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There are only two things you need for a great Halloween: an awesome costume and enough candy to give you a completely worthwhile tummy ache. Well, make that three things—if you’re in New York City, you also need to go to the Village Halloween Parade.

Included in the book 100 Things to Do Before You Die, the parade is an experience, to say the least. Annually, more than 2 million people come out to watch thousands of participants decked out in All Hallows' Eve concoctions—only costumed revelers allowed—flood Sixth Avenue in a wild frenzy of color and creativity. Musical acts, dancers and circus performers join the lineup, along with skilled puppeteers who maneuver giant rod puppets up the avenue from Spring Street to West 21st Street. This year marks the parade’s 36th anniversary, and the theme—“Terra Incognita”—will definitely draw some impressive getups. Participants should gather on Sixth Avenue south of Spring Street and north of Canal Street between 6:30 and 8:30pm on October 31. The parade starts at 7pm, and whether you’re marching or just watching, the trip through the Village will be well worth it. A few quick pointers:

• Opt to take the subway instead of a car—it’s unlikely you’ll find a parking spot. Visit Trip Planner to find the best route for you.
• Head to the lineup gathering area from the south and east. Streets west of Sixth Avenue will be closed off.
• Move with the crowd up Sixth Avenue. For your safety, NYPD officers will stop you if you attempt to go south on Sixth.
• If you can’t make it to the Village, catch a live broadcast of the parade on cable television station NY1 starting at 8pm.

Now for the fun stuff:

Where to Find Your Duds
Feel free to interpret “Terra Incognita,” which celebrates ancient mariners exploring uncharted waters, however you like. Whether you go the classic route as explorer Christopher Columbus, sail the seas in a sexy sailor outfit or Jack Sparrow–esque getup or mystify as a sea creature or dragon, there are tons of spots to find a killer costume in NYC. In Manhattan, try Abracadabra Superstore, New York Costumes (Halloween Adventure), Spirit Halloween Superstore or Creative Costume Company. Head to Rubie’s Costume Co. in Queens or Havin’ a Party in Brooklyn. And in the Bronx, try Frank Bee Costume for a huge selection.

Where to Find Sweet Treats
No matter if you’re marching in the revelry or just watching it pass by, candy is a must-have for this quintessential NYC experience. From fancy little cakes to classic candy corn to childhood favorites like Jujyfruits and Razzles, there's no shortage of sweet spots in the City. For perfectly packaged delights, try Dylan’s Candy Bar in Midtown East. Treat the kids—or indulge your inner kid—with a trip to Hershey’s Times Square, or buy your Pixy Stix and wax lips in bulk at Economy Candy on the Lower East Side. Pick up fancy chocolates at Leonidas in Midtown East and Jacques Torres Chocolate in SoHo or DUMBO. In the East Village, check out Halloween specials and pristine tiny cakes at Black Hound New York. In Queens, get your rock candy and everything else at the Candy Depot, and in Staten Island, head to Ricky’s for rows of tasty goodies. No matter where you go, it'll be a sweet Halloween this year in NYC.