What you should know about the UWS event

By Gus Saltonstall

Before the iconic balloons and floats parade down Central Park West for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, they come to life on the Upper West Side on Wednesday.

Crowd favorites like Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, Smokey the Bear and the Pillsbury Doughboy are all inflated the day before the parade.

There are also 13 new balloons and floats in the 2024 parade: Minnie Mouse, Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby, Goku, Paw Patrol, Spider-Man, Candy Cosmos, Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest, Magic Meets the Seas, Pasta Knight, SpongeBob SquarePants Garriage, Wednesday Feat and the wondrous world of wildlife.

Here’s what you should know about the inflation event, which is free to the public to attend. You don’t need a ticket.

Time

• Wednesday, November 27th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m

Location

The inflation event will take place in front of the American Museum of Natural History on West 77th to 81st Streets between Columbus and Central Park West.

There is an ongoing construction project to install an elevator at the 81st Street B and C stations and Central Park West, but the MTA has been removing stage equipment from the corner in recent days. The materials are expected to return after the Thanksgiving parade.

Entrance and exit

All guests at the inflation event must pass through a secure checkpoint at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. As soon as you enter, you will be accompanied along the route by volunteers who will show you the right way.

The queue at the checkpoint entrance opens at 12:00 on Wednesday.

After viewing the balloons, visitors can exit the balloon along any block from West 82nd to 86th Streets.

More information

There are a number of items that are prohibited within viewing range of the inflation event, including umbrellas, backpacks, large bags, chairs, alcohol, drones and e-cigarettes.

The closest subway station to the entry point is the B and C stops at 72nd Street and Central Park West.

Here are the local Wednesday and Thursday road closures you should know about – HERE.

Finally, an illustration showing the course of the inflation event.

You can find out more about the inflation event HERE.

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