Parade of Homes - What is it & Why You Should Attend
- Marketing New Peak
- Sep 3
- 5 min read
It all started in 1948 in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with six builders and what they called a Trend Home. One year later, the first official Parade of Homes began with a showcase of twelve different homes. From there, the event continued to expand until it became the regional events we see today all across the nation. So, what is the Parade of Homes, and should you attend?
Exploring the New
Like the original Trend Home, the Parade of Homes is a regional event that showcases brand-new homes by various builders. The event is a scattered-site tour of newly built homes and occasionally newly renovated homes. The event allows builders and renovators to share their design capabilities with the community. From new floor plans to trending and upcoming designs, the Parade of Homes has it all.
In the 2025 Parade of Homes, the New Peak Homes Parade Home in Eastern Idaho, is a brand-new design, both inside and out, that was developed with the aid of the community. Also known as Project Blueprint, this parade home has given us the opportunity to share the building experience with the community and design a home based on their needs and interests.
What to Expect at the Parade of Homes
The Parade of Homes is a chance for builders and renovators to showcase their homes to the community. The Host for your region will often have pamphlets, booklets, or even magazines with details about all the homes that will be participating in the area. At the homes, you will likely receive or see more detailed information them. For example, at a home, you may receive a flyer or see signs that highlight special features, the source/product name of various home finishes like paint or countertops, or information about the process of building that specific home.
Many of the homes that are available for tour may also be for sale. You can expect to meet real estate agents and brokers, and find many deals on home purchases. This is because historically, the Parade of Homes was to help make housing and builders available to war veterans. These days, you can expect to see a wide range of homes for different demographics, first first-time home buyers to luxury home buyers. The parade of homes is a wonderful opportunity to get a first-hand look at the housing market and better understand price trends and builder reputation.
Homes that are participating in the Parade of Homes also compete for various awards. These awards differ by region, but include things like "Best Curb Appeal," "Best Use of Innovation," "Best Kitchen," and other various categories. Your participation in the parade of homes may include the opportunity to vote on your favorite homes to win these different achievements. For example, New Peak Homes won the "Best Curb Appeal" award for our home in the 2024 Parade of Homes in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Why Should I Attend the Parade of Homes?
These homes are not just promotional material for the builders; they serve as a window to inspiration, innovation, networking, and education for everyone in the community.
Inspiration- Be inspired by the variety of homes that each showcase a different style, floor plan, decor, and trends. Learn what you like and what you don't. From color pallets, materials, appliances, and more, there is plenty to inspire your tastes.
Innovation- Builders use the Parade of Homes as an opportunity to showcase new building techniques, materials, technology, and more. There is always something new that can change home building in the coming years, and it is a great chance to see the future today.
Networking- Whether you are in the market for a home or just looking, it is a terrific opportunity to learn about the builders in your region. Meet with builders in person, see their styles, and be prepared for when you are ready to build or buy.
Education- Asking questions is the best way to learn, and there is no better place to ask questions about home building than when you meet a builder. Every builder is different, and every home comes with unique building challenges. Learn the home building process directly from the builders and have your questions answered by the professionals.
If you aren't interested in any of these perks, simply attending the Parade of Homes for fun is also a great reason. Touring homes is a terrific way to have fun and get to know yourself and your loved ones, as well as explore your local communities.
How to Participate in the Parade of Homes
The best way to start is by doing a web search for your area. Start your search with "Current Year Parade of Homes Your Location." Every region usually has its own landing page with details about that year's home show. For example, the Eastern Idaho Parade of Homes 2025 can be found at https://www.eastidahobuilders.com/parade-of-homes/, and the Southeastern Wyoming Cheyenne Parade of Homes can be found at https://www.cheyenneparadeofhomes.com/.
The Parade of Homes may be a paid ticket event. This could be for some of the homes that are in the show, or all of them. Make sure to check your region's landing page for this information, or reach out to the host for details. For ticketed events, there will be a guide on where to pick up tickets if they are not sold online. For those interested in the Eastern Idaho or Southeastern Wyoming Events, the Cheyenne event is free, and ticket information can be found using the above link for the Eastern Idaho Parade of Homes, where tickets are buy-one-get-one-free at $15 per ticket. Dates and times also vary by region, but anyone wishing to attend may participate on any or all open days.
Are You Ready?
Join us for the 2025 Parade of Homes in Eastern Idaho at our Parade Home, The Black Mountain Model. The event is September 11th-13th and September 18th-20th. We will also be holding a giveaway for 2 days at Lagoon and a 2 Night Hotel Stay. Join our mailing list for more giveaway details and an invitation to a free exclusive tour of our Parade Home before the official event. Buy your tickets today at the following Idaho locations, and find more details on the Eastern Idaho Parade Homes landing page.
BMC/BFS-Idaho Falls
Westmark on Channing Way
Westmark on 1st Street
Westmark on W. Broadway Street
Westmark on 258 E Lorene, Rexburg
Westmark Rigby Location
Citizens Community Bank on 2797 S. 25th E., Ammon
Citizens Community Bank on S. Utah Ave.
ICCU on S. 15th E.
ICCU on Houston Cir.
ICCU on 240 N. 25th E.
ICCU on 600 N. State St., Shelley
Ashley HomeStore on 1st Street
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