Dallas, TX Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Dallas City Code Chapter 28, Article XVI governs parades under Sections 28-186 through 28-192. A 'parade' is defined in Section 28-186(4) as an assembly of three or more people traveling or marching in procession to express political, religious, or social views, and Section 28-187(a) makes it illegal to engage in, participate in, aid, or commence one on city streets without a permit from the chief of police. Applications must include the organizer's contact information, the date, route, start and end points, and estimated numbers of participants, animals, floats, and vehicles, per Section 28-188(a).

A nonrefundable $25 application fee accompanies the request, though the chief of police may waive it for an applicant who submits an affidavit showing indigence. The chief of police must approve or deny the application within three business days under Section 28-189, and may set an alternate route if the requested one would interfere with traffic flow. L. Thornton Freeway, conflicts with a street's existing parking-ban hours, starts within two hours and a half-mile of another permitted parade, or would unreasonably disrupt traffic with no rerouting option.

A permit can be revoked under Section 28-191 if the parade fails to start within 30 minutes of its scheduled time or the application contained materially false information. Six exceptions require no permit at all, including military and public-safety units, funeral processions, peaceful stationary demonstrations off the street, sidewalk processions using no more than half the sidewalk, and special event parades already permitted under Chapter 42A. An applicant denied or revoked has two days to file a written appeal with the city manager, who must rule within 24 hours, and that decision is final.