The Zombie Bike Parade Halloweekend Festival is a free, all-ages Halloween event in Davis, California, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. at Community Park. Costumed riders pedal a short, easy bike-path loop, then spend the day at 25+ festival stations that end with a skydiving-zombie finale dropping into the park. Every dollar raised builds adaptive tricycles for children with disabilities. A bike is optional, so anyone can join the fun.
Quick Facts
Event: Zombie Bike Parade Halloweekend Festival (8th annual)
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start time: 11 a.m. (festival); parade rolls around 11:30 a.m.
Where: Community Park, Davis, California
Cost: Free, all ages
Bike: Optional
Cause: Benefits NorCal Trykers (adaptive tricycles for kids with disabilities)
Organizers: Davis Odd Fellows, The Bike Campaign, Davis Bike Club
Website: zombiebikeparade.com
What Is the Zombie Bike Parade?
The Zombie Bike Parade is the biggest Halloween tradition in Davis, California. It blends a costumed community bike ride with a free festival in the park, and it is all built around one simple goal: making bicycling possible for everyone, no matter their age or ability.
Davis is known as the Bike Capital of the U.S., so a city-wide zombie ride on two wheels fits the town perfectly. Organizers describe it as the West Coast’s answer to Florida’s older and larger zombie bike rides, but with a much stronger focus on community spirit and charity. The event is not about speed or competition. It is about showing up in costume, rolling together, and raising money for a cause that changes kids’ lives.
What began as a small local gathering has grown into a full weekend that now draws thousands of costumed riders and spectators. In its 8th year, the parade has become a fixture on the Davis Halloween calendar, pulling in families, students, cyclists, and curious first-timers from across the Sacramento region.
The Parade Ride
The main ride starts around 11:30 a.m. Riders gather at Community Park and pedal an easy loop of under five miles along the Davis bike paths. The route runs from Community Park out to Mace Ranch Park and back. It is slow, flat, safe, and open to every skill level, so kids and casual riders can keep up without any trouble.
Come dressed as a zombie, or in any Halloween costume you like. A bike is not required to take part. Walkers, scooters, skateboards, strollers, wheelchairs, and powerchairs are all welcome in the procession. Most of the day’s activities happen at the park anyway, so you can skip the ride entirely and still enjoy the full festival. This flexibility is a big part of why the event feels so inclusive. Nobody is left on the sidelines.
The Festival at Community Park
Once the ride returns, Community Park transforms into a complete Halloween festival with more than 25 free entertainment stations. There is genuinely something for every age group, and it stays busy right through the afternoon. Highlights include:
- A Halloween train for kids
- Zombie bike mechanics doing free bike repairs
- Arts, crafts, and face painting
- Live bats and animal encounters
- Games, bounce houses, and the Zombie Kingdom Quest
- DJs, Halloween performers, singers, and dancers
- Food and drink vendors serving themed treats
The grand finale is the crowd favorite every single year: a team of skydivers in full zombie costume dropping from the sky and landing right in the park. It is loud, dramatic, and the perfect way to close out the day. Families line up early to grab a good spot for it, so plan to stick around.
The Cause: Free Tricycles for Kids
The Zombie Bike Parade is free to attend, but it raises real money for a reason that matters. All proceeds go to NorCal Trykers, a group that builds custom adaptive tricycles so children with disabilities can experience riding a bike of their own.
Each custom trike costs around $1,000 to build, because every one is fitted to the child who will use it. Since 2019, the event has raised close to $50,000 and put dozens of kids on bikes they could never have ridden otherwise. In 2025 alone, more than 400 costumed riders helped raise over $9,400 in a single day, even through the rain, according to figures reported by event organizers and local Davis news.
That is the quiet power behind all the costumes and bounce houses. When you show up dressed as a zombie, you are directly helping fund the next child’s first ride. It turns a fun Halloween outing into something that leaves a lasting mark on a family in your own region.
Full Halloweekend Schedule
The parade is the main event, but the celebration spans the whole weekend. Keep in mind that adults-only events are 18+ or 21+ and may charge a fee.
| When | Event |
| Fri, Oct 30 | Davis Co-op Block Party |
| Fri, Oct 30 (evening) | Adults-only Zombie Halloween Party at Dunloe Brewing |
| Sat, Oct 31 · 8–10 a.m. | Monster Run |
| Sat, Oct 31 · 11 a.m. | Festival opens at Community Park |
| Sat, Oct 31 · ~11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Zombie Bike Parade ride |
| Sat, Oct 31 · afternoon | Entertainment stations + skydiving finale |
The schedule can shift from year to year, so always confirm exact times on the official site before you head out. Weather, especially rain, can also push activities around, as it did in 2025.
How to Join
Davis sits just west of Sacramento, about 20 minutes away, and it is easy to reach by car or by Amtrak. The train station is close to downtown, which makes a car-free trip very doable. Here is how to get the most out of the day:
Getting there: Head to Community Park in Davis. Arrive before 11 a.m. so you have time to park and find the festival area before the crowds build.
Bikes: Bring your own, or rent one locally. Davis has several bike shops, including Davis Cyclery, Green Bicycle Depot, and The Bike Garage.
Costumes: Zombie looks or any Halloween costume are encouraged, for riders and spectators alike. The more effort, the better the photos.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and some cash for food vendors and merchandise. A few donations never hurt the cause either.
No bike? No problem. Walk, scoot, or roll, and enjoy the park festivities at your own pace.
Tips for First-Timers
If this is your first year, a little planning goes a long way. Dress in layers, because late-October mornings in Davis can start cool and warm up fast by midday. Keep young kids close during the skydiving finale, since the crowd gets dense right before it. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill, and leave valuables at home so you can ride and roam freely. Most of all, give yourself the full afternoon. The festival rewards people who linger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zombie Bike Parade free?
Yes. The festival and parade are free and open to all ages. Only a few extras, like some adults-only parties, may charge a fee.
Where is it held?
Community Park in Davis, California, just west of Sacramento.
When is it in 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 11 a.m.
Do I need a bike?
No. A bike is optional. Walkers, scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs are all welcome.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The daytime festival is built for all ages, with kids’ games, crafts, and a Halloween train.
Where does the money go?
To NorCal Trykers, which builds custom adaptive tricycles for children with disabilities.
