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Big Easy Entertainment Guide

How to Host a Second Line Parade in New Orleans

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Hosting a second line parade in New Orleans is one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to celebrate a wedding, corporate event, or private party. Once you’ve secured a second line brass band, planning is as simple as setting a date, time, and route. At Big Easy Entertainment,

we make it easy to hire a second line band in New Orleans, and we can handle everything from the band to the police escort and parade permit. But if you’d like to manage it yourself, here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you plan.

Why Host a Private Second Line Parade in New Orleans?

A private second line parade brings the joyful spirit of New Orleans to your event. Guests can join in dancing through the streets, waving handkerchiefs, and experiencing the city’s culture up close. It’s an unforgettable way to mark weddings, birthdays, conventions, and more.

For a deeper look at the history, meaning, and modern role of second lines in New Orleans, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide here.

Permit Requirements for a New Orleans Second Line Parade

A parade permit and police escort are required to parade on public streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. Skipping these steps can endanger guests and result in fines or bans on future parades.

Timeline for Permits
  • Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the event.

 

  • We recommend applying at least 1–2 months in advance to avoid delays.

Permit Requirements for a New Orleans Second Line Parade

  • Routes must follow vehicular traffic flow.
  • No parades on Bourbon Street after 7:00 pm.
  • No parades on Royal Street (between Bienville St. and Orleans Ave.) during:
    • Monday–Friday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • In Jackson Square, sound must be under 78 decibels at 50 feet during services at St. Louis Cathedral.
  • No parades through public parks.
  • Check the city event calendar for potential conflicts (e.g., Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest, major sporting events).

How to Choose Your Second Line Band

We strongly recommend booking at least a five-member brass band to keep energy high and create an authentic street parade feel. Smaller bands may cost less but lack the energy and excitement needed to truly engage guests and onlookers. You don’t want your band to be blown away by another band crossing the street or speakers from inside a music venue.

Special Tips for Second Line Wedding Parades

  • Traditionally, the bride and groom lead the parade alone or with the wedding party.
  • Couples can also choose to parade behind the band to stay closer to guests.

Add Extra Touches to Your Parade

For guests needing assistance, consider hiring pedicabs to follow along:


At Big Easy Entertainment, we honor the cultural roots of the second line tradition. While some planners are new to the city and may add stilt walkers or “circus-style” performers, these are not part of true New Orleans second line culture and we do not offer to provide them. Instead, we offer authentic options like colorful dancers and grand marshals to enhance your parade.

  • Go to onestopapp.nola.gov
  • Click “Apply”
  • Scroll down and click “Special Event – Master”
  • Register / Login
  • Fill out “Special Event – Master”
    • Select “Yes” for “Will you require a moving street closure?”
    • Set Up (Formation Time) should be 15 minutes before the parade start time.
    • Break Down Time should be 15 minutes after the parade end time.
  • Select “Event – Supp C – NOPD” from the left column.
    • Fill out using the same info as the “Special Event – Master”.
    • Route Description:
      • Format as such: “Start at (street address), left at (street name), right at (street name), end at (street address)
  • Scroll all the way down to “Submit Documents”
  • Optional: Upload a route map.
  • Click “Submit Documents” & Verify Information
  • Wait for the permit
  • payment email.
  • Copy or write down Permit # from email.
  • Search for the permit at onestopapp.nola.gov
  • Pay Permit
  • Wait for the agreement form email.
  • Fill out agreement and email back to opse@nola.gov
    • Instructions for NOPD Officer(s)
      • Designate someone to meet the police before the parade and list their contact info
  • Wait for email.
  • Pay Fee

That’s it. You’re all set. Have a great time parading through the streets of New Orleans!

FAQ

Costs vary by band size and duration, but a five-member brass band typically starts around $2,000–$3,500.

No. A permit and police escort are required to ensure safety and compliance with city regulations.

We recommend starting the process at least 1–2 months before your event. Permits must be filed a minimum of 15 days before.