Pick your vantage point

The parade travels down Oliver Street after stepping off at Proctor and 4th Avenue. Almost anywhere along the route gives a good view, but the experience differs by spot:

  • Side-street corners — the longest view down the route, so you see entries approaching for far longer. These fill up first.
  • Near the start on Proctor — quieter than mid-route, with flat pavement that suits wheelchairs, pushchairs and young children.
  • Mid-Oliver Street — the busiest and most atmospheric stretch, right in the middle of the crowd.
  • Towards the end of the route — easier to find space, and the place to be if you arrive late.

Arrive by 9:00 a.m. The route fills well before the 10:00 a.m. step-off. If you want a corner position, or clear space for a wheelchair or pushchair, come earlier still.

Parking

Streets on the parade route close for the duration of the parade, so do not plan to park on Oliver Street. Park a block or two off the route and walk in. Downtown parking fills quickly on parade morning, so allow extra time and expect to walk a few minutes.

Accessibility

The parade is watched from the pavement along Oliver Street, which is flat and step-free. Corner positions and the area near the start on Proctor give the clearest sightlines for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Please keep the kerb line clear so everyone can see.

What to bring

  • A folding chair or blanket — the parade takes most of the morning to pass any one point
  • Water and sun protection; there is little shade on the route
  • A rain jacket rather than an umbrella, which blocks the view behind you
  • Cash for downtown shops and cafés before and after the parade
  • Leave dogs at home — the route carries horses, wagons and loud bands

Staying safe on the route

  • Stay behind the kerb line at all times
  • Never step onto the route in front of horses or moving entries
  • Keep children close and hold hands in the crowd
  • Cross the route only before 10:00 a.m. or after the last entry has passed, and only when a marshal says it is safe
  • The Harley Owners Group (HOG) provides route security — follow their directions
See the route map Parade day times Read the FAQ