We are so excited for the return of the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on Sunday, November 19! Marking its 30th year, Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular is one of the largest of its kind in the country, with giant helium balloons and approximately 100,000 spectators annually. It’s one of the best ways to kick off the holiday season!
Parade Day Info
The parade is scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, November 19 at the intersection of Summer Street and Hoyt Street and conclude on Atlantic Street and Federal Street, just a short block from the Stamford Transportation Center served by Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, and CT Transit.
The parade includes 14 giant balloons including favorites Abby Cadabby, Bob the Builder, Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Oscar the Grouch, Peppa Pig and more to be announced. In addition to the procession’s signature balloons, the streets will be filled with music from the Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corp., the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band and high school marching bands from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Uniondale, and Brentwood and new to the parade this year Hartford’s Proud Drill Drum & Dance Corp. and the John F. Kennedy Marching Eagles from Waterbury. There will be fabulous floats and dance groups, the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Santa and more!
KIDZ BOP Kids will be performing at the parade also! The KIDZ BOP Kids are currently on the KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour, the ultimate pop concert for kids (and the entire family), performing today’s biggest hits, live on stage! The KIDZ BOP Kids will perform in the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular before they travel to Wallingford, CT for their concert at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre at 4 p.m.
TIP WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAND: Look up for wires and traffic light poles and don’t stand near them. Balloons will have to be lowered to fit and it can be a bummer for kids standing nearby!
Free Parade Parking
Government Center
Scalzi Park
Nine West Broad
Summer Place Garage
UConn Parking
Bell Street Carage
300 Atlantic
Stamford Town Center
Bedford Street Garage
Landmark Square
Where 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 Eat
Breakfast & Coffee: Winfield Coffee, Honey Joe’s Family Coffeehouse (open until 11:30 a.m.) and Lorca
Lunch & Dinner: Lucky’s Classic Burger and Malt Shop, Pieology, Remo’s Brickoven Pizza, Sally’s Apizza, Zaza, Tutti Pazzi, Mecha, Pieology, Bartaco and Capriccio Cafe.
Treats: Milk & Cookies and 16 Handles!
Balloon Inflation Party Info
On the eve of the Parade Spectacular, get a behind-the-scenes look as the parade’s giant helium balloons come to life at the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party. This pre-parade event, is hosted by Point72 and takes place on Saturday, November 18, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street in Stamford Downtown.
The party will have music, clowns, cartoon characters and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Spectators will be treated to a special performance by parade talent, who will provide thrilling tricks that they have planned for Sunday’s parade. In addition, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford will entertain the gathered crowd. The event is a perfect sampling of parade talent and is sure to delight spectators of all ages.