DAVIS, Calif. — Rita Raccoon has added one important item to her Halloween riding checklist: a helmet that stays put when the bicycle is headed for the undead.
Davis’ Zombie Bike Parade returns on Saturday, Oct. 31, with costumed riders setting off from Community Park for a route just under five miles to Mace Ranch Park and back. The parade runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the wider, free festival welcomes all ages at Community Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The official route has a wonderfully compact set of zombie qualifications: arrive looking the part, stay on the bike for the ride, and say “brains” at both ends. Rita has reviewed the plan and considers that a strong balance of safety, stamina and clear communications.
A parade with a community-sized purpose
The festival is produced by Davis Odd Fellows Lodge No. 169, The Bike Campaign and Davis Bike Club, with NorCal Trykers as its beneficiary. NorCal Trykers describes its mission as providing custom adaptive tricycles to children with disabilities, supporting mobility and independence. Organizers say the festival has raised more than $50,000 and helped provide 42 custom trikes since 2019.
That gives the Halloween spectacle a practical finish line: a community celebration helps more children experience the freedom of riding. Rita’s notebook has given the fundraiser a gold star and reserved the next page for any particularly expressive bike bells.
More than a ride
Community Park will host more than 35 entertainment stations, including music, arts and crafts, festival games, and local group demonstrations. The schedule also lists a BMX stunt show at the parade’s halfway point and a skydiving finale at 2:30 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is free, and people can enjoy the park festival on foot, wheels, or with a stroller.
Rita’s final pre-ride note is simple: test the costume on the bike, keep loose fabric clear of the pedals and chain, and bring a helmet. The route has a destination at either end, the volunteers have the crossing-guard assignment, and the parade has supplied its own closing phrase. Davis’ Halloween calendar is looking very well organized for a gathering of zombies.
Event details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Community Park, 1405 F Street, Davis, California. The official bike parade runs 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. along a route just under five miles round trip.
Sources: The Zombie Bike Parade route and event details; the festival press kit; the festival’s history and mission; NorCal Trykers’ mission.
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