Alexandria, VA – Halloween is Del Ray’s biggest holiday, with a parade, house decorating contests, and the new Boos & Brews Bar Crawl. Here are five ways to celebrate:
- The Del Ray Halloween Parade: The main event — the 27th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade — takes place on Sunday, October 29, at 2 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue. The parade starts at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues. It ends with a family-friendly party at the Mount Vernon Recreation fields. Thanks to the Del Ray Business Association, The Jen Walker Team, Your Dogs Best Friends, and Bobi & Ellen, Homes of Alexandria for sponsoring this event!
- Show Off Your Creativity: The elaborate entries in the Del Ray Halloween Parade’s annual stroller contest rival the creativity and design of parade floats — and are often a family-wide or even block-wide effort. And in a neighborhood where pets are family, it wouldn’t be Halloween in Del Ray without a pet costume contest. Entrants for both contests should check in at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues by 1:30 p.m.; strollers will be judged before the parade, and pets will be judged at the end of the parade route.
- Get In The Spirit: For over 30 years, residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for the best-decorated house and business. Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the top ten house nominees and hand-painted Halloween windows in businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue; maps will be available the week before the parade. Note: Nominations for the Best Decorated House Contest must be received by noon on Sunday, October 22; complete details on entering are available at visitdelray.com.
- Give Back: Help ensure that each child in our community has a happy Halloween. The Del Ray Business Association is partnering directly with local nonprofit organizations serving children, giving community members the opportunity to purchase a costume for a child in need. To donate, visit visitdelray.com.
5: Boos & Brews Bar Crawl: Who said kids get all the treats? Join the Brews & Boos Bar Crawl on Saturday, October 28, starting at 7 p.m. at select Del Ray restaurants, featuring costume contests, live music, raffles, and more. Complete details and registration are available at visitdelray.com.
Halloween in Del Ray is presented by the Del Ray Business Association. For complete details — including how to enter the best-decorated house or stroller and pet costume contests — visit www.visitdelray.com.
Del Ray Docket
October 5
First Thursday: Star Wars Day In A Neighborhood Far, Far Away
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
6 p.m. to dusk
Grab your lightsaber for Star Wars night in Del Ray, featuring live music, costume contests, kids’ activities, and more. For more information, go to visitdelray.com.
October 7
28th Annual Art on the Avenue
Mount Vernon Avenue, between Hume & Bellefonte Avenues
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Art on the Avenue, Del Ray’s signature arts festival, features over 350 artists, live music, international food, and children’s activities. The event is free and open to all; trolley transportation is available from Braddock Road Metro. For more information, visit www.artontheavenue.org.
October 6-28
Curses! Foiled Again! Art Exhibit
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Thursdays and Fridays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Local artists featured in the Curses! Foiled Again! exhibit explore the visual aspects of swords, sorcery, and the fantastical.
October 7, 14, 21, and 27
Del Ray Farmers’ Market
The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Named one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the state! This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, bread, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.
October 14
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenue
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find your treasure! Visit over 50 vendors at the Del Ray Psych & Wellness lot at 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave., plus the Salvation Army Corps lot across the street. For more information, visit www.delrayvintageflea.com.
October 21
Cinema Del Ray
Mount Vernon Recreation Center field
Movie starts at dusk
2701 Commonwealth Ave.
The Jen Walker Team presents a free, family-friendly outdoor movie starting at dusk.
October 28
Boos & Brews Bar Crawl
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
7 p.m.
Join the Brews & Boos Bar Crawl on Saturday, October 28, starting at 7 p.m. at select Del Ray restaurants, featuring costume contests, live music, raffles, and more. Complete details and registration are available at visitdelray.com.
October 29
27th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
2 p.m.
A favorite Del Ray tradition! All are welcome to march in the parade along Mount Vernon Avenue, which begins at E. Bellefonte. The event is free and open to all. For more information on entering the house decorating contest (deadline October 22) and costume contests, visit www.visitdelray.com.
ICYMI: Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van – A Zany Spoof with 100 Laughs at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
