Parade Information

2026 America 250 – Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations

PITTSFIELD, MA — Pittsfield’s Fourth of July Parade will take on a distinctly local focus in 2026 with the announcement of its theme: America 250 – Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations. While the year marks the nation’s 250th anniversary, the parade theme centers on the people, places, and stories that have shaped Pittsfield and the Berkshires across generations.

This theme invites the community to reflect on how Pittsfield’s own history — its neighborhoods, industries, cultural institutions, civic traditions, and families — connects to the broader American story. From early settlement and Revolutionary-era roots to industrial growth, post-war community life, today’s creative economy, and the next generation shaping Pittsfield’s future, the parade will highlight the many eras that define life in the Berkshires.

Participants are encouraged to bring local history to life by basing parade entries on specific historical events, defining moments, eras, decades, or generations connected to Pittsfield and the surrounding region. Creative use of color, music, movement, costumes, vehicles, and storytelling is encouraged to showcase how Pittsfield has grown, adapted, and thrived over time.

Pittsfield’s Fourth of July Parade is a long-standing community tradition that brings together residents, families, organizations, and visitors from across the Berkshires. The 2026 celebration offers an opportunity for intergenerational storytelling and community pride — honoring those who built Pittsfield, those who sustain it today, and those who will carry it forward.

Parade entry application is now open at www.pittsfieldparade.com.

For updates, participation guidelines, sponsorship information, and event details, visit www.pittsfieldparade.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Parade Route

The parade kicks off at 10:00 am sharp on July 4 rain or shine:

  • It begins at the intersection of South and East/West Housatonic Streets in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

  • Heads north up South Street on the southbound lane, straight through Park Square.

  • Continues up the southbound lane of North Street to Wahconah Street before ending at Wahconah Park.

Parking is available at:

  • Fenn Street/First Street lot

  • Eagle Street lot

  • McKay Street lot/garage

  • Summer Street lot

NO parking is allowed at Wahconah Park, along the parade route or the staging area.

 

Call for Volunteers!

  • The Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee is looking for volunteers to help make the July 4th Parade bigger and better than ever.

    While the exciting event occurs on a single day, the planning, preparation and fundraising takes nearly a whole year.

    We meet monthly throughout the year, and weekly as we get closer to July 4th, and hope that more people will take an interest in helping us bring this historic event to the city.

    The parade committee meets at the Framework Coworking by Downtown Pittsfield Inc. 437 North Street in Pittsfield at 7pm.

    For more information please contact the Parade Committee:

    P: 413-447-7763
    E: pittsfieldparadecommittee@gmail.com

Float Workshops

  • Learn how to design or build a great Parade Float!

    Floats come in all shapes and size! Is your organization interested in building one? We can help! Our website has a full list of guidelines and we host seminars where we share our experience, knowledge and resources. The full list can be downloaded from the application. Build it and they will come!

    Already put in your application? The Float Committee will host four mandatory float and vehicle seminars. A float representative must attend one of the following workshops.

    2026 Workshops Dates Coming Soon