Every event, explained
The parade is the heart of it. Around it grows a full weekend of Halloween in Davis. Here is what each thing is, who makes it happen, and when to be where.
Monster Run: the Laser Run Challenge
Running plus laser marksmanship, timed, FREE, all ages. The first thing that happens on parade day.
The Zombie Bike Parade
Hundreds of costumed riders, one very undead route through Davis
NorCal Trykers' Mini Parade
A shorter parade at its own pace, for NorCal Trykers riders and their families, starting near Holmes Junior High.
Monster Skate Jam
Free to watch: really good skateboarders doing tre flips, switch lipslides and costumed hijinks at the newly renovated skate park.
Angry Birds Pumpkin Launching
A pumpkin launching station built by Inventopia, new for 2026.
The Skydance Skydiving Grand Finale
PRO-rated skydivers drop into Community Park with smoke trails and flags
StuntMasters BMX Stunt Show
X Games-level riders at the halfway point in Mace Ranch Park
The Toys for Tots Halloween Train
FREE rides around Community Park on a rented electric trackless train
The Zombie Kingdom Quest
A stamp-collecting scavenger hunt through the festival's entertainment stations
Downtown Spooktacular Treat Trail
FREE trick-or-treating through dozens of downtown Davis businesses, with a live map
The Costume Contest
$1,000 in free gift cards this year, judged by the festival's self-declared secret zombie judges
The Zombie Mash Afterparty
Pizza, brews and salads at Woodstock's while the Treat Trail runs
Entertainment Stations
Thirty-five-plus stations at Community Park and Mace Ranch Park
Kids Zone
Bounce houses, foam-ball games and family-friendly activities
Bobby Dazzler's Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins, and the start of Halloween in Yolo County
Second Sunday Bingo
The Odd Fellows hand October’s bingo proceeds to NorCal Trykers and the festival
Halloween Block Party at the Davis Food Co-op
The Co-op closes its car park and throws a party
Davis Commons: start the Treat Trail here
Where to begin the Trick-or-Treat Trail, and who is handing out sweets
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum
A public altar you can visit any time, for five days
First Northern Bank’s Oktoberfest Social
A Davis Chamber social with beer, brats and 116 years of local banking history
INSTIGATE: Davis Rave Co Halloween Party
A free Halloween party at Sophia's, doors at 9pm, with Gavin Zaengle and Jonny Kachow.
Zombie Defense Training
Six to ten martial artists showing you how a human fights off a zombie. Grappling, striking, music and a lot of noise.
6th Annual Trunk or Treat
The annual 2nd Street Halloween party with Sweet Peas, Mirror Image Dance Company, IAA and SwimAmerica
Bohème Bewitched
Potions, glowing fairies and blacklight zombies in the Whimsy Woods, plus three nights of performances
Make Your Own Halloween Mask!
Make a one-of-a-kind leather Halloween mask in a one-day workshop. $50.
Make a Bat!
Make your own leather bat friend at Davis Arts Center. $35.
Clay Cauldrons
Sculpt your own clay cauldron and ladles, then return to glaze them. $45 for the two-day workshop.
Brew Your Own Potions
Make and decorate functional potion bottles at Davis Arts Center. $35 per workshop.
The Zombie Ball
Not running in 2026. No replacement party is happening this year either.
The Zombie Halloween Party
Not running in 2026.
Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Rides
A Davis first, in 2025. Not running in 2026.
The Giant Octopus DJ Party
A festival landmark from 2022 to 2025. Not running in 2026.
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Zombies love the Dirt.
This festival covers all things Halloween. If you love Davis and Yolo County just as much the other eleven months of the year, The Dirt covers all things local: the people, places and events worth sticking around for. Free every month, in print and online.
Yolo County Supervisor Sheila Allen
Her District 4 newsletter: what the county's doing, free programs, and ways to get involved.
