Stroller Competition Categories include Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall.

Winners of the Best Decorated House and Business will be announced during the parade festivities. Nominations for Best Decorated House will be accepted through 12 p.m. on Oct. 23, then a map of nominated houses will be available so residents can see the displays. Best Decorated Business nominations will be accepted through Oct. 23.

Before Halloween parade festivities get underway, residents can enjoy a scavenger hunt along Mount Vernon Avenue starting Oct. 22. The scavenger hunt challenges residents to find Halloween-themed items in Del Ray's decorated businesses. Four people will randomly be chosen for a $50 gift card to their favorite Del Ray business. Check back for details as the scavenger hunt starts.

Parade weekend kicks off Saturday, Oct. 29 with the Boos & Brews Along the Avenue event. Various Del Ray restaurants will host their own Halloween parties, including Del Ray Pizzeria, Piece Out, Nightmare on the Avenue pop-up bar, Evening Star Cafe, Kaizen Tavern, Matt & Tony's and Barkhaus.

Donations of Halloween costumes for children in need are now being collected. The Del Ray Business Association partners with Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club, Community Lodgings and the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse to create Boo-tique’s Amazon Wish List to give children the exact costumes they want. Residents can donate by ordering from the Amazon wish list.

Volunteers are needed to help run the parade. To sign up for a volunteer position, click here.

More Halloween Events: 15+ Alexandria Halloween Events For Spooky Fun In 2022