Bud Billiken Parade

The Bud Billiken® Parade is the largest African American parade in the United States and SAG-AFTRA members will be participating with the team from the Chicago Federation of Labor!

The parade features contests in categories like Best Float and Best Dance Team allowing participants to showcase their unique talents. Bud Billiken® has hosted several notable figures including Oprah Winfrey, President Truman, Duke Ellington, and President Obama (then Senator). At the close of the parade, all attendees are welcome to join in the post-parade festivities in the park.

With a live broadcast on ABC7 Chicago, the parade is viewed and attended by over one million people. It stretches two miles down Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, through the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, into Washington Park. The procession is led by a Grand Marshal and Royal Court (youth recipients to a Week of Fun as essay winners).

The parade is produced in cooperation with the Chicago’s Mayor’s Office, the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Park District and other city organizations.

 

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 48 business hours before the start of the event.