The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is a beloved New York City tradition dating back to the 1870s. Every year, New Yorkers and visitors gather on Easter Sunday for a spectacular showcase of festivities and fashion. Attendees dress in their most vibrant spring attire and decorative bonnets as they mingle on Fifth Avenue in celebration of the holiday. Mark your calendars and start creating those bonnets for this family-friendly (and fun!) NYC event.
What’s the History of the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival?
The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival started a couple of centuries ago, sometime in the 1870s. New York City’s most elite would attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday. When services were over, they would casually walk down Fifth Avenue in their most impressive, Sunday-spring attire.
Today, Easter is celebrated with a full parade and festival. And this festival welcomes everyone to join in a fun and highly creative spring event. Plus, it’s free!
When is the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival?
The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is happening on Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025. Festivities usually start around 10:00 am and end around 4:00 pm.
Where is the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival?
The parade route runs up Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street. Most people convene right outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral before the parade starts. Just look for the colorful bonnets; you can’t miss them!
One More Thing: The Bonnet Contest!
If there’s one day you really want to show out in NYC, Easter Sunday is the day. Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated annual Bonnet Contest. This informal competition, with exciting categories, will have participants showing off their creations, vying to have the best bonnet of the bunch.
New York City is home to some of the most extravagant holiday celebrations. If you haven’t been to the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, it’s time to experience this truly unique and storied event.
We may be talking about April, but October will be here before we know it. So grab your tickets to The Event Planner Expo today!
