Parade weekend is here in Stamford! The 29th annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular kicks off on Sunday with 15 giant helium balloons, 38 fabulous units including marching bands, dance groups and floats will proceed down the nearly 1-mile parade route! Colin Cosell, PA announcer for the NY Mets, making his debut as Master of Ceremonies at the main review stand. Scroll down for all the info you need to have fun with your family!
Balloon Inflation Party!
Watch the balloons come to life at the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street on Saturday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The event allows spectators an up-close-and-personal look at the balloons as they take to the sky in preparation for their flights above the streets of Stamford.
The party will offer music, clowns and cartoon characters, and a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Jingles the Elf. Spectators will be treated to a special performance by the Acrobats of Cirque-Tacular Entertainment, who will provide thrilling tricks that they have planned for Sunday’s parade. In addition, four different dance groups from Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford will all entertain the gathered crowd.
What Balloons will be there?
This year’s planned parade highlights include 15 giant balloons with favorites such as Abby Cadabby©, Bob the Builder©, Clifford the Big Red Dog©, Daniel Tiger©, Elmo©, Gingerbread Boy, Mr. Potato Head©, Octonauts©, Peppa Pig©, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer©, Scooby-Doo©, Shrek© and Snowman. In addition to the procession’s signature balloons, the streets will also be filled with fabulous floats and dance groups, and marching bands including the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, Mariachi Artistíco Mariachi Band, the Fairfield County Police Pipes and Drums and high school groups from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Uniondale, and Brentwood. Colin Cosell, Public Address Announcer for the New York Mets and New York Riptide will be the parade’s Master of Ceremonies for the first time this year.
The Parade
The parade is scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday at the intersection of Summer Street at Hoyt Street and conclude on Atlantic Street, just a few short blocks from the Stamford Metro-North Railroad Station. Get more info here! Be sure to arrive EARLY, dress warm, bring lots of snacks, drinks and chairs! We have brought a stroller in the past and we were glad we did.
Where are good places to watch?
There are lots of places to watch! But with thousands in attendance, just to give yourself enough time to park and find your spot! Some points along the route have a stage and MC for added entertainment if you’re nearby! Stage locations are typically:
- Just before North Street at parade step-off
- Summer Street (After Spring Street)
- Corner Broad & Atlantic (in front of Blackstone’s Steakhouse)
- Corner of Atlantic & Main (Old Town Hall)
The main stage and review stand will be set at the end of the route on the corner of Atlantic & Tresser.
Where to park
- Stamford Town Center Garage
- Landmark Square (FREE parking)
- Scalzi Park (FREE parking)
- UCONN (FREE parking)
- Stamford High (FREE parking)
- Bedford Street Garage (FREE parking)
- Nine West Broad (FREE parking)
- Summer Place Garage (FREE parking)
- Bell Street Garage (FREE parking)
- Government Center Garage (FREE parking)
Check the map below to see parking options and the route!
Street Closures!
What are some family friendly places to eat?
Grab a healthy shake from Stamford Nutrition, Winfield Coffee, Honey Joe’s Family Coffeehouse and Lorca are great for coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Lucky’s Classic Burger and Malt Shop, Pieology, Remo’s Brickoven Pizza, Sally’s Apizza, Zaza, Tutti Pazzi, Mecha, Bartaco and Capriccio Cafe are great for lunch afterward! Milk & Cookies is great for a treat, as is 16 Handles!