The Brief
The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is happening today, on Easter Sunday.
It begins in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Bonnet Festival is part of the Easter Parade and highlights the creative hats and costumes worn by participants.
NEW YORK – New Yorkers will once again break out their most creative spring looks for the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, set for Sunday.Â
SKIP TO: Â Easter Mass at Saint John’s Cathedral
What we know
The beloved tradition, which dates back to the 1870s, draws crowds along Fifth Avenue each Easter as participants don elaborate hats and festive attire.
The event was immortalized by Irving Berlin and popularized on screen by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.
Where is the NYC Easter Parade?
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – APRIL 20: People take part in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, New York, U.S., April 20, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The informal parade will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stretching along Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan.
While there is no formal procession, participants typically stroll north along the avenue, gathering in large numbers around St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – APRIL 20: People take part in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, New York, U.S., April 20, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Spectators can watch from anywhere along the route, though the area near the cathedral is considered the focal point.
Many attendees choose to join in themselves, wearing decorated bonnets, costumes or themed outfits.
NYC street closures
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – APRIL 20: People take part in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, New York, U.S., April 20, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th streets will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event, with additional nearby street closures possible.
Pedestrians will be able to move freely throughout the area.
Is the NYC Easter Parade free?
NEW YORK CITY, US – APR. 20: People take part in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 in New York City, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is free and open to the public. No tickets or registration are required.
The Bonnet Festival portion highlights the creativity of participants, with people of all ages showcasing handmade or elaborate headwear inspired by spring themes, pop culture and more. Pets are often included in the festivities.
Anyone can take part in the celebration, whether by planning an elaborate costume or simply adding a decorated hat.
Easter Mass at Saint John’s Cathedral
NEW YORK CITY, US – APR. 20: People take part in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 in New York City, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Nearby, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine will hold Easter services, including a 10:30 a.m. mass scheduled to conclude around 12:30 p.m., as well as a 4 p.m. afternoon service featuring the Cathedral Choir.
For more information, click here.
The event remains one of New York City’s most colorful and enduring spring traditions.
The Source
This report is based on information from the city.