Join over 10,000 dancers moving and grooving to over 100 styles of dance in the 21st Annual Dance Parade & Festival! Come dance with us on Saturday, May 15th, 2027. There is no fee if you're joining an already registered community group.
January 14, 7-8pm (Thu), 2027 Parade Group Coordinators Mtg on Zoom (more meetings to follow TBD)
March 1, 2027 (Mon) FINAL day to request a scholarship fee waiver, float deposits due and deadline to register for participation in DanceFest.
April 15, 2027 (Thu) Deadline to register a group in Dance Parade. Full float payment due.
April 29, 2027 (Thu, 5-10pm) Taste of Dance Parade Showcase Event at Out of Ordinary, 48 West 21st St, Manhattan
May 12 (Wed), Noon: Press Conference on Steps of City Hall, NYC (meet at Murray St & Broadway at 11:45am in order topass through security)
May 15 (Sat), 9am - 10am: Parade check-in for Vehicles at 18th St & 5th Ave (for registered vehicles only)
May 15 (Sat), 10am - 2pm: Parade check-in for all Parade Group Coordinators at the Parade Start at 7 West 17th St @ 5th Ave (for registered PGCs only). Parade begins at Noon. Festival is from 2pm-7pm
Individual Dancers may register to join one of the many community groups in the parade. For Groups your options are limited at this time.
Each year Dance Parade gathers 200+ organizations, 10,000+ dancers and 75 vehicles and floats. We manage these logistics by offering the below sound and vehicle options. Though higher budget options provide the most comprehensive sound for your dancers, low budget scenarios are also available:
1. Cheapest Option - Many of our first time group participants choose to dance with the sound provided by another group. Are you a salsa group? Then we'll have you dance behind another salsa group that is willing to share their sound!
2. Bring your own sound -- Having amplified sound outdoors is always challenging and can be expensive. We allow vehicles to transport up to 6 speakers (preferably 4). Up to 60 vehicles are permitted in the parade. Although there is an additional vehicle fee for gas powered vehicles, this may be a good option. Generator powered sound systems are the most reliable and can be rented from Home Depot. There is a $250 refundable FDNY compliance deposit for any generator. (See rules on strict FDNY requirements below)
3. Rent a Sound-Cart from us -- we work with a production company who provides an audio rig on a 4ft x 4ft platform, complete with two raised speakers on poles, mixer and battery pack enabled to last the 4 hour parade. Limited supply avaialble from January 1, 2027 through March 1, 2027: https://danceparade.org/sound-carts
4. Create and Bring your own Parade Float - Bring your art car, flatbed truck or pickup pulling a decorated trailor. All vehicles will be inspected by NYPD Highway patrol to be safe and street legal. Vehicle fees of $150 apply to all gas-powered vehicles (additional fee after March 1st). If your float or vehicle uses a generator, there is a $250 refundable FDNY compliance deposit. (See rules on strict FDNY requirements below)
5. Get a Parade Float from us -- We work with the largest, most reliable float company in the Northeast to make your dreams come true with a "Turnkey" solution to have a decorated/moving stage with sound system. After submitting your designs, just show up on Parade Day and dance the day away. Feature up to 3 sponsors. Floats start at $3,250 depending on size, design and audio options. $500 non-refundable float deposit required by March 1, 2027 to reserve floats, subject to limited availability. Signed contract due April 15th. Full payment due April 30th.
Not sure what to do? Our Production Team can help! Leave us a message on 267-350-9213 and we'll get back to you with a solution!
Everyone who dances in the parade must register. When your dancers register under your group's name, you get a live roster of who is coming, with their names and emails, so you can organize rehearsals and parade day yourself.
Parade Group Coordinators (PGCs): First, register your group. Your confirmation email includes a private "See Roster" link. It lists every dancer who has registered with your group, with buttons to copy all their emails or download a spreadsheet. New dancers show up within a few minutes.
Dancers: Register for free and choose your group from the list. Your group's coordinator will see your name and email on their roster. Switching groups? Just register again and choose your new group.
PGCs: lost your "See Roster" link?
- Search your inbox for the email from registration@danceparade.org with the subject "[Your Group Name] Application Receipt for Dance Parade May 15, 2027".
- Click the link under "Once registered, you can view your roster here." Bookmark it so you can check back anytime.
- Can't find the email? Write to cf@danceparade.org with your group name and the email address you registered with, and we'll send your link again.
Please keep your roster link private. It shows your dancers' names and email addresses.
Parade Grand Stand Lead Red Hayes explains how groups have the exciting opportunity to perform for 40 seconds before a seated audience in Astor Plaza.
If you are using a generator in the parade, you will be responsible for (1) obtaining FDNY-compliant and inspection-tagged fire extinguishers (around $150), (2) securing any necessary generator permits, (3) paying a $250 refundable FDNY compliance deposit at registration, and (4) paying any fines for non-compliance. FDNY Inspectors will inspect generators between 9am and 10am on Saturday May 15. Pass inspection and your $250 deposit is refunded to your card within 14 days of the parade. Groups found noncompliant, or not present for inspection, forfeit the deposit.
Generators with more than 2.5 gallons of gasolline (and >10 gallons of diesel) require a permit from the FDNY. FDNY Generator Permits take 45-60 days. This generally equates to a 5000watt generator or more.
Since the Summer of 2025, the NYC Fire Department has been inspecting fire extinguishers that are supplied for gasoline fueled generators in NYC parades. Loose fuel (gas cans, jerry cans or spare containors) MAY NOT be permitted on or near your vehicle or float.
Fire extinguishers must be either sold by an FDNY approved vendor or they MUST have FDNY tags on them which can be purchased for a fee. Fire extinguishers from the below vendors generally cost $125-$150 and some fo these vendors deliver. All generators must be inspected by FDNY Inspectors between 9 and 10am on Saturday May 15.
List of Approved Companies
May 15, 2027 Parade & Festival Logistics
After a comprehensive planning process our team will send out specific details of each group's details on April 21st for the parade and festival. Each group has been asked to update their details by responding to cf@danceparade.org email address. This is the email address that you will email your .MP3 music files to if you have been selected to participate in DanceFest.
Our team has been doing what we can to add vehicles, confirm 10lb fire extinguisher issues and even adjust timings (see above) to make the event flow as flawlessly as possible however we've been very clear that the deadline for changes was May 3rd. On May 9th, we plan to email out a revised Participant Guide in English and in Spanish.
A final parade order will be listed here on May 7th, listing reflects adjustments made. Then on parade day Saturday May 15, please report to 7 West 17th Street to pick up your dancer credentials. For DanceFest, group coordinators will report to the Stage Manager at the Area.