Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation 2022: What To Know

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Massive creatures are growing to epic proportions on Central Park West. No, don't run for cover. Go watch.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins Wednesday with an annual Upper West Side event that draws crowds from all: the inflating of the balloons.

Here's everything you might want to know about the balloon blowup event and lineup of inflatables.

• The balloon inflation will take place from noon to 6 p.m.
• Spectators can ask to enter the queue at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
• Once screened, spectators will enter the inflation viewing area at West 72nd Street and Central Park West. The balloon viewing path winds around the American Museum of Natural History.
• Spectators will exit the viewing area at West 82nd Street and Central Park West.
• Large backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs and umbrellas are all prohibited from the area.

Street Closures On Wednesday Due To Inflation Event

At 6 a.m. West 81st Street and West 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue and Central Park West from West 72nd Street to West 86th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic.

At 8 a.m. West 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Additional vehicular traffic closures at noon are as follows:
•Central Park West from West 73rd to 85th Streets
•West 74th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 75th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 76th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 77th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 78th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 80th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 81st Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 82nd Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 83rd Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 84th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•West 85th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
•Central Park Transverse Road at Central Park West and West 81 St. (both directions)

After 10 p.m., West 81st Street and West 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue as well as Central Park West from West 59th Street to West 86th Street will be closed to all traffic.

Find out more about the parade here.