Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/25/2026
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
Categories
- Age Range
- Babies
- Dance
- Elementary
- Free
- Halloween
- Holidays
- Outdoor Activity
- Parents
- Preschoolers
- Teens
- Toddlers
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 good eats and treats.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Halloween Variety Show
4:30 – 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, the March Madness Marching Band and many more.
Halloween Parade
6:30 – 7 p.m.
Main St. (between Quality and Mill streets)
What are you going to be for Halloween? Before the Thriller reenactment, we hold a parade that celebrates 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. Costumed characters and entertainers are free to walk in the parade.
Entry fees for floats, community groups and businesses range from $25 – $150.
Parade organizers judge the parade and award prizes for the most creative entries.
Parade Application coming soon
Disclaimer: While the parade supports all forms of free expression, it is neither a political rally nor a commercial opportunity. The focus here is on Halloween fun; all entries should exhibit creativity and ingenuity, incorporating 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
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.
Event Website
Event Website:https://www.lexingtonky.gov/playing/arts-events/fall-events-programs/halloween-festival-thriller-paradeDownload the event (.ics format) to your event calendar at this link: iCal
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Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be cancelled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, or we can make mistakes.