Halloween takes over downtown Gettysburg on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with an evening of costumes, music, food trucks, a costume contest and the annual Gettysburg Halloween Parade.
The night starts at 5:00 PM on Lincoln Square, where the Halloween dance party gets going and food trucks open. If you're dressing up, don't miss the costume contest either.
Registration starts at 5:30 PM, with judging beginning at 6:00 PM.
Then comes the main event.
At approximately 7:15 PM, the Gettysburg Halloween Parade steps off, filling downtown with decorated floats, marching groups, performers and costumed characters. It's the kind of Halloween event where you can actually spend the evening in the middle of the action instead of simply showing up for a parade and heading home.
What to expect
Come early if you want to make a full evening of it. You can grab something from the food trucks, listen to music at the dance party, watch the costume contest and then find a spot along the parade route.
And expect a lot of costumes. The Gettysburg Halloween Parade is known for its creative entries, floats and marching groups, so this is a good one for anyone who likes seeing elaborate Halloween costumes and decorations.
The atmosphere also changes as the evening goes on. Lincoln Square is the place to be before the parade, while the streets along the route become the best spots for watching the procession.
Gettysburg Halloween Parade route
The parade begins near York Street, travels west along York Street to Lincoln Square, then continues south on Baltimore Street, before turning onto Lefever Street toward the staging area.
Judging takes place around Lincoln Square.
5:00 PM: Dance party and food trucks
5:30 PM: Costume contest registration
6:00 PM: Costume contest
7:15 PM: Halloween parade
What to watch out for
Get there early. The evening activities start at 5 PM, and local reports have described large crowds along the parade route.
Lincoln Square will be busy. If you want to see the costume contest and be close to the pre-parade activity, head there early and settle in.
Pick your viewing spot carefully. The parade moves from York Street through Lincoln Square and down Baltimore Street before turning onto Lefever Street, so you have several places to watch it.
Event venue
Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17325
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.