Manhattan’s annual German American Steuben Parade takes place Saturday, September 17, kicking off at noon — rain or shine — from Fifth Avenue and 70th Street, and traveling north to 86th Street near the heart of Yorkville. Grandstand seating ($15 at germanparadenyc.org) is available in the vicinity of 79th Street. This year’s grand marshals are German Olympic Gold Medal skater Katarina Witt and Germany’s ambassador to the US, Peter Wittig.
The parade honors Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who traveled to America during the Revolutionary War to offer his services as a volunteer in the army of General George Washington.
The afternoon’s parade is preceded by a 9 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Unfortunately, tickets to the 59th annual Central Park Oktoberfest sold out within three hours of their going on sale online. If you love this year’s parade, start looking early next August to book your place at the park festivities that follow.
