The 100th Macy’s parade on Nov. 26 brings K-pop’s RIIZE, KPop Demon Hunters singer EJAE, Queen Latifah, Smash Mouth and a Sorcerer Mickey balloon to New York.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 100 this year, and the birthday guest list just dropped. Macy’s named its performers on Friday, Nov. 13, and the mix is wild in the best way. K-pop group RIIZE is on it. So is EJAE, the voice of “Golden.”
Then you’ve got Queen Latifah, DEVO, Smash Mouth and the Baha Men, which means yes, somebody will probably ask who let the dogs out on live TV.
The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, and airs on NBC and Peacock in every time zone. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker are back in the booth, according to the Associated Press. Macy’s lists an encore at 2 p.m. ET and PT.
Who is performing at the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Country singer Megan Moroney and soul singer Teddy Swims get the Herald Square performances, Macy’s said. That’s the big stage in front of the flagship store, where the TV cameras live.
The float performers are a whole mixtape. Here’s who Macy’s named.
Baha Men, Natasha Bedingfield, Blues Traveler and DEVO
Feid, Mckenna Grace, Icona Pop and Il Volo
Indigo Girls, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, JoJo and Wyclef Jean
Queen Latifah, Natalie Merchant, Jamie Miller and Ryan Peter Murphy
Leslie Odom Jr., Keke Palmer, Anthony Ramos, RIIZE and Smash Mouth
Melissa Joan Hart, Jack McBrayer, Janet McTeer and Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete will make special appearances. Megan Hilty leads a tribute to Dolly Parton. EJAE gets a featured performance of her own. Macy’s says more talent, including Broadway shows, is still to come.
Here’s the official “Golden” lyric video from Sony Pictures Animation, in case you need a warmup:
Why is EJAE at the Macy’s parade again?
If EJAE looks familiar from last year’s broadcast, that’s because she was there. EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami performed “Golden” as HUNTR/X at the 99th parade in 2025, TheWrap reported. This time Macy’s bills EJAE on her own.
A lot happened in between.
“Golden” won the Grammy for best song written for visual media on Feb. 1, 2026, Variety reported, calling it the first Grammy win for a K-pop song. Then the song took the Oscar for best original song on March 15, according to the AP. Not bad for a cartoon about demon hunters with great hair.
Who is RIIZE?
RIIZE is a boy group from SM Entertainment, the company behind NCT and aespa. The group debuted Sept. 4, 2023, with “Get a Guitar.” Its six members are Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton.
RIIZE took its “Riizing Loud” tour through North America in 2025, and its EP “II” came out in June 2026. A Macy’s float in front of millions on Thanksgiving morning is a pretty big next step for the fan base, which goes by BRIIZE.
What new balloons are in the 100th Macy’s parade?
AP says this year’s parade has a record 100 inflatables. The new giant balloons include Bluey, Buckaroo Bob the Minion, Hello Kitty Big Apple, Joe Cool and Woodstock, Underdog and two theme park names you’ll know.
Disney brings Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, the Fantasia look with the star-covered hat. Universal Orlando Resort brings Earl the Squirrel, its first Macy’s balloon. Disney Cruise Line is bringing a float too, as PNP reported Friday.
New floats come from DoorDash, HBO’s Hogwarts Holiday, Planters, Purina and GEICO. Past favorites come back as the Macy’s All-Stars, including Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Sonic the Hedgehog.
What did Macy’s say about the 100th parade?
Macy’s chief marketing officer Sharon Otterman told the AP the company is going big. “For our 100th parade, we’re creating a celebration of unprecedented scale and will deliver an unforgettable Thanksgiving for millions across the country,” she said.
How can I watch the Macy’s parade and the 100th anniversary special?
The parade runs about 2.5 miles from the Upper West Side to Herald Square, Macy’s said. If you’re not freezing on a curb in Manhattan, NBC and Peacock have it live starting at 8:30 a.m.
Want the history lesson first? NBC airs the documentary “America’s Parade: 100 Years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Friday, Nov. 20, and it streams on Peacock the next day, according to the AP.
So the plan is set. Turkey in the oven, coffee in hand, and RIIZE and EJAE on the TV before the first slice of pie.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Macy’s (Nov. 13, 2026), performer list, balloons, floats, route and broadcast details
Associated Press (Nov. 13, 2026), hosts, Otterman quote, inflatable count and documentary dates
Soompi (Nov. 14, 2026), RIIZE and EJAE tip
TheWrap (2025), HUNTR/X at the 99th parade
Variety (Feb. 2026), Grammy win
Sony Pictures Animation, “Golden” lyric video
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