What Is the Exact Route of the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in 2026?

The 2026 Greenwich Village Halloween Parade starts at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue and travels straight north along Sixth Avenue to West 15th Street in Manhattan. The parade takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM and ending around 11:00 PM. Spectators can watch for free from either side of Sixth Avenue between King Street and West 15th Street.

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Start Time: 7:00 PM

End Time: Approximately 11:00 PM

Starting Point: Canal Street and Sixth Avenue

Ending Point: West 15th Street and Sixth Avenue

Direction: Northbound along Sixth Avenue

Admission: Free for spectators

Greenwich Village Halloween Parade 2026: Street-by-Street Route

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade follows one continuous route along Sixth Avenue, also known as Avenue of the Americas. Unlike other New York City parades that turn onto multiple streets, the Halloween Parade travels straight north through Greenwich Village.

The procession begins at Canal Street and continues north along Sixth Avenue, passing the following major intersections:

1. Canal Street
2. Spring Street
3. West Houston Street
4. King Street
5. West 3rd Street
6. West 4th Street
7. Bleecker Street
8. West 8th Street
9. West 10th Street
10. West 11th Street
11. West 12th Street
12. West 13th Street
13. West 14th Street
14. West 15th Street

The parade officially ends at West 15th Street, where participants leave the procession and surrounding streets are used for crowd dispersal.

The route runs through Greenwich Village and toward the northern edge of the neighborhood, providing spectators with several locations to watch the celebration.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade?

The best place to watch the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade depends on whether visitors prefer the excitement of large crowds or a location with potentially more room.

Sixth Avenue Between King Street and West 4th Street

The southern portion of the public viewing route is a convenient option for spectators who want to see the procession relatively early.

This area is close to the parade's starting point near Canal Street and provides access to surrounding streets in SoHo and Greenwich Village.

Sixth Avenue Near Bleecker Street

Bleecker Street is one of the most recognizable locations along the Halloween Parade route.

Its central Greenwich Village location, nearby restaurants, and historic streets make it a popular viewing area.

However, this section of the route can become extremely crowded, particularly as the parade gets underway.

Sixth Avenue Between West 8th Street and West 14th Street

This section offers a central viewing location with access to several nearby subway stations and surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods.

It is also among the busiest portions of the parade route, so arriving early is recommended.

Sixth Avenue Near West 15th Street

The northern end of the parade route is another option for spectators.

Visitors can watch the procession approach its ending point before participants disperse into nearby streets.

Although this area may offer an alternative to the crowds farther south, pedestrian restrictions and barricades can still affect access.

What Time Should You Arrive to Watch the Halloween Parade?

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade begins at 7:00 PM, but spectators should consider arriving between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to find a viewing spot.

The most popular areas along Sixth Avenue, especially between Bleecker Street and West 14th Street, can become crowded well before the parade begins.

Visitors arriving later may still be able to watch, but finding space near the barricades can be more difficult.

Because the procession travels north, spectators closer to West 15th Street may see the leading participants later than those watching near the beginning of the route.

Can Anyone March in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade?

Yes. Anyone wearing a costume can participate in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, and general participation is free.

Participants must arrive at the official lineup area near Canal Street and Sixth Avenue between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

The lineup can be accessed from designated approaches along Canal Street, Sullivan Street, and East Broome Street. Participants should follow police instructions and posted barricades.

Only costumed participants are permitted to march, and groups are admitted to the parade route in intervals to manage crowds.

The procession features thousands of costumed New Yorkers, giant puppets, musicians, dancers, and theatrical performances.

Which Streets Will Be Closed Along the Halloween Parade Route?

Several Manhattan streets will be closed on October 31, 2026, to accommodate the parade, participant staging, and crowd dispersal.

The planned closures include:

• Sixth Avenue between Canal Street and West 18th Street
• Spring Street between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street
• Broome Street between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street
• Dominick Street between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street
• Sullivan Street between Spring Street and Broome Street
• West 16th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
• West 17th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
• West 18th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue

The parade itself ends at West 15th Street, but traffic restrictions extend farther north to accommodate participants and spectators.

Additional intersections may be restricted depending on crowd conditions and NYPD instructions.

Drivers should avoid Greenwich Village during the evening and allow additional travel time throughout Lower Manhattan.

How to Get to the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade by Subway

The subway is generally the easiest way to reach the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

Several subway stations serve the surrounding area, including:

West 4th Street–Washington Square: A, B, C, D, E, F, and M trains, subject to scheduled service changes.

