Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade Photo

Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade

Nov 26, 2026, 3pm - 5pm
Downtown New Orleans
1500 Sugar Bowl Dr
New Orleans, LA 70112

"What is Bayou Classic?

It started out as a simple football game between two rival, historically Black universities and now, more than four decades later, it has morphed into a citywide celebration.This year's Annual Bayou Classic is a multi-day event featuring a parade, a battle of the bands, and much more. All of these events culminate with a football matchup.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between the two schools dates back to 1974, when the first Bayou Classic was held in New Orleans' Tulane Stadium. Since then, tens of thousands of fans have gathered at the Caesars Superdome, not only for this so-called “Bayou Clash” game, but also for what is now almost a full week of festivities in New Orleans.

Both teams, over the years, have produced an astounding number of players who went on to the NFL and other professional football leagues, some of whom are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Longtime Grambling Head Coach, the late Eddie Robinson, who led his team to the first five Bayou Classic triumphs, is the winningest coach in NCAA Division I football history with 408 victories.

One of the entertainment highlights of the lead-up to the big game is provided by the two schools' marching bands. A "Battle of the Bands" event is held the night before the game in the Superdome. 

Where is Bayou Classic?

The big game is held at the Caesars Superdome. The Fan Festival preceding the game starts at 9 a.m. in Champions Square at Caesars Superdome.

Catch the Bayou Classic Parade rolling through downtown at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. See here for more information.

Where does the Bayou Classic Parade start?

The Bayou Classic Parade starts at the Caesars Superdome on the corner of Poydras Street and Loyola Avenue. The parade route is as follows: 

  • Down Poydras Street
  • Left on South Peters Street
  • Left on Canal Street
  • Left on St. Charles Avenue
  • Right on Poydras Street
  • Ends at Poydras and Loyola streets

Where can I find tickets to Bayou Classic?


Broadcast:
The game will be televised on the local NBC affiliate and Peacock. 
If you prefer to watch the game on TV, there are many sports bars in and around the downtown area and elsewhere in the city where you can enjoy the thrill of the game. Click here for a list of New Orleans sports bars." ~per neworleans.com

***STOP BY OUR OFFICE TO GET TICKETS FOR OUR SHUTTLE THAT GOES TO THE FRENCH QUARTER, WHERE THIS EVENT IS HELD!!!***

Nov 26