The parallel bars is an artistic gymnastics event held at the Summer Olympics.

The parallel bars was one of the components of the men's artistic individual all-around in 1900, 1908, and 1912, however.

The men's parallel bars returned as a medal event in 1924 and has been held every Games since.

Parallel bars scores were included in the individual all-around for 1924 and 1928, with no separate apparatus final.

Judges scored the teams on execution, rhythm, and technical difficulty.