Waco, TX Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Article XIV of Chapter 13, adopted by Ordinance No. 2018-792, governs every parade and special event that uses city streets, sidewalks or parks, or that draws crowds large enough to strain city resources. Section 13-483(a) makes it an offense to engage in, participate in, aid, or commence a parade or special event without making written application for and receiving a permit from the city, and Section 13-483(b) requires the outdoor events manager to apply the same time, manner and place standards to every applicant regardless of the content or viewpoint of the event.

The application itself is filed with the outdoor events manager and, per Section 13-484(a), must include the applicant's contact information, the event chairman's name and phone number, exact dates and times including setup and teardown, a projected attendance estimate, the parade route or event site plan, a public safety plan, and proof the applicant can obtain any other required licenses. Timing matters: Section 13-484(c) requires filing at least 45 days before an ordinary event, 60 days before an event expected to draw 501 to 4,999 people, and a full 180 days before an event expected to draw more than 5,000 people; a First Amendment parade or special event need only be filed five days ahead.

No application may be filed more than 365 days before the event. The outdoor events manager consults police, fire, public works, and parks and recreation before approving, denying, or conditioning a permit, and under Section 13-491 must act within ten business days of a complete application, or three days for First Amendment events filed within five days of the date.