Bristol, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The city of Bristol is hosting Halloween festivities featuring Pumpkin Palooza, a Halloween Costume Contest, Downtown Trick-or-Treating, and the 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade. The celebration includes activities for families and community involvement, promising a day filled with fun and creativity. Participants can engage in various competitions and events leading up to the parade, showcasing the spirit of Halloween throughout the downtown area.
Bristol Welcomes Halloween Festivities on October 25, 2025
The city of Bristol is set to host an exciting series of Halloween festivities on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The day will kick off with Pumpkin Palooza at the Downtown Center, starting at 9:00 AM, where children can select and decorate free pumpkins.
Following the Pumpkin Palooza, participants can showcase their creativity at the Halloween Costume Contest, which begins at 9:45 AM in Cumberland Square Park. As daylight fades, the traditional Downtown Trick-or-Treating will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as State Street closes to provide a safe space for costumed children and families to collect candy from participating downtown businesses.
As the evening continues, the 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade will start at 7:00 PM. The parade will commence at the municipal lot in front of Bristol, Tenn. City Hall (801 Anderson Street) and will conclude at the intersection of State Street and Lee Street/5th Street.
Registration and Community Involvement
Parade registration is open for various participants, including businesses, nonprofits, groups, families, and marching bands. Those interested in participating can register at believeinbristol.org/halloween. Participants are encouraged to express the Halloween spirit and showcase their creativity through various forms, including themed vehicles such as automobiles, floats, and golf carts. Additionally, walking groups, along with music and dance, are welcome to join the parade.
A special invitation is extended to community members to participate as an “Army of Wednesdays,” dressing as Wednesday Addams for the parade. Registration for this group is free but must be completed beforehand at believeinbristol.org/halloween.
Event organizers note that the Halloween festivities have grown annually, increasingly attracting participants and spectators from both near and far. The events have expanded to include more opportunities for adult involvement and further community engagement.
Additional Festivities and Competitions
Throughout October, downtown Bristol businesses will compete in the “Dressed to Distress” Window Contest, where voters can cast their votes via QR codes. The winners of the Window Contest will be announced on November 1st.
In addition to these main events, various downtown Bristol businesses will host festive activities including storytimes, costume parties, trunk-or-treat events, and live music, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Complete details regarding the event calendar and parade registration can be found at www.believeinbristol.org/halloween.
Conclusion
Bristol’s Halloween festivities promise a day filled with fun and community spirit, offering various activities for all ages. Families are encouraged to participate in both the day and evening events, making it a memorable day for the whole community.
FAQs
When will the Halloween festivities take place?
The Halloween festivities will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
What events are included in Bristol’s Halloween festivities?
The festivities will include Pumpkin Palooza, a Halloween Costume Contest, Downtown Trick-or-Treating, and the 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade.
What time does the Halloween Parade start?
The 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade will start at 7:00 PM.
How can I participate in the parade?
Registration for the parade is open at believeinbristol.org/halloween, and participants are encouraged to showcase their creativity and Halloween spirit.
What is the “Dressed to Distress” Window Contest?
The “Dressed to Distress” Window Contest is a competition between downtown Bristol businesses, where voters can vote via QR codes throughout October.
Event Overview
| Event | Date and Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Palooza | October 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM | Children can select and decorate pumpkins. |
| Halloween Costume Contest | October 25, 2025, at 9:45 AM | Costume contest held in Cumberland Square Park. |
| Downtown Trick-or-Treating | October 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Collect candy from participating businesses. |
| 3rd Annual Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade | October 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM | Parade route from City Hall to State and Lee Streets. |
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Additional Resources
- Bristol World
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Bristol Press
- Google Search: Bristol Halloween 2025
- Mommy Poppins
- Google Scholar: Halloween events 2025
- WJHL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- WCYB News
- Google News: Bristol Halloween Events
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.
