HARRISONBURG, VA (HDR) — Spooky season has arrived, and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) will kick off the Halloween celebrations with Skeleton Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 1- 5 pm in Downtown Harrisonburg.

This free, family-friendly festival is packed with seasonal favorites and community fun for all ages. Visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating at 40+ downtown businesses starting at 1 pm. A Low-Sensory Trick-or-Treat Hour will be held inside The Shops at Agora from 12-1 pm, before the festival begins, for an inclusive experience. Skeleton Festival also features Sip & Stroll at almost 20 businesses, costume contests, pop-up vendors and activities, and even a pet costume parade.

“HDR designed Skeleton Festival to be an all-ages, Halloween-themed event to both bring the community together and to attract tourists to celebrate the holiday while also fostering community pride and attachment, economic development,” says Andrea L. Dono, HDR’s executive director. “This is another opportunity for people to come downtown to make lasting memories and for us to show off what downtown has to offer so they keep coming back.”

Registration for attendees interested in competing in the costume contest, will be located on the southside of Court Square from 1 – 3:45 pm; there is no registration required for the pet costume parade. Starting at 4 pm, attendees are encouraged to participate in the pet costume parade and costume contest for the humans taking place on Court Square. While all pet parade participants will receive a special treat, the costume contest judges will award prizes for the top three costumes in each category: Pre-K, Elementary, Middle/High School, Adults 18+, Adults 55+, and Duo/Group.

Additional activities happening across downtown during Skeleton Festival include:

Sip & Stroll with Festive Drinks at Various Establishments

  • Community Ofrenda at the “Jimmy Madison’s” Parking Lot by Cambiando Vidas
  • Harrisonburg Meet Ups Hourly until 4 pm at The Friendly Fermenter (where those “flying solo” can make new friends to enjoy the event with)
  • Photo Booth on Court Square
  • Trick-or-Treat Bag Giveaway on Court Square
  • Musical Ghost Tours at Carrendo Studios on Court Square
  • Community Harvest Party at The Friendly City Food Co-op
  • JMU Artmobile on Court Square
  • Spooky Pet Costume Contest at Aristocat Café
  • Potion Bottle Craft at Sage Bird Ciderworks

More information, including a full list of activities, participating Sip & Stroll businesses, a candy stop map, food specials, and parking details, will be available at Skeleton Fest – Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance.