Astoria's Italian-American community marches through the neighborhood to the Columbus statue at Columbus Square, with bands, parish schools, sports clubs and a couple dressed as Columbus and Queen Isabella. It's much smaller and more local than Fifth Avenue's parade, and the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens has now run it for 49 years. If you'd like a hometown parade with room to see, this is the weekend's pick.
What to expect
In recent years the parade has started near Kaufman Astoria Studios at 36th Street and 34th Avenue and headed up 33rd Street to Columbus Square. Past lineups have included the NYPD band, JROTC and naval cadet units, a youth soccer club, a running club and vintage Italian cars, followed by speeches and recognitions at the statue.
Good to know
- Nearest train: N/W to Astoria Blvd, a short walk from Columbus Square.
- It's free to watch, with no tickets needed.
- The closing ceremony is at Columbus Square, so head there early if you want to see the speeches.
- Crowds are neighborhood-sized, which makes it easy with kids or strollers.
- Astoria's cafés and bakeries nearby make a good stop after the parade.
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Common questions
Who organizes the Queens Columbus Day Parade?
The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens (FIAOQ), which formed in the 1970s partly to bring back Columbus Day festivities at Columbus Square.
Is it the same as the Manhattan Columbus Day Parade?
No. This is a separate, smaller neighborhood parade in Astoria, Queens. The big Fifth Avenue parade is run by the Columbus Citizens Foundation.
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