The City of Takoma Park Recreation Department will host its annual Monster Bash on Saturday, October 31, with an afternoon of Halloween activities, a costume parade and contest, and a street party.
The free event is scheduled from 1pm to approximately 4pm, beginning in the parking lot of Takoma Park Middle School at 7611 Piney Branch Rd.
Monster Bash will kick off from 1-2pm with a DJ, roving entertainment, Trunk-or-Treat and a magic show. At 2pm, participants will begin lining up for the Costume Contest and Parade. The parade will travel down Piney Branch Rd to Philadelphia Ave before continuing to Maple Ave in front of the Takoma Park Community Center.
Costume contest awards will be presented for Most Original, Funniest and Scariest costumes. Categories include ages 4 and under, ages 5-8, ages 9-12, teens, adults and groups. A separate teen category is new for this year’s event.
Following the parade, festivities will continue on Maple Ave between Philadelphia Ave and Lee Ave. A local band is scheduled to perform from 2:30-4pm, with costume contest winners also announced during the celebration. Additional activities will include a selfie station, games and roving entertainment.
The Takoma Park Police Department has announced several temporary road closures associated with the event. Piney Branch Rd between Ray Rd and Philadelphia Ave and Philadelphia Ave between Piney Branch Rd and Maple Ave will close beginning at 12:45pm for the parade. Both roads are expected to reopen by approximately 2pm.
Following the parade, Maple Ave between Philadelphia Ave and Lee Ave will remain closed for the Monster Bash Street Party until approximately 6pm. Police are advising motorists to expect temporary traffic disruptions, follow posted detours and allow additional travel time while traveling through the area.
