Las Vegas is gearing up for the 2026 Helldorado Days Parade, and entries are now open. Scheduled for May 9 from 10 a.m. to noon along Fourth Street, the parade invites participants, from school marching bands to local artists, to celebrate the city’s vibrant spirit. According to the city's official announcement, participation is free, but applications must be submitted by April 17, 2026.
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial is offering cash incentives for schools and artists who showcase creativity and historical flair in their parade entries. Each school, however, is limited to a maximum of two submissions. According to the same announcement, local school marching bands have the chance to earn $1,000, while standout floats could take home $1,500. Meanwhile, local artists who capture the essence of Las Vegas in their work may also receive a $1,000 award.
Diversity and history take center stage at the Helldorado Days Parade—a celebration that honors Las Vegas’ roots as a railroad town founded in 1905. More than just a showcase of floats and faces, the event serves as a birthday tribute to the city itself. Organizers are encouraging groups that represent the community’s cultural tapestry to join in, with over 100 entry slots available. A special committee will judge the participants on parade day, awarding $500 each to the best marching band and the best historic Las Vegas-themed float.
Mayor Shelley Berkley chimed in, extolling the virtues of the event: "The Helldorado Days Parade is a citywide event and a Las Vegas tradition," she told attendees in a statement obtained by the city's website. "From the marching bands to the beautiful horses and dancers, this parade celebrates our heritage and diversity. Everyone is invited to participate and celebrate our past and future." With roots tracing back to 1934 and coinciding with the city’s upcoming 121st anniversary of the 1905 land auction, the Helldorado Days Parade carries a rich legacy, and this year, both the stakes and the spirits are higher than ever.
For more information, interested participants can call 702-229-4859 or visit the official Helldorado Days Parade website.
