New York City's Village Halloween Parade is set to kick off on Friday night, embracing its signature "It's a Potluck" theme this year. The parade, now in its 52nd year, promises to bring together an eclectic mix of attendees, with the grand marshal being food rescue organization City Harvest.
With a reported extra-large crowd last year and an anticipated increase this time around, the NYPD has pledged increased security measures, including more officers on-site and throughout the city. Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera emphasized that while crowds may be larger than usual due to the Thanksgiving weekend following, safety will be top priority.
Viewers seeking a less-crowded alternative can catch the parade live on NY1 at 8 p.m., offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the event.
For those who wish to participate in the march, tickets are available starting at $125 for "skip the line entry" that grants access to a secret backstage entrance and band lineup area. Participants should arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. The parade itself begins at 6:30 p.m., with spectators encouraged to get there earlier due to anticipated crowd sizes.
The event's official theme is aimed at fostering community and connection, rather than division, by embracing the act of sharing food – a universal language that can bridge even the most disparate groups.
City Harvest's selection as grand marshal highlights the organization's efforts in collecting and distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need each year. As some federal food benefit programs face expiration due to government shutdowns, City Harvest anticipates delivering over 86 million pounds of food this year.
The parade's finale will conclude at 11 p.m., but the celebration continues with an afterparty, the "Vampire Ball," hosted by House of Yes in Industry City, Brooklyn. A $5,000 prize will be awarded to the person with the best costume.
Meanwhile, expect significant traffic and road closures around downtown areas, including Sixth Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street, as well as other key streets along the parade route.
With a reported extra-large crowd last year and an anticipated increase this time around, the NYPD has pledged increased security measures, including more officers on-site and throughout the city. Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera emphasized that while crowds may be larger than usual due to the Thanksgiving weekend following, safety will be top priority.
Viewers seeking a less-crowded alternative can catch the parade live on NY1 at 8 p.m., offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the event.
For those who wish to participate in the march, tickets are available starting at $125 for "skip the line entry" that grants access to a secret backstage entrance and band lineup area. Participants should arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. The parade itself begins at 6:30 p.m., with spectators encouraged to get there earlier due to anticipated crowd sizes.
The event's official theme is aimed at fostering community and connection, rather than division, by embracing the act of sharing food – a universal language that can bridge even the most disparate groups.
City Harvest's selection as grand marshal highlights the organization's efforts in collecting and distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need each year. As some federal food benefit programs face expiration due to government shutdowns, City Harvest anticipates delivering over 86 million pounds of food this year.
The parade's finale will conclude at 11 p.m., but the celebration continues with an afterparty, the "Vampire Ball," hosted by House of Yes in Industry City, Brooklyn. A $5,000 prize will be awarded to the person with the best costume.
Meanwhile, expect significant traffic and road closures around downtown areas, including Sixth Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street, as well as other key streets along the parade route.
. Traffic and road closures are just what we need on top of Thanksgiving weekend chaos 
. Plus, $5k for the best costume? That's just rubbing salt in the wound 
. And to make matters worse, some federal food benefit programs are expiring... like who even knows when they'll get their next meal? 
Food insecurity is a real problem and it feels like no one's taking it seriously 
. On the bright side, I guess City Harvest will be collecting all that food for those in need, so maybe we can feel slightly better about the state of affairs... but hard to shake off this bad vibe 
, can't they just chill for one night? NYPD is overcompensating as per usual... extra security measures are just going to slow down everyone else in line 
. I'm so done with the $125 "skip the line" entry fee, it's highway robbery 
. And honestly, who thought it was a good idea to limit access to a secret backstage area? It's like they want to keep people from experiencing the magic of the parade 
. Can't we just have one night where everyone can let loose and enjoy each other's company without all the hassle and stress? 
... on the other hand, $125 for skip-the-line entry is a bit steep, don't you think? 
... unless it's actually gonna be super lit 
. I mean, 86 million pounds of food delivered by City Harvest? That's amazing, but also kinda overwhelming 
! The whole "It's a Potluck" theme is genius – who doesn't love food? I mean, it's literally a universal language, right? 
But seriously, it's so cool to see all these different people coming together like that. And City Harvest as the grand marshal is amazing – they do such great work feeding the community. 
. I might just have to stick around and watch it on TV instead. Either way, I'm sure it'll be lit! 
- it's all about embracing the eclectic and having fun with food, costumes, and community 
i love that the grand marshal is city harvest, they're doing some amazing work feeding people in need 
and yeah, safety first is important, but who doesn't want to let loose and celebrate on a friday night? especially when there's a $5k prize for best costume 
. The idea of a potluck theme where everyone brings their own dish to share is just so cool! it's like one big global dinner party 
. anyway, I'm a bit worried about the crowds and traffic, but I'm sure NYPD has everything under control 
. who knows, maybe it'll be a record-breaking year for the parade? 
calendar! I love how they bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate food and community 
The parade itself seems like it's going to be lit 
. And of course, I'm curious to see what everyone comes up with for the Vampire Ball 
!
They need to work out the logistics for those crowds, fam! I mean, I get it, food is a universal language and all that jazz 
They need to find ways to make it more accessible for everyone.
I'm a bit worried about the crowds this year though, I hope everyone stays safe. 6k$ tickets to skip the line entry seems kinda steep tho 
. The increased security measures are a prudent response to anticipated crowd sizes, and the NYPD's prioritization of safety is a testament to their commitment to maintaining public order 
. I mean, who needs crowds of thousands and crazy traffic when you can have a smaller, less expensive alternative to watch it on TV? 
The extra security measures are just going to add to the overall stress and anxiety of trying to get into the parade. And $125 for "skip the line entry"? What's next, $500 for a guaranteed spot in the back of the crowd? 
. And I love the idea of embracing the "It's a Potluck" theme, who doesn't love food and community? 
. And let's be real, traffic and road closures are going to make it a nightmare to get around downtown 
I'm so down for a "Potluck" themed Halloween Parade in NYC this year! It's like, who doesn't love food, right? 
this year's Village Halloween Parade is going to be EPIC!!! 
And City Harvest as the grand marshal?