Medford, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Revised Ordinances § 78-8 requires a permit from the chief of police before any funeral, procession or parade meeting the size threshold, 200 or more persons or 50 or more vehicles, may occupy, march or proceed along any way in the City of Medford. The requirement exempts the military forces of the United States, the military forces of the Commonwealth, and the forces of the police and fire departments, recognizing that official convoys and honor-guard movements do not need a civilian parade permit. Organizers of any qualifying event, such as a large Memorial Day parade route through Medford Square, a Tufts University homecoming procession, or a community walk that draws 200 or more participants, must apply to the chief of police and follow whatever additional regulations the traffic chapter sets, since § 78-8 folds in 'such other regulations as set forth in this chapter which may apply,' tying the permit to the traffic-commission rules in article II of chapter 78 as well.

The section traces to Revised Ordinances 1974, ch. 13, § 17 and has carried forward unchanged. Because chapter 78 does not attach its own fine to § 78-8, a violation, marching without the required permit once the size threshold is met, defaults to the citywide general penalty in § 1-13: up to $300.00 for each offense, with each day of an ongoing unpermitted event treated as a separate offense, and the city may instead seek an injunction to stop the procession.