Madison, WI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MGO § 12.87
- Permit issued by
- Chief of Police
- Minimum notice
- 72 hours before parade
- No-permit exception
- Sidewalk procession, 2 abreast, not obstructing
- Forfeiture, § 12.87(2) violation
- Up to $200
- Forfeiture, §§ 12.87(1)/(3) violation
- Up to $100
Summary
Madison regulates parades separately from general street closures under MGO § 12.87. Anyone forming, leading or joining a parade on a street or sidewalk needs a Chief of Police permit filed at least 72 hours in advance, except a small sidewalk procession moving no more than two abreast that does not block normal pedestrian use.
(2)Parades and Processions.(a)The streets and other public places in possession of the City are primarily for the use of the public in the ordinary way. However, under proper circumstances they may be used for parades and processions, subject to reasonable municipal regulation and control. It is recognized that there is a fundamental and constitutional right to use the public streets for a parade... (c)No person shall form, direct, marshal, lead or participate in any parade in any area used principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, where she or he knows a permit has not been obtained in advance, unless a permit has been obtained in advance from the Chief of Police, except that, upon notification to the Chief of Police a parade on sidewalks and footways, in which persons move not more than two (2) abreast and which does not substantially hinder normal use of the sidewalk or footway, and which conforms with traffic signals and other traffic regulations, is permitted without a permit.
Full Breakdown
87(2) declares a fundamental and constitutional right to use the public streets for a parade while still subjecting parades to reasonable municipal regulation and control. 87(2)(c), no person shall form, direct, marshal, lead or participate in any parade where they know a permit has not been obtained in advance, unless a permit has been obtained in advance from the Chief of Police, except that a sidewalk procession of people moving no more than two abreast that does not substantially hinder normal sidewalk use, and that obeys traffic signals, needs no permit.
A written application must reach the Chief of Police at least 72 hours before the parade, though applications filed 35 or more days ahead must be filed in person, and it must list the organizer's contact information, the assembly area, route, starting and termination points, and the number and size of parade units. The Chief of Police must consult the Director of Traffic Engineering for any parade crossing a bus route or arterial street. m. Funeral processions and parades run by a federal or state government agency in its governmental capacity do not need a permit.
The Chief may modify a route or require insurance rather than deny or revoke a permit, and either the Mayor or the Common Council can overrule the Chief's decision on issuance.
Violations & Fines
Leading or participating in a parade after a police officer has directly informed the person of a violation of § 12.87 or of the permit's terms is a separate offense under § 12.87(2)(d). Section 12.88 sets the forfeiture: up to $200 for violating § 12.87(2)'s parade-permit requirements, and up to $100 for violating the driving-formation rule in § 12.87(1) or the carnival-equipment permit rule in § 12.87(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small march on the sidewalk?
How far in advance must I apply for a Madison parade permit?
Can the police deny my parade application?
What's the penalty for parading without a permit in Madison?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle parade permits.