Brace for colorful geometric joy, folks.
On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026, Carytown will come alive once again with one of Richmond’s most beloved and curious happenings: the Cone Parade.
A tradition that originated at Aquarian Bookshop some 18 years ago thanks to owner, John J.Oliver, has grown from 30 participants wearing cones to hundreds of them, with throngs of bystanders cheering on the collective good time. Word has it that Richmond Mayor Danny Avula plans to attend this year and provide the inaugural address to the Cones.
Discarded Christmas trees gone wild? A new age cult? If you’re unfamiliar, it may elicit a “what the hell?” on first sight. But this is simply unbridled silliness, weirdness and camaraderie with fun local people hoping to create a surge of good vibes to kick off 2026. Style caught up with one of the organizers, Nick Lasky, for the scoop on all things cone-tastic happening New Year’s Day. First question: Why cones?
“If you look at the shape of a cone, it goes up. It’s about raising energy,” he says. “When we parade through Carytown we are spreading positive energy and love to the community.”
Going a bit deeper, Lasky explains that it also harnesses the energy of sacred geometry and suggests there are inherent energies to different shapes. “Look at sacred architecture as an example. Churches, temples, mosques — all have high ceilings and designs intended to have a specific effect. You feel expansive there,” he says.
He further explains that “on this planet earth, we are not just going around the sun in a circle, our whole solar system is spiraling, so we are spiraling just like a cone, harnessing that spirolic energy.” Kookiness and fun aside, “it’s about new beginnings, consciously creating your year with whatever intention you want to invoke — some people even use that as the inspiration behind their costume.”
Speaking of costumes, Lasky remembers several standouts as he nears his own 14th parade, including a mermaid, Ghostbusters and an E.T. Cone Home. “People work on their costumes for weeks or months sometimes; the artistry is incredible. We have some diehard cones,” he says.
In addition to prizes for best solo, kid, and group cone costumes this year, a new category for dogs also has been added, sponsored by Dogma Grooming and Pet Needs. (Hot tip: Do not miss a solid opportunity for a cone-dog or cone-of-shame).
Newbies fear not, there’s a make-your-own cone tutorial on the Cone Parade website. Crafting a costume all starts with about nine pieces of poster board, which can get awkward, so the more the merrier when it comes to getting that cone-tastic get up tight. Lasky also has some insider tips: Consider making a pocket on the outside of your cone for things like phones and keys. Cone a friend!
“Once you are in the cone, you become the cone. Tying your shoes, bathroom, lots of everyday things aren’t possible” So plan accordingly, folks. “There’s nothing like it anywhere. The Cone Parade is weirdly, uniquely Richmond,” says Lasky.
“People are serious about having fun.”
The 18th Annual Cone Parade starts in the parking lot of the Carytown Aquarian Bookstore location at 12 S. Thompson St. on Jan. 1, 2026. at noon and runs until 2 p.m. The event is all ages. For more information and cone registration and tutorial coneparade.com
To see more photos by Dave Parrish Photography, visit his site here or follow him on Instagram.
