FAQ

GENERAL  |  CONTINGENT  |  VOLUNTEER  |  VENDOR  |  CHOIR  |  STAGE

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE 8TH ANNUAL BLACK JOY PARADE?

The 8th annual Black Joy Parade is on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The parade begins promptly at 12:30pm and lasts approximately an hour and a half. The celebration site opens at 12:30pm and ends at 7pm. The parade begins at Frank Ogawa Plaza near 14th and Broadway in Downtown Oakland, California. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

The Black Joy Parade is free for the public. Yes, that’s right - free! So bring the whole fam to see, hear and feel the joy. The Black Joy Parade team works hard to ensure the experience is as inclusive as possible so that nobody is denied the chance to experience Black joy. If you’re interested in helping to ensure that the experience remains free for years to come, please consider donating here. 

WHO CAN ATTEND THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

Everyone is welcome to attend and /or volunteer at the Black Joy Parade so long as it is clear that they are coming to celebrate the Black experience. This includes members of the Black community, as well as true allies of different races and ethnicities. There will be absolutely zero tolerance for any prejudice, hate, cruelty or otherwise harmful behavior to others at the Black Joy Parade.

CAN CORPORATIONS BE A PART OF THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

Yes. Black Joy Parade is a community run organization and counts on the support participation of companies to thrive. To participate in the Black joy Parade as a corporation or company, please email joinus@blackjoyparade.org to learn more about sponsorship and partnerships opportunities. 

WILL THERE BE PARKING AT THE BLACK JOY PARADE? 

There is very limited parking in downtown Oakland. We strongly recommend taking BART to either 12th St City Center or 19th St station, both of which are walking distance to the parade route and celebration site. 

If you are arriving by Amtrak to Jack London Square, it is a 15 min walk to the start of the parade, or you can catch the free Broadway shuttle which picks up at 2nd and Webster and drops you off on 12th and Broadway.

If you are being dropped off, please put your drop off location as 21st and Harrison which will leave you just one block from the celebration site.

If you MUST drive, please be aware that there is very limited parking as many public lots are closed for the weekend.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

The Black Joy Parade motto is Be the Movement!  We encourage you to wear whatever brings you the most joy. While there is no dress code, please keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event that lasts all day. We recommend bringing a layer or two for the evening once the sun sets. If you forget - no worry! We’ve got you covered with our official Black Joy Parade sweatshirts which can be purchased at the merch booth within the celebration site. 

WILL THERE BE REFRESHMENTS AT THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

Yes of course! We have several bars where you can purchase both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be a wide variety of Black-owned food vendors to purchase from.

WILL THERE BE RESTROOMS AT THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

Yes, portable restrooms will be provided for attendees' use. 

HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

In addition to attending, there are many ways to be a part of the joy including becoming a volunteer, vendor, sponsor, or parade contingent. To learn more about each of these opportunities please visit our website homepage and click on the appropriate link. 

WHAT IS A PARADE CONTINGENT?

A representative group distinguished by common origin, interests, team, identity, etc, that wants to celebrate the Black experience by being in the Black Joy Parade procession. Contingent entries can include any combination of the following: decorative float, marching bands, musical ensemble, cheer squads, dance troupes, bikes, cars, live animals, people walking, carrying signs, and more. Keep in mind that it’s a parade so entries cannot be stationary and must keep moving.

DOES IT COST TO BE A PARADE CONTINGENT?

The cost to be in the Black Joy Parade procession as a contingent varies according to the type of organization represented. Please go through the registration process to get an idea of your pricing tier. Although participating in the parade was free in the past, we have since implemented a pricing structure in order to fund a safer, more organized and lively experience for parade participants and attendees before, during and after the event. 

WHAT IS A BIF (BEST IN FLOW) PARADE CONTINGENT?

The Black Joy Parade ‘Best in Flow’ awards a grant to organizations that bring the most joy and creativity to the annual parade procession in the following 4 categories: Best Ride or Float, Best Outfit, Best Artistic Expression, Best New Parade Entry. A BIF parade contingent is a group that registers in advance to be eligible for consideration to win the award. Contingents who are participating in the parade for the first time/year are automatically considered for the Best New Entry category.

HOW LONG IS THE PARADE?

The Black Joy Parade procession is approximately 10 city blocks (.6 miles) and runs along a paved city street in downtown Oakland, Ca. All contingents will be expected to travel the entire length of the route without assistance from the Black Joy Parade team.

WHERE CAN I SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

Volunteer sign up has currently closed, but you can fill out this form if you’re interested in volunteering next year. 

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINKS PROVIDED?

