Autumn in South Bend, IN, brings community energy as families prepare for one of the most playful holidays of the year: Halloween. The streets fill with imaginative costumes, floats adorned with spirited decorations, and neighborhoods buzzing with anticipation. For a region where support for local businesses and families shines through, Halloween becomes more than trick-or-treating—it becomes a celebration of community togetherness.
In 2025, residents of South Bend, IN, and neighboring towns can look forward to parade-style events and festival experiences designed to engage children, parents, local vendors, and performers alike. Whether you’re watching from the curb or joining in the fun, there’s an opportunity to be part of something festive, family-oriented, and rooted in the local spirit.
This article explores the key Halloween parades and festivals happening in or near South Bend, IN, this year. It explains how families can participate, highlights the role of local businesses, and offers tips for a smooth, enjoyable outing. Let the celebration begin.
Where the Halloween Parades Are Happening
One standout event is the weekend-long festival known as Falloween Fest in Walkerton, Indiana, a few minutes away from South Bend, IN, which kicked off with a grand parade on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. on the campus of John Glenn High School. This parade featured over 100 participants, including school groups, civic organizations, and public figures, all rolling through the streets with floats, music, and costumed characters.
Closer to South Bend, IN, the event listing site for the region cites several Halloween-themed community gatherings, including a Boo Bash at the Century Center in South Bend and trunk-or-treat events across the city. While these may not all be full street parades, they reflect the parade-style atmosphere of floats, costumed participants, and communal celebration. The region’s 2025 Halloween calendar emphasizes these public events where families congregate, costumes delight, and community life comes together.
Although not all events may list traditional floats and marching bands, the festival model at Walkerton provides a vivid example of how a parade blends with carnival rides, food vendors, and community energy. The grand parade at Falloween Fest is clearly marked as a highlight of the festival weekend.
How Families Can Take Part
Families looking to join the fun can do so either as spectators or active participants. At the Walkerton grand parade, for instance, participants lined up in the early evening at Urey Middle School and proceeded to John Glenn High School’s campus. Any family-oriented group (school club, scout troop, local church group) might register to march, create a float, or be part of a walking unit. Getting involved means decorating a wagon or stroller, dressing in theme, and lining up among the community entries.
For parents and kids who prefer to watch rather than join, arriving early along the parade route ensures a good vantage point. Bring a blanket or low folding chair, and allow children to observe floats and costumed groups — and perhaps wave or interact as the parade travels. Many parade participants throw candy or hand out small treats; even if they don’t, children will relish the atmosphere of cheering, waving, and being part of a festive crowd.
Costumes are an essential part of the experience. Many families choose to coordinate outfits (parents in theme with children) or pick imaginative individual costumes. For added fun, coordinate with your float or entry theme if a group is participating, or dress to match the energy of the parade. Regardless of the role taken, families that commit to the spirit of the event will find a memorable evening.
How Local Businesses and Vendors Get Involved
Local businesses and vendors play a significant role in bringing these Halloween parades and festivals to life. At the Falloween Fest event in Walkerton, for example, sponsors were local companies such as Everwise Credit Union, R & B Car Company, and Ellis Hardwoods Tree Service. These business sponsors provide funding that supports carnival rides, entertainment tents, and parade logistics.
Vendors set up booths selling food (such as the new Greek cuisine concession trailer at Falloween’s midway) and offer games, crafts, and small amusements. During the parade itself, local businesses decorated storefronts along the route and provided candy or giveaways to children lining the streets. This kind of community business involvement amplified the festive atmosphere and helped local commerce thrive.
Meanwhile, in South Bend, IN, small businesses and neighborhood shops often coordinate with local events such as trunk-or-treat nights or “treat zones” where main streets host costumed crowds. The event listing, which references 40+ small businesses in a Halloween activity near South Bend, underscores the collaboration between retail, food trucks, and community fun. Ultimately, these parades and festivals are as much about celebration as they are about community engagement and local economic vitality.
Tips for Enjoying the Parade With Ease
To make the most of a Halloween parade outing near South Bend, IN, it’s helpful to prepare in a few key ways. First, bring seating or a comfortable space: a lightweight folding chair or blanket helps families avoid standing for long stretches and is especially valuable for younger children. Second, include candy bags or trick-or-treat pouches — even if the parade doesn’t officially hand out candy, many participants may throw treats, and kids enjoy collecting them for the memory.
Layered clothing is wise since an evening parade can get chilly after sundown. Also, bring a small flashlight or glow-stick for safety and visibility as dusk falls. For families with younger children, a wagon or stroller might be helpful to carry supplies and provide rest time.
Arrive early to secure a curbside spot with clear views. Consider arriving 20-30 minutes before the scheduled start time, especially if you’re set up with chairs or blankets. Parking near the start or finish of the route can reduce walking time. Lastly, remind children to stay behind any parade barricades or cones, and for parents to keep a close eye on costumed crowds, particularly in environments with many costumed participants.
Making the Most of the Experience
Attending a community parade is more than watching floats pass by — it’s about being part of a shared experience. Encourage your children to wave, cheer, and maybe even dress up alongside parade participants. Bring along a camera or smartphone to capture their excitement, and consider grabbing a treat or snack from a nearby vendor to make it a fun outing rather than just a stop.
Interacting with local businesses can heighten the experience: perhaps plan to stop at a local café before or after the parade, or visit a vendor booth for a festive treat. These moments create memories beyond the parade itself. Encourage children to spot decorated floats, costumed walkers, marching bands, or themed vehicles; consider making a small game of it—how many pumpkins do you see, or how many floats use lights?
Finally, treat the event as part of your seasonal tradition. Whether you attend with the same group each year or explore a new route or festival, documenting the event and discussing it afterward helps solidify the memory. Reflect on what costumes worked, what float caught your attention, and what part made your child smile. These little conversations build excitement for next year’s celebration.
Halloween parades and festivals in and around South Bend, IN, offer more than just costumes and treats—they bring the community together for a joyous, shared experience of celebration. From the grand parade at Falloween Fest in Walkerton to the local gatherings and treat nights within South Bend itself, there are rich opportunities for families to participate, cheer, and connect with local businesses.
By arriving prepared with seating, candy bags, layered clothing, and a readiness to engage, families can fully embrace the atmosphere and make lasting memories. Local businesses and vendors add depth to the celebration, reinforcing the idea that Halloween is a communal event that benefits everyone.
This year’s parade season invites children, parents, and neighbors to step into the fun, be part of something bigger than themselves, and carry the spirit of celebration into shared moments with friends and families. Be ready—dress up, show up, and enjoy a Halloween parade experience you’ll talk about for years to come.
Sources: allevents.in, southbendtribune.com, abc57.com, allevents.in
Header Image Source: allevents.in
