2026 Ithaca Festival Parade
Join us Thursday, May 28, 2026!
Photo by Ed Dittenhoefer
We are excited to invite members of the Ithaca community to participate in the Ithaca Festival Parade!
Our mission is to provide entertainment and to enhance awareness of the many causes, activities, and unique qualities that make up the Ithaca community, all while ensuring a safe experience for the more than 2,000 parade participants. We aim to keep the parade under two hours, which means we’re limited in the number of groups we can accommodate, so be sure to apply early!
Groups are encouraged to entertain or enhance community awareness by using banners, signs, songs, etc., and should positively advocate causes and issues. We do not allow signs or other activities that endorse political candidates or parties.
The parade will start at 6 pm. We invite the community to the Bernie Milton Pavilion immediately after the parade for the Ithaca Festival “kick-off celebration” with live music!
If you have access to an electric vehicle, consider using it in this year’s parade. Together, we can reduce emissions and set the stage for a greener, more eco-friendly future. While this is a suggestion, not a requirement, your choice to go electric could inspire others and help pave the way for a low-emission or even emission-free parade!
Participants: All official correspondence will come from an IthacaFestival.org email address. The only Payment link is Paypal.me/Ithacafestival.
Questions? Please email our parade team at IthacaFestivalParade@gmail.com.