Illustration of a fall festival scene (Hauntober Costume Contest, Parade and Safe Trick-or-Treating)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Hauntober Costume Contest, Parade and Safe Trick-or-Treating

Goblins of all ages are invited to don their most creative costumes for Virginia City's Hauntober celebration. The evening kicks off with a costume contest and parade, followed by safe trick-or-treating at local businesses. It's a perfect way to experience Halloween in a historic setting.

More in Carson City:

What to Expect

Historic town Halloween parade and costume contest

Event Details

Duration

3.5 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Virginia City

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Virginia City Tourism Commission

Food & Drink

Trick-or-treating at shops

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families and costume enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive and spooky

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Virginia City
Virginia City, NV
89440

Know Before You Go

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to check in for the costume contest at the Virginia City Jerky Company, as it starts promptly at 4:30 PM.
  • Consider booking lodging in advance, as accommodations in Virginia City can sell out quickly for popular events.
  • Dress in layers, as October evenings in Nevada can be cool, especially in a historic town.
  • Check the parade entry form deadline (72 hours prior) to ensure your participation is confirmed.
  • Bring a bag for collecting treats during the safe trick-or-treating portion of the event.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Costume contest for adults, kids, and pets
  • Safe trick-or-treating at local shops

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Hauntober event start?

The event begins with check-in and costume contest registration at 4:30 PM, with the parade starting at 5:00 PM.

Can I register for the parade on the day of the event?

No, to be included in the parade lineup, the entry form must be completed and returned no later than 72 hours prior to the parade start time.

Are pets allowed at the event?

Yes, pets are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the parade and costume contest.

Where does the trick-or-treating take place?

Safe trick-or-treating occurs at the many shops along the boardwalk after the parade concludes.

Who organizes this event?

The event is organized by the Virginia City Tourism Commission.

Tags

halloween festivalhalloween paradetrick or treatcostume contestfamily friendlycommunity eventpet costume parade

More Halloween Events Near Virginia City

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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team