New York City Parades

What better city to experience a parade in than New York City, the world's melting pot of cultures and people. Find a parade of interest in our listings and don't miss this great NYC tradition. Also, see our listings for film festivals, arts & music festivals and other celebrations. 

Best New York City Parades

January

Chinese Lunar New Year Parade - Chinatown

1st full moon (Jan. or Feb.)
The N.Y. Lunar Parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people typically march in the parade, which starts at Mott Street, then follows East Broadway, Eldridge Street and Forsyth. After the parade, an outdoor cultural festival begins featuring performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists. Parade info: (212) 431-9740.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Parade - Manhattan

3rd Monday in January
Celebrating Dr. King's contribution to civil rights, the parade runs along 5th Avenue at the southern half of Central Park. This parade also pays tribute to African-Americans who have served in the US military. Parade Info: (212) 374-5176. 

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Three Kings Day Parade

For nearly 40 years, El Museo has hosted the Three Kings Day Parade. School groups, community members, local businesses, and families are encouraged to participate. This parade features live camels, colorful puppets, parrandas, music and dancing, followed by live music at El Museo del Barrio. This parade typically begins at 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue.

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March

Greek Independence Day Parade - Manhattan

Late March
NYC's Greek Independence Day Parade is more than a single day event, but a full month's worth of fun and festivities.The parade runs along 5th Avenue from 64th to 79th Streets. Other festival events include church services followed by breakfast, dinner events and more. Parade Info: (718) 204-6500.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade - Manhattan

March 17
The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the city's greatest traditions. On this day, everyone is Irish in the Big Apple! The Parade marched for the first time on March 17, 1762 - fourteen Years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence and today it is the largest parade in the world. The parade starts at 44th Street and heads up 5th Avenue to 79th Street. The parade consists 150,000 - 250,000 marchers, along with great bands, bagpipes and politicians. This is a parade without floats or cars. NOTE: If March 17 falls on a Sunday, the parade is held on Saturday the 16th. Parade Info: (212) 484-1222.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade - Long Island

Throughout March
Long Island hosts a number of St. Patrick's parades in March, featuring bands, Irish dancers, Scout troups, fire departments and more. Check the website for up-to-date details. More Info: (631) 475-9400.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade - Brooklyn - Brooklyn

Weekend near St. Patrick's Day
The Brooklyn Irish American Parade Committee was formed in 1975. The aim of the Parade is to honor the patron of Ireland, St. Patrick, to remember the Battle of Brooklyn and to pay tribute to the Irish for their many significant and historic contributions to Brooklyn, New York and the United States. There is a pre-parade mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church (245 Prospect Park West). The parade route runs from 15th Street & Prospect Park West, along 15th Street, then 7th Avenue, Garfield Place and back down Prospect Park West. Contact: brooklynstpatricksparade@gmail.com .

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April

Easter Parade - Manhattan

Easter Sunday
From Central Park down to Rockefeller Center on 50th Street, New Yorkers dress up in outrageous Easter bonnets. There's also an Eggstravaganza, a children's festival including an egg-rolling contest on the Great Lawn in Central Park.

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National Tartan Day Parade - Manhattan

In 1998 the U.S. Senate declared April 6 to be National Tartan Day to recognize the contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States and a small parade was held the following year. Since then, this annual parade has grown to include hundreds of pipers, thousands of marchers, dancers and many more thousands cheering from the sidelines, all a part of a week-long celebration. The parade route runs along 6th Avenue from 44th Street to 55th Street.

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Persian Parade - Manhattan

Persian New Year - mid April
Persian Parade is an annual New York City parade founded in 2004 by a group of Persian American immigrants who wanted to keep the Persian culture and traditions of their homeland alive. The New York Persian Parade is staged in the middle of the traditional two-week period of celebration for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The parade route runs along Madison Avenue, approximately 38th Street to 27th Street. Parade Info: (877) PARADE1.

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May

Celebrate Israel Parade - Manhattan

Late May/Early June
In 1965, thousands walked down Riverside Drive in support of the young State of Israel. This impromptu walk evolved into the Salute to Israel Parade, now known as the Celebrate Israel Parade, on Fifth Avenue. The Parade features over 30,000 marchers from many organizations. Hundreds of thousands enthusiastic spectators watch American and Israeli community leaders and dignitaries, entertainers, artists, musicians, dancers, celebrities, floats and marching bands. The parade route is along 5th Avenue, from 57th Street to 74th Street. Parade Info: (212) 983-4800.

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Cinco de Mayo Parade - Manhattan

Sunday near May 5
The Cinco de Mayo Parade is an amazing celebration of music, dance and culture of the Mexico. The parade route runs along Central Park West from 97th Street to 106th Street.

