PALM SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ENTRY APPLICATION

PARADE DATE - Saturday, December 5, 2026
Parade Start Time: 5:45 pm

Live Television Broadcast Start Time: 6:00 pm

Location: Downtown Palm Springs, California

Spectators: 80,000 plus

Get ready to light up the night at the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, a magical celebration of holiday spirit, creativity, and community! This is your opportunity to be part of one of Southern California’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

We’re seeking parade entries that sparkle with imagination, color, and festive energy. Think illuminated floats, vibrant costumes, lively performances, and displays that bring holiday joy to the streets of downtown Palm Springs! Whether you’re marching, dancing, or designing a glowing showpiece, the Festival of Lights Parade is your moment to shine.

Help us make this year’s parade a spectacular showcase of holiday cheer, unity, and entertainment — join the celebration and brighten the season in unforgettable style!

The excitement stretches far beyond the parade route. NBC Palm Springs broadcast the event live to over 300,000 households throughout the Coachella Valley. On the streets, nearly 100,000 enthusiastic spectators line the route to cheer, celebrate, and soak in the holiday magic.

Be sure to check out the parade guidelines and sign up early for your chance to have a spot in the parade!

Want more details? Head over to Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade for all the info you need to get started.

Entry Application Deadline - October 2

All applications are subject to approval
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

Please read, print or download the entry requirements and guidelines below before submitting application. Guidelines have been updated
Download by clicking the down arrow next to the print emblem
ENTRY APPLICATION

CThis form is required to apply for parade participation. Organizers will review your entry and may accept or reject it at their discretion. If accepted, information from this application may be used for production, staging, script, and promotional needs. Acceptance notifications will be sent by email.
Parade Year*

2026
Organization Name*
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email Address*
example@example.com
Primary Phone*
Parade Day Phone*
Alternate Contact

First NameLast Name
Alternate Contact Phone
Alternate Contact Email
example@example.com
Website
Type of Entry
ENTRY CLASSIFICATION*

Non-Profit Community Organization ($100.00 entry fee)Commercial Business ($250.00 entry fee or parade sponsorship)School (no fee)Other/Individual ($100.00 entry fee)
ENTRY FEES:

Checks should be paid to the City of Palm Springs/Festival of Lights Parade and sent to 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs CA 92262.

PARADE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Becoming a sponsor of the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to community and celebration. As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable visibility and recognition while supporting a beloved local tradition that brings joy and festive cheer to thousands. Your involvement helps ensure the parade’s continued success and strengthens your connection with the Palm Springs community.

SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:

Jose Coria, City of Palm Springs - 760-323-8276

Jose.Coria@palmspringsca.gov.gov
ENTRY TYPE DEFINITIONS

BAND - Please click Band Application

EQUESTRIAN - Individual Rider, Team, Posse, Pulled Wagon, Miniature

FLOAT - Self-propelled, Towed, Pushed or Pulled

GUEST - Invited Guest

PERFORMANCE UNIT - Dance/Drill/Cheer Team, Entertainment/Costumed Group

VEHICLE - Antique or Vintage, Single/Individual, Car Club, Fire Truck
ENTRY TYPE*

EQUESTRIANFLOATGUESTPERFORMANCE UNITVEHICLE
Entry Description

Please provide a detailed description of your parade entry (150 words or fewer). Include how the entry will look during the parade, noting any decorations, music, costumes or uniforms, entertainment features, and other unique elements. Description of the entry will be used for the application review process the parade producers.Also provide a brief overview of the organization submitting the application. If your entry is selected, this information may also be used for the announcer’s script.
Description of Entry*

0/100
Number of Participants*
People in /with your entry
Length of Entry (for staging)*
Estimate in feet
Number and size of tranport vehicles (if applicable):
Buses, equipment trucks, trailers, vans
EQUESTRIAN

Team / PosseHorse Drawn WagonOther
Number of Horses
FLOAT

Professional BuiltSelf Built
Float Size
Miximum size with tow vehicle - 50' L X 10' W X14' H (from ground)
We are working with professional float builders who can provide you a "turn-key," unique holiday-designed float. Email ray@upbeatparades.com for more information.
SPECIALTY UNIT TYPE

Drill/Dance/Cheer TeamEntertainment/Costume UnitMilitary/VeteransOther
VEHICLE

Individual Antique / VintageFire TruckOther
Number of Vehicles
In vehicle entry
Does your entry have amplified music or sound?

YesNo
If YES for music or sound, please describe:
Are any vehicles required to accompany this entry?

YesNo
If YES, type and purpose of vehicle? Describe:
Vehicles for sound, props, etc.
Provide drawing or photo of your entry*

Cancelof
Additional comments or requests:
Payment must be received with the application by October 18 otherwise entry form is invalid. As an authorized representative of this organization/business and its participating members, I/we are participating in the Festival of Lights Parade (the “Event”) hosted by the City of Palm Springs. In consideration for our participation in the event and with a full understanding of the risk involved, I/we voluntarily agree to indemnify, release, forever discharge, defend, and hold harmless the owner of the property on which the event occurs and the City of Palm Springs, and Upbeat Parade Productions, LLC, including its employees, agents, officials, and officers, from any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, or liabilities of any kind arising out of the or in connection with my participation in the Event. I also consent to video and photographs to be taken of me for use in future City publicity and I understand that I will not receive any compensation for such use. I also agree that in the event any provision of this Liability Waiver and Release is declared or determined by any court to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the validity of the remaining parts, terms, or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
I have read, agree and accept all parade guidelines, hold harmless and general information as an authorized representative of this organization/business*

I accept
Authorized Representative*

First NameLast Name
Date Submitted

MonthDayYear
Questions/Contact:

Ray Pulver, Parade Producer

Upbeat Parade Productions, LLC

P: 408-629-2520 / E: ray@upbeatparades.com

or

Jose Coria

City of Palm Springs

P: 760.323.8276 / E: Jose.Coria@palmspringsca.gov
Should be Empty:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

ENTRY APPLICATION

Type of Entry

Entry Description