Village Halloween Parade Announces 'Meow' Theme

The 51st Annual Village Halloween Parade in New York City will take place on October 31, with this year's theme being 'Meow,' a playful nod to the stereotype of 'childless cat ladies' made by Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Parade director Jeanne Fleming emphasized that the theme is intended to celebrate individuality and the hidden 'inner cat lady' in everyone, inviting participants to don their finest feline costumes. Tony Award-winning actor André De Shields will serve as the Grand Marshal, leading the festivities along Sixth Avenue. Attendees can join the parade by lining up at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. start, and while attendance is free, VIP tickets are available for better views. The event is expected to draw around 70,000 participants and over a million spectators, marking a significant occasion in NYC’s cultural calendar. An official after-party will include a costume contest with a $5,000 prize, adding to the excitement of this beloved Halloween tradition.