Inside the Parade Brunch Experience with Founder Derrick Cowit
While most of us will watch this year's parade on TV or our computers, if you're lucky enough to be in NYC this Thanksgiving, there's a brunch you can do, too!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Tom Turkey opens the parade as seen during 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s)
For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving morning means one thing—the unmistakable sound of marching bands, Broadway numbers, and larger-than-life balloons floating through Manhattan. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a national ritual, a moment that binds generations together through the simple joy of spectacle. For Derrick Cowit, who first attended the parade at just three years old, that magic became the foundation of an entirely new way to experience it: Parade Brunch, an elevated, family-friendly celebration combining panoramic views, fine dining, and festive togetherness.
A Lifelong Tradition Turned Vision
Cowit attended the parade every year from ages 3 to 16, forming memories that would later inspire Parade Brunch’s creation. In 2014, he launched the concept to make the event more accessible and enjoyable—especially for families seeking warmth, comfort, and a guaranteed view in the unpredictable November weather.
“To many Americans, this parade represents family time,” Cowit says. “It’s consistent in the way that matters most—an event that brings people together.”
That philosophy underpins every detail of Parade Brunch, from venue selection to menu curation. “We’ve been very selective,” he explains. “Our venues prioritize indoor viewing, and where that’s not possible, we offer coat check and warm beverages so guests can enjoy the morning without worry.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Opening Macy’s Stars as seen during 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s)
The Debut of the New Macy’s Parade Brunch
This year marks the launch of Parade Brunch’s most ambitious experience yet, a special event at Jazz at Lincoln Center, overlooking Central Park through floor-to-ceiling windows measuring an astonishing 80 by 50 feet. While the price is not cheap (tickets start at $799 per person), the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.
“Jazz at Lincoln Center is one of the most iconic venues in the world,” Cowit says. “With 2026 being the 100-year anniversary of the parade, we knew this was the right time to make this vision a reality.”
The event promises something truly unique: a 25-foot LCD screen broadcasting the televised parade feed, sound from the street piped in through a state-of-the-art audio system, and tables laden with both sweet and savory brunch favorites. Guests can expect everything from classic breakfast fare to hearty lunch offerings, topped off by an extravagant dessert buffet and, naturally, hot chocolate and mimosas.
Creating Comfort Amid Chaos
Hosting an event alongside one of the most logistically complex productions in the world is no small feat. Cowit acknowledges that challenges inevitably arise, but safety remains the top priority.
“The NYPD does an incredible job keeping everyone safe,” he says. “There are often split-second decisions that can change plans, but we always encourage guests to plan ahead, arrive early, and stay patient. Follow our FAQs closely, and you’ll have the best chance for a stress-free morning.”
A Tradition That Keeps Growing
Now in its 12th year, Parade Brunch has evolved into a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for attendees from around the country. Cowit envisions it continuing far into the future, with each season offering new ways to “reset the bar higher” for the experience.
Family at the Heart of It All
For Cowit, the event is personal. The same family tradition that inspired Parade Brunch still anchors his own Thanksgiving Day.
“I’ve been attending the parade with my family since I was a young boy,” he says. “This event was designed to make my own family safe, secure, and comfortable, to celebrate together with my grandparents and youngest children. My family will be with me again this year, and hopefully for many years to come.”
As the floats roll by and the aroma of brunch fills the air high above Central Park, Parade Brunch captures the parade’s true essence: togetherness, wonder, and gratitude, served with a side of champagne and childhood nostalgia.
