When is the parade?

The Northside 4th of July Parade will take place on July 4, 2026 at 12:00pm.

What is the parade route?

The parade will travel down Hamilton Ave. from Ashtree to Palm Avenue.

How can I get involved in planning or volunteering with the parade?

If you’re interested in joining in the planning, email the NCC board If you’d like to volunteer with the parade, please use this sign-up form to review your options!

What streets are closed for the parade?

Hamilton Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11:00am to approximately 2:00pm; various side streets may also be affected. Visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov for a full list of closures.

Can I park on Hamilton Avenue for the parade?

NO. All cars must be moved from Hamilton Avenue by 7am on Saturday, July 4th, to avoid being towed.

What’s this I hear about a shuttle?

You can’t park on Hamilton Ave, and you can’t leave your car at the parade staging lot - what are you to do?? Every year, we arrange a shuttle service to get you from around the center of Northside up to our northern-most point/the parade staging lot.

The first trip leaves from the McKie Recreation Center (1655 Chase Avenue) at 10:00am. It will continue running loops until the last trip leaves McKie at 11:30am and the staging lot at 11:45am.

You cannot bring any companion animals or items too large to fit on your lap with you - but if you travel light, this is the ride for you! There is street parking available near McKie on Chase Avenue and surrounding side streets; however, please check for No Parking signs. You can also park in McKie's parking lot, Chase Elementary's parking lot, and the lot at Donnelon McCarthy Enterprise. If this doesn’t work best for you, you can also take the Metro bus lines 17 or 27, which stop close to the staging lot before Hamilton Ave closes at 11 am.

How can I sign up to be in the parade?

Those wishing to enter a float into the parade can use this sign-up form closing on Tuesday June 30th, 2026.

Are you looking for vendors?

We are not. You may be thinking of the Rock 'n Roll Carnival which is produced by the Northside Business Association.

Are you going to let Muddy Ranch put horses in the parade???

Muddy Water Ranch is not registered for the parade, has not been accepted as an entry, and would not be approved as an entry if submitted.

While the participation of horses in the parade has been beloved by many neighbors over the years, NCC’s decision became clear last year when reports emerged describing the treatment of the horses and the conditions in which they were living. At that time, we were deeply disturbed, and frankly ashamed, to have had any past association with circumstances involving such harm.

NCC takes animal safety seriously. Registered parade entries are required to review our animal-safety expectations before participating and to plan accordingly for heat, pavement conditions, access to water, and the well-being of any animals involved in their entry. As a volunteer-run event along an open neighborhood route, we cannot control every person or animal who may join outside of staging, but we continue to communicate these expectations, monitor what we can, and address concerns when we see them.

We know many neighbors care deeply about the horses and have asked for reassurance. Muddy Water Ranch is not part of this year’s parade, and NCC’s position has not changed.

What is the policy on dogs and other pets in the parade?

NCC takes animal safety seriously and refers all parade participants to expert guidance on the appropriateness of including dogs or other pets in a July parade.

Registered parade entries are required to review and consider the Humane Society's and AKC's guidance regarding pets in hot weather, including the dangers of hot asphalt on paws, before committing to animal participation. Entries are also directed to have water available throughout staging and along the route, and to use booties or other paw coverings for dogs participating in or attending the parade.

Because the parade is a volunteer-run event on an open neighborhood route, NCC cannot monitor every person or animal who may join outside of the staging area. Each year, volunteers remind registered entries of the expectations, watch for concerns in staging and along the route, and address issues when we see them. However, some dogs seen walking in the parade may not have been present in staging or part of a registered entry.

We strongly encourage participants and spectators to make decisions based on the safety and comfort of their animals. Hot pavement, crowds, noise, and long walking distances can be stressful or unsafe for pets. When in doubt, the safest choice is to leave pets at home.