CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Marching Illini is heading back to the national stage — this time for a once-in-a-century performance.
The University of Illinois’ College of Fine and Applied Arts announced this week that the band has accepted an invitation to perform in the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will mark the 100th edition of the iconic event. The announcement was made during a surprise reveal to the band’s 350 members on Tuesday morning, led by Marching Illini Director Barry Houser and representatives from the parade.
The Marching Illini was chosen from hundreds of applicants nationwide, with only 10 bands selected to participate in the 2026 parade. This will be the band’s second appearance, following a previous performance in 2015.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, often called the No. 1 holiday entertainment event in the U.S., draws millions each year. In 2024, the parade reached approximately 3 million spectators in New York City and was watched by 31 million viewers nationwide. Although the first parade took place in 1924, the 100th edition falls in 2026 due to a two-year hiatus during World War II.