University of New Haven Marching Band returns to Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

Photo via University of New Haven Marching Band

The University of New Haven Marching Band will return to the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on Sunday, Nov. 22. The Chargers Marching Band last appeared in the parade in 2019. This year marks the 33rd annual parade.

The Chargers Marching Band was founded in 2009 with 20 members and now has nearly 300 members from across the country. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing collegiate marching bands in New England. The band performs at all University of New Haven home football games, campus events, and regional competitions and exhibitions.

“We believe music is for everyone, and this is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and represent the University in front of a large audience,” said Jason DeGroff, director of bands at the University of New Haven. He said the program has grown into an award-winning group that welcomes students from all musical backgrounds.

The parade will feature 17 giant balloons, including Abby Cadabby, Astronaut, Bob the Builder, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, Elf, Elmo, Frosty the Snowman, Jonathan the Husky, Mr. Potato Head, Octopus, Oscar the Grouch, Peace Hand, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Sea Turtle, Touchdown in Stamford Downtown and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Along with the University of New Haven Marching Band, music will come from the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band and high school marching bands from Stamford, Westhill, Brentwood, Port Chester, Uniondale and Wyandanch. Other participants include Ballet Folklórico de las Américas, Ballet School of Stamford, Center Stage Dance Studio, City Center Dance Performing Company, DL Studio, Hoop Girls of Stamford, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford, The Pulse Performing Arts Studio’s nova jazz, the Zappy Zebra’s Parade Team, floats, the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard and Santa.

Stamford native and three-time Emmy Award winner Colin Cosell returns as master of ceremonies. Cosell is a public address announcer for the New York Mets, Army West Point Football and the Premier Lacrosse League. He has also announced for the NHL, NASCAR, and MLS.

The parade begins at noon at the intersection of Summer Street and Hoyt Street and ends at Atlantic Street and Federal Street. The finish is a short block from the Stamford Transportation Center, which is served by Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, and CTtransit.

The Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hoyt Street and Summer Street. The event gives spectators a behind-the-scenes look at the balloons as they are inflated. Music, parade performers, cartoon characters and Santa will also be on hand. Stamford-based Point72 has hosted the event since 2014..

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11/12 – Willie Nile
11/12 -Marshall Crenshaw
11/14 – FTC Encore Gala 2026
11/15 – Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints
11/17 – Cheese Fries & Chili Dips
11/18 -An afternoon with Broadway Veteran Frank Mastrone
11/18 -Warren Miller’s: Days Off
11/18 – Jesse Roper
11/19 – FTC Short Film Festival
11/19 -Back to Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration
11/20 – Jamie McLean Band
11/21 – Bad Animals
11/22 – Crystal Bowersox
11/25 – Funksgiving!
11/27 -Jake Swamp and the Pine
11/27 – Mullett
11/28 – Faster Things Band
11/28 – Talkpeck Soundsystem
11/28 – The Christmas Express
11/29 – A Journey with Elvis
11/29 – Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour

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November events at PeoplesBank Arena

11/13 – UConn Men’s Basketball vs Ohio State
11/14 – UConn Men’s Ice Hockey vs Northeastern
11/14 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/17 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/20 – UConn Women’s Basketball vs Seton Hall
11/21 – Milwaukee Admirals vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/22 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/27 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/29 -Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack

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November events at Pratt & Whitney Stadium

11/14 – UConn vs James Madison
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University of New Haven Marching Band returns to Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular