What to Expect on Halloween in New York City: Ready for Fun with NYC Halloween Guide
Halloween in New York City is on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Get ready for a full weekend of costumes, pumpkins and parades. Here is what to expect.
Halloween in everyday New York life
In New York, Halloween is not just one night. You feel it all over the city in October.
Neighborhoods dress up. Brownstone streets in places like the West Village and Park Slope fill with pumpkins, skeletons and fake spider webs.
Costumes are normal. You will see people in costume on the subway, in coffee shops and at work. Nobody stares.
Shops join in. Small stores and bodegas sell candy and decorations, and many shops give treats to kids.
Fall is in the air. Cool weather, colorful leaves in Central Park and pumpkin-flavored everything at local cafes.
Everyone is invited. You don't need a party invitation. Just put on a costume and walk outside.
The Village Halloween Parade
The biggest Halloween parade in the world starts at 7:00 PM on October 31. It goes up Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 15th Street. This year's theme is "Body & Soul."
It is free to watch, and anyone in costume can march. Arrive early and take the subway.
Where to go on Halloween Day (Saturday, October 31)
Industry City, Sunset Park, Brooklyn (12-4 PM): Free trick-or-treating at shops across the campus. Come in costume.
McGhoulrick Halloween, McGolrick Park, Greenpoint (from noon): Trick-or-treating, crafts, a costume parade and a dance party.
Dumboween, DUMBO, Brooklyn (3-6 PM): More than 60 small businesses hand out candy. Look for the pumpkin sign in the window.
Trick-or-Streets, all five boroughs: Car-free streets and plazas with games, music and candy. See the map at nyc.gov/trickorstreet.
Community gardens: Free trick-or-treating at places like Morris-Jumel Community Garden in Washington Heights and LIC Community Garden in Queens. See the NYC Parks calendar.
Village Halloween Parade, Sixth Avenue (7 PM): The big finale of the night (details above).
Adults 21+: Costume parties across Manhattan, such as the Halloween NYC events in SoHo and Chelsea (Eventbrite).
Times can change, so check each event before you go. Sources: Brooklyn Bridge Parents, 6sqft
Quick tips
Take the subway. Many streets close and parking is hard.
Bring a jacket. October nights are cool.
Keep your phone and wallet safe in big crowds.
Learn English in New York
Halloween is just one reason to love New York. At Bluedata International Institute, near Times Square, you learn English in class and use it every day in the city.
Contact us today to ask about our classes and the I-20 for F-1 students.
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