The NYC Village Halloween Parade returns Saturday, bringing thousands of costumed marchers, giant puppets and spectators to Greenwich Village.
The 2026 NYC Halloween Parade starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, traveling north on Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street. The parade runs until about 11 p.m.
Here’s what time the NYC Halloween Parade starts, the 2026 route through the West Village, street closures and how to join the parade.
What time is the NYC Halloween Parade?
The 2026 Village Halloween Parade begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and runs until about 11 p.m.
The parade takes place along Sixth Avenue through Greenwich Village.
NYC Halloween Parade route: Where does it start and end?
The Village Halloween Parade NYC begins at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue and travels north on Sixth Avenue, ending at West 15th Street.
Spectators can watch from both sides of Sixth Avenue along the parade route.
The 2026 Village Halloween Parade travels north on Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street.
West Village Halloween Parade: Where can you watch?
Spectators can watch from either side of Sixth Avenue, with viewing available between roughly Spring Street and West 16th Street.
Expect heavy crowds. Organizers recommend using public transportation including the NYC subway, PATH from NJ, or NJ Transit bus rather than driving.
How can you watch the NYC Halloween Parade on TV?
The Village Halloween Parade will air live on Spectrum News NY1 beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The telecast runs until 9:30 p.m.
Can anyone march in the NYC Halloween Parade?
Yes. Anyone wearing a costume can march for free, and individual participants do not need to register in advance.
Here’s what marchers need to know:
Where: Canal Street and Sixth Avenue
When: Arrive between 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Costume: Required. Only costumed participants can march.
Entering from the east or south: Use Sullivan, East Broome or Canal streets.
Entering from the west: Use Canal Street only.
Getting there: Organizers recommend taking the subway because parking is difficult.
Once in line: Participants are released onto Sixth Avenue in groups of about 1,000 to 2,000 people at timed intervals.
Alcohol: The parade has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol.
Want to skip the general lineup? Organizers still offer Skip the Line tickets, allowing costumed marchers to bypass the general participant line.
Zombie-costumed dancers perform the iconic “Thriller” dance during New York City’s Village Halloween Parade in Manhattan, New York City, on October 31, 2025.
NYC Halloween Parade street closures: What roads are closed?
Street closures are planned around the formation area, parade route and dispersal zone.
Formation:
Sixth Avenue between Spring and Canal streets
Dominick Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue
Sullivan Street between Broome and Spring streets
Broome Street between Sullivan and Varick streets
Spring Street between Sullivan and Varick streets
Route:
Sixth Avenue between Spring and West 18th streets
Dispersal:
West 16th, 17th and 18th streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues
Fifth Avenue between 14th and 19th streets
Seventh Avenue between 14th and 19th streets
What is the 2026 Village Halloween Parade theme?
The 2026 theme is “Body and Soul,” highlighting the connection between physical and spiritual expression, particularly through dance.
The parade typically draws 50,000 to 60,000 costumed marchers and features giant puppets, more than 50 bands, dancers and other performers.
One longstanding tradition is the “Thriller” dance, featuring a large group of zombie-costumed dancers performing choreography from Michael Jackson’s famous music video.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What time is the NYC Halloween Parade? See Saturday’s route
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