Parade Info
Parade Participants
Want to be IN the parade this year?
Gather your walking group, vehicle, or a special float and participate in the crowd-favorite parade!
Costs are outlined in the parade participant application linked below.
Parade Participant FAQs
What time should I arrive?
If you are decorating a float, arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. If you are a participant (band member, riding on a float, etc.), arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. (but we recommend arriving a little earlier). Parade Crew staff will be there, happy to assist you.
How do I find a Parade Crew staff member?
The Parade Crew staff will wear Safety Vests and they will be glad to assist you with any questions.
Where is the parade staging area and participant drop off?
The staging area is shown in green below. The drop off location is 700 Crestdale Road, Matthews, NC, near Coveris Advanced Coatings. Turn onto Crestdale Road at Coveris Advanced Coatings, then turn into the 2nd entrance/parking lot on the left. You’ll pull around and drop off the parade participant there. Parade Crew staff will be there early parade morning if you have any questions.
Where is my organization in the parade order?
Please review this year’s Parade LineUp (coming soon!) to find your position. To help with getting lined up, know what organization is immediately before and immediately after yours in the lineup. That will help us get you lined up quickly the morning of the parade.
What is the parade route, and are any roads closed?
Staging area is shown on the below map. Click to access a PDF of the map.
I’m in the Shriners' portion of the parade. Where do I go to get ready?
Shriners will unload in the staging area at 608 Matthews Mint Hill Road. Please be unloaded before 8:30 a.m. If you need to put your trailers at the END of the route, a police escort will move your rigs/trailers to the end of the route, and you will be driven back to staging for Parade start—to make travel as easy as possible. It will take about 20 minutes.
Are there restrooms at the staging area?
Yes, there will be 2 Porta-Jons located at 608 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd next to the CATS Bus stop.
I’m in the parade. When my group gets to the parade's end, what do we do?
Please do not stop your entry before you reach Covenant Church Lane. All entries, in order to keep the Parade moving smoothly, must continue on to the farthest available stopping point on Covenant Church Lane. Staff and Police will be there to guide you along as you pull in. Once you are stopped, your participants may then disembark.
DO NOT WALK BACK THROUGH THE PARADE ROUTE WHILE THE PARADE CONTINUES!
Where do I pick up my parade participant?
The pick up location is in Covenant Church parking lots. You must access these lots via Fullwood Lane, since Covenant Church Lane will be closed.
How do I get to the pick up location if the roads are closed?
If you are driving to Covenant Church Lane—the end of the Parade—to pick up your participants, use Independence Pointe Parkway, taking it toward Target. Turn left at the light onto Matthews Township Parkway (Hwy 51). Continue to the 4th stoplight. Make a left at this stoplight onto Fullwood Lane. Turn left into the parking areas of Covenant Church.
I have other questions not listed here. Where can I find more information?
If your questions still aren’t answered, please email matthewsaliveparadeinfo@gmail.com.
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.
