About
Giant puppets and costumed marchers take over Sixth Avenue on Halloween night.
New York's Halloween-night centerpiece returns with giant puppets, costumed marchers, and the 2026 Body & Soul theme. It is one of the rare city spectacles where spectators can become part of the procession simply by arriving in costume.
What to expect
Choose first whether you want to watch or march. Spectators line Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village, while costumed participants join the public procession under the parade's official rules. The parade begins at 7pm on Saturday, October 31, so arrive before the start if you want time to choose a viewing position or find the participant entrance described by the organizer.
Good to know
- The parade begins at 7pm on Saturday, October 31.
- Spectators may watch without a costume, but public participants must be in costume.
- The 2026 parade theme is Body & Soul.
Common questions
When does the parade begin?
The 2026 parade begins at 7pm on Saturday, October 31.
Where does the parade take place?
The procession runs on Sixth Avenue through Greenwich Village.
Can members of the public join the parade?
Yes. The official parade says members of the public may join if they are wearing a costume.
Does it cost anything to watch?
Public viewing along the parade route is free, while optional special-access products are separate.