New York, New York

Colorful floats, exciting band music, fun-filled events - the Columbus Day Parade in New York City has been organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation since 1929. The parade honors Italian Americans' contributions to New York City, and it is the largest celebration of Italian American culture in the world. Over 35,000 marchers participate including 100+ groups, and the parade draws nearly one million spectators each year.

The Columbus Day Parade takes place on the second Monday in October - on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. The parade travels from 47th Street to 72nd Street, and will have marching bands down the street. The stage performance will take place on a "red carpet" area between 68th and 69th Streets - special passes will be needed to get up close. Secure a spot along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue for a family-friend festivity!

San Francisco, California

San Francisco's 145th Annual Italian Heritage Parade will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. It is the city's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration. The San Francisco institution, established in 1868, promises this year's parade to be bigger, better and more colorful than ever!

The highlights of the celebration include dozens of handcrafted parade floats featuring Bay Area businesses, community groups and Italian organizations, local marching bands, and special appearances by "Christopher Columbus." Festive open-air dining and Italian wine and food specials at North Beach restaurants will be lining the parade route. Also, there will be performances by a variety of traditional Italian musicians. The parade will begin at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton Streets in Fisherman's Wharf, proceeding south through North Beach on Columbus Avenue, and will end in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Columbus Day Parade, which is sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, founded in 1952, will step off on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. The annual parade celebrates Christopher Columbus' history voyage to American culture.

The parade features marching bands, flag groups, majorettes, floats and a Columbus Day Queen. The parade will take place appropriately on the stretch of road named after Christopher Columbus, Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street.