Celebrate NYC's Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival in Style

It’s time to get ready for NYC’s Easter celebrations, known for vibrant energy and an endless array of events that captivate visitors from around the globe. Among the most unique and time-honored traditions is the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, an event that draws both locals and visitors to the heart of Manhattan each spring. If you're planning to visit NYC during Easter, this iconic celebration is one you won't want to miss — and there’s no better place to experience it than from the comfort of Hotel Beacon NYC.

Timeless: A Tradition Steeped in History

The Easter Parade, held annually on Easter Sunday, has been a New York City tradition for over 140 years. The event dates back to the 1870s, when the fashionable elite would stroll down Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday after attending church services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They would showcase their finest spring attire and, of course, their most extravagant hats, turning the avenue into an open-air fashion show. Over time, this tradition evolved, becoming a beloved spectacle that has been immortalized in movies, books, and photographs.

While the parade originally began as a formal, church-related event, it has since become a more laid-back, whimsical celebration where participants of all ages — locals and tourists alike — can take part. It’s a joyous occasion where self-expression and creativity take center stage, and the streets of Fifth Avenue are transformed into a dazzling display of eccentric hats, colorful period costumes, and springtime flair.

The Parade: A Walk Through Creativity

The Easter Parade is not your typical parade with floats, marching bands, and uniformed participants. Instead, it’s a true "walk" down Fifth Avenue, with spectators and participants mingling freely. The heart of the parade runs from 49th Street to 57th Street along Fifth Avenue, but the magic happens between 10 am to 4 pm when the avenue is filled with parade-goers, each showcasing their own take on Easter fashion.

The main event? The bonnets. From oversized, flower-covered creations to imaginative hats inspired by animals, pop culture, and even current events, the bonnets worn by participants are the star of the show. Many individuals and families go to great lengths to create one-of-a-kind headpieces, often incorporating humor, social commentary, and an incredible sense of creativity. Whether it’s a towering hat adorned with pastel-colored feathers, a bonnet that doubles as an art piece, or a quirky display of springtime florals, you’re bound to see something unexpected and beautiful.

Alongside the impressive bonnets, you’ll find some other eye-catching fashion choices. Many attendees dress in their best Easter finery — bright spring dresses, pastel suits, and bow ties — and the entire avenue becomes a vibrant display of New York’s love for fashion, diversity, personal expression and celebration. This is a celebration where you’ll see anything and everything, from vintage looks to contemporary, avant-garde styles.

The Bonnet Contest: A Crowning Moment

One of the most anticipated elements of the Easter Parade is the bonnet contest, which brings a competitive edge to the event. This informal contest invites participants to show off their headwear creations, with some going to extraordinary lengths to design and construct their hats. Categories can range from the most whimsical to the most elaborate, and the creativity is always in full force. Some hats feature lights, moving parts, or even live animals, while others are conceptual works of art that make a bold statement. Regardless of the style, these bonnets never fail to impress.

As you stroll along Fifth Avenue during the Easter Parade, you’ll see people in their best costumes and bonnets engaging in friendly competition with their unique styles.

Wish to be a Part?

You can join or be a witness to this spectacular annual event, all are welcome at the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, a spectacle that transforms Midtown into a vibrant runway of creativity. Simply head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10 AM on Easter Sunday to watch, or stroll along Fifth Avenue as the parade makes its way uptown.

Other Activities to Explore for Easter in NYC

Easter in New York City signals the arrival of spring, bringing pastel hues, egg hunts, and the perfect weather for exploring the city. Beyond the parade itself, there’s so much more to enjoy in New York City during Easter. Many restaurants and cafes on the Upper West Side, as well as those along Fifth Avenue, offer special Easter brunches and meals, perfect for celebrating the holiday with friends and family.

Hotel Beacon NYC: Your Perfect Base Camp for the Parade

While you could venture across the city to join in the excitement of the Easter Parade, there’s a more stylish and convenient way to enjoy the festivities. Hotel Beacon NYC offers the ideal accommodation for those attending the Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival. Situated on the Upper West Side, just steps away from Central Park and within walking distance of Fifth Avenue, Hotel Beacon places you right in the heart of all the action. You can stroll to the parade, take in the sights, and retreat to the comfort of your hotel afterward.

Hotel Beacon NYC offers spacious rooms and suites with a welcoming, home-like feel. After a day of exploring the lively atmosphere of Fifth Avenue, you can return to your well-appointed accommodations with kitchenettes, living areas and more premium amenities, where you’ll enjoy all the amenities you need to relax and recharge. With a warm and inviting ambiance, Hotel Beacon provides a tranquil retreat from the excitement of the city, ensuring you can enjoy both the parade and your downtime in comfort.

The hotel’s convenient location on the Upper West Side also means you’re just a short walk from iconic spots like Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. If you're visiting the city for Easter, you'll have the perfect balance of festive activities and peaceful moments of respite.