San Francisco's 141st ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE PARADE on Sunday, October 11, 2009, as the City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration winds its way from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach. A San Francisco institution since it was established in 1868, the 2009 Parade is promising to be bigger, better and more colorful than ever.

Highlights include dozens of handcrafted parade floats featuring Bay Area businesses, community groups, and Italian organizations; local high school Italian clubs and marching bands; special appearances by "Christopher Columbus" and Queen Isabella and Her Court; festive open-air dining and Italian wine and food specials at North Beach restaurants lining the Parade route; performances by a variety of traditional Italian musicians and performance artists; and special appearances by Bay Area and Italian-American celebrities.

The Route
The Parade action begins at 12:30 pm at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton Streets in Fisherman's Wharf, proceeds south through North Beach on Columbus Avenue, and ends in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Parade viewing is available throughout the route. Admission to all Parade activities-including the Ferrari Sportscar display in Washington Square Park and a variety of hands-on activities for children and families - is FREE.

Visitor Info: (415) 703-9888

How do I apply to participate?

Please download the application form, fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the application form. 

For more information, please e-mail president@sfcolumbusday.org or parade@sfcolumbusday.org