Everything you need to know about the 2018 Village Halloween Parade

It's almost time for the 45th annual Halloween Parade

In a few weeks, the 45th annual Village Halloween Parade will once again fill the streets of Manhattan with costumed characters. This year, the theme is "I AM Robot" and you can head over to the parade's website for an explanation on what that means. Parade organizers have tapped "extreme costumer" Machine Dazzle to serve as grand marshal and this year, the parade will offer a VIP section where you can hang out with the grand marshall, provided you're willing to pay $25.

The organizers expect as many as 60,000 marchers in the parade, and more than a million people typically gather to watch the festivities—which means the area around Sixth Avenue becomes a raging party or a congested nightmare, depending on your feelings about Halloween.

So whether you're already putting the finishing touches on your costume or would rather stay as far away from the dressed-up hordes as possible, here's what you need to know.

When is the Village Halloween Parade?

It happens on Halloween itself—Wednesday, October 31, beginning at 7 p.m.

Where is the Village Halloween Parade?

The route travels along Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street.

How do I get to the Village Halloween Parade?

The subway is your best bet; some of the busiest MTA stations (including West 4th Street and 14th Street) are part of the parade route. The MTA will announce any changes to lines or stations along the parade route closer to the date.

How do I join the Village Halloween Parade?

Marchers line up on Sixth Avenue and Canal Streets at 6:30 p.m. The qualifications for participation are simple: all you really need to do is wear a costume and make your way to the starting point between 6:30 and 9 p.m.

And take note: There is a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol so showing up drunk is a big no-no.

What streets will be closed during the parade?

The city hasn't put out it's official list of street closures yet, but we suspect it hasn't changed too much from last year. Expect Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 16th Street to be closed, along with neighborhood streets to see disrupted traffic patterns.

As the date draws closer, the city will put out its official list of street closures.

How do I avoid it?

That's simple: Just don't go to Greenwich Village that evening.

• 45th Annual Village Halloween Parade [Official]