Saturday, August 30, 2025
Matthews Alive Parade
Parade FAQs
How long does the parade last?
The parade lasts about 1.5 hours. It starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and finishes around 11:00 a.m. – just in time for lunch!
What is the parade route?
The parade begins on Matthews-Mint Hill Road, at McLeod Street. It moves forward to a left on Trade Street, and then a right on John St/Monroe Road. The parade continues straight, to a left and its END, on Covenant Church Lane.
What roads are closed for the parade?
Several road closures will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.
- Matthews Mint-Hill Road near Novant and Crestdale Lane to be closed at 7:00 a.m. for parade staging. This closure extends to Trade Street at 8:00 a.m.
- Trade Street, from Kristopher’s to John Street, will close at 9:00 a.m.
- John Street/Monroe Road from this main intersection to Hwy 51 will close at 9:00 a.m.
- All streets affected by the parade route will reopen by 11:30 a.m. at the parade’s conclusion.
- South Trade Street will remain closed, from John Street to Main Street, for the duration of the Festival.
Who is in the parade?
The Parade features over 100 participants. The participants include several local high school bands, floats, classic cars, street performers/entertainers, and many others.
My organization wants to participate in the parade. Where can I get more information?
Thanks for your interest, and please visit our Parade Participants page. The Parade is open to neighborhood associations, schools, alumni groups, cheerleading and drill teams, international organizations, police, fire, elected officials, commercial businesses, and others that want to participate.
I'm in the parade with an organization. Where can I find more information about times, staging area, etc.?
For parade participants, please go to our Parade Participants page to get the answers to your questions.
No Pets Policy
We love pets, but no pets of any kind are allowed at Matthews Alive Festival per city ordinance. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
SERVICE ANIMALS are always welcome.
