PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s storied string band rivalry will get its own prime-time spotlight later this month when the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association stages the 2026 String Band Spectacular at Lincoln Financial Field.
The official judged competition for the Mummers String Band Division will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, February 1. The event was created after extreme and unpredictable weather on New Year’s Day damaged production props and forced organizers to postpone the judged portion of the annual parade in the interest of safety.
While the string bands marched and performed during the parade, the competitive judging was delayed to ensure performers could be evaluated under proper conditions.
“This event allows us to properly showcase the extraordinary work, musicianship, and creativity of the String Bands in a safe and professional environment,” said Sam Regalbuto, president of the association. He said the move to the Eagles’ home stadium ensures the competition is presented “at the level of excellence our performers, supporters, and the City of Philadelphia expect.”
Regalbuto also thanked the Philadelphia Eagles and the city’s other major sports organizations — including the Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Union — for supporting the event, calling it a sign of citywide pride behind one of Philadelphia’s most enduring traditions.
Frank Gumienny, the Eagles’ senior vice president and chief operating officer, said hosting the event was a natural fit. “We know how much this tradition means to the performers, fans, and City of Philadelphia, so we felt it was important to step up and provide the stage to properly showcase their spirit, originality, and artistic expression,” he said.
Tickets for the String Band Spectacular are available through Ticketmaster and at pmsba.org/spectacular. Gates at the Xfinity Gate will open at 1:00 p.m. Complimentary parking will be offered in Lot K on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional paid parking available throughout the sports complex.
The order of competition will mirror the New Year’s Day lineup, beginning with Duffy String Band’s “Music Store Galore” and concluding with Jersey String Band’s “Nifty Fifties Jukebox Jamboree.” Other competing bands include Durning, Quaker City, Fralinger, Uptown, Avalon, South Philadelphia, Aqua, Greater Kensington, Woodland, Polish American, Ferko, and Hegeman.
As part of the Mummers’ 125th anniversary celebration, commemorative merchandise and a limited-edition program book will be sold in Pepsi Plaza. Concessions will be open throughout the stadium, and the Eagles Pro Shop will be accessible to ticket holders.
Lincoln Financial Field’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Details on prohibited items are available at lincolnfinancialfield.com.
The association will also conduct a 50/50 drawing leading up to and during the event to support production costs, with tickets priced at $10 each or three for $20. More information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event details can be found at pmsba.org/spectacular.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.