98th Annual May Fete Parade
See you in 2021!

Saturday, May 1 2021 ∙ Downtown Palo Alto ∙ 10:00 am ∙ Rain or Shine!

Parade Route

Downtown Palo Alto
Parade route starts at the corner of Emerson St. and University Ave.  From University Ave., the parade will turn right into Waverley St. and end at Heritage Park. 

97 years & Counting

Palo Alto's Childrens' May Festival dates back to the early 1920's when the Community Center Commission first sponsored it as a City event.  The festival grew into one of the major events in Palo Alto, featuring a parade on University Avenue with kids walking their pets, riding their bicycles, pulling their wagons or showing off their homemade floats. 

Annually there was a May Queen and King along with scouts, marching bands and various groups.  A Maypole dance and pageant were held at the parade's end either at Addison or Lytton School. 

In more recent years, the parade has evolved to feature more organized youth groups and the May Fete Fair (now held at Heritage Park) is organized by the Palo Alto Kiwanis Club.

Visit Palo Alto Historical Association for more historical parade photos!