Greensboro, NC Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 26-247 defines a "parade" as any march, race, presentation, ceremony, pageant or procession of persons and conveyances moving on a public street or sidewalk that does not comply with normal traffic regulations. Under § 26-248(a), no one may conduct or promote such an event without first obtaining a special event permit from the special events coordinator, and § 26-248(b) specifically authorizes the coordinator to recommend granting parade permits. Applications must be filed at least 60 calendar days (and no more than two years) ahead of the parade under § 26-253(a).

The permit itself must specify the route, assembly and disbanding areas, minimum and maximum march speeds, and the number of traffic controllers and monitors the organizer will furnish (§ 26-261). Section 26-249(c)(4) carves out a narrower exemption: a demonstration that involves no vehicles, animals, fireworks or non-sound equipment, charges no fee, and is preceded by 48 hours' notice to the coordinator does not need a special event permit. Priority in scheduling goes first to city-sponsored events, then to local nonprofits and larger events, and to routes that don't abut a residential area (§ 26-251); a marathon-style event also cannot be scheduled within 30 calendar days of another marathon (§ 26-257(a)(9)). Organizers must carry $1,000,000 combined single limit liability insurance (§ 26-263(b)).