Witches, Whodunnits and a Two-State Halloween Parade:Downtown Bristol is Your Destination for Spooky

SeasonParade registration open now!

Bristol, Tenn.-Va.: (Oct. 16, 2026) - The witches are brewing, the ghosts are gathering, and Downtown Bristol is conjuring up a Halloween celebration that stretches all the way to October 31! From theatrical whodunnits and live radio dramas to haunted DIYs, ghost walks and a one-of-a-kind parade spanning two states, State Street is the place to be for Halloween fun.

Believe in Bristol (BiB), the nonprofit accredited Main Street organization serving historic downtown Bristol, invites residents and visitors to grab their ghouls, explore the haunts, shop local, dine downtown and soak up the spooky vibes. With a full calendar of events and activities leading up to Halloween, there's no shortage of ways to get into the spirit!

Calling All Ghosts and Gremlins: Join the Halloween Parade!

The festivities culminate on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. with Believe in Bristol's 4th Annual Halloween Parade, a uniquely Bristol tradition that takes place across the Virginia-Tennessee state line. Organizations, clubs, high school marching bands, businesses, families and individuals are invited to join the procession and bring their Halloween creativity to State Street. 

This year's parade will step off a little earlier than usual, giving little goblins plenty of time to enjoy downtown before heading home to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhoods.

Parade participation applications are open now! Don't ghost us—gather your crew, conjure up a costume and claim your spot in this year's parade.  Register today at BelieveInBristol.org/halloweenparade.

"What's This?" Window Dressing Contest - Cast Your Votes!

Visitors to downtown are invited to vote for their favorite Halloween decorations in the windows and facades of various downtown businesses. Be on the lookout for windows designed to make you stop, take a selfie, and ask "What's This?" Vote by scanning the QR code sticker in each participating business' window or visit BelieveInBristol.org/Halloween to cast your votes there. Window winners receive a trophy/plaque, bragging rights, and social media promotion from BiB.

Friday: October 30: A Witchy Warm-Up DowntownGather your broomsticks! Friday night brings two ways to celebrate, with BiB's Final Girl Friday: Witch Walk and the ticketed Witches Night Out, presented by Bristol Boo-Tique and The Sessions Hotel.

• Final Girl Friday: Witch Walk | 5–7 p.m. Free to participate!

  Conjure your most spellbinding attire from your witchy wardrobe and steer your broom toward the rooftop at The Sessions Hotel! Believe in Bristol invites witches and warlocks to gather for a supernatural libation before heading out to explore downtown on their own. It's a chance to show off your best witchy looks, kick off the evening with fellow creatures of the night and bring a little extra magic to State Street. No registration or ticket is required to join the Witch Walk.

• Witches Night Out | 6–10 p.m. Presented in partnership with Bristol Boo-Tique and The Sessions Hotel. 

  Ready to take the magic a step further? Witches Night Out offers ticketed experiences and supernatural hotel room packages for those looking to add a little fortune-telling and fright to their Friday night. Packages available through Bristol Boo-Tique include options for tea leaf readings, tarot readings and a spooky downtown ghost tour. Tickets are on sale now! Purchase in advance to save, or buy tickets at the door. Visit Bristol Boo-Tique's website for package options, pricing and details. Call The Sessions Hotel at 276-285-5040 to reserve a haunted room experience.
  

  Whether you're joining the free Witch Walk, purchasing a Witches Night Out experience or making a night of both, come dressed to impress and help fill downtown with a little Halloween magic!

Halloween Day | Saturday, October 31

The fun continues throughout Halloween Day with family-friendly festivities:

• Pumpkin Palooza | 8 a.m.–noonPresented by the City of Bristol, Tenn. at State Street Farmers Market, The Downtown Center, 810 State Street.

• Costume Contest | 10:30 a.m.Presented by the City of Bristol, Va. at Cumberland Square Park, corner of Cumberland and Lee Streets.

• Downtown Trick-or-Treating | 3–5 p.m.Presented by the Downtown Bristol Merchants in association with Believe in Bristol along State Street.

• Believe in Bristol's 4th Annual Halloween Parade | 5–6 p.m.State Street, Downtown Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee. Parade begins at Regions Bank, 840 State Street, corner of Volunteer Pkwy. and State St., and ends at the corner of State and Lee St.

  More October Tricks, Treats and Thrills The fun along State Street doesn't stop with the Witch Walk or the parade. Downtown Bristol's October calendar is packed with ways to celebrate, including:

  • Theatre and mystery: Theatre Bristol's production of Ira Levin's thriller Deathtrap at the Cameo and King University's Twin City Radio Theatre's Destination Unknown at Theatre Bristol's ArtSpace.

  • Haunted adventures: Ghost walks, tea and tarot, true crime game nights and more opportunities to explore downtown's eerie side.

  • Art & Live music: Art, Music & Autumn at A Work of Art Gallery. Lucinda Williams, Lorrie Morgan, and Southern rock favorites Molly Hatchet at Paramount Bristol. The Boogieman Bash with Napalm Blondie at Machiavelli's Bristol - an all ages show with costume contest and prizes!

  • Spooky hands-on fun: Halloween-themed DIY classes and creative workshops at A&R Workshop, Kil'n Time Ceramics Studio, and Bristol Boo-Tique.

  • Not-so-scary family activities: "Out of Many, One" Mobile Museum Experience and Community Day at Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
    

  For a comprehensive list of Halloween happenings and other downtown events, visit the BelieveInBristol.org/event-calendar and start planning your October adventures.