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New York City Columbus Day Events And Parade Guide

October 8, 2011 9:00 AM

Members of the China Capital Police Brass Band during the of the 66h Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York October 11, 2010.The Columbus Day Parade has been organized in New York since 1929. Over 35,000 people participate in the Columbus Day Parade in New York City each year. The Columbus Day Parade takes place on the second Monday in October. (Photo credit TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Columbus Day is marked in Manhattan by one of its most famous parades, along with appearances by politicians and performers alike. Whether you’re looking to bring the family or live it up with some friends, CBSNewYork has your all-out guide to doing it right.

Columbus Day Mass

New York City Columbus Day Events And Parade Guide

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan & Grand Marshal Kenneth Langone at the Columbus Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (credit: St. Patrick’s Cathedral)

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
14 E. 51st St (at Fifth Ave.)
212-753-2261
saintpatrickscathedral.org

St. Patrick’s Cathedral held its annual holiday mass Monday morning, ahead of the parade festivities.

The Parade

(Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

A tradition in its 68th year, the Columbus Day parade is prime time to celebrate your Italian heritage – even if you’re only Italian for the day. The action takes place along Fifth Avenue where 35,000 marchers, over 100 bands and floats and upwards of a million spectators are expected to fill the streets for a vibrant celebration.

The Parade will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, on Fifth Ave at 44^th Street before it makes its way north to 72^th St.

Monday, October 8, 2012
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 72nd Streets
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Where To Eat And Drink

Participants move along the parade route on Fifth Avenue. (Photo:Juliet Papa/1010 WINS)

Mad River Bar & Grille

1442 3rd Avenue
(212) 988-1832
madrivergrille.com

While Columbus Day may be considered a celebration of Italian-American culture, this bar just by the parade’s end point will offer Mexican Monday night drink specials: $4 Margaritas, $4 Coronas.

Rathbones Pub

1702 2nd Ave # 1
(212) 369-7361
rathbonesnyc.com

Another Upper East Haunt not too far from the parade debauchery will offer a $10 burger and beer special.

Barrow Street Ale House

15 Barrow Street
(212) 691-6127
barrowstreetalehouse.com

This West Village bar will offer $3 Sam Adams and Sam Adams Seasonal drafts along with 40 cent wings.

For more information on celebrating Columbus Day in New York City, click here.