This California Town Is Hosting A Massive Zombie Bike Parade On Halloween, And Everyone Is Invited

Zombies on bicycles are rolling through a college town this Halloween, and costumed skydivers will drop from the sky to finish the party.

Yes, really. I can’t imagine a better excuse to smear on fake blood.

Hundreds of riders pedal a nearly five-mile loop on bike paths. Kids, grandparents, and casual cyclists all keep up just fine. The whole festival costs nothing to attend.

The best part might surprise you. Every bit of money raised helps build custom adaptive tricycles for kids with disabilities. I like how a silly parade turns into real freedom for a child.

This California celebration also packs in BMX stunts, a marching band, and a candy trail downtown. It sounds like a whole day of spooky fun.

The Spirits Are Trading Their Shuffle For Pedals This Year

Zombies usually move slowly, but in Davis they get wheels. The Zombie Bike Parade Festival returns for its eighth year on Saturday, October 31, 2026, which lands right on Halloween.

That timing feels almost too perfect. You get the real holiday and a giant costumed bike ride on the very same day.

The festival is free and welcomes every age. Organizers want to turn Davis into a true Halloween destination, and the lineup shows how serious they are about it.

Of course, the bike parade is the star of the show. Still, the day also includes stunt shows, games, music, skydivers, and a candy trail through downtown.

The vibe leans more silly than scary. Think face paint, torn shirts, and families laughing together instead of jump scares in a dark hallway.

Little kids can join without nightmares. Older teens and adults can go wild with makeup and costume details if they want.

The event first rolled out in 2019 and has since grown into a popular Halloween tradition in this California town.

So dust off your bike and grab some fake blood. The horde is waiting, and honestly, it seems pretty friendly.

Every Zombie Needs A Home Base, And This Park Has Plenty Of Room

Big festivals need big spaces. For this one, the action centers on Community Park at 1405 F Street, Davis, CA 95616.

On festival day, the park becomes a Halloween theme park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths, games, and performers spread across the grass.

The park already has plenty going for it on a normal day. It features a newly renovated skate park and a bike pump track.

Younger kids will spot Rainbow City right away. The colorful playground makes a great spot for little zombies to burn off extra energy.

Food trucks and restrooms are on site too. That matters when your tiny ghoul suddenly needs a snack or a bathroom break.

Plan to arrive early so you can find your spot calmly. Parking and lining up both get easier when you beat the bigger groups.

Since the park sits close to downtown, the whole day flows nicely. You can start with the parade and finish trick-or-treating without much travel.

Bring a blanket or comfy shoes. You’ll likely spend hours wandering from one creepy-cute attraction to the next.

Line Up By 10:30, Because The Horde Rolls Out On Time

Here’s your schedule, zombie rider. Participants should line up by 10:30 a.m., and the parade rolls out at 11 a.m. sharp.

The led ride travels from Community Park to Mace Ranch Park and back. The round trip covers nearly five miles on Davis bike paths.

Riders return around 12:30 p.m. That gives you plenty of time to rest, refuel, and explore the festival afterward.

The pace stays easy and relaxed. Kids and casual riders can keep up, so nobody gets left behind in the dust.

Bikes are the main event, but they aren’t the only option. Scooters and other wheeled rides are welcome if they can match the group’s speed.

Safety comes first, even for zombies. Helmets are required for riders under 18 and strongly encouraged for everyone else.

A quick bike check before you leave home is smart. Pump those tires and test your brakes before joining hundreds of costumed riders.

Need help anyway? Bike mechanics are on site at the park.

That’s a relief when your zombie wheels start acting a little too lifeless.

Halfway There? Look Up, Because BMX Riders Are Flying

Most bike rides offer a water break at the halfway point. This one offers flips through the air.

When riders reach Mace Ranch Park, a professional BMX stunt show is waiting. The riders launch high and pull off wild tricks above the ramps.

It’s a fun reward for pedaling your way across town. Your legs get a breather while your eyes get a real show.

Kids especially love this part. Watching a bike spin in midair makes a regular ride home feel totally different.

Bring your camera or phone, but keep a safe distance. Stunt riders need clear space to land those big moves safely.

After the show, the horde heads back toward Community Park. Expect a burst of fresh energy as everyone talks about what they just saw.

Honestly, it feels like the perfect middle act. The parade starts strong, peaks with stunts, then rolls into more festival fun.

So don’t rush this stop. Grab a spot, cheer loudly, and enjoy the moment before you join the zombies on the return trip.

