Your pumpkin spice isn’t the only thing heating up this fall: New York is gearing up for the 52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade!
The parade begins on Friday, October 31 at 7 pm, starting from Canal Street and traveling down Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. This year’s celebration will feature hundreds of giant puppets, more than 50 bands, dancers of all styles, and thousands of New Yorkers in costumes inspired by their favorite foods.
This year’s theme is “Potluck.” Participants can celebrate Halloween together, becoming the ingredient, main course or dessert in this city-wide feast.
Jeanne Fleming, artistic and creative director of the iconic parade, chose this theme to unite people in times of division and conflict.
“All this talk about hungry people in the world made us think about what brings people together. We wanted to create a generous feast where everyone contributes something, so everyone contributes to the parade. It’s not just a group of people, but everyone together. Gathering feeds the spirit. Since ancient times, what has brought people together is sharing a meal. That’s why we decided the theme would be a potluck,” Fleming explained.
The parade is free, although there are VIP packages that offer backstage access and secret areas to watch the parade with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks included.
Need costume ideas? Go all yellow with pineapple leaves or pair up: one as a chef and the other in a croquembouche skirt.
Tips for attending
When is it?
The parade takes place on Friday, October 31, from 7 pm to 9 pm, with lineup starting at 6:30 pm
Where is?
The route goes from Canal Street to 15th Street along Sixth Avenue.
Can I participate if I don’t have a costume?
No. Only people in costumes can walk in the parade.
Is it free?
Yes. Keep in mind that more than 80,000 people attend. Tickets for the VIP area allow you to skip the line.
Can’t you go?
No problem! The parade is for everyone. Spectrum NY1 News will broadcast live from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit halloween-nyc.com.
