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Every October 31, the quiet brownstone streets of Park Slope transform into a world of glowing pumpkins, creative costumes, and joyful chaos.
The Park Slope Halloween Parade is one of New York’s most cherished community events, known for its family-friendly energy and local charm.
In 2025, the parade will take place on Friday, October 31, filling 7th Avenue with thousands of costumed families, musicians, and floats. It’s not just a walk it’s a celebration of creativity that defines Brooklyn’s Halloween spirit.
Park Slope Halloween Parade 2025
| Event | Park Slope Halloween Parade 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date & Day | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Time | Line-up starts 5:30 PM • Parade begins 6 PM • Ends around 8:30 PM |
| Starting Point | 7th Avenue & 14th Street, Brooklyn |
| Route | 7th Avenue to 3rd Street → Ends at Old Stone House (JJ Byrne Park) |
| Organized By | Park Slope Civic Council |
| Entry Fee | Free for all participants and viewers |
| Crowd Size (Est.) | ~30,000 spectators & participants |
| Main Attractions | Marching bands, giant puppets, local schools, community floats |
| Theme for 2025 | “Legends of Brooklyn & Beyond” |
History and Origins of the Parade
The Park Slope Halloween Parade began in 1986 as a small neighborhood gathering organized by local parents who wanted a safe way for children to enjoy Halloween.
What started with a handful of kids and homemade costumes has now grown into one of New York City’s most beloved annual parades.
The Park Slope Civic Council, a volunteer-driven community group, still manages the event with help from local schools and volunteers.
Over the years, it has become more than just a parade it’s a local tradition that brings neighbors together, strengthens community bonds, and keeps the spirit of creativity alive.
Every year, the event adds new elements larger puppets, themed performances, and more live music but its essence remains the same: a fun, family-friendly Halloween celebration that belongs to everyone in Brooklyn.
Date, Time & Location Details
The 2025 Park Slope Halloween Parade is set for Friday, October 31, following its long-standing evening schedule.
Participants will begin gathering at 7th Avenue and 14th Street around 5:30 PM. The official start time is 6 PM, and the parade winds its way down 7th Avenue until it turns at 3rd Street, finishing near the Old Stone House (JJ Byrne Park).
The route is short enough for families with small children yet long enough to feel festive. Along the way, you’ll find neighborhood bands, costumed dogs, and even local schools showing off their group themes.
For the best views, it’s smart to grab a spot near 7th Avenue and 9th Street, where the lighting and crowd energy are at their peak. The end area at Old Stone House hosts live music and post-parade performances.
How to Participate in the 2025 Parade
One of the best parts of this event is that anyone can join you don’t need to be part of an organization or have an official costume group. Families, schools, and local clubs all walk together.
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If you’re planning to march, arrive early around 5 PM and check in at the line-up zone near 14th Street. The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring creativity and enthusiasm. Large groups or floats may need to coordinate ahead of time through the Park Slope Civic Council’s sign-up form.
There are also volunteer spots available for those who’d rather help manage crowds, guide participants, or assist with cleanup. It’s a fun way to experience the event from the inside and give back to the community.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
If you’re just there to enjoy the show, good news there’s no ticket needed and plenty of space along 7th Avenue.
Top viewing zones:
- 7th Ave & 9th Street: Lively area with great visibility and close to subway exits.
- Between 4th & 5th Street: Quieter stretch, ideal for families with young kids.
- Old Stone House (JJ Byrne Park): Perfect for catching finale performances.
Arrive by 5:15 PM to secure a comfortable viewing spot. Bring a small folding chair or blanket if you plan to stay until the end.
Brooklyn’s October evenings can be chilly, so layer up and keep some hot cider handy because it’s Halloween, and comfort is part of the fun.
Costumes and Themes to Expect
Each year, the parade features a new theme that ties together the creativity of the crowd. For 2025, the theme is “Legends of Brooklyn & Beyond,” celebrating both local folklore and mythical creatures from around the world.
You’ll see everything from friendly dragons and wizards to historic Brooklyn icons reimagined in glitter and fabric. Many families coordinate matching costumes, and pets often join in the fun with mini capes and pumpkin collars.
There’s also a costume showcase at the end of the route where the most creative participants get recognized by the organizers. If you want to stand out, think handmade, colorful, and imaginative store-bought costumes rarely win hearts here.
Other Top Halloween Parades in the U.S. for 2025
While Park Slope may have that cozy neighborhood vibe, other American cities know how to throw Halloween parties of epic scale. Each parade has its own charm, crowd, and character. Let’s check out some of the most popular ones happening across the country in 2025.
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Village Halloween Parade – New York City
The Village Halloween Parade in Manhattan is the largest Halloween procession in the world. Every October 31, more than 50,000 costumed participants and around two million spectators flood Sixth Avenue for this wild, creative celebration.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, October 31, 2025 • 7 PM – 11 PM |
| Starting Point | Canal Street & Sixth Avenue |
| Route | Up Sixth Avenue to 16th Street |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Theme (2025) | “Monsters Among Us” |
| Highlights | Giant puppets, live bands, dancers, and light shows |
This parade is known for its artistic chaos. Anyone wearing a costume can join no registration required. Just line up early at Canal Street by 6:30 PM and prepare to march through Manhattan in a sea of creativity.
