Dancing in the NYC Village Halloween Parade since 2004
Next Halloween is Saturday, October 31, 2026
Registration opens October 1, 2026 at noon
Check back in September to see rehearsal dates.
Thriller NYC is NOT a one-night event. You must be available for all rehearsals to register as a dancer!
“Ride the Float” means not dancing with Thriller. It is a fun, other way to join us at the parade.
Schedule for 2026
Indoor Rehearsal
Check back!
Required for new zombies.
Location is announced to registered dancers only.
Outdoor Rehearsal
Check back!
Required for ALL zombies.
Location is announced to registered dancers and bouncers.
‘Cause this is Thriller…
Since 2004, we have celebrated our combined love of gore and Michael Jackson by performing the infamous Thriller dance in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. Zombies in Thriller NYC are between 15 and a million years old, and our dance experience ranges from novice to professional. We eat brains, grrrrrrrrrowl and bite, but most importantly, we boogie.
We are a group from all kinds of graveyards who come together to create a joyful event and build community. Limited spots available…we have to restrict our group size to preserve the experience each year.
Learn the Dance
After a year clamouring in our coffins, we are pretty stiff. Time to practice our version of the dance so we don’t fall apart out there.
Zombie Bouncers
Have you been decaying too long and don't think you can hobble fast enough for the dance? We have a limited number of zombie bouncer positions available.
Our living spectators often get so excited by our group that they want to join in. We don't want them distracting our zombies with their delicious brains, so it will be up to you to keep them at bay. If you are interested in becoming a zombie bouncer, contact bouncer@thrillernyc.com.
Zombie Bouncers must be available for the Outdoor rehearsal date!
"Thriller is an iconic song and cultural phenomenon that lights people up worldwide. ThrillerNYC embodies that unity, bringing people together through the power of dance."
-Jorge E. 10+ years Zombie
Frequently Asked Questions of Zombies
When does registration open?
Registration opens on October 1st at noon every year. It sells out VERY quickly.
Is there an age restriction?
You must be 15 years old to join (under 18 accompanied by an adult).
I am going to be out of town. Can I skip rehearsal?
No, all new zombies are required to attend both rehearsals even if you know the dance. We have our own version to learn and we need to learn it together. If you are not available for the entire experience together, please consider leaving the ticket for someone who is… so many people want to join us!
What does my ticket price cover?
We sell “tickets” as a way to register, but this is really your share of the total cost of running Thriller NYC each year: rehearsal spaces, float rental, DJ services, afterparty, etc.
When is the parade?
The NYC Village Halloween Parade is ON Halloween, October 31st, every year in the evening.
Why are there two rehearsals?
At “Indoor Rehearsal” we teach the dance routine.
At “Outdoor Rehearsal” we practice moving forward and coordinating as a group. BOTH rehearsals are REQUIRED for new participants. Thriller NYC is a community project to join…it is not a single-night event.
Is my ticket confirmed? Do I need to bring a receipt?
We keep track of who has joined us through a “roster” system, so there is no physical ticket. You should have received a confirmation if your paid registration went through.
Can I get a ticket for my friend?
During the sale on October 1st, you can purchase/register 2 tickets maximum. If you buy a ticket for someone, we will be in touch to complete a waiver and confirm their name and contact. Feel free to join on your own! Zombies are incredibly friendly (no joke!)…
Who does your make up?
Every zombie does their own makeup. We have tutorials and demonstrations at out rehearsals where you can learn about supplies and techniques.
Are costumes provided?
No, you make or purchase your own costume. It can be simple or elaborate. The only restrictions are: You must be a type of zombie, and you cannot be Michael Jackson-zombie (we only have one of those).