Get Parade-Ready with Flags and Banners

With the arrival of summer comes parade season — from Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to Juneteenth, Pride Month, and neighborhood festivals that bring communities together, this time of year is full of celebration. 

And really, what’s a parade without flags? Flags do more than decorate — they bring energy, color, and symbolism to every event. Whether honoring service members, celebrating identity, or simply adding a sense of occasion, flags help set the tone and elevate the experience for parades, festivals, and community gatherings of all sizes.

And let’s not forget banners — guiding crowds, defining event spaces like registration areas, and giving sponsors valuable visibility. Both flags and banners play a key role in making these events vibrant, organized, and memorable.

Stock Flags

U.S. Flags

When it comes to parades and summer celebrations, U.S. flags are a staple — but choosing the right type can depend on how and where you plan to use them.

Nylon flags are lightweight and fly beautifully, even in a light breeze, making them a popular choice for parade floats or decorative displays. They have a smooth finish and rich color that really pops in the sun.

2-ply polyester flags, on the other hand, are built for durability. They hold up well in wind and weather, which makes them ideal for long parade routes or outdoor setups that need to last all season. Both nylon and polyester options typically feature embroidered stars and sewn stripes for a classic, high-quality look.

If your flag will be carried or presented formally, a pole hem and fringe finish gives it that polished, ceremonial appearance. For flags being flown or mounted, headers and brass grommets are standard and allow for easy attachment.

Stick flags are another great option — they’re lightweight, easy to distribute, and perfect for spectators or community groups walking in the parade.

Having the right flag in the right format helps ensure it looks great, performs well, and fits the tone of your event. Atlas offers all of these styles and more — so if you’re planning a summer celebration, we’re happy to help you find what fits best.

Pride Flags

Pride flags bring vibrant energy and inclusivity to summer events. From the classic rainbow flag to more specific designs like the Progress Pride Flag, Transgender Pride Flag, and others, these symbols of identity and support play a meaningful role in parades and festivals.

Whether displayed on floats, carried by participants, or lining the parade route, these flags are typically made with bright, fade-resistant fabrics that hold up well outdoors. They’re available in various sizes, with options like pole hems for handheld display or grommets for mounting. Smaller stick flags also make a great handout for attendees and add a colorful touch to any celebration.

At Atlas, we can supply a wide range of Pride flags — or even help create custom designs for groups or organizations looking to make a statement that’s uniquely theirs.

State & City Flags

State and municipal flags add local flavor to any event, especially those celebrating community or civic pride. They’re commonly seen at Memorial Day and Independence Day parades, or at festivals highlighting regional history and culture.

These flags are typically made in durable nylon or polyester, depending on how they’ll be used — from hand-carried parade flags to larger installations. Many event organizers opt for custom sizes or pole hem finishes when flags are part of a marching group or official ceremony.

Atlas can produce or source flags for any U.S. state or city, and we also offer custom services for towns, counties, or municipalities looking to showcase their unique emblems.

Military & Service Flags

Military and service flags add a powerful layer of honor and respect to patriotic events, especially Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades. These include the U.S. Armed Forces flags — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and now Space Force — as well as flags like the POW/MIA banner, which holds a deeply meaningful place in many ceremonies.

These flags are often displayed in formal color guard presentations, flown alongside the U.S. flag, or carried by veterans’ groups in parades. They’re available in ceremonial versions with fringe and pole hems, or in outdoor-ready formats with grommets.

Stick flags are also frequently used for memorial displays or given out to attendees as a tribute. Atlas offers all military and service flags in a range of formats suitable for any setting.

Custom Flags & Banners

Parades are all about standing out — and custom flags and banners give your group the opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re representing a school marching band, a nonprofit, a scout troop, or a community group, a custom design lets you show off your identity with pride.

Custom flags are a great way to:

• Highlight your group name, theme, or message
• Showcase sponsors or supporters
• Display logos, school colors, or mascots
• Create a cohesive and professional parade presence

At Atlas, we offer several types of custom flags and banners that are parade-ready and made right here in the USA using our Premium Atlas Knit Polyester for vibrant, durable results. Depending on the application, we offer full digital printing, traditional appliqué, and detailed embroidery for a truly custom finish.

Custom Parade Banners & Gonfalons

These are perfect for leading your group down the route or anchoring your spot in a lineup. Parade banners can be designed to reflect your group’s unique identity, while gonfalons add a formal and polished touch — especially popular with schools, universities, and ceremonial groups.

Appliqué and Embroidered Flags

If you’re looking for something elevated, our hand-sewn appliqué and embroidery options deliver a timeless, high-end finish. These techniques are ideal for commemorative flags or groups wanting a more traditional, artisanal look — something that feels personal, crafted, and built to last.

Feather Flags

Feather flags offer movement and height — great for catching attention from a distance. Use them to mark staging areas, highlight sponsors, or frame your group’s float or gathering spot.

Handheld Flags

Small but mighty, handheld flags are perfect for crowd engagement and giveaways. Kids love them, and they bring extra energy to the sidelines of any event.

Motorcycle & Boat Flags

Don’t forget the wheels (or the waves)! Custom flags for motorcycles and boats add flair to specialty parade units, car clubs, or marine-based celebrations — and we offer tough, wind-resistant materials to ensure they hold up.

Accessories & Hardware

The right accessories make all the difference when it comes to presenting your flags and banners safely and effectively during parades and events. Even if you already have your flags, it’s important to plan how they’ll be displayed:

• Flagpoles & Mounts: From lightweight handheld poles to more permanent mounts for floats or event setups, choosing the right pole ensures your flag flies properly and remains secure throughout the day.

• Banner Stands: For custom banners or signs along the parade route or at vendor booths, banner stands offer a stable and professional presentation, especially in windy outdoor conditions.

• Carrying Harnesses: When participants are marching with larger flags or ceremonial banners, padded harnesses help distribute the weight evenly and keep things steady — both for the comfort of the person carrying it and the appearance of the flag.

Let’s Get Parade-Ready

Whether you’re gearing up for a local festival or leading the charge in a big community celebration, flags and banners help bring it all to life. A little planning goes a long way—and we’ve got a checklist to help make it easier.

And if you’re in a time crunch, don’t stress. Atlas is known for coming through on tight timelines (just check out what people are saying on Google)! Timelines vary depending on the item, but if you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help.

Download the Parade Planning Checklist below to start planning—and when you’re ready, reach out for a quote. We’d love to be part of your next event.