TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WHNT) — The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been selected to perform in the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Tuesday announcement revealed that the Million Dollar Band will indeed be in New York City in 2026. The marching band was selected out of a highly competitive pool of applicants that will be apart of 10 different marching bands performing at the event.
Since 1924, the highly-anticipated Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has attracted millions of people together to celebrate, create lasting memories and kick off the holiday season with a world-class lineup of iconic character balloons, fantastical floats, music’s biggest talents and the one-and-only Santa Claus.
“We are thrilled to have the Million Dollar Band to join in the celebration of the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026,” Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer said. “The streets of New York City will undoubtedly pulse with energy and excitement brought by the University of Alabama’s phenomenal marching band as they make their way down the Parade route.”
“The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band is deeply honored to be selected to perform in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To return to one of America’s most iconic holiday traditions is a privilege, and our students are thrilled to represent our university and our state,” said Dr. Ken Ozzella, University of Alabama Director of Bands.
Selected through a long list of applicants, the bands chosen for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will each receive a $10,000 grant from Macy’s to kick-start fundraising efforts and help fund the march and prepare for their trip to New York City.
Although it began in 1924, the Parade was canceled in 1942, 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. During that time, materials that would have been used in the celebration, including rubber, were dedicated to war efforts.
This will be the second time the Million Dollar Band will be performing in the parade. The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band last performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2021.
For more details on the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and announcements about the 100th march in 2026, please click here.
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