By now you’re likely knee deep in pumpkins, costumed creatures and candy, but there is one more San Diego event to add to your Halloween bucket list. The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade & Carnival is a San Diego tradition and the only Halloween-themed parade in town. So bring the kiddos and get a little bit more use out of those costumes before they get tossed in the closet for another year.
Hauntingly Fun Parade
The BOO! Parade begins at 10 a.m. and is held on El Cajon Blvd., between 59th St. and Rolando Blvd. It is here you will see vintage cars, galloping horses, marching bands, costumed characters, and San Diego State University student organizations and floats. Be sure to arrive early to get a great seat on the El Cajon Blvd. parade way.
AfterBOO Community Carnival
Following the BOO! Parade is the day-long carnival located at College Ave Baptist Church. The day includes kids rides, live music, games, food, and crafts. Carnival highlights include inflatable play structures and a free photo booth where kiddos can take spooktacular photos.
The entertainment is also a sight to see! The BOO Parade Float Awards will be given out at 1 p.m. You can also check out the College Avenue Preschool performance (11:30 a.m.), MLK Community Choir (12 p.m.), and The Bobby Simmons Group (1:30 p.m.).
There are lots of cold drinks and food trucks to visit if your wee ones need a snack that doesn’t involve candy. Participating food trucks include Fat Boyz Pizza, Hot Dog on a Stick, GreenGo Grill, Rolling Taco, and Juice Wave. There will also be Twisted Kettle Corn, the College Avenue Preschool Bake Sale, and a Coke refreshment station.
Tips for a Boo-tastic Good Time!
- Be sure to bring cash from rides and bake sale items. While some food trucks take debit cards, there’s no guarantee all of them will. There is not a cash machine at the carnival, but there are banks in walking distance in the neighborhood.
- The carnival is a “rain or shine” event. Make sure to bring an umbrella if it sprinkles, and sunscreen if the sun in shining.
- Not sure where to park for the parade? If you plan to stay for the carnival, park at the College Ave. Baptist Church, which is opening its lots for BOO! Parade parking.
The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. — Parade begins
College Area
59th St. and El Cerrito
San Diego, Ca
AfterBOO Community Carnival
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
College Ave. Baptist Church
4747 College Ave.
Cost: Free
Online: booparade.com
What are your tips for enjoying the Boo! Parade with your little ones?
— Leah R. Singer
Photos courtesy of The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade & Carnival’s Facebook page
