The Village Halloween Parade is NYC’s most iconic Halloween tradition, drawing over 50,000 costumed marchers and 2 million spectators to Greenwich Village every October 31st. Running since 1974, it’s transformed from a small neighborhood celebration into the world’s largest Halloween parade.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the parade itself, plus where to party afterward – whether you’re planning to march through the streets in costume, watch from the sidewalks, or skip the parade entirely and head straight to clubs away from the chaos.
The Parade: Essential Information
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm (happens rain or shine)
Route: 6th Avenue from Canal Street to 15th Street
Cost: Free to watch and participate
Theme: “Potluck”
Size: 50,000+ marchers, 2 million spectators
How to March
Requirements: Costume (even simple – hat, mask, anything)
Lineup: 6th Ave at Canal Street, 6:30-9pm
Entry: East or south only (Sullivan, East Broome, Canal Streets)
Timing
- Before 7pm: Front of lineup, less waiting
- 7-8:30pm: Standard arrival
- After 8:30pm: Risk missing it
Pro Tip: Meet your group 1+ block away before walking to lineup. Cell service fails in parade crowds.
What to Expect
Walk 1 mile over 1-2 hours surrounded by thousands in costume with bands and giant puppets. Limited bathroom access, difficult to exit mid-parade.
How to Watch
Viewing: Sidewalks along 6th Avenue, Canal to 15th Street
Crowd Levels:
- Less crowded: Canal to Houston
- Most energy: 8th to 14th Street
- Thins out: Above 14th Street
Arrival: 6pm for good spots; 7pm means standing room only
Watch from Home: NY1 broadcasts 8pm-9:30pm
After-Party Options
Near Parade Route
Bar 13 – 2 blocks, $15, 6pm-4am
Unofficial parade after party. Three floors, rooftop, four DJs. Heavy costume presence.
Slate NYC – 1 block, $35, 10pm-4am
16,000 sq ft, two floors, interactive games. Opens 10pm for post-parade arrival.
Upscale Near Parade
PhD Rooftop & Gallery at Dream Downtown – 16th Street & 9th Avenue
Walking distance from parade end. Both outdoor rooftop and indoor options in same building.
Away From Parade
Elsie Rooftop: Full Halloween atmosphere without parade crowds.
Marquee Skydeck (Jonas Blue): Premium nightclub with name DJ.
HK Hall Haunted Circus – $45
Manhattan’s biggest Halloween night party, 2,000+ capacity, far from parade chaos.
Strategy Options
Strategy 1: Full Parade → Nearby Party
6:30pm lineup → 7-9pm march → 11pm Bar 13 or Slate
Best for: First-timers, costume enthusiasts
Strategy 2: Watch Parade → Upscale Transition
6pm viewing spot → 7-9pm watch → 10pm PhD Rooftop/Gallery
Best for: Couples, mixed interest groups
Strategy 3: Skip Parade → Destination Party
7-8pm dinner away from Village → 10pm Elsie/Marquee/HK Hall
Best for: Crowd-averse, repeat parade-goers
Strategy 4: Early Bar 13 → Quick Glimpse → Return
6pm Bar 13 → 7:30-8:30pm step outside for parade → 9pm return
Best for: Best of both worlds
Weather Planning
Cold (below 45°F): Choose Harbor Rooftop (retractable roof) or indoor venues
Rain: Harbor Rooftop essential, or fully indoor options
Check forecast October 30th and have backup venue.
Transportation
To Parade: Canal St (A/C/E/N/Q/R/W/1/2/3), West 4th (A/C/E/B/D/F/M), 14th St (multiple lines)
After Parade:
- Bar 13/Slate: Walk (1-3 blocks)
- PhD/Gallery: Walk or L train
- HK Hall: C/E to 50th St
Allow 45 minutes parade-to-venue with crowds.
Costume Tips
For Parade: Clear vision, comfortable shoes (1 mile walk), weather layers, avoid delicate props
For Party: Layered costume, coat check ($5-10), makeup touch-up kit
Budget Breakdown
- Parade: Free
- Ticket: $15-$45
- Coat check: $5-10
- Drinks: $50-90
- Food: $10-20
- Subway: $5.80
Total: $80-$150 per person
Quick Picks
Best Parade + Party: March, then Bar 13 (2-block walk, $15)
Best for Parade Skeptics: Skip parade, hit HK Hall Haunted Circus or Marquee Skydeck at the Edge at 10pm
Best Middle Ground: Watch parade 1 hour, then Elsie Rooftop
Best Budget: Free parade + Bar 13 ($15)
Best Weather Backup: Harbor Rooftop (retractable roof, $25)
For questions: (646) 205-7600
