Let me tell you—here’s how to march in the Village Halloween Parade
Having participated last year, I learned a lot about how best to enjoy the experience.
The Village Halloween Parade—NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village and you won't want to miss it!
Each year, more than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry. Here's a peek behind the scenes with some of the parade's most amazing artists.
So get your costume ready, the Village is getting spooky! And if you need some last-minute NYC-themed costume inspo, we've got you covered.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC
When is the Village Halloween Parade in NYC?
The Village Halloween Parade is on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
What time is the Village Hallowen Parade?
It runs from 7-11pm.
What's this year's route?
The Halloween Parade runs up Sixth Ave from King St to 15th St in Manhattan. For more information, visit halloween-nyc.com.
What is the Village Halloween Parade's theme this year?
This year's theme is Upside Down Inside Out. We can't wait to see how the artists interpret this challenge.
The theme was inspired after the last few years of feeling like the world's been turned upside down and we all went inside, not outside. "The Halloween Parade has always been a night of transformation, but this topsy turvy year feels even more-so in terms of realizing a dream, being who you are most authentically in your imagination," event organizers said.
Plus, this year the parade celebrates 50 years in NYC!
Who is the Grand Marshal for this year's Village Halloween Parade in NYC?
This year's grand marshal is Laurie Anderson, and the event' held in memory of Lou Reed.
How do I march in the Village Halloween Parade in NYC?
It's free to march in the parade, but costumes are mandatory. The procession lines up at Sixth Ave and Canal St and rolls out from 6:30pm–9pm. North and west entrances to Sixth Ave will be blocked off by 6:30pm, folks can join the line from East Broome, Sullivan and Canal streets east of Sixth Ave. We recommend gathering your fellow creatures of the night a few blocks away rather than trying to find your group in the middle of the chaotic lineup.
If you want to skip the line, there are a variety of VIP ticket options.
Where can I watch the Village Halloween Parade in NYC?
Spectators can get to Sixth Ave early and grab a lookout spot before the parade rolls out at 7pm. Sixth Ave becomes most congested with spectators between Bleecker and 14th Sts, so we suggest setting up camp at either the head (Spring to W Houston Sts) or tail (14th St to 16th St) of the parade.
There are also VIP options for watching the parade, which you can check out here.
If you can't make it in person (or just want to skip the crowds), watch the parade on NY1 from 8-9:30pm.
