CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Marching Illini is taking its musical talents to New York City next year for the milestone edition of a premier entertainment event.

The University of Illinois’ College of Fine and Applied Arts announced that the university and Marching Illini staff received and accepted an invitation for the band to perform in the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Joined by staff from the parade, Marching Illini Director Barry Houser surprised the band’s 350 members Tuesday morning with the news.

The Marching Illini was one of hundreds of marching bands from across the country to apply to be in the 2026 parade; only 10 bands were selected. This will be the their second time performing in the parade, following their appearance in 2015.

Regarded as the No. 1 program of the holiday season, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been the largest entertainment event in the country since 2020. The 2024 edition of the parade was seen by approximately three million spectators in New York and 31 million people across the country. 2024 was also a milestone year for the parade, because it was the 100th anniversary of the first edition.

The 2024 parade was not, however, the 100th edition. It was the 98th because of a two-year hiatus during World War II. The 100th edition of the parade will be in 2026 — the year the Marching Illini band performs.