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The West Indian Day Parade is hands down one of the most lit parties held in New York City each year.
On Monday, September 2, thousands of people will march, eat and party along Eastern Parkway and the surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The parade is organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association to promote Caribbean culture, also celebrating the strong presence of Trinidadians, Haitians, Jamaicans and other West Indian communities in Crown Heights.
You're just as likely to spot colorful costumes from different Caribbean nations, though, as you are to run into headache-inducing traffic jams. Here's what you should anticipate.
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When does the West Indian Day Parade start?
The West Indian Day Parade will kick off at 11am on Monday, September 2. However, the pre-parade party J'ouvert, which is French for "daybreak," will begin as early as 6am at Grand Army Plaza on that same day.
What is the West Indian Day Parade's route?
The route moves along Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza for approximately two miles.
What streets will be closed during the West Indian Day Parade?
Many people will be driving back to the city on Monday following Labor Day weekend—so you can expect even more traffic than you previously thought you might encounter.
Here are all the street closures related to the upcoming West Indian Day Parade:
- Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
- Buffalo Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
- Rochester Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling Place
- Ralph Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
- East New York Avenue between Howard Avenue and Utica Avenue
- Eastern Parkway between Howard Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Washington Avenue between Sterling Place and Lincoln Road
- Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Caton Avenue
- Ocean Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Parkside Avenue
- Butler Place between Grand Army Plaza and Sterling Place
- St. Johns Place between Underhill Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Rockaway Parkway between East New York Avenue and Rutland Road
- Parkside Avenue between Park Circle and Flatbush Avenue
- Bedford Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
- Empire Boulevard between Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- Nostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Linden Boulevard
- Lincoln Place between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
If you're going to be taking public transportation, you should keep in mind that there are going to be disruptions on several subway lines, the LIRR and Metro North. Check the MTA's website for the latest details.