Chicago, IL Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Under MCC 10-8-330, no parade may use any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public place that requires a street closing or rerouting of traffic unless the parade organizer first obtains a permit from the Department of Transportation. Applications must be filed with the commissioner in the same calendar year as, and not less than 15 business days before, the proposed parade date (January parades: not less than 15 business days but not more than one year before). 00 processing fee. Proof of required insurance must be provided before the permit issues.

Standard parades are capped at 2 hours 15 minutes on the street, and "large parades" (central business district or over $20,000 in anticipated city service costs) face added review. The commissioner will waive the fee or insurance requirement for First Amendment-protected activity if it would be financially burdensome enough to preclude applying.