One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the 27th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, takes place on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2pm, along Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue. Children, pets, and decorated strollers are invited to march and show off their costumes. This parade ends with live music and an award presentation the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. This hometown favorite event is a must-see!
BEST DECORATED HOUSE & BUSINESS CONTESTS: For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for best decorated house and business. Click here for the map of the top 10 houses, and click here to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award for the best decorated house. Thank you to The Jen Walker Team for sponsoring this favorite tradition!
HALLOWEEN PARADE STROLLER/GROUP CONTEST: Registration for the Stroller/Group Contest will be done prior to the parade start. Stroller registration takes place starting at 1pm at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell Avenues; look for signage. All strollers must be registered by 1:30pm; strollers will then line up on Howell to be judged prior to the parade. There is no fee to register. Special thanks to the Homes of Alexandria Team of Compass for sponsoring this fun event!
Stroller Competition Categories: Creative, Humorous, Best Group or Family, Less is More, and Overall
HALLOWEEN PARADE PET COSTUME CONTEST: Registration for the Pet Costume Contest will be done prior to the parade start. Pet entries must be registered by 1:30pm at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell Avenues; look for signage. Pets will be judged immediately at the end of the parade route. There is no fee to register. Special thanks to Your Dog’s Best Friends/The Dog Storefor sponsoring this pawsome contest!
Pet Costume Categories: Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me?, and Vola Lawson Best of Show
DONATE A COSTUME FOR LOCAL CHILDREN IN NEED: Every year, the Del Ray Business Association works with local non-profits to ensure that all neighborhood children have a Halloween costume. THANK YOU — all costume wishes have been fulfilled!
HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT: Walk the Avenue (in costume or not!) and find Halloween-themed items in Del Ray’s decorated businesses and hand-painted windows. The hunt is happening now through Nov. 2; five winners (randomly selected from all entries) will receive a $50 gift card to their favorite Del Ray business. Click here to download the clues, or pick up a copy from the witch at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Special thanks to Kinneman Insurance for sponsoring this fun activity!