Summit's annual Halloween Parade returns Saturday, Oct. 24, sending costumed marchers from Deforest Avenue to the Village Green for music, snacks and a costume contest.
The Department of Community Programs and the Summit Police Athletic League host the event, which runs from 3 to 5 p.m., according to the city's event calendar. Participants should line up at 25 Deforest Ave. by 2:45 p.m. The march steps off at 3 p.m.
Children, teens, adults and seniors are all welcome to join the parade and contest, according to the PAL's event page.
The two official sources list slightly different routes. The Community Programs calendar describes the path as Deforest Avenue to Beechwood Road to Springfield Avenue to Maple Street, ending at the Village Green at 356 Broad St. The PAL's page lists the route as Deforest Avenue to Beechwood Road to Union Place to Maple Street, ending at the same destination. Families may want to check the city website for a final route before Oct. 24.
Once at the Village Green, attendees can grab snacks and enjoy live music and entertainment from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Participants will walk across a main stage for the costume contest. Winners will be announced at 4:15 p.m.
Prizes go to first, second and third place in seven categories: Most 2026 Relevant, Scariest, Cutest, Best Group, Most Original, Mayor's Choice and Best Overall.
Music and entertainment continue on the green until 5 p.m.
Mayor Fagan previewed the parade and other October events in a video posted to the city's Facebook page. The city's Halloween lineup also includes a Downtown Trick-or-Treat hosted by Summit Downtown, Inc. on Oct. 30 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in downtown Summit.
Upcoming Summit Halloween events:
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Halloween Parade, 3 to 5 p.m., 25 Deforest Ave. to Village Green
- Oct. 30: Downtown Trick-or-Treat, 2:30 to 4 p.m., downtown Summit
