Parade Contingent Updates

Last updated April 9, 2025

Portland Pride Parade

The parade is on Sunday, July 20th and steps off from the North Park Blocks at precisely 11:00 AM

Parade FAQs

Can pets be included in the parade?

We recommend pet owners exercise caution when bringing pets to the festival or the parade. Temperatures in July can range widely. Things to take into consideration include fluctuating temperatures, hot sidewalks, noisy environment, and large crowds.

How long should my group expect to wait in the parade lineup area before we start walking in the parade?

At least one participant needs to be onsite, but participants with heat or accessibility concerns can arrive closer to their march time. Parade Contingents should be prepared to be in the park blocks approximately 2-4 hours.

Are there places nearby to get food or beverages?

There are a limited number of businesses near the park blocks staging area. We recommend that groups be prepared with water and snacks.

Are there bathrooms? Are they accessible?

Pride Northwest provides portable toilets, and two ADA bathrooms. See the staging area map for exact locations.

Is there access to running water in the parade lineup area?

Parade contingents should make sure marchers know there is no water available in the staging area; they will need to bring their own water. 

Security at Portland Pride

Security is a top priority for Portland Pride and this year is no different. While we are unable to share many specifics about the details of our security plan, we work closely with local law enforcement, emergency response folks, and private security for the event. We also engage local peacekeeping and de-escalation teams to help ensure that direct confrontation with community members is minimized and/or eliminated. Our community is most safe when we are together in large numbers, and work in collaboration to keep each other from harm.

City of Portland Street and Sidewalks Use Administrative Regulations

General Conditions for all parades:

1. Parade Organizers are responsible for informing all parade participants of the parade route and requirements.

2. Parade organizers are responsible for cleanup immediately after the parade. This includes all areas of the right-of-way and areas used by spectators.

3. Parade entries must move at a pace directed by Portland Police. Unauthorized stopping or detour will not be allowed. Strict adherence to start and end time must be enforced.

4. If horses or other animals are a part of your event, you will be responsible for cleaning up after them (a diaper is recommended).

5. Participants shall not throw, handout or project by any means, any items from parade entries. However, participants on foot are allowed to hand out candy and/or promotional items before and/or during the parade using the sidewalk and/or within 3 feet of the curb.

6. Items may only pass from hand-to-hand. Under no circumstances are items to be thrown or tossed anywhere along the parade route.

The following are regulations by the City of Portland, failure to comply may result in exclusion from the parade.

Motor Vehicles, Floats, Accessory Vehicles are subject to the following:

1. All parade vehicles, which are not street legal, can only be driven in the parade. This includes, but is not limited to; golf carts, ATVs, self-propelled floats, and any other vehicle propelled by a combustion or electric motor.

2. Street legal motor vehicles in parades must be properly registered and insured.

3. Motor vehicle operators must possess a valid driver’s license.

4. All items on floats and vehicles must be properly secured so as to not cause a hazard to any participant or spectator.

5. All floats, vehicles and entries must have a person of the age of 21 or older as a participant and/or driver

While operating a Motor Vehicle, Float, or Accessory Vehicle:

1. All drivers must have a current driver’s license and a copy of a valid vehicle insurance verification at the time of the parade.

2. No person operating a vehicle or other moving equipment shall be permitted to operate a cellular device, including no texting, while in the parade route.

3. All drivers must have complete control of moving equipment at all times.

4. Motor vehicles shall not race or rev engines, spin tires, burn out, lay drag marks or any other form of aggressive vehicle behavior.

5. All drivers must maintain a forward motion at all times. Drivers cannot slowdown in order to speedup. No circling or lateral movements are permitted on the parade route.

Participants:

1. All persons riding on floats or vehicles shall only do so in a safe and reasonable manner, taking into consideration the movement of the floats and vehicles.

2. No participant may leave the float, vehicle or entry at any time prior to the conclusion of the parade route. Any request to exchange riders on floats or in vehicles must be preapproved.

3. Participants are required to yield right of way to all emergency vehicles.

4. Participants are required to follow direction given by Portland Police.

Fire Prevention:

1. All Parade entries are subject to inspection by Portland Fire & Rescue. If, for any reason, an entry is found to be hazardous or unsafe, it must be modified to the satisfaction of the inspector or removed from the parade.

2. Generators must be used in well ventilated areas and not inside vehicle passenger areas

3. All floats must be equipped with a Class ABC fire extinguisher. [Pride Northwest note: These are available to purchase at local hardware stores or many people have them in their homes as well.]

4. Smoking will not be allowed.

Removal/exclusion:

1. Failure to follow these safety rules will result in immediate removal from the parade route and charges for violation of local ordinances and state code.

2. The City of Portland reserves the right to remove any individual, group or parade contingent from the staging, parade or dispersal area, who is, in its opinion and discretion, a hindrance to the safety or progress of the parade or who places any participants or spectators in physical danger; for motor vehicle safety violations, unsafe or illegal conduct such as drugs, alcohol or participation inconsistent with the aims, goals and purposes of the permitted parade/event.