The Apollo returns to the Annual African American Day Parade
After nearly two-decades, The Apollo Theater is back in the African American Day Parade and this year, we're not just marching, we're being honored. The Apollo is the inaugural recipient of the AADP Community Institution Award, recognizing our legacy of advancing Black culture, artistic excellence, and community impact in Harlem and beyond.
This year's theme, "Good Businesses Sustain Our Future," couldn't be more fitting. As the largest Black performing arts center in the country, The Apollo has always understood what it means to be an economic engine and cultural anchor for our community, and this parade, the largest in the U.S. celebrating Black culture and NYC's biggest parade by float volume, is a chance to celebrate that spirit together.
Here's where to find us all weekend:
Saturday, September 19 — Community Literacy, Health & Culture Festival
Location: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza
Time: Starts at 12 Noon
Apollo Teaching Artist Charlene "Chi Chi" Smith brings Education at The Apollo's dance pedagogy straight to the plaza. This hands-on, joyful, and rooted artistry shapes talent in NYC schools via Apollo School Programs.
Sunday, September 20 — AADP Pre-Show
Location: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza
Time: Starts at 11 AM
2024 Amateur Night winner Cruz Angel takes the mic, bringing his award-winning vocals to the crowd before the parade steps off.
Sunday, September 20 — Parade Day
Location: 7th Avenue, 111th to 136th Street
Time: From 12:30 PM to 6 PM
Watch for The Apollo's float, moving to the mixes of DJ Slid3, as we march alongside 300+ performances and 37 floats celebrating Black culture, business, and community.
The Apollo has always been where Harlem shows up for itself. This September, we're showing up in the streets. Come be part of it.