Everything you need to know about NYC’s Columbus Day Parade

For the 75th year running, the annual Columbus Day Parade—which bills itself as “the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture”—will march up Fifth Avenue on Monday, October 14.

This year, parade organizers tapped Massimo Ferragamo, the son of shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo and chairman of the eponymous clothing brand, as the grand marshal. More than one million spectators are expected to attend, and there will be hundreds of floats, marching bands, and other participants.

Still, the parade isn’t without controversy: While Columbus is credited with encouraging European exploration in the Americas, many now see his exploits in the Caribbean and beyond as devastating to the indigenous people there. To that end, The Redhawk Native American Arts Council, a nonprofit dedicated to educating New Yorkers about Native American arts and culture, will once again host its own festival on Randall’s Island, celebrating and spreading awareness about Indigenous Peoples Day. That event will take place on October 13 and 14, and will include dancing, singing, and a sunrise ceremony on Monday morning at 7 a.m.

The Columbus Day parade itself will cause traffic disruptions in Manhattan on Monday; here’s what you need to know.

When is the Columbus Day Parade?

The parade happens on Monday, October 14, kicking off around 11:30 a.m.

Where does the Columbus Day Parade take place?

The parade takes place on Fifth Avenue, marching north from 43rd Street up to 72nd Street.

What streets will be closed for the Columbus Day Parade?

The following streets will be closed Monday at the discretion of the NYPD:

Formation

• 43rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 44th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 45th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 46th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 47th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue

Route

• 5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 43rd Street

Dispersal

• 5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 79th Street
• 72nd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 73rd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 74th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 75th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 76th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 77th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 78th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

Miscellaneous

• 60th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 62nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 63rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 64th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 68th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 69th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 70th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue

What about subway changes?

Keep an eye on the MTA’s weekender app for any changes that would affect getting to or from the parade; since it’s a holiday, there’s likely to be some disruptions. There are tons of stops along the parade route, including several along the 4, 5, and 6 lines, and the transit hubs at Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal.