Las Vegas doesn’t just remember its history — it parades it. The 2026 Helldorado Days Parade, set for Saturday, May 9, is once again calling on schools, artists, and community groups to bring that legacy to life along Fourth Street downtown.

More than a colorful spectacle of floats and marching bands, Helldorado Days is a living reflection of how this city — born from a dusty railroad stop in 1905 — continues to evolve. And this year, there’s more reason than ever for locals to get involved.

The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial is offering $1,000 to local school marching bands and $1,500 for quality school float entries, with a limit of two per school. Local artists whose work captures Las Vegas life and history are also eligible for $1,000 prizes. In total, over $3,000 in awards will be distributed, celebrating creativity, heritage, and the spirit of community.

Mayor Shelley Berkley calls the parade “a Las Vegas tradition,” and she’s right. The pageantry — from horses and classic cars to vibrant dance troupes — paints a portrait of who we are: diverse, resilient, and proud of where we’ve come from.

This celebration traces its roots to 1934, when Helldorado Days first brought neighbors together to honor the city’s pioneers. Fittingly, May 15, 2026, marks 121 years since the original land auction that started it all.

Participation is free, and the city is encouraging entries from cultural and historical organizations, schools, artists, car and motorcycle clubs, and service groups — anyone who wants to show what Las Vegas means to them.

The parade route runs Fourth Street between Gass and Stewart avenues, and the entry deadline is April 17, 2026. Interested groups can apply online or call 702-229-4859 for details.

This isn’t just another parade — it’s a reminder that Las Vegas, for all its modern glitter, still treasures its roots. Let’s make sure that story keeps marching on.

Covering community, culture, and the city we call home — Linda Brooks.

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