Water, refreshments and light snacks will be provided in the Black Joy Parade Volunteer headquarters for volunteers to enjoy before and after their shift.

ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. WILL BLACK JOY PARADE PROVIDE AN INTERPRETER?

Black Joy Parade is not able to provide interpretation services. However, you are welcome to bring your own to support you throughout your volunteer shift.

CAN I BRING MY SERVICE ANIMAL, AND HAVE IT WITH ME AS I VOLUNTEER?

You may have a service animal as permissible by local, State, and Federal regulations.

AS A VOLUNTEER, WILL I BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE EVENT?

For safety, and to support your fellow volunteers, we ask that you focus on your volunteer responsibilities during your volunteer shift. This includes refraining from the consumption of alcohol and other substances that might impact your performance during your shift.

Once your shift is over, we welcome you to enjoy all that The Black Joy Parade experience has to offer! This includes food, drinks, vendors, performances, activities, and more.

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO / WHAT SHOULD I BE SIGNING UP FOR?

As a volunteer, you may be assigned various roles such as: setting up tents, tables and other equipment, selling merchandise, wayfinding, moving boxes, bartending, organizing parade contingents, and more.

Some roles require you to stay in one place for a few hours at a time, either standing or sitting, while others require you to move throughout the event space. All roles require you to interact with the public.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER FOR THE BLACK JOY PARADE?

Everyone 18 years or older is welcome to the Black Joy Parade so long as it is clear that they are coming to celebrate the Black experience. This includes members of the Black community, as well as true allies of different races and ethnicities. There will be absolutely zero tolerance for any prejudice, hate, cruelty or otherwise harmful behavior to others at the Black Joy Parade.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

Email us at volunteer@blackjoyparade.org

HOW CAN I REGISTER TO BE A VENDOR AT BLACK JOY PARADE?

Vendor sign up has currently closed, but you can fill out this form if you’re interested in volunteering next year. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A VENDOR AT BLACK JOY PARADE?

The easiest way to determine pricing to be a vendor at Black Joy Parade is to make an account at register.blackjoyparade.org. Pricing will depend on your registration category, equipment rentals, and space upgrades.

CAN I CHOOSE MY SPACE?

Yes, we do allow vendors to choose their own spaces. Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. Spaces are not confirmed or guaranteed until you pay for your registration.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY DAY OF LOGISTICS INFORMATION FOR LOAD/IN?

We will be sending out our day of logistics packets approximately 2 weeks before the event. You will receive an email as soon as these packets are available.

DO I NEED INSURANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN BLACK JOY PARADE?

Insurance is required for all vendors at Black Joy Parade. You will need to name Black Joy Parade as an additional insured on a General Liability policy with at least $1 million in coverage. If you do not have an existing policy, please reach out to us for a list of preferred providers.

CAN I SELL / DISTRIBUTE FOOD & BEVERAGES AT THE PARADE?

We only allow registered food vendors to sell or distribute food & beverage at Black Joy Parade. If you have not registered as a food vendor, and have not completed the necessary permit applications, you will not be able to sell or distribute food or beverages. You are permitted to have food & beverage available for the people working your vendor space. 

IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTERING OR BEING A VENDOR, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

We can be reached via email at vendors@blackjoyparade.org.

WHAT IS THE BLACK JOY PARADE CHOIR?

The Black Joy Choir is a large group of singing enthusiasts from around the Bay Area who want to contribute to the parade by lending their voices and performing for the masses.

WHY DO WE HAVE A BLACK JOY PARADE CHOIR?

For so many reasons! It's been a rough few years and we want to give folks a creative outlet and way to come together in a fun and safe space. It's also another opportunity to get involved in the Black Joy Parade. And we know some of y'all miss being in a choir.

WHO CAN JOIN THE MASS CHOIR?

Any and everyone! Some singing acumen and choir experience preferred, but not required.

WHERE WILL WE PERFORM?

At the parade on the main stage and during the parade procession. The parade is Sunday, Feb 23, 2025.

WHEN ARE REHEARSALS?

Every Saturday Jan. 11 - Feb. 22, 3:30p - 5:30p, The Way Christian Center, Berkeley Ca.

Must attend at minimum 4 of 7 rehearsals including the dress rehearsal on Feb. 22 - open to discuss if there is a known conflict.

CAN I PERFORM ON THE BLACK JOY PARADE STAGE?

Yes, we are accepting artist submissions each year to perform at the Black Joy Parade.

WHAT KIND OF SUBMISSIONS ARE ALLOWED?

We are accepting submissions for music performances, dance performances, and spoken word performances. 

HOW CAN I SUBMIT TO PERFORM?

Artist submissions have currently closed, but you can fill out this form if you’re interested in volunteering next year.