The Halloween season in Waltham brings out a playful mix of local tradition, creativity, and community. Whether it’s live music, classic movie chills, or costumed races, there are plenty of ways to get involved on Halloween weekend and the days leading up to it. Here’s a look at events for 2026, all within easy reach of Bear Hill Road.
Waltham Lions Club Halloween Parade
One of the city’s marquee traditions, the Waltham Lions Club Halloween Parade returns Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 3 PM. The parade route threads through Waverley Oaks Road, Linden Street, Main Street, and Moody Street, bringing colorful costumes, creative floats, and marching bands through Waltham’s core. It’s a lively, family-friendly afternoon and always draws a crowd from the neighborhoods along the way.
Western Greenway 5K & Free Kids’ Monster Dash
If you enjoy your Halloween with a side of fresh air, the Western Greenway 5K and Monster Dash on Sunday, October 25, 2026, offers something different. Held at the Beaver Brook North Reservation and Rock Meadow, the event kicks off with a free Monster Dash for kids at 11:30 AM, followed by the main 5K run at noon. Costumes are encouraged as long as they’re safe for running. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to see the colors of late October with a dash of spooky spirit.
“Murder at Harvard” Film and Discussion at Gore Place
Looking for an evening that leans into classic Halloween mysteries? Gore Place, at 52 Gore Street, hosts a screening and discussion of “Murder at Harvard” on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The program ($10) dives into the real events behind a famous 19th-century murder in Cambridge, followed by conversation on the crime, the period, and its influence on local legend.
Live Music at Charles River Museum
Halloween week is also a perfect excuse to tap into Waltham’s arts scene. The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation on Moody Street hosts an evening with Jenny Owen Youngs on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 PM. It’s a chance to catch live music in a landmark setting before the big weekend crowds hit Moody Street.
Celebrate Halloween in Waltham with Uma Flowers
However you celebrate, Halloween is a highlight of the Waltham fall. Uma Flowers Cannabis Dispensary on Bear Hill Road is nearby for adults looking to shop before the festivities. Around Halloween weekend, specials and deals are common, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the Uma Flowers menu for seasonal updates.
