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

City Code § 12-1051 defines a parade broadly as an assemblage of two or more people marching, processing, or otherwise promoting or objecting to something on public streets, alleys, parks, or grounds: excluding funeral processions, government activities, bands proceeding to an assembly point, footraces, and bicycle races. No parade may be conducted, inaugurated, promoted, or joined without a permit from the Chief of Police or a designated representative. Under § 12-1052, the written application must be filed at least 24 hours but no more than 365 days before the parade, listing the sponsoring organization, proposed location(s), date and hours requested, the applicant's name, whether participants under 18 are expected, and who will be in charge and carry the permit.

; every route must be approved by the City Manager or designee, who cannot approve a route incompatible with public health, safety, and welfare (route disapproval is appealable to Council); motorized-vehicle parades must follow the City's Motorized Parade Policy; no candy, cigarettes, prizes, or favors of any kind may be distributed along the route; and no vicious animal, leashed or not, may participate. Under § 12-1054, the Chief of Police can revoke a permit for a standards violation or failure to comply with the application's stated terms.