Zombie Walk 6 returns to Heritage & Science Park in Downtown Phoenix on Saturday. But before you break out the latex, eye shadow and river of fake blood, finalize your day-of game plan with the help of these frequently asked Zombie Walk 6 questions:
Q: What’s a zombie walk?
A: Exactly what it sounds like, and ours is one of the biggest in the world. For more on the history of Downtown Phoenix Zombie Walk and events like it, read this.
Q: C’mon, is Zombie Walk 6 really free?
A: Zombie Walk 6 is absolutely free but we implore attendees to bring non-perishable food donations benefiting our friends at St. Mary’s Food Bank, which is one of the world’s largest food banks.
Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: Downtown Phoenix Zombie Walk prides itself on being extremely family-friendly. The Lil Zombie Zone has a full day (2-9 p.m.) of programming including sports mascots, arts and crafts, snacks, a steampunk science display, Halloween activities provided by Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Children’s Museum and the ever-popular Red Cross Zombie Preparedness Zone.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Saturday will be an extremely busy night in Downtown Phoenix, with multiple large-scale events happening simultaneously. We recommend riding your bike (we’ll have plenty of additional bike racks in the park), taking mass transit (park and ride lots are conveniently located at the 38th Street, Washington and Camelback light rail stops) using  Lyft – the official Zombie Walk 6 ride service or getting dropped off. If you are bringing your car, Arizona Center (use entrance off Fillmore) has graciously offered $5 parking to all zombies. There is also garage parking available at Heritage & Science Park for ($12). Remember, meters are no longer free on the weekends.
Q: Zombies are cool but all I really want to do is rock out. What do you have for me?
A: Psyko Steve Presents a lively Zombie Walk Main Stage featuring DJ Jared Alan, The Blood Feud Family Singers, Hour 24, Sundressed, Harper and the Moths and for a third consecutive year, headliners Recipe for Disaster a Tribute to Guns ‘N’ Roses.
Q: I don’t know how to become a zombie. Can you help?
A: We sure can! Check out this video tutorial that shows you how you can turn into a zombie is less than 15 minutes using many common household items. If you want to have your makeup done at the event, we’re offering free entry-level zombification packages (eye darkening, face deadening, blood splattering) to the first 400 attendees who bring a non-perishable donation for St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Q: What time does the walk start?
A: Zombies should plan on arriving at the park by 4:30 p.m. and our Grand Marshal, 98KUPD’s John Holmberg, will start the walk around 5:45.
Q: How long is the walk?
A: About a mile and a half.
Q: Will there be a costume contest?
A: A tradition like no other, the Zombie Walk Costume Contest will take place on the Main Stage around 7:30 p.m. Finalists will be selected during the walk by a panel of esteemed zombie experts and will compete for prize packages including tickets to Phoenix Comicon, Stand Up Live and thrash metal icons Slayer.
Q: Can I bring my zombie dog?
A: If your dog is cool, we’re cool with your dog. Also, you must clean up after said dog. This is non-negotiable.
Q: I like beer. Will there be beer?
A: For zombies 21 years and older, Four Peaks Brewing Company will have two beer gardens. For non-beer drinkers there will be 3 Amigos margaritas and COPA wine. Please drink responsibly, ya’ll.
Q: What if I”m hungry for something other than human flesh?
A: Everything a growing zombie needs will be available, including food trucks, hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, funnel cakes, tacos, kettle corn, smoothies and snow cones, as well as excellent park restaurants Rose & Crown Pub, Pizzeria Bianco, Royal Coffee and Nobuo at Teeter House.
More questions? Call the fine folks who started it all, the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors at (602) 495-1500.
Eat See you Saturday!
*Photos courtesy of Mr. Anathema Photography and 98KUPD