NYC’s “No Pants Subway Ride” is Back This Weekend

Rob Grams • January 3, 2018

NYC's "No Pants Subway Ride" is Back This Weekend

The ever-popular “No Pants Subway Ride” returns to NYC this weekend, here are some TIPS FROM EXPERTS as well as all the details for those of you looking to participate in, or avoid, this New York City tradition.

It’s that time of year again—the time when bold New Yorkers go pantsless on the subway for the sake of the hilarity. Now in its 17th year, the No Pants Subway Ride will take place at 3 pm (until 5 pm) on Sunday, January 7.

What do you need to participate? Simply, a willingness to take pants off on subway… and that’s about it.

There are seven meeting points spread out all over New York City:

Astoria: Meet at Hoyt Playground – Google Map
Brooklyn: Meet by the Old Stone House – Google Map
Downtown Manhattan: Meet at Foley Square – Google Map
Midtown Manhattan: Meet at Hudson Yards Park on 34th Street – Google Map
Queens: Meet at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park – Google Map
Uptown Manhattan: Meet at the Great Hill in Central Park – Google Map
Williamsburg / Bushwick: Meet at Maria Hernandez Park – Google Map

If you want to partake in the NPSR this year, here are some tips from people who have done it before:

1. Don’t Leave Your Apartment Without Pants

The way it works is not that you just go on your normal subway route and leave your pants at home. You could do that, but you’ll be very cold and might not see any other participants. Wear pants, but bring a backpack or large purse to put them in. You’ll take them off once you’re on the subway.

2. Follow Directions

To participate in the big group, you will need to meet in one of seven locations we mentioned above, where you will then be directed to go to a subway station and take a specific train. Bring a pen and paper if you have to write everything down. This dance requires some careful choreography.

3. Keep A Straight Face

Don’t laugh, giggle, or take Instagram photos. If you really need a picture, bring along a friend who will just watch and not participate. The whole thing is funnier if you and your fellow pantsless riders don’t laugh, and act like everything is normal and it’s just a coincidence that everyone forgot to wear pants.

4. The Forecast Says 23 Degrees

Right now, at least, so it could change. But 23 degrees is a pretty damned cold. You might want to wear high socks.

5. Hit Up The After Party

Believe it or not, there actually is an after party for the No Pants Subway Ride. Meet up in Union Square and head over to Bar 13 (35 East 13th) for the 7th annual No Pants Subway Ride After Party!

6. If Butts Offend You, Avoid The Subway Between 3 and 5 pm Sunday

All participants are required to wear underwear that cover them fully, but if you really don’t want to see people in their underwear, avoid riding the subway between 3 pm and 5 pm this Sunday, because that’s when the whole thing is going down. On the other hand, if you want to see it happen, your best bet is to take a train which leads to Union Square during that time, because that’s where all the planned routes converge.

Featured image source [Dave Bledsoe/Flickr]