Columbus Citizens Foundation sets 82nd Columbus Day Parade lineup for Oct. 12 on Fifth Avenue

The Columbus Citizens Foundation will stage the 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 12 in New York City, led by Grand Marshal Ray Dalio and featuring more than 100 groups, performances and a new Influencer Lounge. The event lands during America’s 250th anniversary year and doubles as the centerpiece of Columbus Celebration Weekend.

Why it matters: - The Parade is the world’s largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture. - The event is expected to draw more than one million viewers watching live. - The Parade will highlight Italian American contributions during America’s 250th anniversary year. - The Columbus Citizens Foundation uses the celebration to support scholarships for Italian American students.

What happened: - The Columbus Citizens Foundation announced the lineup for the 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade. - The Parade takes place Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. - The route runs along Fifth Avenue from 47th to 72nd Streets in New York City. - Broadcast coverage begins at 12 p.m. ET. - Ray Dalio, founder and mentor of Bridgewater Associates, philanthropist and bestselling author, is this year’s Grand Marshal. - Matt Dalio, founder of Endless and CEO of Endless Studios, will represent Ray Dalio at the Parade. - Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto and Evelyn C. Granieri, M.D., MPH, MSEd, are Parade Honorees. - Governor Kathy Hochul is scheduled to participate.

The details: - The opening contingent also includes 2025 Grand Marshal Joe Moglia, Italian Consul General Giuseppe Pastorelli, Columbus Citizens Foundation President Christopher Loiacono and the Foundation’s Board of Governors. - Featured participants include Dominick Critelli, a 105-year-old World War II veteran and saxophonist whose national anthem performance went viral. - The lineup includes a delegation representing Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio, Italian flag throwers and the Sicilian theater group Il Risveglio degli Dei in costume. - La Stampa will march in the Parade as it launches in the United States. - The Knights of Columbus will bring 250 knights in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. - Marching units will include the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band, Italian police and firefighter delegations, school marching bands, cultural associations and university groups. - Vehicle contingents will include the Vespa Club of New York, La Famiglia Cadillac Club and Todd & Ozzy, featuring a dog riding on a Vespa. - Float and red-carpet performances will feature Salvatore Romania, known as “Struckboy Sal,” and Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti. - Valentinetti plans to perform tracks from his upcoming album from Keep Good Company Records. - The Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano children’s choir will travel to the United States for the first time and perform with Simona Rodano. - Additional performers include Jessa V. Band, Luciano Lamonarca, Alissa Salvatore, Vanessa Racci, James Valenti, Amici Band, Lisa Messina and Angelo Venuto. - Filippo Berio is the presenting sponsor. - Additional sponsors include Gabelli Funds, Casa Building, Italian Owned Businesses of NJ and Invest in Education. - A new Influencer Lounge north of the red-carpet stage will feature television personalities, comedians and digital creators. - Featured lounge guests include Paul Costabile, Sal Valentinetti, Tara Cannistraci, Roe Sparacio and Pina Sparacio. - The creators will be available for media interviews. - Columbus Celebration Weekend runs Oct. 9–12 and includes a black-tie gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Oct. 10 and a wreath-laying ceremony on Oct. 11.

Between the lines: - The Foundation is using the Parade to connect heritage programming with broader public visibility through media, influencers and high-profile participants. - The American milestone year gives the event a patriotic frame beyond its Italian American focus. - The scholarship mission adds a philanthropy angle that helps distinguish the Parade from a purely cultural showcase.

What's next: - The Foundation will hold the Columbus Celebration Weekend events leading into the Parade. - Parade coverage begins at noon ET on Oct. 12. - Organizers will use the weekend to spotlight Italian American culture, public service and student scholarship support.

The bottom line: - The Oct. 12 Parade is both a heritage celebration and a major public-facing fundraiser-style showcase for the Columbus Citizens Foundation.