What to know about the UWS Happening

On By Littum

Ronald ready to go in 2022. Credit: Carol Tannenhauser.

By Gus Saltonstall

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

Crowd favorites like Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, Smokey the Bear and the Pillsbury Doughboy will all be 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 need to know about inflation eventwhich is free for the public to attend. You don’t need a ticket.

Time

  • Wednesday 27 November from 13:00 to 18:00

Location

The inflation event takes place outside the American Museum of Natural History from 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 and Central Park West B and C station, but the MTA removed staging equipment from the corner in recent days. The materials are expected to return after the Thanksgiving Parade.

The temporarily cleared corner on the south side of 81st Street and Central Park West. Credit: Carol Tannenhauser.

Entrance and exit

All guests to the inflation event must enter through a secure checkpoint at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. As you enter, there will be volunteers along the route to point you in the right direction.

The line to the checkpoint entrance opens at midday on Wednesday.

After viewing the balloons, people can then walk out on any block from West 82nd to 86th streets.

Other information

There are a number of items prohibited from the viewing area for inflation events, 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’s what to know about the local street closures on Wednesday and Thursday – HERE.

Finally, an illustration showing the inflation event route.

The route of inflationary events. Courtesy of Macy’s.

You can find out more about the inflation event — HERE.

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