50th Parade Celebration - “Honoring the Past, Serving the Present,and Inspiring the Future”
About the event
About the registration
2026 Juneteenth 50th Parade Rules & Lineup Information
Motor Vehicle Requirements
Motor Vehicles must be properly registered with license plates, properly inspected and operated by a licensed driver with an insurance card. (You may be asked to provide this information at time of event) NO MOTORCYCLES PLEASE (ONLY POLICE MOTORCYCLES ALLOWED). Standard New York State Motor Vehicle Laws apply.
Registration & Division Assignment
Your group will be assigned to Division 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 after your paid registration has been received. All paid entries will receive a number which will be painted on the street at your assigned division.
The 1.20‑mile parade will begin with speeches at 9:30 AM with the parade promptly stepping off at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The parade will be led by classic and specialty vehicles, which will precede the parade procession in a two-car column formation.
Parade Route & Timing Requirements
The 1.20‑mile parade begins at 10:00 AM and is scheduled to conclude at 1:00 PM. The parade route officially closes at 1:00 PM. Any entry not finished by 1:00 PM will be asked to exit the route.
The parade continues onto Best Street, then right onto Fillmore Avenue past the Arts and Culture Stage.
Participants should plan to meet team members and coordinate pickup along Fillmore Avenue between East Utica Street and East Ferry Street.
Performance Areas
This years theme: Honoring the Past, Serving the Present and Inspiring the Future!
Whether your group is competing or not, if you are going to do choreographed dances you will be positioned in Division 5, which is the Grand Finale of the Parade.
The following areas are the designated performance zones:
Performance Area 1: Will be provided at a later date.
Performance Area 2: Will be provided at a later date.
Performance Area 3: Will be provided at a later date.
Scoring & Pink Slips
Performance Outside of performance zone or performances exceeding 1-minute results in a pink slip given by dedicated parade marshals, 2 pink slips results in disqualification from the competition. This is to ensure that no gaps are created and that we remain in compliance with the permits secured for the parade.
Operational Instructions
You should wait or park at the curb near your number until the parade marshal gives instructions. No skipping in or changing your assigned lineup number.
Any registered entry that arrives late will be asked to join the parade at the end. Anyone not registered will be denied entry.
Important Guidelines
No throwing of items into the crowd, including but not limited to candy. Items may be handed out in small bags if desired.
Parade Marshals: 5–10 parade marshals will be assigned to each division to manage the flow. Buffalo Police will assist with ensuring compliance with City of Buffalo laws & ordinances.
Compliance: Any entry out of compliance may be ejected with no refunds and denied future participation.
Medical Attention: Notify parade marshals, staff, or volunteers immediately if medical assistance is needed.
Cleanliness & Responsibility: Each entry is responsible for damage to public or private property and must keep their area clean along the route.
Vehicle Regulations: No parking on grass, revving of engines, spinning of tires, or unnecessary idling.
Entry Identification: All participants must be identifiable with a uniform, t-shirt logo, name badge, or full attire.
Family-Friendly Event: No provocative attire, swearing, explicit music lyrics or inappropriate behavior will be allowed.
Parade Pace & Judging
The parade is expected to end by 1:00 PM. Gaps between units will be closed and enforced by parade marshals. Judging will be conducted by dedicated parade judges positioned along the parade route.
The Awards Ceremony will be held at Fillmore and North Parade at approximately 3:00 PM.
Parking & Shuttle Information
Suggested parking: Fougeron Street, Girard Place, Riley Street, or Urban Street. Also available: East Community High School parking lot (870 Northampton Street). Shuttle Bus Locations: Fillmore & Fougeron Streets and Genesee & Doat Streets, available from 8:00 AM on June 13, 2026.
Responsible Party Requirement
The designated responsible person(s) must accompany their entry throughout the entire parade route to ensure compliance with all rules.
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Juneteenth Parade! We look forward to a successful and enjoyable celebration!
Terms & Conditions
Juneteenth Parade Waiver - Terms and Conditions
By participating in the Juneteenth Parade, you (the "Participant") acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. General Agreement
By submitting an entry into the parade, you agree to adhere to all rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade Committee. Failure to comply with these rules may result in removal from the parade without a refund.
2. Release of Liability
You agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Juneteenth Festival, Inc., its employees, volunteers, sponsors, the City of Buffalo, and any other affiliates or organizers from any claims, injuries, losses, or damages (including property damage) arising out of or related to your participation in the parade.
3. Medical Treatment
In the event of an emergency requiring medical attention, you authorize the Parade staff or volunteers to seek necessary medical treatment on your behalf. You also agree to bear all costs associated with such medical treatment.
4. Participant Responsibility
Each entry is responsible for any damage caused to public or private property during the parade assembly, procession, and disbursement. The participant is also responsible for ensuring their area is kept clean along the parade route and that all materials are disposed of in accordance with City of Buffalo ordinances.
5. Safety and Compliance
Participants agree to follow all safety instructions from Parade Marshals, Parade Staff, and the Buffalo Police. Non-compliance with safety guidelines or City of Buffalo laws may result in removal from the parade.
6. Image and Media Consent
By participating, you grant permission to the Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade Committee and its affiliates to photograph, record, or videotape you and your entry during the parade. These images may be used for promotional purposes, media coverage, or archival purposes without compensation.
7. Performance and Behavior
Participants agree to maintain appropriate behavior during the parade. This includes refraining from provocative attire, inappropriate language, or offensive music.
8. No Refunds
There will be no refunds for any reason, including ejection from the parade for non-compliance with the rules or regulations.
9. Indemnification
The undersigned group representative hereby, release, and forever discharge Juneteenth Festival, Inc., its officers and directors, severally or jointly, the Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade Committee and all volunteers of all liability, claims, actions, and probable causes of action which may accrue to any members of the groups from every and any loss, damage, and injury (including death) that may be sustained while participating in the parade."
10. Modification of Terms
The Juneteenth Festival, Inc. reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at anytime. Participants will be notified of any changes, and continued participation in the parade will indicate acceptance of these modified terms
Prices
| Small Group - 49 people or less | $100.00 | |
| Medium Group - 50 -74 people | $150.00 | |
| Large Group - 75 to 100 | $250.00 |
Questions on the registration
User information
- First name
- Last name
Additional information
- Are you a sponsor or general applicant?
- All Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade participants under the age of 18 years require adult supervision before, during and after the parade. Will your group have underaged participants?
- If yes, please provide an adult's name and telephone number in case of emergency. If no, type none
- Name of Organization
- Primary Contact Person for Your Organization:
- Contact person email
- Contact Person Telephone Number (10 digits)
- Address (Street address, City, State, Zip)
- Orientations. You or a representative must attend at least ONE of our MANDATORY parade orientation sessions Email jfiparade1@gmail.com Patrick Cray - Parade Chair if you have questions
- In a few words, tell us about your organization and what you offer the community. This will be read at the Viewing platform as you pass that area without stopping.(30 second or less bio please) Please start by typing your organization's name c (e.g. Buffalo Cub Scouts ETC...)
- What are you entering the Parade as?
- If you selected “Other” in the previous question, please specify what you will be entering the parade as.
- Do you wish for your group to compete in the Parade judging competition?
- Would you like to perform without being judged?
- How many groups do you have?
- Approximately how many people are in your group?
- Will you have music?
- How many vehicles? Please answer none or type of vehicle
- Approximate space needed for lineup?
- Name of Parade Group Chief
- Email of Parade Group Chief
- May we share your information with other festivals if asked?
- No Refunds. There will be no refunds for any reason, including ejection from the parade for non-compliance with the rules or regulations.
