Illustration of a fall festival scene (The Costume Contest)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

The Costume Contest

The Costume Contest is part of the Zombie Bike Parade Festival. Judges will award prizes for costumes. Makeup assistance is available on-site.

What to Expect

Compete for over 50 prizes with secret zombie judges.

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Zombie Bike Parade Festival

Food & Drink

Food and beverage vendors are available at Community Park. The Friday night party is at Sudwerk Brewing.

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Costume enthusiasts, families, halloween lovers

Vibe

Festive, creative, community-oriented, spooky-fun

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low (goes ahead in light wind/rain, but skydiving finale may be cancelled)

Location

Community Park
1405 F Street
Davis, CA
95616

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Free bike parking is available at Community Park. For car parking, use the lots at the Davis Arts Center and the Davis Senior Center, which are a short walk away. Parking fills up quickly.
  • Accessibility: Community Park is mostly flat with a few small rises. The festival activities, including the costume contest, are all located at the park. Accessible toilets and water are available. The parade route is also mostly flat with gentle hills, but is only suitable for bicycles and similar vehicles.
  • Pets: Pets on leashes are allowed, but owners should be mindful of crowds, loud music, and startling events. Bike trailers for pets are permitted on the ride.

Tips & Advice

  • Wear your full costume all day, as judges roam throughout the event and do not have a specific judging time or stage.
  • Consider visiting the Makeup Station on-site if you need assistance with zombie makeup or masks before the judging.
  • Group and family costumes have historically performed well, so coordinate with friends or family for a chance to win.
  • Focus on effort, humor, and commitment to the undead look, as expensive costumes are not necessarily favored over creative, homemade ones.
  • If you are participating in the parade, ensure any loose costume elements like capes or tattered fabric do not get caught in your bike's wheels or chain.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Over 50 prizes awarded
  • Informal judging throughout the day
  • Makeup assistance available on-site
  • Family and group costumes encouraged

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zombie Bike Parade Festival FREE?

Yes, the festival at Community Park is completely free with no admission fees. This is made possible by sponsors.

Do I need to wear a bike helmet?

Helmets are strongly encouraged for all riders and legally required for those under 18. Standard bike safety laws apply.

Do I need a bike to attend?

No, you do not need a bike to attend the festival at Community Park, which is open to pedestrians, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. The parade itself is for bicycles and similar vehicles that can maintain a biking pace.

Where can I park?

Free bike parking is available at Community Park. For cars, use the lots at the Davis Arts Center and Davis Senior Center, as parking at the park fills quickly.

What kind of costume should I wear?

Any costume is welcome, zombie-themed or not. The event encourages family-friendly and creative costumes, with an emphasis on fun and imagination over expense.

Tags

costume contestfamily friendlyhalloween festivalcommunity eventtrick or treatfree admissionzombie walk

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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 22, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team