March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Band Director’s Guide
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade provides marching bands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a cherished American tradition and leave their mark in history. But how do they get there? Check out the steps it actually takes to find your marching band in Herald Square on Thanksgiving morning.
How to Apply to March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The application process can be completed entirely online. The form must be completed and submitted by the band director to the selection committee email. Selections for the 2025 and 2026 parades are complete, and submissions are no longer accepted. However, the selection committee is anticipated to accept and review applications after the 2025 parade in preparation for the 2027 parade.
Some application requirements include a high-resolution color photograph of the entire band in uniform, band director biography, band resume, a video of the band performing a complete drill and a video explanation of the community and why the band deserves the opportunity to perform.
Behind the Scenes of the Macy’s Parade
Thirty-fourth Street is shut down on Monday and Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving for talent rehearsal. As of 2023, select marching bands are invited to attend these rehearsals. All other marching bands begin their rehearsals at 3 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Later that morning, bands stage for their marching performance and follow staff direction to enter the merge point at Central Park West.
What to Expect in New York City
The performance route (found here) begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, and ends at Herald Square, a 2.5-mile performance. Public viewing is allowed for certain portions of the route. Students will march the same route as their favorite characters who will soar through the air as balloons or on floats dancing down the street. A variety of well-known performers will also appear on the television screen Thanksgiving morning. See the 2024 lineup here.
The students’ march will end with a final performance at Herald Square. Herald Square is named in honor of its previous home of the New York Herald, a large-distribution newspaper, operational 1835-1924. This location on the parade route does not offer public viewing, but great views of students’ marching performance can be had on Sixth Avenue. Although public viewing of their Herald Square performance is unavailable, it does provide the perfect photo opportunity for those along the way. Here you can take a quick look at photos from past MTC trips with performances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
How Do I Get There?
So, you’ve applied, you’ve been accepted and it’s time to celebrate! But there’s one more piece you have to iron out to make this happen. How are you going to get there? Transportation, meals, accommodations for your band and their loved ones – how can you manage it all? Music Travel Consultants’ experienced Travel Designers are here to help. We’ve had the privilege of assisting bands like Flower Mound HS (TX) and Avon HS (IN) make their Macy’s dreams come true – [watch their coverage here]. For Macy’s parade from the inside looking out, read Chris Frick’s article following Brownsburg HS (IN) student’s memorable parade day [link here]. If you want to read more about how Music Travel Consultants makes it all happen, Director of Sales and Travel Design Andrew Moran explains in this overview.
From application to applause, preparing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is no small feat, but with the right guidance, it will be the experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re dreaming of marching down 6th Avenue or already accepted and planning the details, Music Travel Consultants is here to help every step of the way.
