Event · West Village
In Greenwich Village, NYC: The 53rd Village Halloween Parade Marches Saturday, Led by Firehorse Puppets
The 53rd Village Halloween Parade steps off Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7 pm. Themed "Body & Soul," it is led by Basil Twist's Firehorse puppets, with Joey Arias as Grand Marshal. NY1 broadcasts live at 8 pm.
By NBT Editors · 2026-10-29
Area
New York's Village Halloween Parade turns 53 this year, stepping off Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm. It runs rain, shine or wind. Anyone can watch from the sidelines, and everyone in costume is welcome to join the march. Tickets for special access and skip-the-line entry are on sale.
The 2026 theme is "Body & Soul." Leading the way is Firehorse, a new performance marking the Year of the Horse. The puppet was commissioned from Basil Twist, the MacArthur "Genius" and master puppeteer. Performance artist Julie Atlas Muz choreographed it, and Barbara Busackino of Tandem Otter Productions produced it. The dancing Firehorses will clear a path for the thousands of costumed marchers who follow.
Joey Arias is this year's Grand Marshal. The downtown icon is a cabaret singer, jazz vocalist, drag performer and cult film star, and he is currently appearing in Arias with a Twist at HERE Theater. Artist Richard M. Prouse painted the banner that serves as the backdrop of his float.
If you can't be on the street, Spectrum News NY1 broadcasts the parade live at 8 pm.
The official parties, billed as The Vampire Ball, run two nights, Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, at Industry City in Brooklyn. Doors open at 9 pm and the music continues until 5 am. The events are for guests 21 and older. They work as a warm-up before the parade or an afterparty once it ends.
Village Halloween Parade, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. It is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and it accepts tax-deductible donations.
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