NYC Easter Parade 2023: Bunnies And Bonnets Coming Your Way

MIDTOWN, NY — Is that a bunny in your bonnet?

On Easter Sunday, flocks of New Yorkers donning their best, and often fantastical, bonnets will flock to Fifth Avenue in the city's annual Easter and Bonnet Festival.

Immortalized by the 1948 Irving Berlin musical "Easter Parade," the tradition has roots dating back to the 1870s.

What started as a casual stroll after Easter church is now a festival spanning eight Midtown blocks, filled with people showing off their finest headwear.

Officially the parade is taking place between East 49th to East 57th Street — near St. Patrick's Cathedral — and starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

And since it's New York, paraders will not restrict themselves to simple bonnets or period dress, but will use the occasion to don all sorts of creative and colorful outfits to formally declare the end of winter — like gigantic hats made out of metro cards, or suits made of colorful Easter candy.

Last year was the first time the parade returned from its pandemic pause, according to a New York Times article that captured its colorful rebirth.

To show off your own bonnet or to admire others, make it up to St. Patrick's Cathedral before 4 p.m.

Heads up, there will be street closures for the Easter Sunday Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

• Fifth Avenue between 47th and 52nd street
• East 50th Street between Fifth and Madison avenues
• East 51st Street between Fifth and Madison avenues