Bristol, Tennessee, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee, is set to host its 3rd Annual Downtown Halloween Parade on October 25. Leading up to the parade, various festivities such as the ‘Dressed to Distress’ Window Dressing Contest and DIY spooky art events at the Bristol Boo-tique will engage locals. This year’s parade theme is ‘An Addams Family Halloween,’ inviting community participation. From pumpkin events to trick-or-treating, Bristol aims to create a festive atmosphere for families, reviving cherished traditions while supporting local businesses.
Bristol, Tennessee, is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Halloween as the season progresses into October. The highlight of the month will be the 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade, taking place on Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. and expected to conclude by 8:30 p.m. This event promises to be an enjoyable evening for families and individuals alike, as Bristol transforms into a festive hub for Halloween-themed activities.
Prior to the parade, the city will kick off a variety of events beginning with the “Dressed to Distress” Window Dressing Contest. This contest, which runs from October 10 to October 30, features downtown businesses decorating their storefronts in creative Halloween themes. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite window displays through QR codes posted at participating locations, with the winning business announced on Halloween night, October 31.
Another exciting venue during October is the “Bristol Boo-tique” located at 503 State Street in Bristol, VA, which is hosting rotating DIY and spooky art events. Activities include bracelet crafting, storytelling sessions about ghosts, and showcases of taxidermy. Additionally, on October 14, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum will offer a presentation titled “Ghosts, Ghouls, Haints, and More”, focusing on local lore and haunted histories.
The Halloween parade itself invites participants to showcase their creativity, with options to join as walking groups, floats, themed vehicles, music or dance ensembles, or community groups. This year’s parade theme is “An Addams Family Halloween”. Early registration for entrants is recommended due to limited space.
The initiative, spearheaded by Believe in Bristol, aims to strike a balance between spooky fun and family-friendly activities. It emphasizes the spirit of creativity, community pride, and safety during the festivities. Local businesses are actively preparing for the events, enhancing their window displays and offering themed menu specials and treats, making the occasion a vibrant experience for all attendees.
Bristol’s Halloween events have seen increased participation compared to previous years, reviving traditions that had been fading. With events such as Pumpkin Palooza, Halloween Costume Contest, Downtown Trick-or-Treating, and various workshops planned, families and locals can look forward to exploring the heart of the city together. These festivities provide a low-cost entertainment option, which can significantly benefit local businesses during the slower fall season.
For more detailed information about events and schedules, attendees can visit Believe in Bristol’s official Halloween hub.
Key Features of Bristol’s Halloween Events
| Feature | Details |
|————————————–|———————————————–|
| Main Event | 3rd Annual Downtown Halloween Parade |
| Parade Date | October 25 |
| Parade Time | 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Window Dressing Contest | October 10 – October 30 |
| Voting for Window Displays | Via QR codes at participating businesses |
| Special Event at Music Museum | “Ghosts, Ghouls, Haints, and More” on Oct 14|
| Venue for DIY Events | Bristol Boo-tique, 503 State St, Bristol, VA|
| Parade Theme | “An Addams Family Halloween” |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade?
The Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade is on Saturday, October 25, starting at 7:00 p.m. and expected to last until around 8:30 p.m.
What is the “Dressed to Distress” Window Dressing Contest?
The “Dressed to Distress” Window Dressing Contest starts on October 10 and runs until October 30, involving downtown businesses decorating their storefronts. Visitors can vote for their favorite window displays by scanning QR codes posted at participating businesses.
What is the theme for this year’s parade?
This year’s theme for the parade is “An Addams Family Halloween.”
Where can I find information about other Halloween events in Bristol?
For more information about other Halloween events and schedules, visit Believe in Bristol’s official Halloween hub.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Author Joe Tennis Hosts Book Presentation in Bristol
Hawkins County Experiences Notable Community Developments
Bristol Welcomes Halloween Festivities
Explore the Hidden Gems of Tennessee
Corporate Sponsorships Transform White House Easter Egg Roll
Elizabethton Hosts First Car Cruise-In of the Year
Elizabethton High School Launches Fundraising for Athletic Facility
Nashville’s Economic Future Takes Center Stage at Chamber Meeting
Winter Weather Disrupts Sullivan County Schools
Performances Set to Thrill at ETSU’s Martin Center in 2025
Additional Resources
- WJHL News: Bristol Parade
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Herald Courier: Community News
- Google Search: Halloween events Bristol 2025
- Mommy Poppins: Halloween Events
- Google Scholar: Halloween traditions
- Bucks Happening: Halloween Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- WJHL News: Believe in Bristol Parade
- Google News: Bristol Halloween parade
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
