New York City is never short on parades—but few strike the perfect balance of pageantry, heritage, and celebration quite like the German-American Steuben Parade. Now in our 68th year, this annual celebration of German-American culture will take place on Fifth Avenue on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and we promise it will be one of the most vibrant cultural events of the season.

Each September, Manhattan’s Upper East Side transforms into a sea of colorful dirndls, lederhosen, carnival costumes, traditional outfits, marching bands, and floats, as spectators gather to celebrate centuries of shared history and cultural exchange between Germany and the United States.

The Steuben Parade marches proudly from 68th Street to 86th Street along Fifth Avenue, kicking off at noon sharp. Named for General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben—whose strategic prowess helped shape the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War—the parade has become a cornerstone event for the German-American community, and a spectacle beloved by New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

But make no mistake: this isn’t just a walk down memory lane. The Steuben Parade pulses with life. From traditional dance groups and precision marching bands to high-energy floats and spectators waving German and American flags in unison, it’s a living, breathing celebration of transatlantic ties.

Leading the Way: 2025 Grand Marshals

This year’s parade is led by two remarkable individuals whose careers highlight the deep connections between Germany and the U.S.

 Till Knorn – German Consul General in New York

Till Knorn’s impressive diplomatic résumé spans continents, from early work in Sri Lanka to a key role at the United Nations in New York. A lawyer by training and Berlin-based by career, he currently serves as Germany’s Consul General in NYC. His presence as Grand Marshal honors both tradition and a forward-looking international partnership.

Till Knorn grew up in Berlin, south of Hamburg and as an exchange student in St. Louis, MO. In 1999, after two years with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Hamburg, he joined the Federal Foreign Office. His first posting abroad was in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 2001-2002. After holding positions in the Federal Foreign Office headquarters in Berlin, he was the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Minister-President of Hessen. After returning to the Federal Foreign Office, he was posted in New York where he served as the Deputy Head of the Political Section at the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations. Beginning in 2015, Till assumed leadership roles within the Federal Foreign Office’s protocol section in Berlin, including that of Chief of Protocol in 2020. Since August 2024, he has been the German Consul General in New York.

Gerhard Rossbach – Entrepreneur and Cultural Ambassador

Gerhard Rossbach is the epitome of the self-made businessman. Born in Hamburg in 1944, his career has spanned industries, cities, and decades—from international trade to culinary diplomacy. He founded businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, advised chambers of commerce, judged in Hamburg’s commercial courts, and even helped organize Germany’s Chefs Culinary Olympics. If you’ve ever had a European specialty food product in New York, chances are Gerhard Rossbach had a hand in it.

He is a partner of the Hofbrauhaus in Pittsburgh, PA and has also been a member of the Marine Hotel Association. After the sale of Rossbach International Florida in Miami in 2020, Gerhard Rossbach continues to service as a consultant and continues to be involved with his other businesses and commercial interests. Gerhard has been a long time supporter of the Steuben Parade and even uses his love of photography to volunteer on Parade Day as an official photographer.

Their leadership as Grand Marshals highlights the dual spirit of the parade: formal diplomatic ties and grassroots cultural pride.

Legacy of Legends

The Steuben Parade has a tradition of honoring bold, trailblazing figures. Past Grand Marshals include:

  • High-wire daredevil Nik Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas

  • Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger

  • Supermodel and entrepreneur Carol Alt

  • Yankees icon George Steinbrenner

  • Pop culture icon Dr. Ruth Westheimer

  • CNBC journalist Contessa Brewer

Each brought their own unique story to the parade—and their presence underscored the richness and diversity of the German-American experience.

Come for the Parade, Stay for the Celebration

Of course, the parade is just the beginning. After the last band marches past 86th Street, the celebration continues at Oktoberfest NYC at Summer Stage in Central Park, complete with beer, bratwurst, music, and community. Whether you have German roots or just a love of culture, the Steuben Parade is your invitation to be part of something meaningful, festive, and uniquely New York.

Details at a Glance:

  • What: 68th Annual German-American Steuben Parade

  • When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM

  • Where: Fifth Avenue from 68th to 86th Street

So dig out your best Tracht, bring your camera, and join thousands of revelers in celebrating a bond that stretches across the Atlantic—and across generations.

We’ll see you on Fifth Avenue. Prost!