How to Plan a Family Day at Davis’s 2026 Zombie Bike Parade

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the free, all-ages Zombie Bike Parade Festival gives families two ways to join Halloween in Davis: ride a nearly five-mile loop, or stay at Community Park for the festival. A bike is optional, and the organizer’s current 2026 festival guide lists the park celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guest guide supplied by Aaron Wedra, festival director. TravelWithKids checked the schedule and practical details against the organizer’s current pages on October 26, 2026.

What happens at the 2026 festival, and when?

The Saturday program runs from an early-morning Monster Run through a late-afternoon downtown Treat Trail, with the parade and park festival overlapping. These are choices for a family day, not a checklist you need to complete; use the current Halloweekend schedule to confirm details close to October 31.

• 8–10 a.m. — Monster Run: a free, all-ages event at Community Park.
• 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Zombie Bike Parade: a loop from Community Park to Mace Ranch Park and back, just under five miles. The organizer recommends arriving by 10:30 a.m.
• 11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Community Park festival: more than 35 entertainment stations, with activities such as crafts, games, music, and a Halloween train.
• 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — BMX stunt show: at the parade’s halfway stop in Mace Ranch Park.
• 2:30 p.m. — Skydiving finale: at Community Park, weather permitting.
• 3–5 p.m. — Downtown Spooktacular Treat Trail: trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses.

The parade and park program happen at the same time, and the downtown trail begins shortly after the skydiving finale is scheduled. Pick the main event your child is most excited about, then leave the rest flexible.

Does every child need to ride the parade?

No. The Community Park festival is open to people on foot, using strollers, wheelchairs, or powerchairs; joining the nearly five-mile parade is optional. The ride moves at a regular biking pace, so consider whether your child can comfortably keep that pace for the full loop before setting out.

The organizer’s ride and safety FAQ says helmets are required for riders under 18 and strongly encouraged for everyone. It also distinguishes the bike route from the more flexible activities based at Community Park.

Where are the BMX show, finale, and recommended parking?

The BMX stunt show is at the halfway stop in Mace Ranch Park; the skydiving finale is scheduled at Community Park. For cars, the organizer recommends the Davis Senior High School parking lots at 315 W. 14th Street and says the Davis Arts Center lot is closed to public parking during the festival.

The downtown Treat Trail is a separate stop from the Community Park festival. Since the finale is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and the trail starts at 3 p.m., reaching both at their exact start times may be tight; that is a planning inference from the posted schedule, so choose based on your family’s pace and any day-of updates. The organizer’s visitor and parking notes include the current park-to-downtown route and parking guidance.

What can families do if they skip the ride?

A park-only visit still gives families several hours of Halloween activities, with no bike required. The event’s current guide lists more than 35 stations at Community Park along with music, crafts, games, a train, and other entertainment; the lineup can change, so check the live schedule before you go.

Families using mobility devices can stay at the park rather than attempt the cycling route. If a child needs a break, identify a simple regroup point before separating in the crowd and check the organizer’s access information for restrooms, water, and the nearby library.

How does the festival support adaptive cycling?

The festival benefits NorCal Trykers, a Northern California nonprofit that provides custom adaptive tricycles to children with disabilities. The organizer describes the fundraising relationship, and NorCal Trykers explains its adaptive-trike program for families who want to learn more.

Should you make a full Halloween weekend of it?

You can use the festival as one anchor in a longer Davis visit, but check the current calendar for what is actually running that weekend. The organizer’s schedule includes other Davis and Yolo County events; older flyers and past-year attractions may not describe the 2026 program.

If you are driving in, our family road-trip guide can help you plan drive blocks and breaks around the morning start. For a broader stay, use our family trip planning canvas to keep lodging, transport, and backup time in one place.

Before leaving, recheck the event guide for schedule changes, parking and access notes. Light rain may not stop the festival, but the organizer says the skydiving finale can be called off in unsuitable weather.