Homestead Gardens

Budweiser Clydesdales to Lead Military Bowl Parade Dec. 28 in Annapolis

by

The Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the Military Bowl Parade in Annapolis on Monday, December 28, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. The procession travels from West Street and Amos Garrett Boulevard to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, preceding the Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl game at 2 p.m.

It is a pairing that has become a fixture of Maryland’s capital city. For the 14th consecutive year, the world-famous horse team and their 19th-century beer wagon will headline the festivities.

Proceeds from the bowl benefit Patriot Point, a 294-acre retreat designed for wounded, ill, and injured service members, their families, and caregivers. When fans buy tickets—which start at $50—they aren’t just paying for a seat at the stadium; they’re funding a sanctuary for veterans.

The Route and Logistics for December 28

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of West Street and Amos Garrett Boulevard. From there, the procession moves along West Street toward Church Circle and Rowe Boulevard, eventually concluding on Taylor Avenue along the south side of the stadium. For those planning to attend, admission to the parade is free.

Beyond the Clydesdales, the parade traditionally features color guards, veterans groups, youth organizations, military-themed groups, and youth football teams. The marching bands and spirit squads from the competing universities also join the fray, alongside Medal of Honor recipients. To put the prestige in perspective, The Baltimore Banner noted that last year’s procession included five Medal of Honor recipients who served in the Vietnam War.

The crew managing the Clydesdales typically sets up a corral the day before the parade, opening it for public tours so spectators can see the animals up close before they hit the pavement, per The Baltimore Banner.

Budweiser clydesdales set to stomp back into annapolis for military bowl parade
Photo: hoodline.com

Military Bowl Tailgate Festival Leads to Game

The momentum shifts from the streets to the stadium parking lot at 10 a.m. with the Military Bowl Tailgate Festival. This pregame hub features military displays, music, games, and food and beverages available for purchase.

The main event, the 2026 Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl, kicks off at 2 p.m. and will air on ESPN. The game pits a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against one from the American Athletic Conference. While the specific matchups for 2026 haven’t been confirmed yet, the stakes remain high; last year, East Carolina defeated Pitt with a score of 23-17.

“It is always a thrill to feel the energy in the air and watch the Military Bowl Parade wind its way through Maryland’s historic capital city,” Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “The Parade brings so many fans to Downtown Annapolis to celebrate the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and show their support for the nation’s current and veteran service members.”

West Street Road Closures Affect Sunday Traffic

Drivers should be particularly mindful of Sunday, Dec. 27, for the “Miracle on West Street.” Inner West Street and Church Circle will face temporary road closures and parking restrictions from 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with detours in place to manage the flow of traffic.

The route has seen adjustments in recent years due to urban development. The Baltimore Banner previously reported that construction at City Dock forced a shift in the 2025 starting point to Amos Garrett Boulevard, requiring the Clydesdales to make an additional loop during that year’s procession.

Budweiser Clydesdales Visit Downtown Annapolis

However, the partnership—facilitated by Chesapeake Beverage—brings the Budweiser Clydesdales to downtown Annapolis, where they are a highlight of the procession and the bowl proceeds benefit the Patriot Point foundation.

The influx of fans for the parade and tailgate festival brings crowds to downtown Annapolis for a Monday in December.

Registration is currently open for groups wishing to participate in the parade. Those looking for real-time updates can visit militarybowl.org or follow the event’s official social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The final preparations now fall to the city’s traffic controllers and the bowl’s organizers as they wait for the ACC and American Athletic Conference to finalize the teams that will battle for the trophy on December 28.

Related reading

Read next