Alton Halloween Parade Attendees Share the Traditions that Keep Them Coming Back
Nostalgia was part of the draw as hundreds lined the streets for the 109th Alton Halloween Parade. Read how parents who grew up attending the event are now sharing it with another generation.
ALTON - Hundreds of people once again lined the streets for the 109th Alton Halloween Parade.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, downtown Alton was full of kids and families eager for the parade fun to start. Many of the parade-goers shared that they have traditions surrounding the parade every year, and they were eager to share these experiences with their families.
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“I love it so much because it's nostalgic and it’s progressed since I was a kid,” said Christina. “I know when [my kids] get older, they’re going to do the same.”
Christina shared that she always attended the parade with her father growing up. She likes bringing her own kids now because she doesn’t have to worry about taking them door to door for trick-or-treating. Plus, she noted, there’s a lot of nostalgia in sharing the tradition with her kids.
Alton resident Heather echoed her. Heather and her family were stationed on the parade route a full two hours before the event started. She noted that she “know[s] how packed it gets” and wanted to “get a good spot” so her kids could enjoy the show.
Heather added that she used to march in the parade as a teenager in the Alton School District. It means a lot to her to now bring her kids out.
“It’s exciting,” Heather said. “I hope they get to do the same thing with theirs.”
Jordan is a newer parade attendee. He shared that his family moved to Alton a few years ago, and they have attended the parade every Halloween since then. This was his first year bringing his newborn, and he looked forward to starting a new tradition with his baby.
“It’s a lot bigger than people think,” he added. “If you want to do something that’s not in mainland St. Louis, come over to Alton and just enjoy seeing the sights and everything, because it’s actually pretty nice.”
The parade-goers also expressed their appreciation for the organizers and the participants who make the event happen every year.
“They are very hard workers,” Christina added. “They are very appreciated.”
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