Since 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought 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.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is thrilled to welcome the Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band back to New York City for their 6th appearance in 2026,” said Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer. “Celebrating their own 100th anniversary as well next year, this East Tennessee band embodies musical excellence and commitment to the marching arts and will bring this passion for performance to the streets of New York next year.”

“It is an incredible honor to return to the Macy’s Parade! This is especially meaningful because, in a moment of incredible symmetry, our band program will be celebrating our Centennial by marching in the 100th Macy’s Parade,” Lafe Cook, Director of Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band said. “When you consider how you want to celebrate meaningful milestones like a 100th birthday, you think of celebrating with family. In Kingsport, we think of Macy’s as family because of our 40-year relationship with the Parade!”

Selected from more than 100 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.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will celebrate its 100th march in 2026, continuing a tradition of spectacle and entertainment that has brought joy and lasting memories to generations of customers worldwide. 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.

For more details on the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and announcements about the 100th march in 2026, please visit macys.com/parade.

About Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. Since 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.