Kalamazoo, MI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 33-5A requires anyone using City streets, alleys or public grounds for a parade, march, gathering, or special event, including events selling food, drink or merchandise, to first obtain a permit. The application must be filed in writing with the City Clerk stating the proposed time, place, and route or public grounds to be occupied, and the City Manager or a designee decides whether to grant it. If the route crosses a U.S. highway or state trunk line highway, the organizer must also secure a separate permit from the state highway department before using that portion of the route, or the City will refuse permission for it.

Holding a parade or gathering without complying with § 33-5 is itself declared a misdemeanor in the ordinance text, independent of the general Code penalty. A denied applicant may appeal to the City Commission under § 33-5B, but the written appeal must reach the City Clerk's Office within 10 days of the denial notice and no later than 21 days before the requested event date. A related, lighter-weight process exists for neighborhood block parties: § 33-5.1 lets the City Manager approve temporary local street closings for block parties on written application to the City Clerk, without going through the full parade permit process.

Section 33-4 separately bars public addresses, drumming, horn-blowing or gatherings that interfere with free passage on a street unless conducted under a § 33-5 permit.