Thousands of participants and spectators are gathering today on Fifth Avenue for the historic New York City Labor Day Parade, a tradition that's been a staple of NYC culture and the labor movement for more than a century. Workers hailing from over 200 unions are expected to march, reinforcing the event's reputation as the oldest and largest parade of its kind in the United States.
Leading the 2025 parade, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and will run until about 3 p.m., are co-Grand Marshals Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, and Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the Women's National Basketball Players Association. These grand marshals symbolize a diverse array of labor sectors uniting today, as reported by CBS News New York.
For those looking to join in the festivities, the parade is unticketed and open for viewers along the route on Fifth Avenue. Highlights include a march starting at 44th Street and ending at 64th Street, where a grandstand will entertain the masses. Insights on the street closures and march details were shared by PIX11, detailing specifics from road shutdowns to parade dispersal paths.
The New York City Department of Transportation has released a comprehensive list of street closures necessary to accommodate the parade's procession. The closures affect everything from the formation area around 44th Street and Vanderbilt Avenue to the route along Fifth Avenue stretching up to 72nd Street. While the closures ensure a seamless celebration, they also necessitate some planning for those navigating around Midtown Manhattan.
Weather for the event is expected to be a game of two halves; with a sunny start in the morning per CBS News New York, and potential thunderstorms rolling in later around 2 p.m. Parade-goers are advised to enjoy the early festivities and be prepared for a potential downpour in the afternoon. Despite the heat and humidity, the energy and solidarity bound to be on display today will undeniably make the 2025 New York City Labor Day Parade a memorable event.
