By Maureen Schweers
Alexandria, VA – With one of the top ten Halloween parades in the country, epic house decorating contests, and a themed pop-up bar, Halloween is Del Ray’s biggest holiday. Here are five ways to celebrate:
- The Del Ray Halloween Parade: The 30th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade takes place on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue. All are welcome to march in this huge parade with a small-town feel, starting at the intersection of Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues, and ending with live music and an awards ceremony at the Mount Vernon Recreation fields.
The elaborate entries in the Del Ray Halloween Parade’s annual stroller contest rival the creativity and design of parade floats — a contest that’s gotten so huge that it is now divided into two categories: strollers and groups. And in a neighborhood where pets are family, it wouldn’t be Halloween in Del Ray without a pet costume contest. Entrants for the strollers, groups ,and dog contests should check in at Mt. Vernon & Howell starting at 1 p.m. and will be directed to their staging area to be registered by 1:30 p.m.; strollers and groups will be judged before the parade, and pets will be judged at the end of the parade route.
This can’t miss community event is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, The Jen Walker Team, Your Dogs Best Friends, Daniela Spigai & Jordan Beck, Advisory at Compass, and MHD Builds.
- Get In The Spirit: For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have transformed their houses and yards for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for best decorated house and business. Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the top ten house nominees and participate in a family-friendly scavenger hunt while checking out the hand-painted Halloween windows in businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue. Note: Nominations for the Best Decorated House Contest must be received by noon on Sunday, Oct. 18; 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 partners directly with local non-profit organizations serving children, giving community members the opportunity to purchase a costume for a child in need. To make a donation, visit visitdelray.com or drop off used costumes at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square on Saturday mornings during the Del Ray Farmers’ Market.
- Send In The (Creepy) Clowns: Join the Del Ray Artisans for Carnival of Curiosities throughout October. This art exhibit explores all things carnival and circus related, from fun foods and silly games to quirky costumes, haunted attractions, terrifying oddities, and magical sleights of hand. Visit delrayartisans.org for complete information and gallery hours.
- Boos & Brews: Join select restaurants for an informal bar crawl on Halloween, Del Ray’s Day of Dreadful Delights, featuring food & drink specials, costume contests, and more from 2 p.m. Can’t wait until then for Halloween spirits and ghoulish food creations? Check out Nightmare on the Avenue, Del Ray’s Halloween-themed pop-up bar, located at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue.
Halloween in Del Ray is presented by the Del Ray Business Association. For complete details — including how to enter the best decorated house, stroller, team, and pet costume contests — visit www.visitdelray.com.
Del Ray Docket
Now through Oct. 31
Carnival of Curiosities Art Exhibit
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Fridays 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This art exhibit explores all things carnival and circus related, from fun foods and silly games to quirky costumes, haunted attractions, terrifying oddities, and magical slights of hand.
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
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.
This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.
Oct. 10
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenue
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find your treasure! Visit over 75 vintage and thrift vendors at the intersection of Mount Vernon & Bellefonte Avenues. For more information, visit www.delrayvintageflea.com.
Oct. 10
Gustave Art & Craft Market
Gustave Jardin, 2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discover new local artists and creatives, and savor Gustave’s Parisian specialties in this outdoor market.
Oct. 25
30th 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. For more information, including details on entering the house decorating (deadline Oct. 18) and stroller, group, and dog costume contests, visit www.visitdelray.com.
Oct. 31
Del Ray’s Day of Dreadful Delights
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join an informal bar crawl at select Del Ray restaurants, featuring costume contests, food and drink specials, and more.
