Halloween 2026: Nyack Halloween Parade — One of the Biggest Halloween Parades Near NYC

If your family loves Halloween but finds haunted houses too intense for little ones, the Nyack Halloween Parade is the answer. Now in its 37th year, this free parade takes over downtown Nyack on Saturday, October 24, 2026 — with elaborate floats, live music, costume contests for kids AND adults, and even a pet costume contest. Travel Channel once named it one of the Top 10 parades in the U.S., and it's only about half an hour from Bergen County.

 

📍 Place

Downtown Nyack — Main Street & Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960. The 37th annual parade steps off at 5:30 PM and runs to about 7:30–8:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026 (rain date: Sunday, October 25). Parade assembly begins at 3:00 PM in Memorial Park. Watching is free, and marching in costume is free too — no tickets needed. Expect creative floats, live music, family activities, competitive costume contests for kids and adults, float contests, and pet costume contests. Pro tip: arrive early — downtown Nyack fills up fast, and the best viewing spots along Main Street go quickly.

🚗 Drive Time

About 25–35 minutes from Tenafly, Fort Lee, or Palisades Park via I-87/I-287 across the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Budget extra time for parking — street parking near downtown is limited on parade day. Consider arriving by 4 PM to park, grab dinner, and claim a curb spot.

👶 What Kids Can Do

• March in the parade in their own costume — kids are welcome to join the march
• Enter the kids' costume contest (categories typically include cutest and most original)
• Watch the giant floats and wave at the performers
• Catch candy tossed along the route
• Spot the costumed dogs in the pet parade — a huge hit with toddlers
• Dance to the live music along Main Street

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Adults Can Do

• Enter the adult costume contest — Nyack goes ALL OUT on costumes
• Enjoy live music and street entertainment
• Photograph some of the most creative costumes in the Hudson Valley
• Grab dinner or drinks at a Main Street restaurant before the parade
• Browse Nyack's boutiques and bookshops while waiting for step-off

🍂 Seasonal Highlights

Late October is peak fall color along the Hudson — drive over in daylight to catch the foliage along the river, then stay for the parade. Many Nyack storefronts go all-out with Halloween decorations, so the whole village feels like a Halloween movie set. Pair it with a seasonal treat at a Main Street café.

🧭 Things to Do Nearby

• Memorial Park — Hudson River waterfront views; the parade assembles here from 3 PM
• Main Street, Nyack — boutiques, bookstores, and family-friendly restaurants
• Nyack's decorated homes and storefronts — the whole village dresses up for October

📷 Photo: Pexels (stock photo)