The Orange May Parade returned to Old Towne Orange on Saturday, May 2, 2026, continuing a community tradition with roots dating to 1933. Local school bands, drill teams, color guards, JROTC units, community organizations, nonprofits, youth groups, civic organizations and floats took part in the celebration.
The 2026 parade theme was “Orange You Glad It’s America’s Birthday! Celebrating 250 Years!”, recognizing the United States’ 250th anniversary. The parade is produced by the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
2026 Orange May Parade Details
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Start Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Old Towne Orange, California
Theme: Orange You Glad It’s America’s Birthday! Celebrating 250 Years!
Organizer: Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Official Information: Orange May Parade
Orange May Parade Route & Parking
The parade takes place in Old Towne Orange around the historic Plaza and surrounding streets. The Orange Chamber publishes the official parade map and current event instructions for participants and spectators. Because the route, street closures and staging details can change from year to year, check the official Orange May Parade page for the current map and future parade details.
For the 2026 parade weekend, paid parking was suspended in Old Towne on May 2 and May 3. That was specific to the 2026 event and should not be assumed for future parades. Visitors can also use our Old Towne Orange guide to find more things to do around the Plaza.
What You’ll See at the Orange May Parade
The Orange May Parade celebrates local schools, organizations and community groups. Entries traditionally include marching bands, drill teams, color guards, JROTC units, floats, youth organizations, nonprofits, churches, civic groups and other local participants.
The parade is also connected to other Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation traditions. Miss Orange serves as the official parade queen, and the annual Duke of Orange fundraising program also supports the parade.
Watch the Orange May Parade
The video below shows the 2022 Orange May Parade and provides a look at the bands, community groups, floats and atmosphere of the event.
Orange May Parade History
The Orange May Parade traces its history to the May Festival Parade first produced by the City of Orange in 1933. The original celebration marked the beginning of the Valencia orange packing season and agricultural harvest, reflecting the importance of citrus to the area’s economy and identity.
Over time, the parade evolved into a broader celebration of Orange’s schools, churches, businesses, service organizations and community groups. The original City-produced May Festival Parade continued through 1991 before being discontinued. The tradition was later revived as the Orange May Parade, with the Orange Chamber playing a central role in bringing the community event back.
Today, production of the parade is entrusted to the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the parade and other community programs.
Orange May Parade Timeline
- 1933: The City of Orange produces the first May Festival Parade to celebrate the beginning of the Valencia orange packing season.
- 1991: The original City-produced May Festival Parade comes to an end.
- Later revival: The community tradition returns as the Orange May Parade with support and leadership from the Orange Chamber.
- 2026: The parade celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary with the theme “Orange You Glad It’s America’s Birthday! Celebrating 250 Years!”
Past Parade Highlights
The 2022 parade included dozens of competitive entries. Among the headline awards:
- Musical Sweepstakes: Villa Park High School – highest-scoring band
- Float Sweepstakes: Oakridge Private School – best float
- Mayor’s Award: Chanel the Pomeranian – best local entry
- JROTC Sweepstakes: Leadership Military Academy – highest-scoring JROTC entry
Orange May Parade FAQ
What is the Orange May Parade?
The Orange May Parade is a community parade in Old Towne Orange featuring local schools, marching bands, floats, civic organizations, youth groups and other community participants.
When was the 2026 Orange May Parade?
The 2026 Orange May Parade was held Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where is the Orange May Parade held?
The parade is held in Old Towne Orange, centered around the historic Orange Plaza and surrounding streets.
What was the 2026 Orange May Parade theme?
The 2026 theme was “Orange You Glad It’s America’s Birthday! Celebrating 250 Years!” in recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Is the Orange May Parade the same as the old May Festival Parade?
The modern Orange May Parade continues the community tradition of the earlier May Festival Parade. The original City-produced parade began in 1933 and ended in 1991 before the tradition was later revived.
Why did Orange originally hold a May parade?
The original May Festival Parade celebrated the beginning of the Valencia orange packing season and agricultural harvest, reflecting Orange’s historic citrus industry.
Who organizes the Orange May Parade?
The Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation produces the Orange May Parade.
Is the Orange May Parade held every year?
The parade is a recurring community event, but dates and event details should be confirmed each year with the Orange Chamber rather than assuming a specific annual date.
Where can I find information about the next Orange May Parade?
Check the Orange Chamber’s official Orange May Parade page for the next confirmed date, parade map, participation information and current event details.