American Flags wave in the air attached to a vehicle during sunset.

Friday, July 3 | Begins at 9 p.m.

Parade Route:

  • Begins at Apodaca Park, 801 E. Madrid Ave.
  • Travels south on Solano Drive
  • East on Hadley Avenue
  • Ends at Maag Softball Complex

This year’s theme: “Stars, Stripes and City Lights!”

Commercial and non-commercial groups, as well as car and motorcycle clubs, are invited to join the Electric Light Parade!

Vehicle Limits: Car, vehicle, and motorcycle clubs are limited to 20 vehicles per group.

Fees: There are no entry or participation fees, though some restrictions apply.

Awards: Trophies will be presented for 1st–3rd place in both commercial and non-commercial categories, plus a Best Overall Float award.

Registration

  • Opens: Monday, April 20, 2026
  • Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. (No exceptions)
  • How to Register:
    • Online: Fill out the form below
    • In Person:
      • Frank O’Brien Papen Center, 304 Bell Ave.
      • Parks and Recreation Admin Building, 1501 E Hadley Ave. 

American Flags wave in the air attached to a vehicle during sunset.Float Guidelines

Important Restrictions: No bicycles, walkers, single ATVs, UTVs, or single vehicles are permitted.

Floats will be judged on:

  • Originality
  • Depiction of the parade theme
  • Effective use of lights

Participant Meetings

Mandatory meetings will be held to review parade details:

  • Dates: June 25 and June 26, 2026
  • Times: 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. for both dates
  • Location: Las Cruces Natatorium, 1405 E. Hadley Ave.
  • Who Must Attend: Drivers of float vehicles and organizers of car or vehicle clubs

 

Get more information and an Application for the Electric Light Parade

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