14th Street–Sixth Avenue: F, M, and L trains, subject to scheduled service changes.

Spring Street: C and E trains, subject to scheduled service changes.

Canal Street: Several subway services provide access to the surrounding Lower Manhattan area.

Visitors should check MTA service updates before traveling, as planned construction, temporary station restrictions, and crowd control measures may affect their journey.

Because the parade occupies Sixth Avenue, walking across the route may be difficult once the procession begins.

Is It Difficult to Drive Through Greenwich Village on Halloween?

Yes. Driving through Greenwich Village during the Halloween Parade can be particularly difficult because Sixth Avenue is closed to regular traffic and several nearby streets have additional restrictions.

Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and delivery vehicles may be unable to access certain blocks near the parade route.

Visitors planning to attend restaurants, parties, or other events should consider using the subway and walking from a nearby station.

Those traveling across Manhattan should also allow extra time, since road closures can redirect traffic onto surrounding avenues.

Things to Do in NYC During Halloween 2026

Halloween in New York City offers numerous attractions and celebrations beyond the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

Visitors can explore haunted houses, historic neighborhoods, seasonal performances, decorated townhouses, and Halloween events throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Experience the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade

The annual Village Halloween Parade is one of New York City's most recognizable Halloween traditions.

The 2026 celebration features the theme Body & Soul, with elaborate puppets, musical performances, dancers, and thousands of costumed participants.

The procession travels north along Sixth Avenue beginning at 7:00 PM.

Visit Blood Manor Haunted House

Blood Manor is an established Manhattan haunted attraction featuring theatrical horror environments, elaborate sets, special effects, and live performers.

It offers visitors a traditional haunted house experience during the Halloween season.

Explore Halloween Decorations in Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is known for its nineteenth-century townhouses, historic apartment buildings, and distinctive residential streets.

During Halloween, decorated entrances, pumpkins, skeletons, and seasonal displays add to the neighborhood's atmosphere.

West 10th Street, West 11th Street, Bleecker Street, and nearby residential blocks are appealing places for an autumn walk.

Discover Halloween on the Upper West Side

The Upper West Side features historic brownstones, limestone townhouses, and residential buildings that often display elaborate Halloween decorations.

Visitors can explore neighborhood streets near Central Park and Riverside Park to experience a more residential side of Halloween in Manhattan.

Celebrate Halloween in Brooklyn

Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Bedford-Stuyvesant offer seasonal decorations, trick-or-treating, and community celebrations.

Historic brownstones and townhouses provide a distinctive backdrop for Halloween activities.

Explore the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx offers autumn scenery and seasonal programming.

Visitors interested in daytime activities can explore its landscaped grounds and available fall events as an alternative to Manhattan's nighttime celebrations.

When Did the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade Begin?

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade traces its origins to 1973, when a small neighborhood celebration featuring handmade puppets, costumes, and performances began in the Village.

The event developed into a larger public procession during the following years, eventually becoming an annual Halloween tradition along Sixth Avenue.

Over time, the parade became known for its oversized puppets, elaborate costumes, musical performances, and creative street theater.

Today, the event attracts participants and spectators from across New York City and beyond.

The 2026 celebration marks the parade's 53rd annual edition, continuing a tradition that has been part of Greenwich Village for more than five decades.

Why Is Greenwich Village Famous for Halloween?

Greenwich Village is closely associated with Halloween because of its annual parade, historic architecture, and distinctive Manhattan streetscape.

The neighborhood features nineteenth-century brick townhouses, preserved residential buildings, narrow streets, and an irregular street layout that differs from much of Manhattan's traditional grid.

These architectural characteristics create a memorable setting for seasonal decorations, costumed crowds, and evening celebrations.

Sixth Avenue serves as the main parade corridor, while surrounding streets provide access to restaurants, cafés, historic residential blocks, and entertainment venues.

For visitors interested in architecture and New York City neighborhoods, Greenwich Village offers an opportunity to explore some of Manhattan's most recognizable historic streets.

What Should Visitors Know Before the 2026 Halloween Parade?

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM and continuing until approximately 11:00 PM.

The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, and spectators can attend for free.

Visitors should arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and plan their transportation before heading into Greenwich Village.

Because Sixth Avenue will be closed to traffic, choosing a meeting point on the same side of the parade route as friends or family can help avoid delays.

The following day, November 1, 2026, New York City will host its annual marathon, bringing additional traffic restrictions across the five boroughs.

Planning ahead will help visitors enjoy Halloween weekend while navigating one of the city's busiest periods of the year.

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