Halloween in Delray Beach 2026: The Best Events, Neighborhoods and Things to Do With Kids

One of the things I like most about living in Delray Beach is that holidays tend to become community events, and Halloween is no exception. Between trick-or-treating along Atlantic Avenue, the annual Witches of Delray Ride, the Halloween Parade, Kidsfest, neighborhood trick-or-treating and adult costume parties, there is a lot happening around town in October.

Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, which should make this year's Halloween weekend especially busy. But if you have kids, the biggest day to put on your calendar is actually the Saturday before Halloween. As of September 2026, several of Delray Beach's main Halloween events are already confirmed. Here is what is happening this upcoming month in Delray Beach and what to plan for with you and your family. 

Halloween in Downtown Delray Beach - Saturday, October 24

If you have young kids, this is probably the main Halloween event of the year in Delray Beach. Downtown Delray Beach has scheduled its annual Halloween celebration for Saturday, October 24, 2026, with events running throughout the morning and afternoon. The day includes the Witches of Delray Ride, trick-or-treating along Atlantic Avenue, the Halloween Parade and Kidsfest at Old School Square.

Start With the Witches of Delray Ride

The 15th Annual Witches of Delray Ride takes place from 7 AM to 11 AM at Old School Square. Hundreds of riders dress as witches and ride through Downtown Delray as part of a police escorted bike ride. The event benefits the Achievement Centers for Children & Families, a local nonprofit supporting children and families in our community. Even if you aren't participating in the ride, it is worth bringing the kids downtown to see it. It has become one of Delray's more recognizable Halloween traditions.

Trick-or-Treating on Atlantic Avenue

From 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, October 24, participating businesses along Atlantic Avenue will hand out candy to kids. The official trick-or-treating area runs along Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to Federal Highway. After trick-or-treating, families can join the Halloween Parade, which meets around Atlantic Avenue and NE 5th Avenue and heads west toward Old School Square. For parents with younger children, this is a good option because you can trick-or-treat during the daytime and combine it with lunch or another activity downtown. Bring a candy bag, comfortable shoes and costumes that aren't too hot. It is still South Florida in October.

Halloween Parade and Kidsfest at Old School Square

After trick-or-treating, the Halloween celebration continues at Old School Square. Kidsfest runs from 11 AM to 3 PM and is scheduled to include food, vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment and other family activities. The parade is especially fun because the kids aren't simply standing on the side watching. Families in costume become part of the parade as it moves toward Old School Square. For families, I think the easiest plan is to arrive downtown in the late morning, trick-or-treat along Atlantic Avenue, join the parade and finish the afternoon at Kidsfest.

Add the Delray GreenMarket to the Day

The Delray Winter GreenMarket is also scheduled at Old School Square from 9 AM to 2 PM on October 24. It isn't specifically a Halloween event, but since it overlaps with the other activities, it gives parents another reason to get downtown early. Grab breakfast or coffee, walk through the GreenMarket, watch the Witches Ride and then stay for trick-or-treating and Kidsfest.

Where to Trick-or-Treat in Delray Beach Neighborhoods

Atlantic Avenue gives families a guaranteed public trick-or-treating option, but sometimes the best Halloween memories are still made walking around a residential neighborhood with friends. There isn't an official city ranking of trick-or-treating neighborhoods, and participation can change from street to street each year. But if you already live in one of these areas or know families there, these are several neighborhoods I would have on the list.

Lake Ida

Lake Ida is one of the first areas I think of for a traditional neighborhood Halloween. It is a large residential area close to Downtown Delray, and there are plenty of single-family homes throughout the neighborhood. Because the area covers quite a bit of ground, I would coordinate with friends who live there rather than simply picking a random street. If you have friends or family in Lake Ida, Halloween is a good excuse to get a group of families together and walk as a group.

Del-Ida Park

Del-Ida Park is another good option, particularly if you like being close to downtown. It is one of Delray Beach's historic residential neighborhoods and was originally planned in the 1920s. Unlike much of Delray's traditional grid, Del-Ida has diagonal streets, triangular lots and several small park areas built into the neighborhood. The older homes and tree-lined residential setting also give the area a great Halloween feel.

Palm Trail

Palm Trail is another neighborhood I would consider, especially for families who already live east of Swinton and north of Downtown. One of the benefits is proximity. You can spend the earlier part of the day at Downtown Delray's Halloween events and still be back in the neighborhood later for traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Sabal Lakes

Sabal Lakes is also worth considering if you live there or know families in the neighborhood. Like Delray Lakes, it offers more of the traditional residential Halloween experience away from Atlantic Avenue. For any neighborhood, I would check with friends, neighbors or the HOA as Halloween gets closer. Participation can vary every year, and gated communities may limit access to residents and their guests.

Halloween Events for Adults in Delray Beach

Halloween isn't only for the kids. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, Downtown Delray should have plenty happening on October 31, and a couple of larger events are already confirmed.

YPAD Masquerade Ball - October 23

The Young Professionals Association of Delray Beach is holding its 3rd Annual Masquerade Ball on Friday, October 23, from 8 PM to 11 PM at Aloft by Marriott Delray Beach. The event is aimed at young professionals ages 21 to 45 and includes a DJ, tapas, two drinks and a photo booth. Tickets are currently listed at $65 individually or $100 for two, and the event supports START pbc. It isn't a traditional Halloween costume party, but it fits perfectly into Halloween weekend.

Halloween Night at THRōW Social

On Halloween itself, THRōW Social Delray Beach is holding its annual Halloween party from 5 PM on Saturday, October 31 until 2 AM on November 1. The 2026 event is themed around a retro summer camp Halloween and is scheduled to include costumes, live bands, DJs, games, themed food and drinks, and a costume contest with cash prizes. The event is 21 and older, and a cover charge applies. If you are looking for a full Halloween party rather than simply dinner and drinks downtown, this is one of the larger confirmed options so far.

Halloween Night on Atlantic Avenue

Even if you aren't attending a ticketed event, Halloween night is a great excuse for an adult night out in Downtown Delray. Have dinner on Atlantic Avenue, walk downtown to see the costumes and then head somewhere for drinks or live music afterward. Since October 31 is a Saturday this year, I would expect reservations at popular Downtown Delray restaurants to fill earlier than normal. If you are planning a group dinner, make the reservation ahead of time rather than waiting until Halloween week.

A Great Time of Year to Live in Delray Beach

Halloween is one of those weekends that shows why people enjoy living in Delray Beach. You can take the kids trick-or-treating along Atlantic Avenue in the morning, walk in a parade through Downtown, spend the afternoon at Old School Square, head home for neighborhood trick-or-treating and still come back downtown for dinner or a Halloween party. For people considering a move to Delray Beach, these local events are also a good reminder that choosing a neighborhood isn't only about the house itself.

Proximity to Downtown Delray Beach, parks, schools, restaurants and community events can make a big difference in how you actually live day to day. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Delray Beach, or you simply want to know more about the different neighborhoods around town, feel free to reach out. I live and work here, and I'm always happy to help.

Thinking about buying, selling, or simply learning more about Delray Beach? Explore my Delray Beach neighborhood page for local real estate, homes for sale, market insights, and what makes each area unique. Click this link to learn more, https://sellssouthflorida.com/neighborhoods/delray-beach

-Geoff Braboy

(561)-699-3455

[email protected]