If a trip to the fjords has been on your bucket list, we have the next best thing–no transatlantic flight required. This Sunday, May 17, 20 blocks of Brooklyn will transform into a Nordic wonderland for the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade.
From 85th Street to 67th Street, the usual Bay Ridge traffic will be replaced by a sea of blue, white, and red. This massive cultural celebration honors the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, a heritage deeply rooted in this Brooklyn neighborhood for over seven decades.
👀 What to Expect: Vikings, Bunads, and Boats
The parade is famous for its vibrant display of “Norsk” pride. Here’s what you’ll see along the route:
- Viking Longboat Floats: Keep an eye out for the intricate, hand-crafted ships that look like they sailed straight out of history
- Traditional Bunads: You’ll see hundreds of marchers wearing the bunad, Norway’s stunningly detailed national folk dress
- The “Spirit of 1814”: Marching bands, local Scandinavian organizations, and community groups honoring Norway’s independence
🗺️ The 2026 Parade Route
The parade covers a scenic stretch of Bay Ridge. If you’re planning your afternoon, here’s the official path:
- Kick off: 1 pm at 85th Street and 3rd Avenue
- The Turn: The parade marches along 3rd Avenue, turning up 75th Street toward 5th Avenue
- The Home Stretch: It continues along 5th Avenue, ending at 67th Street
- The After Party: Head to the reviewing stand at Leif Ericson Park (67th St. between 4th Ave & Ft. Hamilton Pkwy) for the post-parade ceremony
🇳🇴 This Year’s Theme
This year’s theme, “Our Legacy Continues,” serves as a powerful tribute to the traditions, values, and heritage passed down through generations that continue to thrive today.
For 73 years, the parade has united marchers, families, volunteers, and supporters in Brooklyn as a proud celebration of Norwegian culture, faith, family, and community–honoring the enduring connection between past, present, and future.
💡 Pro-Tips for the Best Experience
Each year, thousands of spectators head out to join in on the festivities, so we recommend arriving early. For the best views of the floats, grab a spot on 3rd Avenue near 80th Street by 12:30 pm.
Note: Parking will be extremely difficult due to the 20-block closure–take the R train to 86th St or 77th St for easy access.
📅 Event Details at a Glance
- What: The 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade
- When: Sunday, May 17 | 1 pm – 7 pm (rain or shine)
- Where: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (Starts at 85th St & 3rd Ave)
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Don’t miss out–it’s not every day you get to feel like you’re in Norway right here in NYC! For more car-free weekend fun, check out the Park Avenue Day, the return of the Fabulous 5th Avenue Fair, or Dance Parade New York!
