Rutland Halloween Parade 2026

2026 parade time, route and entry rules

The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24. Participants will line up between 5 and 6 p.m. based on assigned placement. The route begins near Madison Street and Strongs Avenue, travels to Wales Street, turns onto West Street, and continues down Merchants Row before ending at the plaza.

This year’s theme is simply “Halloween,” an invitation organizers say should encourage participants to use their imagination. Entries must be fully decorated, stay below 13 feet, follow motor-vehicle and noise rules, and distribute items by hand rather than throwing them. Political and solicitation materials are prohibited.

A Rutland tradition with comic-book roots

Rutland’s parade has been a city tradition since around 1960 and became nationally known for its superhero and comic-book connections. Local writer and comic-book fan Tom Fagan helped cultivate that identity, inviting creators and costumed characters to Rutland and promoting the parade in major comic titles. The event’s longevity now links generations of marchers, spectators, schools, and community organizations.

Behind the scenes, volunteers will stage entries and support crowd control while public-safety personnel manage intersections and road closures. Rutland Recreation says it wants entries that are “creative, artsy, and entertaining,” with trophies planned for Most Original, Best in Parade, Most Creative, Best Costumed Marching Band, and Best Costumed Marching Unit.

“I have experienced all types of weather: hard rain, snow, extreme cold, wind in different years. Not very good for instruments and such but… The turnout is amazing. There wasn’t a foot of open space in the entire loop of the parade. Wall‑to‑wall people and the excitement was electric. The word was 10,000 people! Where else would you get to play for that many people” – Peter Roach Downtown Rutland parking and road closures

Spectators should plan ahead. Parking will be limited along Wales Street, West Street, Strongs Avenue, and Merchants Row, and parking on the parade route will be prohibited beginning at approximately 1 p.m. Downtown street closures are expected to begin around 4:45 p.m. and continue until about 8:30 p.m. The parade is also scheduled to be broadcast live on PEGTV for viewers who cannot attend in person.

Rutland Halloween Parade event details

Event details: Saturday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Rutland. Participation is free. Entry registration, volunteer information, parade rules, and the official route map are available at https://www.rutlandrec.com/halloweenparade.