The City of Appleton Parade Committee has announced a change to the route of the Appleton Flag Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, in order to strengthen safety and security for spectators, participants, and volunteers.
Beginning this year, the parade will follow a more contained route, moving east along College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. This is the same route used for the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade.
The decision was made by the Parade Committee with the support of the City of Appleton after thorough analysis of the existing route security options and safety considerations, such as avoiding crossing an active railroad line and ability to control vehicle access to the route.
“This adjustment was not made lightly,” said Corey Otis, Chairperson of the City of Appleton Parades Committee. “But safety is our paramount responsibility as we continue a tradition that brings our community together each year.”
“The Flag Day parade is a proud tradition in Appleton that brings our community together,” said Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford. “While it is unfortunate that we live in a time when we have to consider and be proactive about risks to these types of events, I am grateful to the Parade Committee for their thoughtful leadership and fully support this decision – most importantly, I look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of this storied parade and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.”
“Our focus is on ensuring the parade remains a safe community gathering,” said Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson. “This route adjustment helps us deploy resources effectively and support a smooth, family-friendly parade day, so the community can simply enjoy the tradition.”
By concentrating the parade footprint along College Avenue, the City will be better positioned to deploy resources and expertise effectively while preserving the spirit of Flag Day in Appleton. For more information, visit https://appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades/flag_day_parade_news.php and/or peruse the Flag Day Changes FAQ.
The Appleton Flag Day Parade remains the nation’s oldest Flag Day parade, honoring the United States Flag on the second Saturday in June since 1950 and drawing more than 50,000 attendees annually.
Parade Applications Now Open
Organizations interested in participating in the 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade may now apply. Completed applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Applications are available online at: appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades or through the City of Appleton Parades Facebook page.
The parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be broadcast and streamed by WFRV. See below for more information.
About Appleton Memorial Day Parade
The event is organized by the City of Appleton Parade Committee, a dedicated group of community volunteers. Applications are available online at: appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades or through the City of Appleton Parades Facebook page.
The Appleton Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, followed by the “Moment of Remembrance” ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Applications are also due by April 15, 2026. See below for more information.
75th Appleton Flag Day Parade
Organizations interested in participating in the 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade must complete and submit an official application before April 15, 2026. Groups can access the applications online via the new City of Appleton website (appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades) or the City of Appleton Parades Facebook page. Applicants are highly encouraged to incorporate the U.S. Flag, America’s 250th birthday, and/or the theme for the 75th Appleton Flag Day Parade: “Stars, Stripes, and New Beginnings.”
The parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. and move east on College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. WFRV will broadcast the parade as well as stream it online. The event is organized by the City of Appleton Parade Committee, a group of dedicated community volunteers. Follow the City of Appleton Parades on Facebook for updates.
2026 Appleton Memorial Day Parade
The 2026 Appleton Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. The Appleton Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in defense of the United States. The "Moment of Remembrance" ceremony will take place immediately following the Parade in Appleton’s historic Riverside Cemetery, 714 North Owaissa Street. Organizations interested in participating in the 2026 Appleton Memorial Day Parade must complete and submit an official application before April 15, 2026. Groups can access the applications online via the City of Appleton website (appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades) or the City of Appleton Parades Facebook page.