Discover the Top 8 Largest Parades in the United States

Parades are a staple of celebrations and festivals. The floats, balloons, performers, and atmosphere can make anything unforgettable. The largest parades in the United States are worth traveling for because they provide incomparable experiences for all who attend.  

If you love parades and you’ve seen all you want in the United States, you can check out some of the biggest parades in the world. Otherwise, plan your trips or tune in on TV for the largest parades in the United States:   

1. New York Pride Parade  

The Pride Parade in New York City is a way to celebrate and promote equality. It happens annually on the last Sunday of June and originated in 1970. In 2019, the parade had around five million spectators, making it the largest parade in the United States.  

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the biggest in the United States and has occurred annually since 1924. It originated as a Christmas parade to build excitement for the start of the holiday shopping season but was renamed for Thanksgiving in 1927.  However, there’s still an element of Christmas as the parade closes with the arrival of Santa Claus in his sleigh.

Between two and three million spectators line the streets to watch the floats, giant balloons, and various performances to celebrate Thanksgiving. Another 50 million people watch it on TV from all over the country.   

This parade route runs 2.5 miles long in Manhattan, New York City. It’s free to the public, but you’ll want to get there early because viewing spots are limited.  

3. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is a celebration covered in green. The spectators wear green, the Chicago River is dyed green, and the parade includes tons. Parade participants typically focus on Irish pride, and you can always expect bagpipers, Irish dancers, and Irish music.   

4. New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 44th Street at 11 a.m. and doesn’t end until the participants reach 86th Street as late as 5 p.m. This parade has occurred since 1762, and organizers continue following the tradition of keeping it on foot, so no vehicles are allowed. 

5. San Francisco Pride Parade 

Nearly two million people line the streets of San Francisco for their annual Pride Parade, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a statement of love, equality, acceptance, and progress. The parade began in 1970 and today is one of the most-attended pride celebrations in the world.

6. Washington D.C. National Cherry Blossom Festival 

Every spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Washington D.C. and runs for around a month. It’s a celebration of the 3,000 cherry blossom trees that Japan gifted to the nation’s capital. For many, the tradition marks the start of spring. 

Performers come from nationwide to show off their talents to the 1.5 million spectators lining the streets. Many of them wear cherry blossom-themed costumes to keep the focus on the beautiful trees.  

7. New Orleans Mardi Gras 

The Mardi Gras festival was brought to America from medieval Europe by French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville. It was first celebrated in New Orleans in 1703 and has become a family-friendly event, complete with carnivals, floats, entertainment, food, and parades. Nearly 1.4 million spectators attend the parade and bask in the excitement.  

8. Pasadena Tournament of Roses  

The Pasadena Rose Parade has nearly one million spectators lining the streets, with tens of millions watching on TV. This parade features elaborate floats designed with flowers and goes on for 5.5 miles. There is a rule that organic material must cover every part of the float, like flowers, seeds, bark, or leaves. 

Many people know the parade as America’s New Year Celebration because it typically falls on January 1st and has occurred annually since 1890. You can attend the event for free in non-reserved public areas or buy tickets for reserved seats.   

Summary of the Largest Parades in the United States