America’s Largest Balloon Parade

The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Hilton! As always, this exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade! Over 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience. Street side viewing of the parade is FREE!

Parade festivities will begin in the television area with the National Funding 5K Run/Walk.

For street closures, times and answers to common questions, see the Parade FAQ’s page.

Grandstand Seats

Grandstand seats are available for purchase. PURCHASE TICKETS. Reserve your grandstand seat today for the best seat on the route! Sitting in the grandstands gives you the best view of the entries. And since it’s the television broadcast area, parade entries are sure to perform for you as they march by. A limited number of grandstand seats are available for $22 each ($25 day of – if available). Accessible seating is available. Event-day & Will Call information HERE. 

Holiday Bowl Parade Day – Event Timeline

National Funding 5K – 2:45 p.m.
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, presented by Hilton – 3:00 p.m.

Transportation & Parking

To avoid parking and traffic delays, we advise that parade goers take the trolley!
Check out our parade and game day transportation information here.

For information about parade-day transportation, visit www.sdmts.com.

Where should I park?

Park in one of the many metered or pay parking lots in the downtown area or take the trolley.

See the route map HERE for all parking locations around the parade. Some close locations include:

• BRIC North and South (corner of West Broadway & Pacific Highway)
• Wyndam San Diego Bayside (access from Pacific Highway)
• Hilton San Diego Bayfront – 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101 (15 minute walk)
• San Diego Convention Center – 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101 (10 minute walk)
• B Street Pier or Navy Pier – Note that both of these lots will have no entry/exit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ways to get involved:

Specialty Units

Be in the parade! The parade is accepting specialty unit applications for parade participants: specialty units, dance troops, drill teams, etc. Entries will be judged on originality, uniqueness and entertainment value. The parade’s entry review committee will review all entries and their decision is final.

Click here for the 2019 Specialty Unit application.

Volunteer

Have you ever wanted to carry a giant balloon down a parade route? Now is your chance. The parade is accepting volunteer applications through December 2.

Positions include:

• Balloon Handlers (ages 15 & up)
• Banner Handler (ages 5 & up)
• Radio Host Liaison
• 5K Volunteer

Click here for the 2019 Volunteer application.

Parade Route

Click here to view parade route.

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