PARADE in New Orleans: Bands, Revelers, Police Escort & More!

In NEW ORLEANS a Parade Permit, Police Escort and City Permitting Tax/Fee are required for any event parading in the streets.
This is separate from the band fee and is required.
Please read and complete the forms below to make your parade in New Orleans easy!

BAND BOOKING FORM            POLICE ESCORT/PERMIT FORM*(pdf)

Please note: If you get married in New Orleans City Park and Parade in City Park at this time you do not need a police Escort or Permit. We have performed ceremonies at every location in City Park and then paraded to the Pavilion of Two Sisters, Museum of Art, Parkview Terrace (former Casino Building) and Lath House which are excellent venues for receptions. Be certain to request permission from City Park.

From as far back as I can remember we have paraded small wedding and private groups, with permission from the police, on the sidewalk without a police escort or parade permit. The ordinance is very clear regarding parades in the Street, but following a close threat of citation and arrest this past summer of 2009 it is now known that all or any parades in New Orleans must have a parade permit and police escort ... period!

We have organized and paraded groups of 5 to groups of 3,000 through the French Quarter, CBD (Central Business District), Warehouse District and many other locations in New Orleans with the New Orleans Spice® Jazz (Brass) Band.

In order to "Parade" there are a few very important steps that have to be followed.

1. Complete, in detail, the Police Parade Permit Form* and fax to the police address on the bottom of the form.
(Confirm with the Police as soon as possible that the date, time and route are available and acceptable.)

2. Contract the band. Please fill out the Band Booking Form, call or email and confirm a band. We can then send you a contract to secure the date and band for your event.

3. Send proof (to the band) that a permit has been secured ... write on the permit form that you want "the permit" (from City Hall) mailed as quickly as possible ... this can take time to process so please book as early as possible.

4. Print a map of the French Quarter (map below) or move the MapQuest navigator to your parade location in New Orleans. In the French Quarter map you will see arrows designating one-way streets. All parades should follow the flow of traffic. Please print and highlight clearly your requested parade route and scan/email or fax a copy to the band.

NEW ORLEANS PARADE PERMIT POLICE ESCORT FORM* - FOR NEW ORLEANS SPICE® JAZZ BAND (pdf document)
This is the form you need to complete to obtain a Parade Permit and Police Escort. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF THE BAND.
At this time (subject to change) the fees breakdown as follows: Three Police Minimum (two bikes and a tail car) at $100.00 each, Police filing fee $25.00, City tax/permit fee of $50.25 for non-profit (weddings, birthdays, etc) or $200.25 for corporate entities. So, for a basic parade your permit and escort will cost a minimum of $375.25. If your group is very large additional police escorts will be added at $100.00 each. Please complete the form, follow the directions on the second page and a final total will be provided to you by the police and they will let you know the total amounts due and where to send the required two separate payments. You absolutely must ask that the permit be mailed to you as soon as possible!

In the past we have provided the service of including the total fee in our band contract and processing everything for an additional fee. At this time we are not offering this service as competing police departments are vying for escorts and mixed information has caused many problems. If you open and complete the attached pdf document and follow the directions you should find the process to be very smooth. The department listed on the parade permit form uses full police motorcycles. If you go through other departments you will have police vespa/scooters escorting. Please specify on the permit form (above) that you would like full police motorcycles for your event unless you want scooters.

BOOKING REQUEST FORM FOR BAND (Select Here)

French Quarter and New Orleans Map: Select you parade area, Print, highlight or mark your route and send a copy to the police and the band for approval.

 
View Larger Map

*The pdf Police Escort and Permit Form in this site is for the New Orleans Spice® Jazz Band.

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Last modified: August 07, 2011