New Year's Day In Philadelphia - Fancy Brigade Association

NEW YEARS DAY IN PHILADELPHIA

In Philadelphia, the Fancy Brigades are an integral part of the New Year’s celebration, complementing the excitement of confetti, countdowns, and fresh resolutions. Every January 1st, vibrant groups of costumed members fill the city streets, dancing and parading with infectious energy throughout the day.

Adding their unique flair to this cherished tradition, the Fancy Brigades also bring their festivities indoors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Among the most theatrical participants, the ten clubs dazzle audiences with extravagant costumes, stunning floats, and eye-catching props as they take center stage to deliver Broadway-quality choreographed performances.

Year after year, this sequined spectacle is a must-see for every fan!

Fancy Brigade Fest Finale,
December 28-31

Get ready to kick off the New Year with the Fancy Brigades! Join us for a thrilling four-day celebration filled with spirited activities for the whole family. Experience firsthand what it means to be part of a Fancy Brigade and discover how we create a spectacular New Year’s Day event.

During Fancy Brigade Fest, the Fancy Brigade Association welcomes families to engage in a variety of enriching activities while learning about Philadelphia’s vibrant culture. Here’s a glimpse of what we have in store:

Backstage Pass: Enjoy an exclusive 50-minute tour led by a seasoned Fancy Brigade Captain. Witness the exhilarating backstage hustle as performers finalize floats, assemble props, don their costumes, and rehearse their routines.
Design Corner: Dive into the creativity behind the Fancy Brigade with an exhibit showcasing stunning costume renderings and award-winning outfits in all their sequined glory. Chat with designers to discover the latest trends and find your own spark of inspiration.
Costume Party: Ever wondered what it’s like to walk in a Fancy Brigade member’s shoes? Now’s your chance! Try on costumes and immerse yourself in the experience.
Make-and-Take Activities: Capture the spirit of the season by creating keepsakes that are perfect for show-and-tell, allowing the memories to last all year long.
Practice Makes Perfect: Get a sneak peek of the upcoming New Year’s Day performances as Fancy Brigade members rehearse with props and music in a full-scale practice session.

FANCY BRIGADE FINALE January 1st

On New Year’s Day, the Fancy Brigade Association presents two thrilling shows, along with an exclusive option for groups to enjoy a private lunch on-site, complete with a special visit from a Fancy Brigade member.

Family Show

Attention all fun-loving families and groups! The New Year’s celebration kicks off at 11:00 a.m. Join in the festivities with a lively Giant Strut, followed by a matinee performance at noon featuring four-and-a-half-minute showcases from each of the 10 competing Fancy Brigades. After the final performance, don’t miss your chance to capture memorable snapshots with the performers on the show floor!

Fancy Brigade Finale

The Fancy Brigades bring their A-game in the highly anticipated judged show, set for 5:00 p.m. Contestants will compete for top honors, with prizes awarded based on the judges’ evaluations of choreography and costumes. An overall winner and captain will be crowned! After mingling at the Fancy Brigade Fest Finale earlier in the week, you’ll surely have your own favorites in mind.

New Year’s Day In Philadelphia