Come celebrate the 52nd year of the shortest parade with the longest history in New York City! We’re kicking off the return of this Cornell tradition, with new and exciting changes. 

Cornellians, families, and friends of all ages are welcome! We’ll be meeting at T-Squared Social in Midtown Manhattan. Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m.

Between 5:00–5:30 p.m., let’s greet the Big Red Band and Big Red Band Alumni as they get in formation at Vanderbilt Avenue Plaza to march to The Cornell Club-New York for their classic finale performance. Or, you can join the parade as the Big Red Band passes by T-Squared Social.

Big Red gear is mandatory! 🐻

Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 3:00–6:30 p.m. ET

This event has multiple locations. Please see details below.
3:00 p.m. – Pre-Parade Gathering starts at T-Squared Social – 7 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017. (Pre-registration required to attend the T-Squared Social Pre-Parade Gathering).

5:00–5:30 p.m. –  The party moves outside! Join the Big Red Band at Vanderbilt Avenue Plaza or outside T-Squared Social as the band marches to The Cornell Club-New York. (Approximate time)

6:00 p.m. – Cheer on the Big Red Band as they perform in front of The Cornell Club-New York, 6 E. 44th Street. (Approximate time).

6:30 p.m. – Concert event ends. The Cornell Club-New York Tailgate Party begins at 6 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017. (Approximate time).  (Pre-registration required to attend The Cornell Club-New York Tailgate Party).

Parade and band performance are free for all.

Costs:
Pre-Parade Gathering at T-Squared Social
Come and join us at T-Squared Social while we wait for the Big Red Marching Band to arrive to Midtown for the 2024 Sy Katz ’31 Parade. $30 per person, $10 kids 10 years and under. Price includes access to select games including darts and golf simulator, as well as light buffet and hot and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar will be available.

The Cornell Club-New York Tailgate Party
Following the band’s performance outside The Club, gather with old friends and make new ones at The Cornell Club-New York’s tailgate party! Enjoy traditional tailgate favorites and a cash bar for drinks. View Menu Here 

$56 per person inclusive of tax and service charge, $25 for children 12 and under, and children under 4 years old are gratis. All are welcome to stop by the Big Red Tap & Grill for drinks (cash bar only)!

It’s The Cornell Club-New York’s 35th Anniversary!
Founded by Cornell University graduates in 1889, The Cornell Club-New York has been in existence in Manhattan for over a century. On December 1st, The Club will mark their 35th anniversary at its 44th Street “Club Row” location. After the band’s performance, be sure to visit the Anniversary Pop-Up where you’ll be welcomed by The Club’s long tenured staff. View Cornelliana dating back 100 years, reminisce about The Club’s history through old newsletters and photographs, and pick up your Club themed giveaways. Reservations are not required.

History of the Parade
Seymour “Sy” Katz ’31 was an avid supporter of all things Cornell. He fell in love with the Big Red Marching Band in the late-60s and decided the band needed its own parade. In 1972, with the help of friends at The Cornell Club-New York, he managed to get a police permit to march one city block. Over the years, the parade has taken on a life of its own, but the mission remains the same: to give the Big Red Marching Band a time to shine. Sy took great pride in the fact that “No other Ivy has its very own parade in New York City!”

The biennial tradition is spearheaded by Cornell’s Division of Alumni Affairs and Development, in partnership with: Alice Katz Berglas ’66, Penny Haitkin ’65, and Bob Katz ’69; The Cornell Club-New York; the Big Red Marching Band Alumni Association; Cornell Athletics; Cornell Cheerleaders; and, of course, the Cornell Big Red Marching Band.