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[title]NYC Pillow Fight 2012
Saturday 7
Pick up a pair of bunny ears to go with your footed pajamas before heading to an Easter-themed edition of this annual fluffy melee. Wind up to whale on your rabbit-dressed foes, but go easy on those who may have brought chocolate eggs so they’ll share with you afterward. Though there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing the feathers fly, organizers request you leave your plume-filled cushions at home to minimize the cleanup. (You can donate to the tidying effort at newmindspace.com.) Damaged, discarded and donated pillows will be distributed to homeless shelters in the Bronx and Brooklyn. After the tilt, you can celebrate your postbattle glory by hopping over to an after-party at Billy Hurricane’s (25 Avenue B between 2nd and 3th Sts). Washington Square Park, W 4th St to Waverly Pl between MacDougal St and University Pl (newmindspace.com). 3pm; free.
Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
Sunday 8
Irving Berlin commemorated this march in song, and Judy Garland and Fred Astaire memorialized it on the silver screen in 1948’s Easter Parade. See what all the fuss is about as stylish ladies and Dapper Dans strut their stuff along Fifth Avenue. The tradition started in the mid-1800s, when members of high society would show off their fashionable Sunday best after attending religious services. Nowadays, the postchurch gathering is the main show, providing a stage for millinery spectacles. Expect head-topping fascinators, caps shaped like New York City landmarks and colorful costumes to match. For a coveted view from which you can cast your sartorial eye, climb to the top of the steps in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral before the parade starts. Fifth Avenue from 57th to 49th St. 10am–4pm; free.