Skip The Bike And You Still Get 35 Ways To Have Fun

Not a cyclist? No problem at all. Community Park fills with more than 35 entertainment stations during the festival.

You might bump into zombies on stilts towering over the crowd. The performers add even more spooky energy.

A full Halloween marching band weaves through the park too. The local band Noise Violation has been part of the fun year after year.

Science fans get something special here. Citrus Circuits, the Davis robotics team, shows off its cool machines and skills.

The Davis Fencing Academy brings thrilling demonstrations as well. Watching costumed fencers clash swords fits the Halloween mood surprisingly well.

There’s also plenty for little ones. Bounce houses, family-friendly games, and even a candy-filled coffin have been part of past festivals.

Photo fans can look for green-screen and 360-degree photo opportunities. Those make great souvenirs, especially if your costume took all week.

The best plan is to wander without a strict list. Every few steps, something new and strange pops into view, and that’s half the fun.

Watch The Sky At 2:30, Because Zombies Are Dropping In

Smoke trails, giant flags, and falling zombies. That’s how the main park festivities wrap up in grand style.

At 2:30 p.m., weather permitting, Skydance Skydiving sends costumed zombies out of an airplane. They float down and land right in Community Park.

The crowd usually goes wild for this moment. After all, how often do you see zombies arrive by parachute?

The skydivers often stick around after landing. Kids can sometimes get high fives and photos with these brave sky-zombies.

Grab your viewing spot a little early. Open grass with a clear view of the sky gives you the best angle.

Keep in mind the jump depends on the weather. Wind or clouds might change plans, since safety always matters more than spectacle.

Still, if conditions cooperate, this finale is hard to beat. It turns a fun community day into something truly memorable.

Don’t leave early and miss it. Plenty of festivals end with a speech, but this one ends with zombies falling from the clouds.

Candy Bags Ready? Downtown Keeps The Party Going

When the park festivities end at 3 p.m., the fun simply moves. Next stop is the Trick-or-Treat Trail in downtown Davis.

Dozens of local businesses welcome costumed kids and their chaperones. They hand out candy until 5 p.m.

That’s a smart setup for families. Kids get daytime trick-or-treating before the evening rush and darker streets.

The UC Davis Marching Band roams downtown too. Their music gives the candy hunt a lively, upbeat soundtrack.

Shopping downtown is a nice bonus. Supporting local businesses helps keep this kind of community event strong for years to come.

Bring a sturdy bag or pumpkin bucket. After a parade, games, and a candy trail, your haul might get heavy.

Comfortable shoes matter here as well. You’ll walk from store to store, and costume shoes aren’t always built for that.

By the end, you’ll have biked, played, watched stunts, and collected treats. Not bad for one Halloween afternoon in a friendly California town.

Spooky Costumes, Big Hearts, And 42 Custom Trikes

Behind all the fake blood is a very real mission. The festival raises money for NorCal Trykers, a nonprofit that builds custom adaptive tricycles.

These trikes are made for children with disabilities. They give kids the freedom to ride and move around like their friends do.

Since starting in 2019, the festival has funded 42 custom trikes. That adds up to more than 50,000 dollars for the cause.

Most of the money comes from generous sponsors. Local businesses and supporters step up so the festival can stay free.

I believe that’s what makes this event so special. A goofy zombie parade ends up helping kids ride for the very first time.

Think about that while you pedal along. Every rider in the horde is part of a story much bigger than one costume.

Want to help even more? Volunteering or spreading the word can make a difference for future festivals.

It’s a sweet reminder that Halloween isn’t only about scares. Sometimes, spirits have the warmest hearts in town.

Of Course Zombies Picked America’s Bicycle Capital

Where else would zombies learn to ride? Davis is famously called the bicycle capital of America.

The city has tons of bike lanes and paths. That makes it the perfect spot for hundreds of costumed riders to roll safely together.

The parade even uses part of the Davis Bike Loop. It connects neighborhoods and parks with smooth routes made for cycling.

Bikes are such a big part of local life here. It feels natural that this town would build a Halloween party around them.

Organizers encourage visitors to make it a full Halloweekend. Arriving Friday gives you time to explore the art, culture, and local shops.

Davis also has lodging options for out-of-town guests. Staying overnight means you won’t rush on parade morning.

Since the town sits in Northern California, the weather in late October often feels pleasant for riding. Still, check the forecast before packing.

So plan your costume, tune up your bike, and mark your calendar. The zombies will rise again on Halloween, and there’s a spot in the horde for you.