Illustration of clay figures walking past striped market stalls and pumpkins on a paved square with orange autumn trees (Halloween Festival and Thriller Parade)

Halloween Festival and Thriller Parade

Spectators line the street to watch several hundred zombies dance, dawdle, and drag themselves down the parade route. The costumed undead perform a synchronized routine to the classic Michael Jackson hit. Both children and adults participate in the massive reenactment.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Zombie dancer registration: new dancers ages 13 and over $16 including tax (scholarship rate $8); ages 7–12 $11 (scholarship rate $6). Returning dancers ages 13 and over $8 including tax; ages 7–12 $6 including tax. The page also says the event is free to the public.

Hours

Dance lessons: Mondays Sept. 28, Oct. 5, and 12, 6–7 p.m.; Wednesdays Sept. 30, Oct. 7, and 14, 6–7 p.m.; Saturdays Oct. 3, 10, and 17, 2–3 p.m. Staging rehearsals: Monday Oct. 19, 6–7 p.m. (check-in 5:30–7 p.m.); Wednesday Oct. 21, 6–7 p.m. (check-in 5:30–7 p.m.); Saturday Oct. 24, 2–3 p.m. (check-in 1:30–2 p.m.). Thriller reenactment: Sunday, Oct. 25, 7–9 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Lexington

Food & Drink

Food and beverage vendors serve food and drinks during the evening festivities.

Going?

Location

Lexington, KY Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (4/5)

Best For

Halloween fans and families

Vibe

Festive and theatrical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Pedestrians can watch the reenactment anywhere along the parade route on Main Street.
  • Food, beverage, and craft vendors are set up during the evening festivities.
  • Anyone interested in dancing as a zombie must register and attend at least one dance rehearsal and one staging rehearsal.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Scholarship rates for new dancers: $8 for ages 13 and over and $6 for ages 7–12.

Links & Contact

Run by Lexington Parks & Recreation, Mecca Live Studio and WRFL

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children participate as zombies in the reenactment?

Yes, both children and adults can participate, but dancers younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult dancer.

Do performers need to attend rehearsals to dance in the reenactment?

Yes, all zombie dancers must attend at least one dance rehearsal and one staging rehearsal.

Where can spectators watch the performance?

Pedestrians can view the reenactment all along the parade route on Main Street.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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