As the largest African American parade in the United States, the Bud Billiken Parade has grown into an institution with generational participation across the country. It has hosted numerous high-profile celebrities and dignitaries like Oprah Winfrey, President Truman, Duke Ellington, and President Obama (then Senator).

Having education-first roots, the parade takes place every 2nd Saturday in August and is cited as a mark of “back-to-school” – kicking off the school year with high energy and enthusiasm. The parade includes contests and participants are judged in categories like Best Float and Best Dance Team. At the end, all attendees are welcomed to join the additional fun in post-parade festivities in the park.