45th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade
Presented by American Riviera Bank
Friday, December 3, 2021
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The most popular holiday parade in the county, now in its 45th year, returns to Downtown SLO!
The theme of this years’ Holiday Parade is California Dreamin’: celebrate the sun, the wine, the beach, and the sights.
The parade route begins at Chorro and Palm and ends on Nipomo and Monterey.
Our judges will choose one winner from each of the following categories: Most Entertaining, Most Creative, and Best in Theme.
Parade FAQ
Q: What time does the parade start and how long does it last?
A: The Parade will start at 7 PM and will last about two hours. There are 80 entries in the parade in 2021!
Q: Where do we park?
A: We highly encourage car-pooling, walking, and riding your bicycles! There will be a free bike valet at Mission Plaza. All three parking structures will be open to the public, with access from Palm Street and Marsh Street. There will be no street parking along the parade route or staging areas beginning at 4 PM. SLO Transit will be operating on a normal weekday service during the parade.
Q: What roads will be closed?
A: Beginning at 4:30 PM, the following roads will be fully or partially closed along the parade staging route: Higuera, Monterey, Palm, Mill, Peach, Brizzolara, Dana, Nipomo, Broad, Garden, Chorro, Morro, Osos, HWY 101 on/off ramps. Residents of Downtown SLO can call the Downtown SLO office for more information regarding street closures.
Additional road closures and detours may be established at the discretion of the incident commander to control traffic near route.
Q: When can we start setting up along the street to save a spot?
A: Downtown storefronts and businesses are open during the day of the parade. Downtown SLO cannot guarantee saved spots from chairs/blankets/ or items left unattended. Please use caution if you plan on leaving personal items on public streets.
Q: Do you allow vendors to set up and sell at the parade?
A: No. We reserve all available viewing areas for parade attendees. Please keep in mind that several restaurants have parklets with outdoor seating. This seating is reserved for restaurant operations.
Q: Will there be handicapped seating?
A: The parade viewing area is all street-side viewing. We do ask that everyone help make this a fun and enjoyable experience for all- please allow handicapped and children access to see the parade.
Q: Will there be porta-potties on the parade route?
A: Yes, porta-potties are available in Mission Plaza, Palm and Broad Street (Mission College Prep), Monterey and Osos Street (County Building), Morro and Marsh Street (Apple Store), Broad and Marsh Street (Rocket Fizz) and in the Marsh Parking Structure. Some Local businesses will also be open and will have restrooms available for their customers. What a great way to support a local business by purchasing a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or pastry and help generate revenue for your local economy!
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: We discourage bringing pets to the parade — please keep in mind that there is limited seating space, as well as entries that include loud noises, flashing lights, and other animals. Service animals are welcome.
Q: Is there anything going on after the parade?
A: Yes, several local restaurants and bars may be open.
PARADE PARTICIPANTS: INSTRUCTIONS & RULES
Crowded outdoor events increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Health officials strongly recommend that individuals should be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending the event. Stay home if you or someone you live with is sick. Try to stay at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with, and wear your mask if you can’t.