Following the recent passing of Ralph Lee, the founder of the Village Halloween Parade, his legacy will live on as New York’s most iconic Halloween event is returning once again on Tuesday, October 31st.
This year’s theme is TBA. Last year’s theme was freedom, encouraging glittery costumes, your best dance moves, and anything that allowed you to feel light, joyful, free, and colorful!
Of course, as always, everyone participating in the parade must wear a costume, so be sure to have yours ready!
Those joining the parade can do so by arriving at the entrance point ready to go in full costume. You can enter the parade either from the east or the south, meaning Sullivan, East Broome, and Canal Streets. Arrival times are typically between 6:30p.m. and 9p.m. or you risk missing the parade!
The parade usually begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until about 11 p.m. The streets are most crowded between Bleecker and 14th Street, so you may want to consider getting there early or trying another place along the route if the area you show up is seems too crowded.
This is a totally free public event, however, if you want to avoid the crowds and be in a special VIP area to watch the parade, you can purchase tickets here.
The parade usually attracts 60,000 participants, 2 million in-person spectators, and 2 million TV viewers.
Please note: Parade organizers have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol, so don’t show up drunk if you want to take part in the festivities!
Also published on Medium.