A Costume Parade Down 17th Street, Then a Party in the Park
If your kid has had their costume on since the first week of October, here's a place to show it off. Friends of Stead Park runs the Little Goblins Parade every year, and this Saturday, October 24, is the 15th one. Families meet at Ross Elementary on R Street at 12:30. The parade steps off at 12:45, and the kids trick-or-treat at local businesses down 17th Street until they reach Stead Park on P Street.
The party at the park goes until 3. The flyer promises music, crafts, games, performers and candy, plus a costume fashion show at 2 and storytimes with Evita Peroxide. It's free. The organizers do ask each family to fill out a short registration form on their site so they know how many goblins to expect, and it happens rain or shine.
This is a neighborhood parade, not a big production, and I think that's the appeal. The route is only about three blocks, so even a three-year-old can walk it. If nap time gets in the way, skip the parade and meet everyone at Stead Park after 1. Bring a bag or bucket, because the shops on 17th Street hand out candy as the parade goes by.
Event Details
What's at the Party
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Getting There 🗺️
Parent Tips 💡
- Register your family. It's free, but Friends of Stead Park asks families to sign up on its site ahead of time.
- Bring a candy bag. Businesses along 17th Street hand out treats as the parade passes.
- Running late? You can join the party at Stead Park any time after 1pm.
- Be there by 2 for the fashion show. That's the moment for kids who want everyone to see their costume.
- Pick a costume that fits over a jacket. It goes ahead rain or shine.
- Make it a Halloween weekend. The Del Ray Halloween Parade in Alexandria is Sunday at 2.
Questions Parents Ask
When is the 2026 Little Goblins Parade?
Saturday, October 24, 2026. Families gather at Ross Elementary (1730 R St NW) at 12:30pm, the parade steps off at 12:45, and the party at Stead Park runs until 3pm.
Is the Little Goblins Parade free?
Yes. It's free. Friends of Stead Park asks each family to fill out a short registration form on its website.
Does the parade happen if it rains?
Yes. The Little Goblins Parade happens rain or shine.
Can we skip the parade and go straight to the party?
Yes. Families can join the party at Stead Park, 1625 P St NW, after 1pm.
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