At a Glance
- The 2026 String Band Spectacular is rescheduled for Jan. 31, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field
- Tickets cost $12-25 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster
- The show will be televised on WFMZ-TV, MeTV2, and streaming platforms
- Why it matters: Philadelphia’s signature New Year’s tradition gets a second chance after weather canceled the original date
The Philadelphia Eagles’ season ended with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but Lincoln Financial Field will still host a major on-field spectacle this month. The Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association has moved its 2026 String Band Spectacular to Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, after weather forced the original New Year’s Day cancellation.
Rescheduled Competition Details
The association announced the new date and time-2 p.m.-via Facebook on Sunday. The competition brings together string bands for a judged showcase of music, costume, and choreography inside the same venue where Eagles fans cheered all season.
Event organizers say the indoor venue provides shelter from winter conditions that scuttled the outdoor plan on Jan. 1. Spectators can expect the same elaborate performances that traditionally line Broad Street on New Year’s Day, now condensed into an afternoon stadium show.
Ticket and Viewing Information
Admission prices range from $12 to $25, available through Ticketmaster. Organizers anticipate strong demand because the New Year’s Day parade and competition were called off.
For those who can’t attend in person, the event will be carried on:
- WFMZ-TV
- MeTV2 (WDPN-TV)
- WFMZ.com livestream
- WFMZ+ app on Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, and newer Samsung smart TVs
What to Expect at the Spectacular
String bands will compete in categories judged on musical precision, costume design, and themed presentations. Each band typically performs a four-and-a-half-minute routine featuring banjos, saxophones, drums, and other instruments while members wear sequined suits and feathered headdresses.
The venue’s video boards and sound system will amplify performances for every seat. Concession stands will operate, allowing fans to purchase stadium fare while watching the show.
Background on the Tradition
The Mummers Parade dates back to 1901 in Philadelphia, with string bands joining officially in 1906. The association has held separate competitions when weather or logistics disrupt the main parade. The 2020 parade was shortened by rain, and the 2021 event was canceled outright because of the pandemic.
This year’s relocation to Lincoln Financial Field marks only the second time the String Band Spectacular has been staged indoors at an NFL stadium. The previous indoor show took place in 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Key Takeaways
- The rescheduled String Band Spectacular offers a rare winter opportunity to experience Philadelphia’s Mummers culture
- Families can attend for under $30 total before fees, making it one of the city’s most affordable major events
- Multiple broadcast options ensure viewers across the region can watch live
- The Eagles’ season may be over, but the Linc will still echo with music and celebration on Jan. 31