Chicago’s “Arts in the Dark” Parade
Chicago mixes Halloween and art in a spectacular way. The Arts in the Dark Parade showcases illuminated floats, musicians, and performers along Columbus Drive. It’s a family-friendly event that doubles as a moving art exhibit.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, October 25, 2025 • 6 PM – 8 PM |
| Route | Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe |
| Organized By | LUMA8 & City of Chicago |
| Admission | Free |
| Best Viewing Spot | Buckingham Fountain area |
| Highlights | Light puppets, dancers, interactive art floats |
This parade celebrates inclusivity and creativity. Locals love how it blends Chicago’s artistic soul with Halloween fun all without feeling overcrowded.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
On the West Coast, Los Angeles turns Santa Monica Boulevard into a massive open-air costume party known as the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. Think music, fashion, and pure energy.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Thursday, October 30, 2025 • 6 PM – Midnight |
| Location | Santa Monica Blvd between Doheny & La Cienega |
| Admission | Free |
| Crowd Size | Over 500,000 attendees |
| Main Attractions | Live stages, DJ sets, costume competitions |
It’s not your average parade it’s a full-blown street festival. Expect bright lights, celebrity sightings, and unforgettable costumes. Definitely not the quiet neighborhood vibe you’ll find in Park Slope, but worth experiencing once.
San Francisco Castro Halloween Festival
San Francisco’s Castro District has always celebrated diversity, and its Halloween Festival is a reflection of that spirit. The event focuses on community, creativity, and inclusion.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, October 31, 2025 • 5 PM – 10 PM |
| Location | Castro & Market Streets |
| Theme | “City of Costumes” |
| Highlights | Costume showcases, food vendors, live music |
| Admission | Free |
Families visit earlier in the evening, while adults enjoy live performances and costume competitions later on.
Salem Haunted Happenings Parade – Massachusetts
No list of Halloween events is complete without Salem the unofficial Halloween capital of America. The Haunted Happenings Parade opens the city’s month-long festival.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Thursday, October 2, 2025 • 6:30 PM |
| Route | Shetland Park to Salem Common |
| Organized By | Salem Chamber of Commerce |
| Duration | About 2 hours |
| Theme | “Magic & Myth” |
This parade feels straight out of a storybook witches, mythical creatures, and school bands line the streets. Perfect for those who love a mix of history and fantasy.
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Travel and Accommodation Tips
If you’re visiting Brooklyn or planning a Halloween road trip, here are a few practical travel pointers.
For Park Slope Visitors:
- Nearest Subway: F, G, or R lines to 7th Avenue.
- From Manhattan: Take the Q train to 7th Ave Station and walk south.
- Driving Note: Parking is limited. It’s better to use public transport or ride-shares.
Hotels Near Park Slope Route:
Hotels in the Downtown Brooklyn and Prospect Park area offer the best access. Prices rise during Halloween week, so booking early saves money and stress.
If you plan to attend other city parades, major airport hubs include JFK (New York), ORD (Chicago), LAX (Los Angeles), and BOS (Boston) making a multi-city Halloween tour surprisingly doable.
Food and Local Experiences
Halloween in Brooklyn isn’t just about costumes it’s also a feast for food lovers.
Near the parade route, bakeries offer themed cupcakes, pumpkin cookies, and apple cider donuts. Local cafés often create special “witch’s brew” drinks or pumpkin lattes for the night.
For a quick bite before or after the parade, 7th Avenue has casual pizza shops, burger spots, and family-friendly restaurants. Many extend hours on Halloween night to handle the parade crowd.
If you want to keep the fun going, nearby Prospect Park West hosts small community events and live music into the evening. These gatherings are great for families who prefer a relaxed ending instead of the Manhattan rush.
Best Cities for a Halloween Road Trip 2025
If you’re serious about Halloween travel, here’s a quick reference table summarizing the top U.S. parades so you can plan your trip smartly.
| City | Parade Name | Date | Time | Route / Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn, NY | Park Slope Halloween Parade | Oct 31 | 6 PM – 8:30 PM | 7th Ave to 3rd St |
| Manhattan, NY | Village Halloween Parade | Oct 31 | 7 PM – 11 PM | Sixth Ave from Canal to 16th St |
| Chicago, IL | Arts in the Dark Parade | Oct 25 | 6 PM – 8 PM | Columbus Dr (Balbo to Monroe) |
| Los Angeles, CA | West Hollywood Carnaval | Oct 30 | 6 PM – Midnight | Santa Monica Blvd |
| Salem, MA | Haunted Happenings Parade | Oct 2 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Shetland Park to Salem Common |
This overview keeps everything clear and helps travelers organize an unforgettable Halloween season whether they stay local or go coast to coast.
Why Park Slope Still Stands Out
Even with so many parades across the U.S., the Park Slope Halloween Parade keeps its own identity. It’s safe, inclusive, and designed for families.
There are no barricades or overwhelming crowds just kids laughing, neighbors chatting, and parents proudly snapping photos.
