Fort Collins, CO Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

5 of the Municipal Code defines a parade as a march or procession of persons, animals or vehicles on a public right-of-way that isn't primarily about communicating a message, which distinguishes it from a demonstration. 5-3 requires anyone staging a parade, or any other special event, block party or outdoor gathering that does not comply with normal traffic laws and controls, to get a permit from the Permitting Authority, the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Security or their designee, before the event. The Code carves out one parade-specific exemption: a parade of 50 or fewer pedestrians that stays on sidewalks and crosses streets only at marked crosswalks, in groups of 15 or fewer, does not need a permit.

Every other parade must file an application at least 45 business days before the event, 60 business days if alcohol will be served or if the event uses the Civic Center Park/Washington Park venue, and applications cannot be filed more than a year in advance. 5-7, such as a conflicting event already booked for that date and place, a missing traffic safety plan, or a size that would overwhelm City staffing. 5-10 can require an indemnification agreement, insurance, a traffic safety plan, and a recycling and waste management plan.