Visit Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
Where the Legend Lives
In the summer of 2002 a meeting occurred between a Tarrytown village trustee and the recreation department about the prospect of holding a Halloween Parade that coming October. A resident, merchant and recreation department committee was formed within a few weeks where the parade idea was approved and scheduled for launch in October.
In October of ’02 that very first Down Town Halloween Parade took place on a Sunday with no rain date for backup. The first parade route was declared from the Washington Irving School track down Washington Street to Main Street to Broadway then to Patriot’s Park basketball court for a post parade party with a D.J.
From ’03 to present the parade route was reverse, assembling and stepping off from Patriot’s Park and ending on Main Street for the block party.
From its humble beginnings, the parade now attracts dozens of floats and over 3,500 spectators plus more joining the block party on Main Street. The Main Street merchants contribute to the evening of fun by setting up outdoor dining to allow spectators a place to eat while enjoying a front row seat to the festivities.
There’s something for everyone in Sleepy Hollow Country—farmers markets, live music, street fairs, historic homes, hiking trails, kayaking and boating on the Hudson River. Halloween season brings even more for the whole family—haunted hayrides, blazing pumpkins, costumed 10K run, Halloween parade, and of course, the Headless Horseman! For the latest on Fall events, visit our guide to Halloween in Sleepy Hollow.