NYC Village Halloween Parade 2024: Everything You Need to Know! 🎃👻

[Updated in 2024 – originally posted in Italian in 2009 🇮🇹]

Are you ready for the spookiest, most iconic Halloween celebration in New York City? The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is a must-see event, attracting over 50,000 participants in full costume each year! From funny and provocative to wildly creative and sexy, this parade showcases the best costumes NYC has to offer – making it one of the most exciting nights in the city.

I’ve been participating in the parade for the past 15 years, and I’m here to share with you all my insider tips for an UNFORGETTABLE experience! From marching in costume to enjoying the spectacular parade, this guide has everything you need to know about the 2024 NYC Village Halloween Parade! 🖤🕸️

When and Where

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Time: The parade starts at 7:00 PM, and line-up begins at 6:30 PM
Location: The parade marches along Sixth Avenue, from Spring Street to 16th Street
Theme: “Meow!!!” – Cat Ladies UNITE! 🐾

How to Participate 🧛‍♂️

Did you know you can actually take part in the parade simply by dressing up? All you need is a simple accessory, like a witch hat or a mask! If you’re extra creative, you could get featured on TV (I got interviewed once!!!). With a full costume or just a small nod to the Halloween spirit, there’s room for everyone in this incredible event.

Pro tip: Want the best view? Arrive VERY early (5:30 pm at the latest) for a prime spot behind the barricades.

The 2024 Village Halloween Parade Theme is MEOW!!! Cat Ladies UNITE!!!

“A cat keeps me in touch with the mystery, the unreasonableness, the beauty, the stubborn wildness of the nonhuman world….Cats remain the Other.  I need otherness. “
Ursula K Le Guin

As the official website reminds us: “We have heard the call, and the time has come to mark our territory. We didn’t ask for this fight, but when feline honor is at stake, Cats and Ladies will rise (…after a languorous stretch) to meet the moment”.

You’ll see everything from Cat Ladies to any kind of tails and whiskers strutting up Sixth Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Broadway legend André De Shields, and as always, the parade will feature giant puppets, dancers, and live music.

Halloween Parade NYC Route and How to Participate

Show up in costume at the designated entry points on Sixth Avenue and Canal Street between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM. The ONLY entry points are from the East and South via Sullivan, East Broome, and Canal Streets. Arriving from the West? You’ll need to enter through Canal Street.

Pro Tip: Get in line around 5:45 PM for the best spot.

The best way to get there is by subway. The closest stops are: Canal St of the 1, A, C, and E trains.

Where to watch the parade

• Along East and West side of 6th Ave, between King St and West 15th.
• The Parade starts at Canal at 7 pm and ends around 11 pm at 15th Street.
• The most crowded streets are between Bleecker and 14th Street, so you might consider getting there very early to save your spot.

Important Subway Info:

• Spring St Station of the C, and E lines: trains will be closed in the southbound direction from 5pm to 10pm; and the northbound side will be exit-only.
• West 4th St Station of the A, B, C, D, E, F, and M: Street entrances will become exit only or entrance only at various times, based on how busy it gets.
• Visit the MTA’s website to plan your trip!

Can’t Attend in Person?

Follow me on Instagram @VivereNewYork and join me live as I stream from the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade!

You can also watch the Village Halloween Parade LIVE on NY1 from 8 – 9:30 pm.

Is the New York’s Village Halloween Parade free?

 Yes! Th parade is FREE for all, however, if you want to skip the line, you can also purchase VIP tickets for $100, which grants private entrance to the band lineup area between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm to march next to your favorite band!

Tickets also include admission to Webster Hell, the Official Halloween Parade After-Party!

Fun Facts about the Village Halloween Parade:

• Participating in the Parade is listed In the book “100 Things to do Before You Die” (I may receive commissions on sales made through this links- Click here to learn more about our editorial guidelines.)

• It all started in 1973, when a puppeteer had the idea to entertain his children and his neighbors by dressing up and going around Greenwich Village, his neighborhood. 

Want to keep the Halloween spirit alive? Check out the Haunted Hues exhibit at ColorFactory, for a blend of art, color, and the season’s spooky vibes.

Conclusion

The NYC Village Halloween Parade is one of the best Halloween events in New York City. From the stunning costumes to the incredible energy, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Join the parade, watch from the sidelines, or follow along on TV or on Instagram for live coverage. And for even more Halloween fun, don’t forget to check out the HauntedHues at Color Factory, where creativity and Halloween spirit collide.

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