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DUBUQUE, Iowa – The JDIFF Halloween Parade is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 with a new route. This year, the parade will run straight down Locust Street, from 7th Street to 16th Street.

“This route allows us to avoid turns – logistically it’s a better set-up and easier for spectators as well,” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of JDIFF. “We are so excited to bring back the Halloween parade for a second year.”

There will be road closures beginning around 5 p.m. that day.

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival organizers reincarnated the Halloween parade in 2022 after Dubuque had no community Halloween parade for several years.

As a nod to the film festival, cash prizes are offered for floats, bands and walking groups with film-themed submissions. Judges will be on-site mid-way through the route.

“Film is such a great theme for Halloween festivities – there are so many genres and ways to be creative,” Gorrell said. “Last year we saw great entries based on movies like Ghostbusters and Coco. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.”

The parade is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dubuque and Radio Dubuque, whose stations include 92.9 KATFM, KDTH AM 1370, 97.3 The Rock, and 101.1 The River.

To register a float, organization, band, walking group and more, visit julienfilmfest.com/2023-boo-parade. Registration and payment are due by October 16.