Parade Day

Daisy Art Parade 2026

All are welcome to attend the Daisy Art Parade and Carnival on Saturday, May 8 (Mother’s Day weekend), and experience the joy of this free, revelrous parade. More details about the 2027 Parade and Carnival will be shared as they are made available.

Volunteer for the Parade!

Seeking an alternative way to be involved with the Daisy Art Parade and Carnival? We need volunteers to help the event run smoothly! Whether you’re free for a few hours or all day, there are various tasks to do! From art load-in to managing the merch booth to parade route monitors, volunteers are the group that makes the magic happen. Volunteer training will take place in the weeks leading up to the Parade & Carnival.

Volunteer Sign-Up

Learn about our collaborators!

 

In 2025, our Roanoke Artists-in-Residence Daisy Activation Team was dedicated to working with five of the city’s focus neighborhoods for the parade. We had incredible turnout from all over the city, with awesome neighborhood-focused art from so many parade krewes! From the appearance of a 12-foot-tall Reverend R.R. Wilkinson from the “Step Out On Faith” krewe from Gainsboro, to the alien invasion including an entire UFO from I Heart SE- “the greatest neighborhood in the galaxy”, Roanoke came together to share our art and love! 

 

Also in 2025, we worked with the Street Performer Expo to create a community-led weekend in downtown Roanoke! Check out Busk Roanoke! for more information on street performers in Roanoke.

Krewes

A Krewe is a social group that wants to do something for others, like a barn raising or in this case a float building. You don’t have to be an artist or creative to be in a Krewe, but you should like rolling up your sleeves! Find a venue that suits you and maybe they will sponsor your krewe. Find teachers, nurses, community activists, neighborhood advocates, social justice warriors, people who like to cook, plan events, do crafts, play music, build stuff, take photos, make clothes, or whatever floats the boat! Sign up for our newsletter to find krewes that interest you.

Daisy Art Parade

Making art can bring purpose and healing when our lives are stressful. Making art can bring people together, build community, and help communities have common purpose with their neighbors. We want to help the citizens of our city start making community art.

Daisy Parade Newsletter Sign Up
PARADE GUIDELINES
 
  • The Parade will go on: rain, snow or shine. Have a wet weather plan.
  • The parade is open to all peoples, nationalities, creeds, orientations, and economic status.
  • Parade art and costumes should be handmade and locally (or regionally) made.
  • Everything should be people powered, we don’t want to breathe exhaust fumes.
  • The parade is family friendly; adults are encouraged to participate—even without kids.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Throwing candy or party favors is not permitted. They can be handed out.
  • The parade is a celebration of identity and belonging, not a platform to protest.
  • The parade promotes our community, advertising particular businesses is discouraged.
  • All parade entries must emphasize SAFETY! Please make sure your creation has good visibility, is easy to operate and control, and is safe for other parade participants.
  • Remember, we are parading outdoors so consider wind when you are building.
  • Krewe registration is required for all groups.
  • Participating Krewes will be provided line up numbers and name identification and qualify for Prizes.
  • All parade participants do so at their own risk, written waivers are required and available during online registration, and at the parade.
  • Individual registration will be available closer to parade day.
  • Participants must sign in at the registration desk on Parade Day—which will be located at the parade starting location.
  • The Registration station will open at 8 am on parade day. Come early and hang out! 

Thank You Also to Our Sponsors