Frequently Asked Questions
THE PARADE IS RAIN OR SHINE
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade will be happening rain or shine. We recommend bringing all the essentials to experience the parade comfortably
WILL THE PARADE BE ON TV?
The parade will air LIVE on WCCB on Thanksgiving Eve from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A TICKET TO WATCH THE PARADE?
No, you do not need a ticket to watch the parade. You can bring your own chairs and watch the parade for free on Tryon Street from 9th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. If you would like to have a reserved seat, you can buy tickets for the VIP section.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS THERE BEEN A THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE IN CHARLOTTE?
The parade dates back to the 1940's. This will be the 77th annual Thanksgiving Parade.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Ample parking is available around Center City with differing prices. Check out our Parade Info page for more parking information.
IS THERE DESIGNATED HANDICAPPED SEATING?
There is no designated handicapped seating along the parade route. We recommend arriving around 4 p.m. to secure a prime spot up front on the sidewalk or along a street opening.
I'D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE, CAN I STILL REGISTER?
Applications to apply as a Marching Band or Specialty Unit will be open on our website February through August 31. If you are interested in volunteering, there is no deadline. Please view our Volunteer page to sign up today!
WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START?
The parade will step-off at 5:45 p.m. and air LIVE on WCCB Charlotte's CW at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
WHAT TIME DOES THE PARADE END?
The parade will end approximately at 8:00 p.m.
I PURCHASED VIP TICKETS. DOES MY CHILD NEED A TICKET FOR THE VIP SECTION?
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is a free event. However, if you are purchasing tickets for the VIP section, kids 2 and under are FREE and don't require a ticket if they will be sitting in a lap. If they need a chair instead, please select "Kid Ticket" at checkout to reserve their seating.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO THE PARADE?
We suggest that you do not brings dogs to the parade due to the amount of people in attendance, loud noises made by the vehicles and the marching bands.
ARE THERE VENDORS AT THE PARADE? HOW DO I BECOME A VENDOR?
Unfortunately, we do not allow 3rd party vendors at the parade.