Anoka Halloween Parade 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
I’m thrilled to share what makes the Anoka Halloween Parade 2025 truly special. Anoka, Minnesota, calls itself the Halloween Capital of the World and with good reason.
The main Grande Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, in downtown Anoka. That’s your anchor: date and place up front.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, the energy, creativity, and community spirit will hit you from the minute you step onto Main Street.
Anoka Halloween Events & Parade Overview
Here’s a snapshot table of the major parades tied to Anoka Halloween 2025:
| Event / Parade | Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grande Day Parade | Oct 25, 1:00 – 3:30 PM | Starts at State & W Main → Main → 5th → South/Military Rd | ~2.5 hrs | Free | Tens of thousands | Floats, marching bands, costumes |
| Light Up the Night Parade | Oct 18, 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Main Street (first avenue corner) | 1 hr | Free | Several thousands | Illuminated floats, music, bonfire after |
| Big Parade of Little People | Oct 24, 1:15 – 2:15 PM | Main Street | 1 hr | Free | Hundreds | Elementary school children, bands |
A few extra events tie in (pumpkin carving, medallion hunt, house decoration).
History & Origins
From its first celebrations in 1920, Anoka founded Halloween events to steer mischief into fun.
A local theater owner, George Green, led the first parade and bonfire, turning a night of tricks into a community gathering.
Over the decades, “buttons those collectible pins became a fundraising tradition starting in the 1940s.
Organized now by Anoka Halloween, Inc., the celebration has grown from one parade to a full festival week.
Key changes: evening “Light Up the Night” parade, youth-oriented events, medallion hunts. These keep the tradition fresh.
Anoka Halloween Parade 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
The Grande Day Parade 2025 begins Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 PM, concluding around 3:30 PM.
The starting point is State Street and West Main Street. It winds down Main Street, turns onto 5th Avenue, and finishes near South Street / Military Road.
For Light Up the Night Parade, expect it on October 18, 7:00–8:00 PM.
The Big Parade of Little People takes place October 24, from 1:15 to 2:15 PM along Main Street.
Best viewing spots: along Main Street between State and 5th Avenue offers good sightlines.
Seats or blankets placed before 4:00 AM on parade day may be removed.
After the parade, many stick around for the Ambassador Coronation (evening of Oct 25) and street events.
How to Participate In Anoka Halloween Parade
Want to be in a parade? You can.
Applications for Grande Day Parade and Light Up the Night Parade open August 1 and close September 15.
You’ll need to fill an online application and follow costume and float rules (size limits, safety).
There’s no participation fee (parades are free), but float builders absorb their own costs.
Age restrictions: usually none, but groups or organizations sign up to lead segments.
Volunteering is also open via Anoka Halloween roles in setup, crowd control, etc.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to claim a good spot.
Stand between State and 5th, close to the finish line, to see floats pass and turn.
Avoid the very front of crowds more movement, harder to see.
Accessibility: there is wheelchair access in parts; check local signage day-of.
October nights are chilly; dress in layers, bring gloves, maybe a portable seat.
Check weather forecasts rain or wind can alter float participation.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Costumes & Themes
The official 2025 theme hasn’t been publicly confirmed yet (as of writing).
Past years saw popular looks: glowing skeletons, classic witches, movie villains.
The nighttime parade encourages illuminated costumes to stand out.
For kids’ parade, simple and comfortable costumes work best.
Entertainment & Highlights
The Grande Day Parade is packed with energy: marching bands, dance troupes, themed floats.
You’ll often see giant puppets, local theater groups, and community clubs.
The Light Up the Night parade adds flair with lighted floats, LED costumes, and lower ambient lighting so spectacle pops.
Post-parade: look for bonfires, food trucks, and evening street events.
Travel & Accommodation
Closest major airport: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (40 minutes).
Anoka is served by the Northstar Commuter Rail (check weekend schedules).
Hotels in Anoka book fast in October also check in nearby Coon Rapids or Blaine.
Parking downtown is limited. Use designated lots and arrive early.
Public transit: bus routes 805 and 852 serve downtown Anoka.
Food & Local Experiences
Downtown streets host food trucks selling seasonal treats — donuts, hot chocolate, etc.
Cafés and local bakeries along Main Street often create Halloween specials.
Nearby restaurants may advertise parade-day deals.
Strolling local shops is fun: crafts, Halloween décor, memorabilia.
Safety & Rules
Expect bag checks in crowded zones.
Prohibited: weapons, oversized props, alcohol in public spaces.
Parents: designate a meeting point in case kids get separated.
Check rules for pets — in large parades, they may be not allowed.
Photography & Social Media Tips
Best light for photos is mid-parade (1:30–2:30 PM) for daylight, and evening parade during peak dark environment.
Use hashtags like #AnokaHalloween2025, #GrandeDayParade, #SpookyAnoka (check official).
Be courteous: don’t block others for a shot.
If you bring pro gear: check permit rules — sometimes tripods or monopods are restricted.
FAQs
Yes all parades are free to spectators.
Probably not during larger parades; check official guidelines closer to event day.
No no tickets are required to watch.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Yes, but limited. Use public lots or park farther and walk in.
Conclusion
The Anoka Halloween Parade 2025 promises a vibrant, community-driven celebration you won’t forget. From the Grande Day Parade on October 25 to the illuminated magic of Light Up the Night and the sweet charm of the Big Parade of Little People, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to get involved, volunteer, or participate — keep an eye out for parade applications (Aug 1 to Sept 15). Dress warm, bring your camera, and plan your arrival well.
I can’t wait to see your photos and hear your stories. If you like, I can send you a shorter “Quick Guide” version or printable one-page checklist for parade day. Want me to prepare that next?
October 25 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
763-576-2980
info@anokahalloween.com
