Hats and Tulips Galore! Inside Central Park’s 42nd Annual Hat Luncheon

It was a sea of color at the Conservatory Gardens of Central Park as a group of well-dressed women in floral frocks and head-turning hats gathered to celebrate the 42nd Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon—or simply referred to as “The Hat Luncheon”—benefiting The Central Park Conservancy.

For many New Yorkers, Central Park serves as a sanctuary—an escape from all the action in the city. The Central Park Women’s Committee aims to support its preservation and enhancement by raising funds for the several parkwide projects. This year, the committee raised $4.6 million that will support critical programs such as Adopt-a-Bench, Conservancy Docents, Playground Partners, and many more.

The luncheon honored Diane Schaub, the Conservancy s Curator of Gardens, along with her dedicated Garden Staff. “The Women’s Committee is honored to support the critical work of the Central Park Conservancy, which includes the ongoing restoration of the Conservatory Garden,” Jenny Price, president of the Women’s Committee, told over 1350 attendees, including Michael Bloomberg, Katherine Gage Boulud, and Gigi Burris. “Thanks to the commitment of the Conservancy’s staff, our supporters and all Park visitors get to enjoy these beautiful gardens.”

Despite being one of the most sartorially-forward cities in the world, seldom do we see eye-catching hats flocking the city’s streets. But each year, the luncheon presents a golden opportunity for attendees to visit their favorite milliners and snag some special headpieces for the occasion. One attendee sported a hat crafted entirely from Legos (from the toy brand’s Botanical Collection!), while others opted for a more playful touch with stuffed animals like owls, birds, and bears to their headpieces. But many kept it true to theme, donning headbands made with fresh florals and chic pillbox hats.

Each table was adorned with towering arrangements of hydrangeas and roses and decorated with garden-themed table linens. And while attendees took shelter inside the white tents where they chatted with friends, snapped photos, and cooled down with sips of Arnold Palmer, right outside at the Conservatory Gardens, thousands of tulips in mesmerizing hues of pink, purple, red, and orange were in full bloom.

It’s magical moments in Central Park, like reuniting with friends and basking under the glory of its gardens, that make the Hat Luncheon a cornerstone of Central Park’s enduring legacy.