NYC Cannabis Parade 2018: Street Closures, Route, Speakers

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A 4-decade-old New York City tradition will continue Saturday when public officials and advocates supporting the legalization of marijuana hold 2018's NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally.

This year's parade and rally will begin in Midtown Manhattan and continue down Broadway to Union Square. Whether you plan to attend the parade or avoid it, Patch has you covered with everything you need to know.

Parade route:

Speakers and marchers in this year's NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally will begin to gather on the corner of West 32nd Street and Broadway around 11 a.m. After an hour-long rally, the march will get moving heading downtown on Broadway.

The march will begin at West 34th St and Herald Square and continue 20 blocks down Broadway to Union Square.

Street closures:

The main parade route and several streets around it will be closed off to vehicle traffic until about 5 p.m., according to the city Department of Transportation.

Here's a full list of closures.

Formation:

• Broadway between 32nd Street and 31st Street (East Curb Lane Only)

Route:

• Broadway between 31st Street and 17th Street (East Curb Lane Only)
• Broadway between 24th Street and 17th Street (West Curb Lane Only)
• Union Square West between 17th Street and 14th Street

Dispersal:

• Into Union Square Park

Rally speakers and entertainment:

The hour-long rally before the march will feature a number of speeches and live entertainment. Speakers will advocate for the legalization of marijuana, the end of racially-motivated drug arrests and improvements to New York State's medical marijuana industry.

More than 30 people are expected to speak at the rally. Some notable speakers include City Councilman Jumaane Williams, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and Aron Kay an original member of the Youth International Party of the 1960s.

Entertainers performing at the rally include Immortal Technique Chief Rocker Busy Bee and Lord Digga Da Highsmen.

Important reminder:

Using marijuana in public is still a violation of New York City laws.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images News/Getty Images