We love getting to host the parade, but please note, this is our ONLY responsibility for Dallas Days.
Please abide by all state and local laws.
The Parade begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. and concludes around noon.
All entries must be decorated, including commercial vehicles.
If possible, bring a mobile phone on Parade Day so we can contact you if needed.
Please ensure we have your number.
If you have questions on Parade Day, stop by the Parade Control Station.
The Parade Control Station is located at the corner of Jefferson and Washington
in front of Willamette Valley Fiber.
NOTE:
Dispersal will take place on Main Street south of Clay St.
Continue past Clay St to avoid backups in the parade entries behind you.
If you need to pull over to organize your group, please do so after passing Clay St.
Plan ahead for where your group will meet up after if needed,
especially if you have participants who will be picked up by parents or other parties.
NEW: Arrive and get directly in line. There will be volunteers to help you and get you checked in.
Check-in will take place from your vehicle on the driver’s side.
Lineup is generally first come, first served, with some exceptions
(color guard, dignitaries, emergency vehicles, etc.).
Parade staff will help space out musical, noisy, and animal entries appropriately.
Please do not park non-entry vehicles along Washington and Mill Streets.
If you would like to be grouped with another entry, please arrive together.
All entries must be in place for judging by 10:00 a.m.
Judging: 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Awards will be presented prior to the parade start.
If your entry breaks down, please move safely to the side and allow others to pass.
You may rejoin when ready.
If an entry ahead of you stops, carefully move around them to keep the parade flowing.
Maintain a steady distance of about 40 feet between entries.
Focus on the entry behind you, not the one ahead.
If they slow down, you should slow down as well.
No alcohol or controlled substances are allowed. Participants must not be under the influence.
Please do not use water sprayers, hoses, or loud noise devices,
as they may create safety concerns or frighten animals.
Do not throw items, including candy, from your entry.
You are welcome to hand out items safely along the route.
Vehicle operators must follow all laws—no burnouts, stunts, or unsafe driving.
Be mindful of noise levels, especially near animals.
If you are bringing animals, please come with a plan to clean up after them as they proceed along the parade route.
Please share these guidelines with everyone in your group so we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Parade Participation Guidelines Printable: CLICK HERE
Parade Map Printable: CLICK HERE
🎉 Join the Dallas Downtown Association for the 2026 Dallas Days Parade! 🎉
Theme: “Stars, Stripes, and Birthday Lights”
Help us celebrate community pride and patriotic fun as we march down Main Street in style!
✨ The Dallas Days Parade 2026 Grand Champion
Awarded to the best overall entry across all categories:
the finest of the fine, the top choice, the cream of the crop!
🎇 The Stars, Stripes, and Birthday Lights Awards
Recognizing the best use of this year’s theme in each division:
Non-Commercial
Commercial Floats
đźš— The Moving Down Main Award
Honoring the best decorated mode of transportation:
from classic cars to horses to giant semis and beyond!
🚶 The Stride of Pride Award
Celebrating the best walking entry in the parade.
🎖 The Judges Salute You Award
Our judges’ personal favorite — their star-spangled choice!
🎨 The Most Creative Entry
For the group that shows exceptional imagination and flair.
