America’s Top 12 Thanksgiving Parades

Bust out the gravy, stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and cider–Thanksgiving is around the corner! Did you know that there’s more than just the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade out there in the United States? There are plenty of fantastic parades held around the country each year, so we’re bringing you the Top 12 Thanksgiving Parades in the United States. Belly up to this feast.

All of these parades are free to attend; however, tickets for purchase are available for grandstand or reserved seating when applicable.

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York, NY

Thursday, November 24 at 9 am EST

This year’s highlights: Tim Burton’s B. balloon; Daniel Radcliffe on the Herald Square stage in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

The Macy’s Day Parade is the biggest Thanksgiving parade celebration in the United States. Immortalized in the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, the parade is broadcast across the country on NBC affiliates at 9 am EST and PST. Celebrating its 85th year, expect 15 giant character balloons, marching bands, 27 floats, 800 clowns, performances from major Broadway shows and countless TV/movie/recording celebrities.

2. McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade – Chicago, IL

Thursday, November 24 at 8 am CET

Don’t eat: adorable mascot Teddy Turkey.

Walking down Chicago’s State Street, the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade has been going strong since 1934 and is the most popular Thanksgiving celebration in the Midwest. The three-hour parade features giant balloons galore, marching bands, celebrities, floats and more. Spectators from around the country can tune into this parade on WGN America at 7 am EST/4 am PST.

McDonalds Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of Chicago Festival Association.

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2011 MLB Playoff Preview

September 28, 2011 will go down as one of the craziest nights of baseball in the game’s rich history.

Four teams were competing for two playoff spots. The Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox were trying to avoid the biggest September collapses in baseball history. The St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, who were thought to be dead at the beginning of the month, were trying to complete two of the most improbable comebacks.

Photo by Jordan Iserson.

POPPED! Music Festival and Philadelphia

Be sure to check out this week’s POPPED! Music Festival in Philadelphia. Taking place on Friday September 23rd and Saturday the 24th in FDR Park, this festival will surely cure your depression over the end of the summer festival season. POPPED! will feature an extensive lineup of big time performers such as The Shins, Pretty Lights and Girl Talk. The festival has made a comeback this year to the excitement of Philadelphians and out-of-towners alike, and FDR Park is the perfect place for it. Located in South Philadelphia, this green oasis nestled within the city is comprised of grassy fields and lakes. There’s no better way to enjoy Philadelphia in the fall than listening to some awesome music in FDR Park.

While POPPED! will no doubt provide plenty of entertainment, the City of Brotherly Love has much more to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, an artist, or just looking for some fun, you’ll be able to find something good. Here are some suggestions after the jump.

Girl Talk headlines the Golf Stage at POPPED! on Sept. 24. Photo by Paul Sobota.