Vienna Halloween Parade 2024: How To Participate, Where To Watch

VIENNA, VA — In 1999, social media and smartphones didn't exist, while artists like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys and TLC were thriving. Vienna will take a look back at 1999 with the theme of its next Halloween Parade.

The 78th annual Vienna Halloween Parade, a town tradition since 1946, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. along Maple Avenue. The parade's theme is "Party Like it's 1999," and the grand marshals are the Club Phoenix Teen Center-founding Vienna Teen Foundation.

Organizations or businesses with parade floats or cars had to apply by Sept. 20 to be considered for the parade.

As for costumed children who want to march in the parade, there's no need to register. Families only need to show up at 6 p.m. at the United Bank, 374 Maple Ave. East to participate. Children watching or participating in the parade can also pick up a free goodie bag starting at 7:15 p.m. on parade night at Caffi Field Pitching Lanes (Cherry Street SE between the Vienna Community Center and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department).

The parade route is about a half-mile long and runs along Maple Avenue from Branch Road to Center Street. Maple Avenue will be closed around the parade route from about 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Other streets being used for the parade lineup and barricades will close at 4:45 p.m., including parts of Center Street, Locust Street, Cherry Street SE, Mill Street, Park Street NE, Dominion Street SE, Branch Road SE, and Berry Street SE.

See a map of road closures and detour routes here.

Parade floats and entertainments are eligible for parade awards, including Youth Band, Float with Music, Float without Music, Youth Performers, Adult Performers, and Antique Vehicles. The parade reviewing stage is located at the Town Green between Center and Park Streets. Parade winners are typically announced at a future award ceremony at a Town Council meeting.

More information about the parade is posted at www.viennava.gov/halloween