NYC's 2026 Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival steps off Sunday. Here's what to know.
New York City's annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival returns to Midtown Manhattan on Sunday.
Every year, participants get decked out in their finest holiday attire, including elaborate headgear, and gather along Fifth Avenue. According to the city, the tradition dates all the way back to the 1870s.
When and where is the 2026 NYC Easter Parade?
The parade steps off on Fifth Avenue at 49th Street around 10 a.m. and marches north to 57th Street. The festivities last until about 4 p.m.
Anyone is welcome to join, but if you'd rather remain a spectator, the best place to take it all in is from the area around St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.
Easter street closures in NYC
The New York City Department of Transportation has announced the following street closures for Sunday:
- Fifth Avenue between 47th Street and 52nd Street
- East 50th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 51st Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue
The closures are at the discretion of the NYPD, so there is no set time for when streets will reopen to traffic.
Easter forecast in NYC area
If you're heading out to the parade, you may want to make sure your bonnet is waterproof.
Mostly cloudy skies will be in place when the parade kicks off, but there is a slim chance of showers at that time.
For most of the parade, from around 11 a.m. through about 5 p.m., rounds of light-to-moderate showers will move through. An isolated rumble of thunder is possible, as well.
Highs will top out in the low to mid 60s around noon, followed by cooler readings in the 50s for the late afternoon.
NYC Easter Bonnet Festival photos
Need some inspiration for your Easter parade outfit? Check out a photo gallery from last year's celebrations below.
