This annual tradition has become a local must-do event as Halloween enthusiasts of all ages descend on downtown Lexington to celebrate the season. Lexington’s largest free Halloween party will begin with Halloween-inspired art and performances and culminate with the Halloween Parade and Thriller reenactment. Food, beverage and craft vendors will open from 4 – 9 p.m. serving up good eats and treats.
This event, which USA Today named a Top 10 Halloween Destination and Oprah Magazine featured in the Top 25 Best Halloween Festivals Across the U.S., is brought to you by Lexington Parks & Recreation, Mecca Live Studio and WRFL. It is free to the public.
Halloween Variety Show
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 4:45 – 6 p.m.
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
Curated by Mecca Live Studio, this stage show features a DJ spinning spooky tunes and Halloween-inspired performances by Lexington area arts groups such as Mecca, Dance Attack, Traci Stone Dance Studio, the March Madness Marching Band and many more.
Halloween Parade
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 6:30 – 7 p.m.
Main St. (between Quality St and Mill St.)
What are you going to be for Halloween? Before the Thriller reenactment, we hold a parade that is a celebration of all things Halloween! Join us in the parade to show off your creativity and Halloween spirit!
Parade Participation
Members of the community are invited to submit parade entries, (costumed characters, performances, floats, etc.) displaying their creativity and festive family fun. There is no charge for costumed characters and entertainers to walk in the parade.
Entry fees for floats, community groups and businesses range from $25 – $150.
Parade organizers judge the parade and give awards for the most creative entries!
Disclaimer: While the parade applauds all forms of free expression, it is not a political rally or a commercial opportunity. The focus here is Halloween fun; all entries should exhibit creativity and ingenuity with humor and the spirit of the season. Also, no commercial/marketing only entries will be permitted – the goal is to have everything decorated or everyone in costume.
Thriller Parade
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Main St. (between Quality and Mill streets)
The festivities culminate with the annual Thriller reenactment where several hundred zombies will dance, dawdle and drag themselves down Main St. to the classic Michael Jackson tune. Pedestrians can watch all along the parade route.
Thriller Zombie Dance Lessons
Various dates and times
Artworks at the Carver School
Become a zombie for the night! Both children and adults can participate as zombies in the Thriller reenactment. The Thriller Parade will be Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. downtown Lexington on Main Street.
Cost
New dancers:
Ages 13 and over | $16 including tax (scholarship rate: $8)
Ages 7 – 12* | $11 (scholarship rate: $6)
*Note: Dancers younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult dancer.
Returning dancers:
Ages 13 and over | $8 including tax
Ages 7 – 12* | $6 including tax
All zombie dancers must register online or in person at any scheduled rehearsal by Saturday, Oct. 12. Participants must attend at least one dance rehearsal and one staging rehearsal from the following dates and times:
Dance Lesson Times (minimum one required)
Mondays: Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7 | 6 – 7 p.m. (register/check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Wednesdays: Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9 | 6 – 7 p.m. (register/check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Saturdays: Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12 | 2 – 3 p.m. (register/check-in: 1:30 – 2 p.m.)
Staging Rehearsal Times (minimum one required)
Monday: Oct. 14 | 6 – 7 p.m. (check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Wednesday: Oct. 16 | 6 – 7 p.m. (check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Saturday: Oct. 19 | 2 – 3 p.m. (check-in: 1:30 – 2 p.m.)