Location
- Oct 31 2024
- Expired!
Theater for the New City’s Annual Village Halloween Costume Ball Returns
Thursday, October 31, 2024
3:30 pm – Midnight
155 First Avenue in Lower Manhattan
This October 31st, Theater for the New City (TNC) will bring its community together once again for the annual Village Halloween Costume Ball, a long-standing East Village tradition. Held at 155 First Avenue in Manhattan, the festivities will begin with free outdoor attractions from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by indoor events from 7:00 PM to midnight with an entry fee of $20. The event promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and spooky fun, with costume contests, performances, ballroom dancing, and much more.
The outdoor portion of the event is free to the public and will feature performances by local theater groups and artists such as Bond Street Theater, Joe Bendik, and the Yip Harburg Rainbow Troupe. Kids will have the opportunity to showcase their costumes in a contest judged by local artists, with exciting prizes awarded. A standout feature of the outdoor festivities is The Red and Black Masque, a Medieval torchlight ritual piece performed with audience participation from 6:45 to 7:00 PM, just before the party moves inside.
Once indoors, attendees will enjoy an evening filled with performances and cabaret acts by over 30 artists and theater groups, including Austin Pendleton and Mimi Block. Aerial dancers from Constellation Moving Company will delight guests with a breathtaking performance, while live music will be provided by Art Lillard’s Heavenly Big Band and Mr. Pablo’s Latin Dance Band. With performances running until 11:00 PM, guests can also savor gourmet dishes at The Witch’s Cauldron café, with delicious meals offered for just $4.
Another highlight of the evening is the costume contest, where costumed guests will parade before a panel of celebrity judges. Prizes include a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne and a year’s free pass to TNC. Contest categories range from “Most Politically Relevant” to “Most Visionary.” The costume contest will take place from 11:00 PM to midnight, bringing a thrilling end to the night’s festivities.
The Village Halloween Costume Ball has been a beloved tradition since 1976 and has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of New York City’s most innovative performers. Originally the starting point for the Village Halloween Parade, the Ball has maintained its iconic status in New York’s artistic and cultural scene, drawing both locals and visitors for a night of spooky, creative fun.
For vintage Halloween lovers, this year’s event is not to be missed, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the East Village. Whether you come for the outdoor performances, the indoor cabaret, or simply to enjoy the vibrant community spirit, TNC’s Halloween Ball is guaranteed to be a memorable evening.