The Helldorado Days Parade, an annual event celebrating our diverse city and its history, is accepting applications from the community to participate in the 2026 parade, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. The application deadline is April 17, 2026, and application may be made online at https://cityoflasvegas.formstack.com/forms/helldorado_days_parade. There is no fee to enter the parade, which will take place on Fourth Street downtown between Gass and Stewart avenues.
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial is offering $1,000 for local school marching band entries and $1,500 for quality local school float entries, limit of two parade entries per school. The Commission also offers $1,000 to local artists whose entry is reflective of Las Vegas life and history. There is space for more than 100 entries. A committee will judge the entries during the parade and prizes will be awarded, including $500 for the best marching band and $500 for the best historic Las Vegas-themed float.
Parade entries are expected to represent the diversity of the city, its founding in 1905 as a railroad town, where we come from, how we have grown and where we are going. Cultural and historical groups and organizations, schools, artists, car/motorcycle clubs, service organizations are encouraged to participate. See the map for parade route, grandstand, staging areas and available parking lots.
May 15, 2026, is the 121st anniversary of the land auction in 1905, which marks the beginning of Las Vegas. This parade was created in 1935. For more information on the Helldorado Days Parade, call 702.229.4859.
History
The Helldorado Days Parade, formerly known as the Las Vegas Days Parade, or simply Helldorado, is held in mid-May each year and celebrates the city’s western roots. The parade usually includes floats, high school marching bands, cowboys and cowgirls on horseback, costumed dancers, car clubs, nonprofits and more. In past years, an independent panel of judges decided on the award winners for the best entry, most creative, best theme, best float, best equestrian entry, best car club or motorized vehicle, best marching band and best walking group. The parade was created in 1935 and is sponsored by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial.
The 2025 Helldorado Days Parade was held Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Las Vegas on Fourth Street between Gass and Stewart avenues with 135 entries of marching bands, equestrian groups, car and motorcycle clubs, dancers, floats and more led by Mayor Shelley Berkley.
Here are the 2025 winners:
- Best Marching Band: Del Sol Dragon Fire Marching Band
- Best School Float: Del Sol Academy Band Booster
- Best Float: Clark County Farm Bureau
- Best Overall Entry: Escaramuza Charra Colibries de Nevada
- Most Creative: Plaza Hotel & Casino
- Best Theme: Plaza Hotel & Casino
- Best Equestrian: Marrakech Mediterranean Restaurant and Petting Zoo 2U
- Best Car Club: Las Vegas Valley Model A Club
- Best Motorized Vehicle Group/Entry: Zelzah Shrine
- Best Dancing Group: Vegas Golden Gals
- Best Walking Group: Comparsa Fiesta Morelense
- Best Casino Entry: Resorts World Las Vegas