2026 Theme: Movin' and Groovin'
What an amazing turnout! A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s parade such a massive success.
- To Our Spectators: Thank you for lining the streets, cheering loudly, and bringing such fantastic energy and community spirit to the route.
- To Our Participants: Thank you to the incredible floats, performers, marching bands, and local groups who made the day spectacular.
We also owe a massive debt of gratitude to the volunteers, staff, and sponsors working behind the scenes to keep the route safe and smooth.
We can’t wait to do it all over again next year! (See the winners below!)
2026 Parade Float Winners
2026 Okotoks Parade – WINNERS!!
Best OVERALL Float of the Parade Alberta Dance + Drama Academy / FORTIS Alberta Best THEME/SPIRIT Entry Burn the Floor DanceWorks Best BAND Entry Okotoks Legion #291 - Calgary Highland Band Commercial Entries
1st Nightmare Creations Special Events 2nd Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers 3rd Aspen Crossing Sports Club Entries
1st Diamond Elite Cheerleading 2nd Balance Dance Centre 3rd Top Class/Only One Taekwondo Non-Sport Entry
1st Ho Kah Nah Girl Guides Non-Profit Entry
1st Pound Rescue 2nd Al Ahzar Shriners 3rd Calgary Exhibition & Stampede
Event Info
On Saturday morning from 8 to 10 a.m., the Okotoks Lions Club will be hosting their annual parade breakfast in Ball Diamond #10 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.
Breakfast is by donation; all proceeds collected by the Lions Club of Okotoks will go towards local charities.
Free transit will be available for residents to get to the Parade and Children's Festival. (We've added new stops!)
Time Shuttles Route Stops (Every 15 Mins) 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 2 Large Viking Rentals Centre / Municipal Centre / Grace Lutheran (Event zone drop-off point) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 1 Large Grace Lutheran (Event zone drop-off point) / Viking Rentals Centre / Municipal Centre / ORC Parking Lot (Okotoks Dr) Cycling to the festival? Skip the hassle of finding a spot to lock up your wheels and check your ride into our secure, complimentary bike valet. (Located in the Children's Festival Event Zone)
How it works:
- Simply roll up, hand over your bike to our team, grab your claim ticket, and enjoy the event.
- Hours of operation: The bike valet is fully monitored during event hours.
- Important notice: The valet closes strictly at 3 p.m. Any bicycles remaining past this time will be left unattended, and the event organizers cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen property after hours. Please ensure you pick up your ride before the cutoff!
Thank you for choosing a green way to travel to the event!
To accommodate the parade, full road closures will be in effect for:
- Milligan Drive (both directions) from Veterans Way to Crystal Ridge Drive.
- Veterans Way from Okotoks Drive to Milligan Drive
- Crystal Ridge Drive from Milligan to the four-way stop in front of Dr Morris Gibson School
These road closures could start as early as 7 a.m., with full closures from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We are expecting delays. We appreciate your patience as we bring this iconic event to life again this year!
Where Do I Park?
Parking close by will be tricky with multiple events at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, construction and team tournaments all over town.
Instead, park where it’s calm and take a short walk into the fun; it’s easier, greener, and way less stressful!Try these public parking lots!
- Lions Campground: Walk across the Laurie Boyd Bridge
- Downtown Okotoks
Dedicated parking lots will be available for:
- Residents with accessibility needs
- Residents who have swimming lessons, gym programs or other Rec Centre needs
- Those involved with the event happening in the Rec Centre
Join the crew putting on the parade and help bring this event to life!
Adult Volunteer Application Form
Registration, Parade Float and Children's Festival Vendor Information
Registration is now closed for 2026.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, but please note that there are restrictions on the total number of floats allowed. While all are welcome to apply, preference will be given to Okotoks-based businesses and non-profit organizations. For commercial entries, there is a non-refundable $35.00 registration fee. To secure your spot, ensure that both your completed application and payment are received by June 1st, 2026.
Why is the route different?
The route is changing this year due to construction for the ongoing downtown improvement. The Parade has long been a cherished tradition in downtown Okotoks, and we are committed to continuing this legacy. While we thoroughly explored and evaluated several alternative routes, each presented its own set of safety concerns and logistical challenges.Due to the temporary route change to Milligan Drive and the specific logistical requirements of our adjusted path, we will not be featuring equestrian units or horses in the 2026 parade. We are hoping to accept horse applications again in 2027. Thank you for your understanding.
- You must produce a FREE arts-related activity or performance that fits this year’s party theme at your booth from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Attendance at the Children’s Festival is around 2000-3000 people. Your activity should be prepared for at least 100 children to participate.
- You can market your organization at this event, but merchandise sales are not allowed. Fundraising is not permitted in any fashion. All activities are to be provided free of charge for the children of our community.