Register to Perform in Parade the Circle

Those interested in performing in the parade must have one representative from their group assume the role of group leader. Group leaders must register their group and complete the required entry form by the end of the day on May 10. No new groups are permitted after this deadline. Individuals joining established groups can register from May 13 through June 10.

Those interested in registering as a group leader for the first time are highly encouraged to attend a Parade the Circle information session. 

Parade the Circle is a CMA community arts program, open to participation for those of all ages, all skill levels, and all abilities. Families, friends, neighbors, community groups, churches, artists, performers—everyone is welcome to express their creativity, show their talent, and celebrate the arts. Every year, unique and magnificent parade designs delight participants and attendees alike. 

This year’s theme, “Momentum,” is inspired by the special exhibition American Printed Silks, 1927–1947, the lived experience of acclaimed lead artist Héctor Castellanos-Lara, and the legacy and evolution of our creative community. Those interested in participating are highly encouraged to view the exhibition. Docent-led tours are available on select Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Group leaders are responsible for communication between their group and the museum and gain access to the following educational resources:

  • Consultation with professional parade staff at the Community Arts Center for ideation, creation, and workspace
  • Participation in a hands-on material-learning workshop series at the Community Arts Center
  • Docent-led tours of American Printed Silks, 1927–1947 on select Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons

All those performing in the parade must adhere to the event guidelines. 

For more information, please contact parade@clevelandart.org.

Parade the Circle Workshops and Information Sessions

Parade the Circle 2026 Guidelines

  • Everyone must be in costume, including parents, guardians, and staff accompanying children.
  • Entries and costumes must be noncommercial. No identifiable logos are allowed. No T-shirts with words, registered trademarks, logos, or cartoon characters may be worn. Uniforms representing organized teams, t...
Parade the Circle 2026 Guidelines

Sponsors

This program is made possible with support from Shurtape Technologies. 

    All education programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art are underwritten by the CMA Fund for Education. Principal support is provided by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, Dieter and Susan M. Kaesgen, and Gail C. and Elliott L. Schlang. Major annual support is provided by Brenda and Marshall Brown, Mrs. Martine Kowal, Eva and Rudolf Linnebach, Medical Mutual of Ohio, the Edwin D. Northrup II Fund, the Reinberger Foundation, Shurtape Technologies, and the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation. Generous annual support is provided by Gini and Randy Barbato, the M. E. and F. J. Callahan Foundation, Dr. William A. Chilcote Jr. and Dr. Barbara S. Kaplan, Char and Chuck Fowler, the Giant Eagle Foundation, Linda Harper, the late Marta and the late Donald M. Jack Jr., Susan LaPine, Bill and Joyce Litzler, the Logsdon Family Fund for Education, Sarah Nash, Courtney and Michael Novak, William J. and Katherine T. O’Neill, the Pickering Foundation, William Roj and Mary Lynn Durham, Suzanne Cushwa Rusnak and Jeff Rusnak, Ellen and Lowell Satre, in memory of Dee Schafer, Betty T. and David M. Schneider, the Sally and Larry Sears Fund for Education Endowment, Roy Smith, Paula and Eugene Stevens, the Trilling Family Foundation, Jack and Jeanette Walton, and the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.