Halloween in Bristol

Downtown Bristol to Host “An Addams Family Halloween”: Full Day of Halloween Festivities

Including Third Annual Halloween Parade

 Bristol continues its tradition of Halloween festivities this year on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Kicking off with Pumpkin Palooza at Downtown Center, children will be able to select and decorate free pumpkins beginning at 9am followed by a Halloween Costume Contest in Cumberland Square Park beginning at 9:45am. 

A change from years past, Downtown Trick-or-Treating will take place in the evening from 5:00–7:00 PM, when State street will close for sidewalks to fill with costumed kids and families collecting candy from participating downtown businesses.

At 7:00 PM, the 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade, our newest and fastest growing tradition, will begin! The parade route begins at the municipal lot in front of Bristol TN City Hall (801 Anderson Street) and concludes at the intersection of State Street and Lee Street/5th Street. The route spans approximately half a mile through the heart of downtown.

Parade registration is now open to businesses, nonprofits, groups, families, marching bands, and more. Registration is required atbelieveinbristol.org/halloween. Parade entrants are encouraged to bring as much fun, creativity, and Halloween spirit as possible. Most vehicles will be accepted, including automobiles, floats, golf carts, and more—all dressed in their Halloween best. Walking groups, music, dance, and of course costumes are welcome and encouraged.  (Please note: motorcycles will not be permitted in the 2025 parade.)

This year, Believe in Bristol also summons the bold to join an “Army of Wednesdays.” Community members are invited to embrace their inner woe, dress as any version of Wednesday Addams, and march together behind our Wednesday herself in the parade. Participation is free, but registration is required atbelieveinbristol.org/halloween. 

“This parade has truly become another marquee event for Downtown Bristol that draws participants, spectators, and excitement from throughout the region,” said Wyatt Lilly, downtown business owner. “People love Halloween and look for more to do than just trick or treating with children. Over recent years, Halloween has transitioned from a children’s holiday to one that more and more adults participate in. We welcome that and hope the community at large enjoys it again this year!”

Throughout the month of October, Downtown Bristol businesses will also compete in a “Dressed to Distress” Window Contest (Oct. 10–31) where the winner is chosen via people’s choice!  Vote for your favorite spooky storefront displays by scanning QR codes in participating businesses. Winners will be announced on November 1st.

A number of Downtown Bristol businesses will also be hosting festive events, such as storytime, costume parties, trunk-or-treat, and live music. For full event details, including parade registration and the complete calendar of Halloween happenings, visit www.believeinbristol.org/halloween.