Allentown, PA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 532-2 makes it unlawful to hold a parade (or any special event) that occupies, marches or assembles upon a street or public area of the City without a permit granted by the Mayor or designee, with fees set under § 270-62. Applications go to the Mayor's office at least 90 days before the event date on official City forms, per § 532-3, listing the sponsoring group's officers, the person in charge, the event's purpose, date and time, and the exact streets or public areas to be used; late applications filed 31 to 89 days out may be accepted at the Mayor's discretion with a late fee, but nothing submitted within 30 days of the event is accepted.

Events are classified as large scale (1,000 or more participants) or small scale (under 999), which affects the fee. Under § 532-5, the Mayor must deny an application if the event's time, size or location would unreasonably disrupt traffic or the public peace, if staffing it would leave the City without reasonable police protection, if it conflicts with an already-permitted event, if the application contains false information, if the applicant won't agree to the permit conditions, if it's filed late, or if the applicant has an unpaid balance or a prior permit violation on record.

Government agencies, veterans' organizations and City-contracted events can have permit and special-services fees waived under § 532-12. The Chief of Police may require patrol, security or equipment as a permit condition under § 532-9, and Allentown EMS has the right of first refusal to provide standby medical services for large gatherings under § 532-10.