Let's kick off the Independence Day celebrations with an Avondale tradition – the Fourth of July Parade! 

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Berkeley Rd. and Clarendon Ave. on Friday, July 4, and will travel on Clarendon Ave. to S. Avondale Rd. Be on the lookout for Lightning McQueen, Paw Patrol characters, Ghostbusters and many more.

This event is rain or shine. 

Applications to participate in the parade are open until Friday, June 20 or until spaces are full. All motorized vehicles, floats and organized groups are required to complete an application. Participation in the parade is free.  

Residents are invited to join the Patriotic Brigade that will lead the parade. Citizens young and old can decorate wagons, scooters, strollers and bicycles to show off their patriotic spirit. Assemble on the front lawn of the Dekalb School of the Arts by 9:30 a.m. to be marshaled into the parade. 

Questions? Please email the parade organizers.

🇺🇸 New for 2025 🇺🇸

We're extending the fun after the parade! The street festival will begin immediately following the parade on S. Avondale Road between Clarendon and Kensington until 1 p.m. 

Try your hand at the dunk tank and see if you can sink the mayor, city manager and other elected officials.

The street festival will also feature:

• bounce house
• giant slide
• face painters
• hula hoop contests
• magician
• stilt walker
• juggler
• DJ
• Meet Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story
• Get an up-close view of Lightning McQueen from Cars
• Say hi to the Ghostbusters
• Check out the Public Works vehicles and say hi to Avondale Estates Police officers
• Pulled pork, birria tacos, and charcoal rotisserie chicken from Ford's BBQ
• Free cotton candy and popcorn
• Kona Ice icy treats

Road Closure for the Parade:

The parade route on Clarendon will be closed starting at 9:30 a.m. and will reopen after the parade has completely passed. 

Road Closure for the Street Festival on S. Avondale Plaza

• DATE: Friday, July 4
• TIME: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• LOCATION: S. Avondale Plaza from Clarendon Ave. to Berkeley Road; S. Avondale Plaza from Berkeley Road to N. Avondale Road
• STATUS:
  • 8 - 9:30 a.m.: Entrance and exit to S. Avondale Plaza will be limited to residents, festival vendors and performers.
  • 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: S. Avondale Plaza will be closed to all except parade and festival participants.
  • 1 - 2 p.m.: Entrance and exit to S. Avondale Plaza will be limited to residents, festival vendors and performers. The road is closed to other vehicles.
  • 2 p.m.: S. Avondale Road reopens.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: No parking, including golf carts, will be allowed on S. Avondale Plaza during the parade and festival hours. Signs will be posted to indicate restricted parking areas.

RESIDENT ACCESS: Residents located within the closure area will have restricted access prior to 9:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 2 p.m.