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

Section 15-107 of the Bristol Borough Code controls use of streets by processions and assemblages. An assemblage is a gathering of people without vehicles that interferes with the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on any street. A procession is a group of individuals, vehicles, animals or objects moving along a street in a way that interferes with the normal movement of traffic; funeral caravans and military convoys are excluded.

It is unlawful to hold or take part in either one unless the organizer first gets a permit from the Borough Manager, and the permit is issued without fee. The deadlines differ by type. An application for an assemblage must be filed at least one week before the proposed day, and an application for a procession at least two weeks before. Where a state-designated highway is proposed for use, the lead time is at least three weeks for both.

The permit controls the details. For an assemblage it states the place and date, the hour the gathering can convene and the hour by which it must be completely dispersed. For a procession it specifies the date, the route, the hour and place where participants can start to assemble, the time the procession can begin to move, and the time by which it must reach the end of its route and disband. Holding or joining an event outside the permitted time, place, route or conditions is itself unlawful, even when a permit exists.

Two neighboring sections matter to organizers. Section 15-104 lets the Mayor restrict or prohibit traffic or parking in limited areas for not more than 72 hours for parades, processions or public events, and section 15-106 lets Borough Council close a street or part of one to vehicular traffic while a special event is under way, with barriers or police officers at each end. Violations of section 15-107 carry a fine of $25 and costs.