Simply, it’s the best, most creative, most inventive parade on the planet, and the best way for adults to celebrate Halloween in NYC for FREE.
Once again this year, the 46th annual Village Halloween Parade will fill the streets of Manhattan with fabulous costumed characters and a happy vibe.
As many as 60,000 costumed marchers join the parade, along with hundreds of puppets, bands and dancers.
The Parade runs straight (pun intended) up Sixth Ave., from Spring to 16th Street, starting at 7pm, and generally finishes around 11pm.
The streets are most crowded between Bleecker and 14th Street, so you might consider getting there early or try another place along the route.
Or, put on a costume and join the Parade.
Only those in costume can march in the parade. Anyone who is not in costume is a spectator.
Interested in other Halloween events for grownups, including party cruises?
Click here for discount tickets.
Here are the facts, from the parade’s website
ONLY those in costume can join hundreds of puppets, 53 bands of different types of music, dancers and artists, and thousands others in costumes of their own creation.
Line-up for those who want to be IN the Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.
ONLY costumed marchers are allowed. Line-up is on 6th Avenue between Spring St. and Broome St.
Marchers should ONLY approach 6th Ave. from the EAST or the SOUTH, coming North from Canal St. or from EAST on Sullivan or Broome.
Spring St. will be closed off both East and West as will Dominick and Little Broome Streets.
More Village Halloween Parade FAQ
When is it?
- On Halloween itself—Thursday, October 31, beginning at 7 p.m.
Where is it?
- The route travels along Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street.
What’s the best way to get there?
Since many streets will be blocked by the crush of 60,000 marchers and one million spectators, the only sensible way to get there is by subway.
Be sure to have a MetroCard, and be sure it’s loaded with enough fares to get around, to avoid waiting on line at the busiest stations.
The busiest subway stations will be the Canal St.and Christoper St. stops on the #1, 14th St. stop on the 2 and 3, and the West 4th St. and West 14th Street stops on the A,B,C, and D.
The MTA will announce any changes to lines or stations along the parade route closer to the date.
How do I join the parade?
Again, anybody who is NOT in costume may not march. Anybody NOT in costume is a spectator.
Costumed marchers line up on Sixth Avenue and Canal Streets at 6:30 p.m.
What about alcohol?
There is a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol or drugs, so showing up drunk, or otherwise high, is a big no-no.
What streets will be closed?
Expect Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 16th Street to be closed, along with neighborhood streets to see disrupted traffic patterns.
Check the official NYC Dept. of Transportation website for current street closures.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.