About
Lou Gramm, Tony Danza and Cristiana Dell'Anna lead the march down Dearborn as grand marshals.
Chicago's Columbus Day Parade is in its 74th year, and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans has named three grand marshals for 2026: Foreigner's original singer Lou Gramm, actor Tony Danza, and Cristiana Dell'Anna, star of the film Cabrini. Campania is the Region of Honor. The parade also marks 80 years since Mother Cabrini became the first American saint.
What to expect
Floats, bands and community groups heading south on Dearborn Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street. The route moved from State Street this year because of road construction. An opening ceremony at Dearborn and Wacker comes first, and the parade runs 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
Good to know
- The 2026 route is Dearborn Street, not State Street, because of road construction.
- The opening ceremony is at the corner of Dearborn Street and Wacker Drive, before the parade steps off.
- The JCCIA sells round-trip bus seats to the parade from Casa Italia; reserve at jccia.org/bus.
- A Columbus Day Mass at Our Lady of Pompeii starts the day at 9 AM, and a Rush Street reception follows the parade.
- Monday is also Indigenous Peoples' Day in Chicago.
Also in Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Common questions
Where does the parade run?
The 2026 parade heads south on Dearborn Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street; road construction moved it from State Street.
What time does the parade begin?
Opening ceremonies begin at noon on Monday, October 12, at Dearborn Street and Wacker Drive, followed by the parade.
Who are the 2026 grand marshals?
The grand marshals are singer Lou Gramm, actor and television personality Tony Danza, and Cabrini star Cristiana Dell'Anna.
Can I watch the parade remotely?
Yes. The organizer says ABC7 will broadcast the parade live and stream it online.
Is there an event before the parade?
A Mass begins at 9am at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, followed by a wreath laying at Arrigo Park.