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Events coordinated by entities other than the City of Auburn may require a Special Event Permit Application.

Interested in Event Sponsorship? View our 2023 Event Sponsorship Brochure (PDF) for opportunities. Customized packages are available as well. Let us build a package that best suits your needs and budget! Contact us at: [email protected]

1:00PM - 5:00PM

Halloween Harvest Festival and Les Gove Park Trunk-or-Treat

Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth Street SE, Auburn, WA

Halloween image

Join us at our Halloween Harvest Festival and Les Gove Park Truck-or-Treat for kids ages 2-10 and their families.

This fun-filled fall afternoon will include games, crafts, inflatables, rides, BOO-seum, food vendors, and a fun Trunk-or-Treat experience around the trail at Les Gove Park. Your little goblin will not want to miss this event!

Bring a can of food for admission to support the Auburn Food Bank

Looking to participate as a Trunk-or-Treat vendor?

Trunk-or-Treat vendor types:

  • Non-Profit: $10 vendor fee
  • Childcare Provider: $10 vendor fee
  • Community Youth Recreation: $10 vendor fee
  • Youth Education: $10 vendor fee
  • Commercial/Retail:$25 vendor fee
  • Organized School Groups: $0 vendor fee (free) 

Participating trunks must provide giveaways and/or treats for the youth participants visiting the event. Participants may also provide informational materials about their programs. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative (fun, not scary) trunk. Participating organizations are also encouraged to dress up in costumes appropriate for a 2-10 year-old audience. The youth attending the event will Trunk-or-Treat around the path in Les Gove Park and enjoy outdoor music and fun.

Trunk-or-Treat Vendor Application

Interested in bringing your food truck or prepared food to the event?

We are currently full for food vendors.

If you wish to be added to the waitlist, please complete the Food Vendor Application (PDF)

Interested in Sponsoring?

2023 Sponsorship Opportunities (PDF)

Harvest Bazaar

NEW this year is the Harvest Bazaar, which will be held at the Senior Activity Center. The Holiday Bazaar will be offered on Friday from 1:00-7:00 PM. Come for a visit to get a jump-start for gift-giving season! 

For more information email [email protected] or call 253-931-3043.

11:00AM - 2:00PM

Auburn's 58th Annual Veterans Parade & Observance

Main Street

Auburn, Washington is typically designated by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day. The City of Auburn is proud to be a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner and considers it an honor and privilege to host this annual event. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965. Now in its 58th year, the parade has grown into one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States of America.

The purpose of Auburn's Veterans Parade & Observance is to positively focus on honoring our country's veterans and active military personnel. Through our parade, we focus recognition on congressionally-recognized Veteran Service Organizations and their auxiliaries, the military and military reserve, National Guard and ROTC. The goals and purposes of Auburn's Veterans Parade & Observance are to give honor to our country's veterans and to their military missions of defending freedom around the world. View the Parade Rules & Regulations (PDF) to determine if your group is eligible to participate. Convenient, on-line parade registration is available.
 
We are currently planning for the 58th annual Veterans Parade to be held in Auburn on Saturday, November 11, 2023 starting at 11:00 AM. The parade typically boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants, including 25+ marching bands, military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards and more.

The parade route travels along Main Street from E Street to A Street NW/SW.  The day-long activities (PDF) run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.


Other related activities include: 

Saturday, November 11
Community Breakfast
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE

The breakfast (PDF) is co-sponsored by the American Legion Auburn Post #78 and the City of Auburn. Join us for the annual Veteran's Parade Community Breakfast, held on Saturday, November 11 from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. The breakfast is $10/person and includes pancakes, eggs, ham, juice or coffee. 

Saturday, November 11
Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Veterans Memorial Park, 411 E Street SE

The flame is lit and guarded through the night at the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Wreath placement, rifle salute, prayers and taps encompass this ceremony held prior to the parade. 

Saturday, November 11
Auburn VFW Post 1741 Open House
12:00 PM
Auburn VFW, 130 W Main Street

This Open House (PDF) is exclusively for Veterans and Active Duty Personnel. Come mix, meet and mingle with fellow Veterans! Food and refreshments will be served. 

Saturday, November 11
Auburn Veterans Day Marching Band Competition
1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth Street NE

One of the most prestigious band competitions in the State! Watch the 25+ bands in the parade, then look on as they compete in the Field Competition later in the afternoon at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Admission charged for Field Competition. 

Saturday, November 11
Auburn Noon Lions Veterans Luncheon
1:30 PM (doors open at 1:00 PM)
Merrill Gardens of Auburn, 18 First Street SE

The lunch program honors our Veterans, with special recognition given to our Dignitaries in attendance. The Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee's Outstanding Service to Veterans Award Recipients will be honored at the lunch, along with other special presentations. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Auburn Noon Lions and the City of Auburn. This event has limited seating; we suggest making reservations (PDF) early.  

