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Spooktacle 2024! NYC's 51st Village Halloween Parade steps off tonight. Here's what to know.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 31, 2024
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Winston Zhou/Xinhua via Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 31, 2024
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You can keep your floating balloons and your ticker tape.
For many New Yorkers, the Village Halloween Parade is the public spectacle of the year — when tens of thousands of people descend on the West Village to show their full freaky selves to the world.
This year’s parade is the 51st of its kind and the theme is: Meow! Broadway legend André de Shields will be this year’s grand marshal. He played Old Deuteronomy in “The Jellicle Ball” — a reimagined version of the musical Cats. The parade will also have artistically crafted cat puppets and a special section of marchers in feline costume, organized by Cat Ladies Unite.
So how does your typical ghost, ghoul or goblin enjoy the parade? Well, the parade organizers have a site that’s got everything you need to know, but we pulled a few highlights.
When does the parade start?
The official step-off is 7 p.m. but if you’re not marching, get there early. Organizers say the annual spectacle draws about 50,000 marchers alone and more than a million spectators.
Who gets to march?
Anyone can march for free, but you have to be in costume. And remember, this is New York City, so please reach for a little more creativity than a Jason mask and your street clothes. Meet at 6th Avenue and Canal Street between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where does it go and how do I get there?
The ghoulish gaggle will make its way north on 6th Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street.
If you’re driving, don’t. It will be a nightmare trying to get your car anywhere near the Village tonight and RIP parking garages and street spots.
Your best bet is to take the train, and parade organizers put together a handy list of service changes at the relevant stations.
- The L train (14th Street) runs on a normal service schedule on Halloween night.
- Southbound trains will bypass the Spring St C,E station from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The northbound side of the Spring St C,E station will be exit-only.
- At 14 St/6 Av on the L,F, and M, the 16th St side will be exit-only, the 14th St side will be open, but expect crowds and police barricades.
- The West 4th St A,B,C,D,E,F and M station entrances will be exit only or entrance only, depending on how busy they get.
- Sixth Avenue (B,D,F,Q) to 23rd, 14th or West 4th Street Stations will be open
- Seventh Avenue (1,2,3) to 23rd, 18th, 14th, Sheridan Square or Houston Street will be open
- Eighth Avenue (A,C,E) to West 4th Street, Spring (this station is closest to the Line Up area) or Canal Street Stations will be open
- And the NJ PATH’s 33rd Street train will make normal stops at 9th, 14th and 23rd Streets.
Please check the MTA site for real time updates throughout the night.
What streets will be closed?
The following are all the street closures, courtesy of the city Department of Transportation.
Formation:
- 6th Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street
- Dominick Street between Varick Street and 6th Avenue
- Sullivan Street between Broome Street and Spring Street
- Broome Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
- Spring Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
Route:
- 6th Avenue between Canal Street and West 18th Street
Dispersal:
- West 16th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- West 17th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- West 18th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- 5th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street
- 7th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street
Miscellaneous:
- West 10th Street between 6th Avenue and Greenwich Avenue
- Van Dam Street between Varick Street and 5th Avenue
Where can people watch?
Organizers say the best spots to watch are from the east and west of 6th Avenue between King Street and West 15th Street. The crowds are generally thickest between Bleecker and 14th Street.
The parade is free to spectators and the VIP tickets for special watching areas are sold out.
Can’t be there in person? The parade will be broadcast live on NY1 from 8 - 9:30 p.m.
When does it end?
The street spooktacle ends at around 11 p.m., but those looking to party on can join the legendary Webster Hell after party at Webster Hall. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the costume contest starts at midnight – with the winner awarded $3,500 for the best knock-your-socks-off look.
Tickets can be purchased here for around $40.
Tagged
halloween
village halloween parade
transportation
MTA
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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