That mix of safety, creativity, and local warmth makes it one of the best Halloween parades in America, even among bigger names.
Safety Rules and Family Guidelines
Halloween parades bring excitement, but a little preparation makes all the difference. The Park Slope Halloween Parade 2025 is known for being safe and community-oriented, yet there are still a few guidelines worth keeping in mind.
General Safety Tips
- Keep young children close, especially near intersections and large crowds.
- Avoid costumes with sharp props or long fabrics that might cause tripping.
- Bring a small flashlight or glow stick it keeps you visible and adds to the Halloween look.
- Follow NYPD and volunteer marshals’ directions along the route.
The event prohibits weapons, alcohol, and loud fireworks. Even toy guns or realistic props aren’t allowed, for everyone’s peace of mind. Pets are welcome if leashed and calm, but the noise and crowd may be stressful for them.
For Families
The first hour (6 PM to 7 PM) is best for families with younger kids. The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming.
If you plan to trick-or-treat, head out early in nearby streets before joining the parade lineup most local businesses on 7th Avenue hand out candy from 3 PM onwards.
Photography and Social Media Tips
The Park Slope Halloween Parade is one of the most photogenic Halloween events in the country. With colorful lights, costumed kids, and fall leaves lining brownstone streets, every moment looks like a postcard.
Best Times for Photos
- 5:30 PM to 6 PM: Golden light before sunset perfect for costume photos.
- 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Parade in full motion, ambient streetlights, and glowing pumpkins.
- 8 PM: The finale near the Old Stone House with music and performances.
Photography Tips
- Use your phone’s “night mode” to capture warm tones without flash.
- Avoid standing too close to floats or performers you’ll get better composition from a short distance.
- Respect others’ privacy; ask permission before photographing kids who aren’t part of your group.
Social Media Tips
- Use hashtags like #ParkSlopeHalloweenParade, #BrooklynHalloween, and #SpoooklyHalloween2025.
- Tag community accounts or local pages to share your shots.
- Avoid posting exact locations of children for safety reasons.
These small touches make your posts authentic, family-friendly, and widely shareable helping others experience the fun through your lens.
Entertainment and Parade Highlights
The Park Slope Halloween Parade isn’t just a walk it’s a full community festival.
Expect marching bands, local schools showcasing themed floats, and dancers keeping the energy high along the route.
Key Highlights for 2025
- Giant Puppets: Handcrafted by local artists, these towering figures lead the parade.
- Live Music: Jazz, drums, and school bands add rhythm to the night.
- Neighborhood Groups: From toddlers in strollers to senior performers, everyone joins.
- Post-Parade Party: Ends at the Old Stone House with music, costume recognition, and family fun.
The event captures Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat showing that you don’t need a massive budget or flashy effects to create something truly memorable.
Tips for the Best Parade Experience
Here are a few tried-and-true ways to make your Halloween parade experience even better:
- Plan early. Get your costumes ready at least a week before nothing’s worse than last-minute glue mishaps.
- Carry essentials. Water, a phone charger, and small snacks keep everyone happy.
- Stay layered. Brooklyn nights can turn cold quickly, especially for kids in thin costumes.
- Coordinate with friends. Group costumes get more attention and are easier to spot in the crowd.
- Leave time for cleanup. Volunteers appreciate when visitors help keep the streets tidy.
These little habits make you part of what makes Park Slope’s parade special a clean, caring, and creative community.
Conclusion
After exploring dozens of Halloween parades across the country, the Park Slope Halloween Parade 2025 still holds its own as one of the most heartwarming events of the season.
It’s not about massive floats or celebrity performances it’s about neighbors celebrating together, kids showing off hand-made costumes, and families enjoying a safe night filled with laughter.
If you’re looking for a parade that blends tradition, creativity, and a true community feel, Park Slope should top your Halloween list. It’s the kind of event that reminds us why local traditions still matter and why Brooklyn continues to shine every October.
So mark your calendar, prep your costume, and get ready to celebrate Halloween the Brooklyn way one smile, one pumpkin, and one unforgettable parade at a time.
FAQs
Yes, it’s completely free for both participants and spectators. The Civic Council funds it through donations and community sponsors.
No official registration is needed unless you’re a large organized group or float entry. Just show up in costume at the lineup area near 14th Street around 5:30 PM.
If you’re walking, aim for 5 PM. For viewers, arriving by 5:15 PM ensures good spots along 7th Avenue.
Leashed, calm pets are allowed but must be crowd-friendly. Some participants even dress their dogs up for the “best pet costume” nod at the finish line.
No. It’s a family-friendly event, and alcohol or glass bottles are not permitted on the route.
Street parking is limited and fills quickly. Public transport (F, G, R trains) is the easiest and most reliable option.
The parade continues drizzle or shine unless there’s extreme weather. Bring ponchos costumes often look even better in misty weather.
Portable restrooms are available at the start and end points. Food trucks and local cafés on 7th Avenue stay open late with Halloween specials.
Roughly two hours, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM, with post-events lasting until around 9 PM.
The Park Slope Civic Council, supported by local volunteers and community sponsors.