We’ve rounded up the 6 best places to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the royal family in America, for those who won’t be making the trip across the pond but still want in on all the fun.
Where to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in the US
On Saturday, May 6th, the Royal Family will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Of course, London is expected to be abuzz with celebration – massive crowds are anticipated to assemble ahead of the King’s procession from Buckingham Palace, and the festivities will continue into the next day – but if you’re hoping to commemorate the occasion from the other side of the pond, you may find yourself scratching your head.
Well, never fear, because we have put together a list of places in the U.S. that are planning to honor this historic day. Whether it’s with a watch party, an afternoon tea, or a garden party, these ten spots are expected to go all-out for the big day.
And if you’d rather watch at home – or throw your own coronation party – you can do that too! The ceremony can be viewed starting at five am ET on ABC, and you can also tune in via YouTube and Hulu Live TV.
Where to go in America to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III
1. Coronation Garden Party
When you sit down to imagine your perfect coronation celebration, you’re probably picturing something close to the party that’s happening at Fairmont Washington, the D.C. branch of the luxury hotel chain. Their festivities will begin on May 6th, at 9:30 am in the courtyard, and will include bagpipes, champagne, and best of all, slices of coronation cake, courtesy of Chef Claus Olsen. You can even pose for photos with life-size cutouts of the Royal Family, as a way to remember this festive weekend. And if you dress up for the occasion – specifically, if you don a hat or fascinator – you will be eligible to receive several special prizes for your commitment to merriment. We think this party sounds like a dream.
2. Coronation Dinner
Let’s say you can’t see yourself waking up at five or six in the morning, but you’d still like to do something thematic to celebrate the coronation. Well, we think Central Market Cooking School Houston has the right idea. On May 5th, they’re offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity – the chance to prepare your own coronation dinner. With the help of professional instructors, you’ll execute a three-course meal that’s fit for a King: a roast rack of lamb, grilled aubergine, and a strawberry and ginger trifle. And then, of course, you’ll eat. Tickets are $75, and the experience is set to last two-and-a-half hours.
3. Afternoon Tea: A Coronation Party
And if thoughts of Great Britain have you craving tea, then Central Market Cooking School Houston can make that happen for you too. On May 7th – day two of celebrations in London – they’re hosting a fabulous tea party, that is equal parts educational and enjoyable. You’ll learn all about what goes into making the perfect pot of tea, and you’ll delight over a menu of salmon tea sandwiches, beef wellington bites, fruit scones, mini cakes, and more. Tickets are $50, and the event begins at one pm. This sounds like the perfect way to sneak a little bit of coronation fun into your weekend.
4. Cottage Tea Party
California residents, you’re in luck. In honor of the coronation, Cottage Tea Parties are living up to their name by planning… a cottage tea party. Watch the ceremony at home, and then head over on May 6th at 1:30 pm for an afternoon of bottomless Harney & Sons coronation tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, bite-size sandwiches, and scrumptious miniature desserts. And if you fancy dressing up for the occasion, your hosts will have feather boas and hats on hand for you to borrow.
5. Charles in Charge: Coronation Watch Party
Hosted by Exploration Place, a coronation watch party that puts all the others to shame. Affectionately called “Charles in Charge,” the event kicks off at the bright and early hour of four am on May 6th, so that you can watch the ceremony live. And if you need further motivation to get yourself to Wichita, Kansas’s Kemper Theater in the middle of the night (more or less), you can wake yourself with the promise of mimosas, coffee, juice, pastries, quiche, and fresh fruit. And in spite of the time, you are encouraged to dress for the occasion – don’t forget to bring along your favorite fascinator. Tickets are $20, and we think the event will be worth sacrificing some sleep.
6. King Coronation Afternoon Tea
If you happen to live in New Orleans, stop by Crown & Anchor Pub for a special coronation tea service at 2 pm on May 6th. Though you may not often think of “pub” and “afternoon tea” in the same sentence, we know this traditional English spot will make you change your mind. Crown & Anchor is the only traditional English pub in New Orleans, and they’re known for their weekly pub quiz as well as their draught beer. We can’t wait to see what they whip up for the big day. Get a little extra sleep, then head on over to toast King Charles – with tea, of course.
7. Big Lunch Coronation Picnic
Calling all New Yorkers! After an early morning pajama party in your apartment, head to Central Park – the Heckscher Playground Lawns on 61st and 7th Ave – for a celebratory lunch, hosted by Saint George’s Society of New York. All are welcome, and the May 6th event is scheduled to run from twelve to six pm – so you can make your coronation fun into a full-day affair.
8. Pamela’s Tea Room
Pamela’s Tea Room is a British tea shop in California, and they are now accepting tea reservations for coronation weekend. The tearoom is known not only for its teas, but also for its spectacular British treats – think sausage rolls, savory pies, scones, and other hard-to-find favorites. Reservations are available throughout the weekend, meaning you can organize your celebrating in whatever way works best for your schedule.
9. Coronation Day at the English Rose Tea Room
If you find yourself near Carefree, Arizona on coronation weekend, you should definitely procure a ticket to the coronation party at the English Rose Tea Room. On May 6th from ten am to five pm, they will host a spectacular event that includes tea, live music, and entertainment, plus special royal souvenir goodie bags for each guest. There will be additional memorabilia available for purchase, and the ceremony will be screened all day. Tickets are $75.
10. A Royal Garden Party
At Pennsylvania’s stunning Highlands Mansion & Garden, a royal garden party on May 6th commences at four pm. There will be cocktails, appetizers, and a live auction, as well as a hat competition. Tickets range from $125 to $2,000 for this event to remember.
Where to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in America
Those are the 6 best places where you can celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Royal Family in America, if you can’t be in London. Just don’t forget the champagne!