The Village Halloween Parade has been a New York City tradition for more than 40 years now, and it’s coming back for another go-round—tonight! Whether you’re a fan of the pageantry and the costumes, or steadfastly hate the crowds and drunken revelry (and really, who’s to say who is right?), you’ll probably want to know where to go—or avoid—and we’re here to help. Read on for more information about the parade route, street closures, and other things you need to know about the festive, frightful event.
The route:
The parade travels along Sixth Avenue between Spring and West 16th streets, beginning at Spring Street at 7 p.m. and ending at 16th Street around 11 p.m. According to the parade’s organizers, "the streets are most crowded between Bleecker and 14th Street," so unless you feel like being smushed between lots of costumed revelers, you may be better off finding another spot to stand. (Or, as the organizers put it, "better yet, join the Parade!")
I want to join!
Godspeed! Everything you need to know about participating is right here, but the gist: wear a costume, get to the starting point (Canal Street at Sixth Avenue) between 7 and 9 p.m., don’t show up drunk, and prepare for crowds. (And they’re serious about the costume thing—if you don’t have one, you can’t join.)
What about the weather?
Barring any freakish thunderstorms like the ones that covered NYC yesterday, tonight should be clear and cool, with high temperatures in the high 40s/low 50s. That’s subject to change, of course, but it probably won’t be a bad day to be outside and in costume.
I don’t want to be anywhere near it. What streets do I need to avoid?
It might be a good idea to just avoid Greenwich Village in its entirety if you truly want no part of the parade. However, if you must make your way through it, here’s the streets where all the action will be taking place and the ones you’ll want to avoid, especially the formation and dispersal areas. Sixth Avenue won’t be your friend either, as that is the official route that the parade will follow.
FORMATION
Sixth Avenue between Spring and Canal streets
Dominic Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue
Sullivan Street between Sixth Avenue and Spring Street
Broome Street between Sullivan and Varick streets
Spring Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue
DISPERSAL
West 16th Street between Fifth and Seventh avenues
West 17th Street between Fifth and Seventh avenues
West 18th Street between Fifth and Seventh avenues
Sixth Avenue between West 16th and West 18th streets