If you can think of it, NYC’s probably got a parade for it! From the Coney Island Mermaid Parade to the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, the city is never one to shy away from a celebration—and the annual German-American Steuben Parade is coming up next month!
About the German-American Steuben Parade
This historical parade was founded in 1956 by German immigrants who wanted to bring traditions of their homeland to NYC. The first year it was held in Ridgewood, Queens, before moving to Yorkville in 1957—an area still known as NYC’s Germantown.
Although the micro-neighborhood doesn’t have all of the German shops, konditoreis, biergartens, vereins, theaters, restaurants, newspapers, and dance halls it did back then, there’s still a few local businesses standing strong.
German-American Steuben Parade date
The German-American Steuben Parade is held annually every third Saturday of September. The 2025 German-American Steuben Parade falls on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. The entire event lasts for a total of three hours.
German-American Steuben Parade route
The parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 68th Street to 86th Street.
What to expect at the German-American Steuben Parade
Whether you’re participating or watching from the crowds, the parade is sure to transport you straight to Germany. Expect dazzling floats, marching bands, dancers, organizations from across the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Canada, and of course, men and women dress in the traditional dirndl and lederhosen.
Miss German-America attends the parade as a young, cultural ambassador, alongside a Grand Marshal selected by the German-American community each year.
Post-parade fun
Upon the conclusion of the German-American Steuben Parade, an Oktoberfest celebration will be held in Central Park, complete with the annual Lenny Coyne Memorial Hofbräu Maßkrugstemmen Championship (a Bavarian strength contest that challenges participants to hold a full 1L stein with proper form).
Tickets to the Central Park festivities are $37 for an adult ticket, $5 for children ages 6-13, and free for ages 0-5. Get yours now!
