Santa Monica, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary parade routes
- 5 designated routes along Ocean Ave, Colorado Ave, and Main St
- Direction restriction
- One direction only on designated streets
- Race/run time window
- Saturday or Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Alternative routes
- Permitted if cross-traffic preserved and safety maintained
Summary
Parades and marches in Santa Monica require a community event permit and must follow five designated parade routes, generally in one direction only. Alternative routes may be permitted if cross-traffic can be maintained and participant safety ensured.
§ 4.68.150. Parade routes.
(a) Subject to the requirements of this Chapter, a community event permit may be issued for a march, procession, walk, or parade in one direction only on the following streets:
(1) Ocean Avenue, between Adelaide Drive (northwest City limits) and Pico Boulevard;
(2) Commencing on Ocean Avenue at the intersection of Adelaide Drive (northwest City limits) and continuing south on Ocean Avenue to the intersection of Colorado Avenue, turning easterly on Colorado Avenue to the intersection of Main Street, turning southerly on Main Street, ending at the intersection of Main Street and Pico Boulevard;
(3) Commencing on Main Street, south of the intersection of Olympic Drive, and continuing south on Main Street to the intersection of Marine Street, turning westerly on Marine Street to the intersection of Barnard Way, turning northerly on Barnard Way, ending at the entrance to Parking Lot 5 South.
(b) Minor adjustments to the routes in subsection (a) may be authorized by the Community Events Committee to avoid construction or other obstructions.
(c) This Section does not prohibit the issuance of a community event permit for marches or processions on other streets so long as through and cross-traffic can be preserved and the safety of the participants can be maintained.
Full Breakdown
The code designates specific authorized parade routes, including Ocean Avenue between Adelaide Drive and Pico Boulevard, and routes along Colorado Avenue and Main Street. Minor route adjustments can be approved by the Community Events Committee to avoid construction or obstructions. The code does not prohibit parades on other streets, provided through and cross-traffic can be preserved and participants can be kept safe.
Violations & Fines
Conducting a parade without the required community event permit is a misdemeanor. Participants who knowingly join an unpermitted event also violate the law. Administrative citations may be issued under Chapter 1.09.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a parade use any street in Santa Monica?
Are races and runs treated the same as parades?
What if a construction project blocks the designated parade route?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parade permits.