The Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite marching band is set to appear on one of the nation’s biggest stages this fall. After receiving an invitation last year, the band from the historically Black university in Mississippi raised the funds needed to participate and will officially join the lineup for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Alcorn State’s band will be one of 11 marching bands selected from across the United States and abroad. Their appearance places them among a group of performers taking part in a holiday tradition nearly as longstanding as turkey and pumpkin pie.
The parade, organized annually by Macy’s, will also include 32 large balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, four specialty units, 33 clown groups, and numerous musical performers. The event culminates in the arrival of Santa Claus, signaling the start of the holiday season.
How to Watch
The 2025 parade will broadcast on NBC at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, with streaming available on Peacock and Fubo. NBC will air an encore presentation at 1 p.m. CT.
Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker from NBC’s “Today” show will return as hosts. Peacock will offer three ways to watch, including the traditional broadcast, a float-mounted view from Tom the Turkey, and a high-rise view from above the route. Live audio description will also be available for visually impaired viewers through the SAP channel.
The parade will feature 32 balloons, including well-known characters such as Snoopy, Bluey, Minnie Mouse, and Spider-Man.
New balloons added for 2025 include:
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Mario
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Shrek’s Onion Carriage
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Buzz Lightyear
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PAC-MAN
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Greybow Trout
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Rainbow Trout
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Wigglefoot
Musical artists scheduled to appear include Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Taylor Momsen, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza, and Teyana Taylor, among others.
Along with Alcorn State University, the following marching bands are set to perform:
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Banda de Musica La Primavera (Panama)
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Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band (South Carolina)
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Damien Spartan Regiment (California)
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L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band (Texas)
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Macy’s Great American Marching Band
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Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band
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Spartans Jr Drum and Bugle Corps (New Hampshire)
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The Marching Pride of North Alabama
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The Temple University Diamond Band (Pennsylvania)
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The NYPD Marching Band
The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite’s participation marks a historic moment for Alcorn State University and showcases the band on one of the most widely viewed stages in the country.
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