Village Halloween Parade 2018: Route, Start Time, Street Closures

WEST VILLAGE, NY — Sixth Avenue will transform into a runway for costumed characters Wednesday night for the 45th annual Village Halloween Parade.

This year's theme, "I AM a robot," centers on humanity's relationship with machines and encourages revelers to don automaton-inspired costumes. The parade's grand marshal, costume designer Machine Dazzle, will lead a VIP section dressed exclusively as robots — for those willing to pay $25.

The theme was born out of parade organizers' ruminations on the future of robotics.

"Our idea was looking at robots as being things that we create that are supposed to be better, faster, smarter than we are — that are an idealized version of our selves," said Jeanne Fleming, the parade's artistic and producing director.

"And if we created robots as our idealized selves, what would they create as their idealized selves?"

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Intricate robot puppets made out of tubing, foam core and "fairy lights" will perform a choreographed dance and come together to create a chrysalis — representing what Fleming sees as the robots return to nature. From there, the puppets' robotic, jerky actions turn to fluid movements as they transcend to "a new version of themselves."

The parade also includes hundreds of dancers and puppets, 35 musical acts and artist creations — including one family who is using their cherry-red Tesla to recreate the famed image of an astronaut in Elon Musk's Telsa floating through space, according to Fleming.

Organizers expect up to 60,000 marchers in this year's parade, and more than a million to flock to the West Village for the festivities.

Here's everything you need to know about the event:

When is the parade?

The procession happens on Halloween itself on Wednesday, Oct. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Marchers line up on Sixth Avenue and Canal Street at 6:30 p.m. Weather for the evening is expected to hover around a pleasant 60 degrees.

What is the parade route?

Costumed revelers will travel north along Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street.

How do I join the parade?

All are welcome to join the parade free of charge with one caveat: Marchers must wear a costume. Once you've donned your Halloween duds make your way to the starting point between 6:30-9 p.m. Note that you can only enter the parade from Sullivan, East Broome and Canal Streets. Those looking to skip the line to march can pay for the privilege with a donation to the Village Halloween Parade.

How do I get there?

The subway is your best option for the event, which easily attracts more than 1 million people. The MTA has put out a guide on the best subway routes to get there. Crowds will throng the area so give yourself plenty of travel time. If you're meeting up with fellow monsters, parade organizers recommend that you gather a few blocks away rather than trying to the find one-another in the chaotic lineup.

Note that several bus lines may be rerouted to accommodate the parade including the M1, M2, M3, M7, M8, M14A/D, M20, M21, M55, SIM1c, SIM3c, SIM4c, SIM7, SIM9 and SIM33.

What streets will be closed?

The NYPD has shuttered the following streets from 7-11 p.m.:

• 6th Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street
• Dominick Street between Varick Street and 6th Avenue
• Sullivan Street between Broome Street and Spring Street
• Broome Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
• Spring Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
• 16th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
• 17th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
• 18th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
• 10th Street between 6th Avenue and Greenwich Avenue
• Van Dam Street between Varick Street and 6th Avenue

What do I need to know about security?

This year's parade comes one year after a terrorist drove a truck along the Hudson River Greenway and mowed down those in his path — killing eight people. Thousands of police officers will monitor the parade and join revelers along the Sixth Avenue march. The NYPD asks that attendees remain alert of their surroundings and if they see something suspicious to immediately call 911.

How can I watch?

Non-costumed attendees are invited to watch the parade stroll by from anywhere along the route. NY1 will broadcast the event starting at 7 p.m., though you'll need a Time Warner account to tune into the feed.

Photo courtesy of Theo Wargo/Getty Images