Cone Parade - Richmond, VA
This year I rang in the new year with a quirky New Years Day Tradition called the Cone Parade in Richmond, VA. You might be wondering what I am talking about. But it is exactly what it sounds like. A parade of people dressed up as cones! 2026 marked the 18th annual Cone Parade in Richmond, VA.
This parade is a flash mob style event where anyone can walk in the parade, you just have to show up wearing a cone in the right place at the right time. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their cones creatively as characters, objects, or designs. The cone parade website includes a video on how to construct your cone. I was very impressed by the creativity everyone had in making their cones. Some of my favorites were Princess Bubblegum and Ice King from Adventure Time, Vivi from Final Fantasy, UFOs, and Miss Cone-geniality.
You may be wondering – Why? The reason is to bring in the new year with silliness, joy, and good vibes. I have to say as a spectator this year, it is an event that will bring a smile to your face. There is something about seeing colorful cones bobbing up and down and floating along the street that is hilarious and fun to behold. I only wish I had worn a cone of my own!
Who Goes Here?
The Cone Parade is free to attend, open to all, and well attended by a wide variety of folks. There were adults of all ages, groups of friends, and families with children in attendance.
Venue
The Cone Parade is held in Carytown every New Years Day at 12 noon. They did have some police support to help with traffic control and security, but it is a relatively informal event so no registration is required. Just make a cone and show up at the Aquarian Bookshop at noon New Year’s Day in Carytown to participate!
They did have part of the parking lot taped off for the cones to gather, but I noticed it made it harder for folks to walk into the area. It might be good to use cones to cordon off the area from cars instead so people could walk around them easily. When the parade begins the host cone leads the way and they have a pickup truck playing music that follows behind the parade. The parade route is a loop along on the sidewalks up and down Carytown. Therefore, the best place to view the parade if you are not participating is to stand along the sidewalk along Cary Street. You can also see the parade from the restaurants in Carytown if you sit by the window, but your view may be obstructed by the spectators outside.
Location
The Cone Parade is held in Carytown in Richmond, VA. It is a very pretty part of town that is historic and walkable. Also, there are many shops and restaurants to explore. One thing to note is that there is limited to no official parking for Carytown so you need to arrive early to find street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding.
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Summary
The Cone Parade is a quirky fun Richmond New Year’s tradition. I really enjoyed my time at the parade this year and I hope to participate next year. I will just have to figure out a design for my cone! I recommend checking it out on New Years if you have time. You will not be disappointed.