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Kings County Memorial Day Parade - Brooklyn

Last Monday in May
Brooklyn has hosted the Kings County Memorial Day Parade each year since 1867, remembering all of those who died in service to our country. It is considered to be the oldest, continuously run Memorial Day Parade in the nation. This parade brings together veterans, marching bands, Irish pipers, contingents from the New York fire and police departments and more. The parade begins at 78th Street and Third Avenue and ends at John Paul Jones Park (101st Street and Fourth Avenue). When the parade is over, a memorial service is held at the park. Parade Info: (347) 907-9547.

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New York Dance Parade - Manhattan

Mid May
Dance Parade’s mission is to inspire dance through the celebration of diversity. The annual parade features over 10,000 dancers converging on the streets of New York City showcasing at least 75 styles of dance; perhaps the world’s largest display of cultural diversity. The parade route runs from Broadway at 21st Street, south to 8th Street, then east to Tompkins Square. A dance festival follows. Parade/Festival Info: (267) 350-9213.

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Norwegian-American 17th of May Parade - Brooklyn

Sunday closest to May 17
With the 17th of May Parade, Norwegian-Americans celebrate the Constitution Day of Norway. On this day in 1814, Norway's Constitution was signed, establishing a free and democratic country. This May 17 celebration is also associated with Spring and the coming of Summer — after the long winter season of the North. The parade features floats, bands, civic and political organizations, authentic Norwegian costumes, Vikings, Miss Norway and more. The parade begins at 80th Street and Third Avenue, following Third Avenue, Bay Ridge Avenue, Fifth Avenue and 67th Street.

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June

Brooklyn Pride Parade - Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Pride Parade is a part of Pride Week, hosted by Brooklyn Pride, Inc. In addition to the parade, Pride Week features a festival, 5K run, stage entertainments, kids & family activities and more. Founded in 1996, Booklyn Pride aims to foster a spirit of solidarity and celebration throughout the borough. The parade route runs along 5th Avenue from Lincoln Place to 9th Street. Note that this is a rare evening parade, followed by a Brooklyn Pride After-Party. Parade/Festival Info: (718) 928-3320.

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Coney Island Mermaid Parade - Coney Island

Saturday near June 21
The Mermaid Parade celebrates the start of summer. The parade typically attracts a couple thousand participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators. At this hilarious event, participants dress like mermaids and King Neptune and saunter down the Coney Island boardwalk, after which everyone throws fruit into the sea. Parade Info: (718) 392-1267.

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Hunts Point Fish Parade - Bronx

Mid June
The Hunts Point Fish Parade is a mile-long procession through the streets of Hunts Point featuring a caravan of marchers and colorful "floats" created by visual and performance artists from the South Bronx incorporating issues of environmental awareness and community advocacy. The parade begins at Hunts Point Riverside Park and culminates at Barretto Point Park at the block-long Hunts Point Summer Festival, featuring a main stage, live entertainment, info and activities by local groups. Parade/Festival Info: (718) 542-4139.

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National Puerto Rican Day Parade - Manhattan

2nd Sunday in June
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is held on the second Sunday in June, in honor of the nearly four million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and all people of Puerto Rican birth or heritage residing in the mainland U.S. The parade, featuring floats, celebrities and elected officials, marches along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street and has grown to become one of the largest parades in New York City, with nearly two million spectators annually making it one of the largest outdoor events in the United States.

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Philippine Independence Day Parade - Manhattan

Early June
The Philippine Independence Day Parade is a celebration for the Filipino American community in the Northeast United States, home to more than half a million Filipinos. Its main purpose is to create awareness of Philippine culture and to raise funds for charity projects in the USA and the Philippines. The parade route is along Madison Avenue, from 38th Street to 27th Street.

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Pride Parade - Manhattan

Late June
The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence and neglect. The March is a celebration of our lives and our community. The parade includes over 325 unique marching contingents, representing a vast array of non-profits, community organizations, corporate sponsors, small businesses, political candidates and activists! The parade begins at 36th Street and 5th Avenue and ends at Christopher & Greenwich Streets. The Pride Parade is part of Pride Week, which includes Family Night Movie, a kick-off rally and concert, PrideFest and much more. More Info: (212) 80-PRIDE.

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Queens Pride Parade - Queens

Early June
The first Queens Pride march was held in 1993, and since, this parade and festival have grown tremendously, attracting more than 40,000 spectators. It is the second largest Pride celebration in the New York metropolitan area. Queens Pride continues to promote the visibility and accomplishments of the LGBT community and to foster acceptance by the many cultures and religions represented in our borough. The parade route is along 37th Avenue from 89th Street to 75th Street. A festival follows the parade at 75th Street and 37th Road with entertainment throughout the afternoon, vendors, food and informative business, community and social group booths are located throughout the festival site.

