Apply to Participate

Parade date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30PM

Location: El Presidio Neighborhood, Jacome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

Application Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026. NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED.

There is a cap on the number of entries accepted – if the cap is reached, no additional entries will be accepted. No exceptions.

There are size restrictions for all entries – Please read the rules.

Entry fees must be received before confirmation into the parade is approved. NO REFUNDS.

Before applying for the parade, read the Rules, Terms, & Conditions, and Parade Guide. Ensure Entry Approval & Quality Standards are met.

ENSURE PARADE GUIDE IS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PARTICIPANTS IN YOUR ENTRY!

Determine Your Entry Type – Entry Type Explanations

Application Form

Name of Organization(Required)

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address City State ZIP Code

Parade Day Contact Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Entry Approval & Quality Standards

Entry Approval & Quality Standards Policy(Required)

I have read and agree to the Entry Approval & Quality Standards

Entries should be transformed into a festive parade display rather than simply serving as transportation or advertisement. Participants are encouraged to create a float-style entry; however, vehicles without a traditional float must demonstrate a high level of creativity, decoration, and lighting.

Vehicle entries should incorporate elements such as:

A float structure, trailer display, or added decorative elements
Extensive lighting throughout the vehicle and/or entry
Decorations visible from multiple sides of the parade route
Props, displays, or creative features
Costumed riders or participants
Music or other elements that enhance the parade experience
A thoughtful and intentional presentation created specifically for the Downtown Parade of Lights
Examples of entries that may not meet approval standards:

Vehicles with only a single strand or minimal amount of lights
Standard vehicles with little to no additional decoration
Company vehicles displaying only logos, banners, or advertisements without a creative parade element
Entries relying primarily on headlights, existing vehicle features, or everyday vehicle appearance
All vehicle entries should clearly demonstrate effort and preparation to create an engaging experience for parade attendees.

Walking Groups & Performance Entries

Walking and performance entries are encouraged as they bring energy, entertainment, and community spirit to the parade.

Walking and performance entries should incorporate elements such as:

Lights, glow accessories, or illuminated elements
Coordinated outfits, costumes, or themed attire
Music, dance, or performance elements
Props, banners, signs, or handheld decorations
Characters, mascots, or interactive elements
Creative elements that showcase the organization, group, or community
Examples of walking entries that may not meet approval standards:

Groups walking without any lights, decorations, costumes, or planned presentation
Participants wearing everyday clothing with no festive elements
Groups using the parade solely for advertising or promotion without contributing to the overall experience
All walking groups should demonstrate preparation and contribute to the festive atmosphere of the Downtown Parade of Lights.

Entry Photo Approval Requirement

To assist with the approval process, all applicants must submit a photo or example of their planned parade entry.

Submitted materials should show:

Lighting plans
Decorations
Vehicle/float design (if applicable)
Overall entry concept
Final approval is based on the completed application and submitted entry materials. The Parade Committee may request additional information or modifications before confirming participation.

Entry Description

Length of Entry Including Vehicles, People, Etc.(Required)

The staging area is small. We must know the exact length of your entry including any vehicles, walkers, cyclists, etc.

Describe your entry in detail – You must provide details including: Does your entry contain a float, vehicles, walking or performance? How many people are in your entry? What is the length of your float? Is there any music in your entry? Are there any animals in your entry? Entries/floats cannot be more than 40' in length.(Required)

Number of Vehicles in your entry(Required)

Absolutely no more than 3 vehicles max per entry group, unless bicycle, motorcycle, or scooter. Applicants cannot submit more than one entry.

Number of Participants in your entry(Required)

Does your entry contain animals(Required)

Yes

Does your entry contain music(Required)

Yes

Entry Type

Float, Vehicle, Walking, or Performance. You may qualify for more than one type of entry. If you have a float + walkers = select one from each category. If you have a walkers + vehicle = select one from each category.

Description of Entry Types

Float – One vehicle pulling a trailer or flatbed. Vehicle – A car, SUV, truck, RV, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, e-bike, bus, van. Walking – Without motorized or towed vehicle. Performance Entry – Marching band, folklorico, twirlers, drill teams, drum corps, dance troupes. Small Commercial Business: 24 employees or less. Large Commercial Business: 25 employees or more.

Float (1 vehicle pulling a trailer, no additional vehicles, and not more than 10 people walking)

Large Commercial Business ($100)

Small Commercial Business ($75)

Government, Schools, City/County/State ($75)

Individual, Family, Non-profit or Community Organization ($75)

A float is a decorated platform (trailer/flatbed) that is towed by a vehicle. No additional vehicles in the entry. If you have additional vehicles, you must add a vehicle entry from the ‘Vehicles’ option below. If you have more than 10 people walking with your float, you must add an entry from the ‘Walking’ category below.

Proof of Insurance(Required)

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Provide current proof of insurance for each vehicle participating in the parade. All drivers must be 18+ years of age and hold a valid Arizona driver’s license

Do you have more than a float? Do you have walkers, dancers, another vehicle, etc.? If yes, you must select additional categories below.(Required)

Yes, I have more than a float in my entry.

No, I only have a float in my entry.

Vehicles (3 vehicles max per entry, unless otherwise noted. No additional vehicles accepted.)

Large Commercial Auto, Truck, RV ($150)

Small Commercial Auto, Truck, RV ($75)

Individual, Family, Non-profit or Comm. Org Vehicles, 3 max ($75)

Motorcycles, group of 5 ($75)

Bicycles, Scooters, group of 10 ($75)

Limit three (3) vehicles max per group’s entry, unless otherwise noted. If group exceeds three (3) vehicles, they may be asked to reduce number of vehicles or may be removed from the parade.

Proof of Insurance(Required)

Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Provide current proof of insurance for each vehicle participating in the parade. If you have additional proof of insurance, please email to: parade@DowntownParadeOfLights.com. All drivers must be 18+ years of age and hold a valid Arizona driver’s license

Do you have more than three vehicles? Do you have walkers, dancers, etc.? If yes, you must select additional categories below.(Required)

Yes, I have more than three vehicles in my entry.

No, I only have up to three vehicles in my entry.

Walking (No Vehicles)

Large Commercial Business ($75)

Small Commercial Business ($75)

Government, Schools, City/County/State ($75)

Individual, Family, Non-profit or Community Organization ($75)

Performance Entry (Due to size restrictions, vehicles are not allowed with Performance Entries)

Marching Band ($75)

Dance Troupe or Folklorico ($75)

Mariachi ($75)

Other Musical ($75)

Due to size restrictions, Performance Entries cannot have vehicles.

Emcee Description(Required)

I have shared the parade route, rules, terms & conditions with everyone participating in my parade entry.(Required)

Yes

Signature(Required)

I understand that upon successfully clicking 'Submit' I will receive an email with a copy of my application. Check your spam folder and if you do not receive a copy of your application in your email, please resubmit the application again.(Required)

Yes, I understand and will check my email after clicking ‘submit’.