LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The city of Lexington is in for a “thrill” this Halloween.

This annual tradition has become a must-do event as Halloween enthusiasts of all ages “rise” in downtown Lexington to celebrate the spooky season. Several hundred “zombies” will gather for the annual Thriller re-enactment and “dance, dawdle, and drag” themselves down Main Street to the classic Michael Jackson tune.

Ranked among the 23 “Best Halloween Festivals Happening in the U.S. This Year by Oprah Magazine,” nearly 30,000 people attend Lexington’s Halloween festival and thriller parade every year. On Friday, Lexington Parks and Recreation announced details for 2023’s parade.

The 2023 Thriller Parade will set off on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., following the Halloween parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade route descends down Main Street, beginning at Quality Street and concluding at Mill Street.

If Lexington encounters bad weather on Oct. 29, the parade will be rescheduled for Oct. 30.

You don’t have to be a professional to participate. Adults and children can register to dance in the thriller re-enactment for a small fee. All zombie dancers must register online or in person at any scheduled rehearsal by Oct. 21 and must attend at least one dance rehearsal and one staging rehearsal.

Zombie Dance Lessons

One minimum zombie dance lesson is required for participants.

• Mondays: Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16 | 6 – 7 p.m. (register/check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
• Wednesdays: Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18 | 6 – 7 p.m. (register/check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
• Saturdays: Oct. 7, 14, 21 | 2 – 3 p.m. (register/check-in: 1:30 – 2 p.m.)

Staging Rehearsals

One minimum staging rehearsal is required for participants.

Monday: Oct. 23 | 6 – 7 p.m. (check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Wednesday: Oct. 25 | 6 – 7 p.m. (check-in: 5:30 – 6 p.m.)
Saturday: Oct. 28 | 3 – 4 p.m. (check-in: 2:30 – 3 p.m.)

Visit Lexington Parks and Recreation for more information about Halloween festivities and how you can participate.