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July

Flower Parade - Queens

Early July
Flower Parade/ Desfile de las Flores
Northern BLVD between 69th street and 88th street, Jackson Heights, NY

The annual Flower Parade will include 8 ft tall floral ornaments called "silletas" carried by Colombian silleteros, flower floats, dance performances, live music, antique cars, the Flower Queen, giveaways, and much more. email: info@festivaldelasfloresus.com

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August

Dominican Day Parade - Manhattan

2nd Sunday in August
The Dominican Day Parade in New York City started in 1982 as a small celebration with concerts and cultural events in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan. Organized by Dominican American community leaders, the parade is held annually each August along 6th Avenue, from 37th Street to 52nd Street. Parade Info: (212) 634-7174.

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September

Labor Day Parade

An NYC tradition since 1882, the Labor Day Parade is the official close to the summer season. The parade is held the second Saturday of September running along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 67th Street. 

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African-American Day Parade - Harlem

The African-American Day Parade, founded in 1968, is now deemed the largest black parade in America. The purpose of the parade is to provide an opportunity for Blacks to join together on a special day to highlight their history and salute African people throughout America and the world for their outstanding achievements. The parade promotes unity, dignity and pride. The parade extends a special arena for organizations, dignitaries, celebrities, community leaders and bands to showcase positive accomplishments for the motivation of African people to achieve higher goals. The parade route follows 111th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard to 136th Street. Parade Info: (917) 294-8107.

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German-American Steuben Parade - Manhattan

3rd Saturday in September
The German-American Steuben Parade is held annually on the third Saturday in September. It was founded in 1957 by German immigrants and German-Americans — one of the largest ancestral groups living in the United States, who wanted to keep the traditions of their homeland alive. The Parade brings together the entire German-American community. Groups include members from social and cultural clubs, sport clubs, religious groups and the masons. Colorful costumes, floats, music and dance are all part of the occasion. The parade route is along 5th Avenue, from 64th Street to 86th Street. Parade Info: (347) 263-7376.

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West Indian American Day Parade - Carnival - Brooklyn

Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
The West Indian American Day Parade is part of the West Indian Carnival held annually on Labor Day. The Carnival is held in Crown Heights, with the parade route runs along Eastern Parkway. The Carnival celebrates the Caribbean culture with steel-pan and calypso bands, elaborate costumes, dance and authentic food. Parade Info: (718) 467-1797.

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October

Columbus Day Parade - Manhattan

Columbus Day
The Columbus Day Parade celebrates the spirit of exploration and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition and the important contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States. There are typically about 35,000 marchers consisting of over 100 groups, including bands, floats and contingents. The parade draws nearly a million spectators. The parade route is along 5th Avenue from 68th Street to 86th Street. Parade Info: (212) 249-2360.

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Greenwich Village Halloween Parade - Greenwich Village

October 31
The annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is the nation's most wildly creative public participatory event - you'll be welcome to join the fun so long as you are in costume!!! The parade includes hundreds of giant puppets, more than 50 bands, all types of dancers and thousands of New Yorkers and visitors in costume. To be included in the Costume Contest, just show up. Secret scouts scour the parade to find the best costumes. The parade route is along 6th Avenue from Spring to 16th Street.

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Korean Day Parade - Manhattan

1st Saturday in October
The Korean Parade has become an annual tradition, offering New Yorkers the opportunity to observe and share the customs of the Korean culture through floats, marching bands, dances and Tae Kwon Do exhibitions. The Parade is also a celebration of the ethnic diversity in New York City. The parade route is along Broadway, from 42nd Street to 23rd Street. The Korean Parade occurs in conjunction with the all-day Korean Festival at 32nd Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue.

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Pulaski Day Parade - Manhattan

1st Sunday in October
New York and a number of Polish-American organizations pay tribute to General Casimir Pulaski at the annual Pulaski Day Parade. This parade provides all Polish-Americans the opportunity to show their pride and heritage. The parade route runs along 5th Avenue, from 39th Street to 56th Street.

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November

America's Parade - Manhattan

Veteran's Day
The New York City America's Day Parade, also known as the Veterans Day Parade, continues a long and proud tradition of honoring those who serve our nation. The parade typically features over 250 groups and 20,000+ participants, including veterans of all eras, military units, civic and youth groups, businesses, and top high school marching bands from across America. Floats, military and vintage vehicles and other special elements add to the excitement, which is viewed by over half a million spectators. The parade route runs along 5th Avenue from 26th Street to 52nd Street.

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Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Manhattan

Thanksgiving Day
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been the official kick-off to the holiday season since 1924. Each year, this parade is seen by more than 3.5 million people in New York and 50 million people at home. This most famous of parades features giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, marching bands, amazing performances, the Rockettes and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade route runs along Central Park West from 77th Street to Columbus Circle, then Broadway to Herald Square. Parade Info: (212) 494-4495.

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