 "Our Heroes | Our Parade" Banner Tribute Program

This program was created to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women in Auburn who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and Veteran Service Organizations to support those who served by sponsoring a banner in downtown Auburn. Banner Tribute Program Applications (PDF) are accepted thru Friday, August 18.

Take some time to thank a Veteran for their service and sacrifice.

Official Forms and Helpful Information:

There is absolutely no parade parking in local business' parking lots. Please be courteous when parking in the areas surrounding the parade route. 

For dining and lodging information, please visit www.exploreauburn.com.

Contact Information:
Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator
253-931-3043   


Veterans Parade 1

Veterans Parade 2

Veterans Parade 4

7:00AM - 7:00PM

Gingerbread Contest

Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street

FREE - This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build! 15 Gingerbread structures will be on display, upstairs at Auburn City Hall! 

Enter the Contest

2023 Gingerbread Application

Gingerbread Contest Rules (PDF)

VOTING

  • Voting will be open December 1 - 15, 2023
  • Vote during Auburn City Hall's normal business hours, 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday; with the addition of Saturday, December 2nd from 3 PM - 6 PM
  • There are two categories to vote in, youth and adult.

Based on votes from the public, a winner will be announced on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Check out the sponsorship opportunities (PDF) coming soon...

2022 Contest Winners

Adult winner

Youth Winner

Questions? Contact Amanda Valdez or call 253-931-3043. 

8:30AM - 12:30PM

Breakfast with Santa

Auburn Community and Event Center, 910 9th ST SE, Auburn, WA

Image of child dressed as elf sitting on Santa's lapJoin us for a holiday Breakfast with Santa!  
Breakfast will be served by Santa elves at two breakfasts, one beginning at 8:30am and one beginning at 11am.  You will also enjoy special entertainment. 

All Ages.
Pre-registration is required.
Space is limited.

Location:  Auburn Community & Events Center

Children Prices TBA
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:30-10a
Saturday, Dec 2, 11a-12:30p

Adult Prices TBA
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:30-10a
Saturday, Dec 2, 11a-12:30p

Reservations by calling: 
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043

4:30PM - 5:30PM

Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Main Street, Auburn, WA

Saturday, December 2
Schedule of Events

  • 3:30 PM.........Parade line up begins at Auburn High School
  • 4:00 PM........Live music at City Hall
  • 4:30 PM.........Parade begins
  • After the parade ends
    • Tree Lighting & Visit from Santa
    • Live music at City Hall

City of Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade!

Parade entry

From Auburn High School to City Hall, lighted entries will fill Main Street with holiday joy!   

Beginning at 4:30 PM the parade will feature lighted vehicles, floats, cars, and walking entries. All community, families, non-profits, and businesses are welcome to participate.

All entries wishing to participate in the parade must register in advance by Wednesday, November 29, 2023. 

All entries must have a lighted element.

Join us for live music before and after the City of Auburn parade at City Hall. Then watch as the community brings out their lighted holiday parade entries! We'll wrap up the event with the annual tree lighting at City hall plus a visit from Santa. 


TREE LIGHTING

Santa

Santa is looking for a special helper to light the tree in front of City Hall. Nominate a well-deserving child between the ages of 5 and 9 to be Santa's Helper on December 2, 2023.

Nomination form

Nominations will be accepted through November 8, 2023. 

We will only accept one nomination per child.

For questions contact
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation
253-931-3043
Amanda Valdez, Special Events and Farmers Market Coordinator

7:00AM - 7:00PM

Gingerbread Contest

Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street

FREE - This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build! 15 Gingerbread structures will be on display, upstairs at Auburn City Hall! 

Enter the Contest

2023 Gingerbread Application

Gingerbread Contest Rules (PDF)

VOTING

  • Voting will be open December 1 - 15, 2023
  • Vote during Auburn City Hall's normal business hours, 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday; with the addition of Saturday, December 2nd from 3 PM - 6 PM
  • There are two categories to vote in, youth and adult.

Based on votes from the public, a winner will be announced on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Check out the sponsorship opportunities (PDF) coming soon...

2022 Contest Winners

Adult winner

Youth Winner

Questions? Contact Amanda Valdez or call 253-931-3043. 

7:00AM - 7:00PM

Gingerbread Contest

Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street

FREE - This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build! 15 Gingerbread structures will be on display, upstairs at Auburn City Hall! 

Enter the Contest

2023 Gingerbread Application

Gingerbread Contest Rules (PDF)

VOTING

  • Voting will be open December 1 - 15, 2023
  • Vote during Auburn City Hall's normal business hours, 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday; with the addition of Saturday, December 2nd from 3 PM - 6 PM
  • There are two categories to vote in, youth and adult.

Based on votes from the public, a winner will be announced on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Check out the sponsorship opportunities (PDF) coming soon...

2022 Contest Winners

Adult winner

Youth Winner

Questions? Contact Amanda Valdez or call 253-931-3043.