Historic First: Pride Bands Alliance to March as the First LGBTQ+ Marching Band Contingent in the 2027 Rose Parade
March 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC — For the first time in the 138-year history of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®, an LGBTQ+ community marching band will march as an official contingent in the Rose Parade®. Pride Bands Alliance, the world’s largest network of LGBTQ+ and affirming community bands, has been invited to perform on New Year’s Day 2027, marking a landmark moment for inclusion in one of America’s most iconic traditions.
The announcement aligns with the 2027 parade theme, “Welcome,” which celebrates the universal joy of belonging.
“We are proud to welcome the Pride Bands Alliance to Pasadena. Their musicianship, dedication and spirit reflect the very heart of this year’s theme, and we look forward to the energy and joy they will bring to the 2027 Rose Parade,” said Terry Madigan, president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. “Our theme, “Welcome,” celebrates the simple joy of belonging, that feeling that you are always welcome, no matter who you are. The Rose Parade has always been about history with heart, and that heart is strongest when everyone feels invited, included and inspired.”
A Milestone Anniversary on a Global Stage
The 2027 parade coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Pride Bands Alliance. Founded in 1982, Pride Bands has grown from a small collective into an international powerhouse of 42 member organizations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.
“The Pride Bands Alliance is deeply grateful and honored to be invited to perform in the Rose Parade, a stage that blends cherished tradition with a spirit of welcome and belonging,” said Marek Szeszycki, Board president of Pride Bands Alliance. “As we celebrate our 45th anniversary in 2027, this historic first‑ever invitation for an LGBTQ+ community marching band will shine a light on our international alliance of more than 40 performing arts organizations that create safe, affirming spaces and leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ community musicians and allies. We look forward to stepping onto Colorado Boulevard as one massed band, sharing a message of visibility, belonging, and pride through music with the world.”
Leadership and Musical Excellence
The Pride Bands Alliance contingent will be led by Laura Blake, who will oversee a massed band of musicians drawn from member organizations worldwide.
“Community bands play a vital role in keeping music alive while offering inclusive spaces where musicians of all backgrounds can connect,” said Blake. “I’m incredibly honored to lead this passionate group in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Rose Parade is viewed by millions of spectators in person and via global broadcast. The Pride Bands Alliance selection underscores both the high caliber of its musicianship and its cultural significance as a representative of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration ® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Prudential and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 Members supply more than 80,000 volunteer hours, which will drive the success of the 138th Rose Parade, themed “Welcome,” on Friday, January 1, 2027, followed by the College Football Quarterfinal at the 113th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. Visit www.tournamentofroses.com, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X, and like us on Facebook.
About Pride Bands Alliance
Pride Bands Alliance is an international network of LGBTQ+ and affirming community bands committed to promoting music, visibility, and pride. Since its foundation in 1982, the Alliance has provided a platform for band musicians of diverse identities to connect, perform, and advocate for inclusive representation through music.
For more information about Pride Bands Alliance and its history, visit www.pridebands.org.
Media Contact:
Brandon A. Lujan, Director of Communications
Pride Bands Alliance
E: communications@pridebands.org
