Million Dollar Band Among 10 Tapped For Historic Macy's Parade

The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band will participate in the 100^th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next year. The selection was announced by Macy’s officials in New York late Monday.

The 400-member MDB was one of only 10 marching bands selected from among 100 applicants nationwide. The band made its first ever appearance in the iconic parade in 2011 and due to its association with the Crimson Tide Football Program is one of the most televised and recognized college marching bands in the nation.

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Macy's noted in the announcement that the selection process is based on factors like national recognition, awards, community reputation and past performances. “We are thrilled to have the Million Dollar Band join in the celebration of the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026,” Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer, said in a parade press release. “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 100^th 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 Ozzello, University of Alabama Director of Bands in a university press release reacting to the selection.

The bands chosen for the 100^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will each receive a $10,000 grant from Macy’s to kick-start fundraising efforts to help fund the march and prepare for their trip to New York City.

Since 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the beginning of the Christmas Holiday Season in front of hundreds of thousands of in-person viewers and millions watching on national television. The famous parade has only missed performing during the World War II years of 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to material shortages and travel restrictions.

Next year's parade will be on Thursday, November 26, beginning at 7:30 am CST. It will be televised by NBC and Peacock networks.