Bowl Games, Parades and Events

Nearly 100 years old, the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Parade is the oldest in the country.  Festive floats and giant balloons are the hallmarks of this iconic parade in Philadelphia, along with the talented marching bands that punctuate the festivities.  You can be a part of the thrills and excitement too! There are 19 spots for bands of 90 or more! If you’re looking for an application for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade, look no further.

Veterans Day Parade always takes place at 11:00am on November 11th. This parade will wind through downtown Branson and has excellent attendance. Open to all types of groups: dance, marching bands, ROTC, etc.

Mark the start of the holiday season with the world’s largest parade!  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is the quintessential kick-off for holiday fun and your marching band.  Bands of all shapes and sizes are invited to apply and entertain more than 3 million live spectators and 50 million television viewers.  Applications must be submitted by April 1^st for participation in the following year’s parade.

Be a part of an iconic New Year’s Day tradition when you march in the Rose Parade.  The parade route is 5 ½ miles down Colorado Blvd. and features magnificent floral-decorated floats, equestrian units, bands and more.  Bands of any size are selected based on a variety of criteria, including musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness, entertainment value or special interest.  Bands with the ability to perform show maneuvers while marching forward are encouraged to apply. Your marching band and trip planner will get you to the Rose Parade!

The Nashville Christmas parade has been a staple of Middle Tennessee’s holiday season since 1927.  It includes celebrity performances, elaborate floats, balloons and mass performing groups.  Marching bands can get in on the fun and festivities as the parade route travels along the “Musical Mile” with hundreds of thousands of spectators.  It’s an exceptional way to highlight your talented performers while having an amazing time in Music City, U.S.A.

Hosted by Hollywood’s finest, this festive holiday parade is held the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Bands of all types are welcome to apply.  They are selected based on a variety of criteria, including musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness and entertainment value. In addition, bands must have the ability to perform field show-type maneuvers while continuing to march.  Hurry!  The deadline for the Hollywood Christmas Parade application is February 1^st of the parade year!

If you’re “lucky,” your marching band can take part in the world’s biggest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City!  Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue comes to life with the sound of bagpipes, trumpets and marching bands, all decked out in Irish green!  All parade participants are on foot- no cars, floats or balloons.  Marching bands set the pace and cadence for the route, which is why they are such an integral part of this event.  Band sizes range from 60 to more than 300 and applications are processed on a rolling basis.

The Music in the Mountains Spring Parade showcases the rich musical heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains.  High school marching bands, dance groups, choral groups, and baton twirlers from  Ohio, Virginia, Georgia and more help set the tone for a spring extravaganza in the mountains.

Kick off spring by marching in the magnificent parade in Washington, D.C.  Breathtaking blossoms provide the backdrop for a complex mix of entertainment, including marching bands from around the globe.  Selected bands represent the best that local, regional, and national music programs have to offer.  There are no age requirements, but bands must have 100+ students to be considered for participation. Cherry Blossom Festival Marching Band.

Early May is ushered in with pink, green and the spirited sounds of marching bands!  Take part in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Parade or any number of other band events in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA. shenandoah apple blossom festival marching band

The Norfolk NATO Festival in Norfolk, VA is home to the Parade of Nations each April.  Over 100 parade units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and International Military bands, and colorful floats which represent each of the 29 NATO Member Nations! Parade of Nations Norfolk application.

Honor and support our veterans at the New York City Veterans Day Parade, the largest event of its kind in the nation.  It’s an extraordinary performance opportunity marked with high-stepping energy and pride for all involved.  Participants will march along Fifth Avenue, past such famous landmarks as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, cheered by an enthusiastic crowd of thousands. Grab your spot in the heart of the action and salute our American heroes! Veterans Day Parade Marching Band NYC

Perform in paradise as part of a celebration more than 100 years in the making.  Downtown Honolulu, HI hosts the Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade each June.  It’s a colorful procession filled with flowers, floats and fabulous music! kamehameha marching band