Monster March: Annual Parade of Monsters in Elora
Few places in Ontario celebrate Halloween quite like Elora and Fergus. Here's everything you need to know about Monster Month in the Township of Centre Wellington and resources for visitors!
The Monster March is a parade of monsters in Elora, Ontario. Monsters from all over the township take the main street every year in Elora for one special night just before Hallowe'en! The Monster March is traditionally October's second to last Saturday. Monster Month is a month-long celebration of Halloween, costumes, imagination, magic, and a few screams of delight is over 20 years old.
The monsters invite you to dress up and walk the streets with us or sit back and enjoy the community event.
Let's take a look at Monster March in Elora.
What is Monster March?
Monster March is a costume-friendly parade in Elora, Ontario. The parade has a non-motorized theme and is made of colourful, creative entrants that are fun to watch. Participating in this parade is a great way to get into the spirit of Hallowe'en.
The Elora Monster March is dedicated to encouraging all ages to participate in a safe Halloween activity. Thousands of people attend the event each year, and many local vendors and businesses.
The Monster March is just one part of a month-long celebration of Halloween called Monster Month.
What is Monster Month?
Kids, get ready. Big kids? Get ready, too.
It's that time of year again: Monster Month is here!
Elora and Fergus come alive every October as ghosts and ghouls take over the quaint towns, turning them into hubs of spooky fun. Whether you like a good old-fashioned scare or prefer to keep your Halloween experience light-hearted, there are many activities for you to choose from throughout the month.
The centre-piece of Monster Month is the over 80+ lantern monsters that hang off businesses and buildings throughout Elora. Even the neighbouring town of Fergus, Ontario, has gotten into the fun.
Monster Month is a township-wide celebration of Halloween, ghosts, ghouls, creepy critters and all things that go bump in the night. The festival happens every year in Elora and Fergus, Ontario, just one hour outside of Toronto.
How did the monsters arrive in Elora? Learn about the man behind the monsters here.
This October, swing by Elora for Monster Month. You'll find gobs of spooky fun for all ages! Interested in participating in the Monster March Parade? Here are the details:
When is the Monster March: A Parade of Monsters?
The annual Monster March hits the town of Elora, Ontario, on the second last Saturday night in October. The parade starts at 6:30 pm.
The parade takes place in downtown Elora at 6:30 pm ET on the second-last Saturday in October.
Before the parade, there is a costume contest, a dance party, and Halloween fun.
Here are a few Monster March specifics
Second last Saturday in October
Please plan to arrive at MacDonald Square, outside of the Township of Centre Wellington's Municipal Offices, at 6 pm. We recommend carpooling if possible—parking is limited!
The parade begins promptly at 6:30 pm.
You can expect the walk to take about 30 minutes, but we don't mind if you dawdle! After all, you've got a costume on—why not work that catwalk?
Don't worry about keeping up with anyone else—this isn't a race! Just stroll along, enjoy the scenery and sights along the way, and have fun!
For more Monster March suggestions, click here.
The Monster March is a casual event—there's no need to sign up as a group or organization beforehand. Just come dressed in your best Halloween costume and enjoy the stroll! There will be goodies, candy, and lots of ghoulishly good fun to be had by all.
What do you need to participate in the Monster March? Let's take look!
Get your costume ready
Kids of all ages can dress up as their favourite monsters and march down the main street in Elora.
Dress up and walk with us! All are welcome to participate in this non-motorized walk to celebrate Hallowe'en. Just be sure that your costume does not have any sharp edges or pieces that could easily get knocked loose.
The event is free and open to the public, but there are a few things you should know before you head out. Let's take a look at where to meet us in your costume.
Where to Meet
Spooks, ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and friends! The time is almost near to join together and march through the streets of Elora in our spookiest costumes.
If you're coming to Elora for Monster March this year, here's some information to help you prepare:
The parade lineup starts at MacDonald Square, outside the Township of Centre Wellington's Municipal Offices, at 6 pm.
Monster March Parade Route
Are you ready to make a MONSTER out of yourself this Halloween?
It's time for Monster March, the annual parade of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls through the streets of Elora during Monster Month! What is the monster's route? Let's take a look.
The route begins at the Elora Public Library and heads south on Metcalfe Street South, continuing to Mill Street East. The parade will then follow Mill Street East and head north on Melville Street, ending at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
The route is wheelchair accessible, and the Township of Centre Wellington closes off the parade route for pedestrians-only routes.
You don't want to miss this annual spooktacular event! Dress up as your favourite monster—or bring your best scary face—and join us for an evening of fun
We can't wait to see you there. Happy haunting!
Does it cost?
There's no cost to join the Monster March Parade. You need a costume, some creativity, and plenty of monster energy!
Monster March is an annual Halloween parade that includes performances by local musicians, face-painting for kids, and of course: the chance to see all your friends and neighbours in their monstrous glory. During this one-day event, community members gather to show off their homemade costumes and see who can build the best and most outlandish outfits.
If you want to be in the parade, show up on the parade day, the second last Saturday in October. We'll have a spot reserved for you!
Tips & Suggestions
We're so happy you'll be joining us for what promises to be a spooktacular event! But before you head off to watch the witches and ghosts, it's essential to make sure you're well-prepared for the day. Read below for some helpful tips and suggestions that will help you get everything out of Monster March that you want.
Helpful Monster March tips:
The event is free and open to the public; you do NOT need to register in advance.
Monster March is a non-motorized parade.
Bring a flashlight to find your way through the dark streets to view the beautiful and spooky decorations in shop windows.
Wear lots of layers. It might be chilly in early October, so make sure you have on a jacket, scarf, and hat that are easy to take off once you get inside Monster village.
Monster March is a family-friendly event! Please keep your costumes appropriate for kids.
Monster March is an all-inclusive event—everyone is welcome!
Monster March is rain or shine, so come prepared with an umbrella, a poncho, or a waterproof costume if the forecast calls for rain!
Strollers and wagons are great! Bring yours along for little ones who might need a break from the action later in the day.
We love dogs (especially if they are in costume), but we ask that you please leash your four-legged friends. Strollers are welcome!
The parade route is wheelchair accessible.
Dress up! It's Halloween, and even if it's not your thing, there's nothing to lose by putting on some makeup or dressing up like one of your favourite monsters. (Plus, maybe you'll win a prize!)
Take pictures! Remember that this is supposed to be fun! Take lots of photos and videos to have something to remember this day.
Come early and explore the shows, events and unique local attractions of Elora and the neighbouring Town of Fergus.
Takeaway:
We're all monsters for a day in Elora. Share in the fun of the Monster March in Elora! Come dressed up and come for Halloween fun.
There's no need to wait until October 31st to get your spook on.
Elora and Fergus celebrate Halloween for an entire month. Be sure to join us on the second last Saturday in October at 6:30 pm for Monster March! Monstrous fun in Elora, Ontario, Canada.
We're sure you'll have a scream!
