BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A nationally recognized HBCU marching band showcase is coming to Boca Raton during MLK Weekend 2026, bringing both ticketed stadium performances and free public events to Palm Beach County over four days.
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands will stage its inaugural Palm Beaches edition from Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 18, with the main ticketed event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton. Showtime for the stadium showcase is set for 4 p.m., with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.
The National Battle of the Bands, now in its 12th year, is one of the largest showcases of Historically Black Colleges and Universities marching bands in the country. Since its launch, the event has featured 29 different HBCU bands and awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships to participating institutions.
“This expansion is a milestone moment in the event’s legacy, allowing us to amplify the music, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on an even larger scale,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and executive producer of NBOTB.
Ticketed Stadium Event
The only ticketed portion of the weekend is the Saturday evening stadium showcase at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Tickets for that event start at $20 plus service fees and are sold through the National Battle of the Bands website and Ticketmaster.
Six HBCU marching bands will perform during the stadium showcase, with performances oriented by stadium side.
Playing to the East Side (Away):
- Bethune-Cookman University — Marching Wildcats (Daytona Beach)
- Florida Memorial University — ROAR (Miami)
- North Carolina A&T State University — Blue & Gold Marching Machine (Greensboro, NC)
Playing to the West Side (Home):
- South Carolina State University — Marching 101 (Orangeburg, SC)
- Southern University and A&M College — Human Jukebox (Baton Rouge, LA)
Attendance for the stadium performance requires a paid ticket.
Free Fan Experience and Public Events
Earlier on Saturday, before the ticketed stadium showcase, Flagler Credit Union Stadium will host a free Fan Experience & Stroll-Off Competition from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. No ticket is required to attend this portion of the day.
Organizers say the free fan experience will include an arts fair, appearances by local and national talent, a Greek Stroll-Off competition, and other community programming. The fan experience concludes ahead of stadium doors opening for the paid event.
In addition to Saturday’s Boca Raton programming, several off-site events during the MLK Weekend schedule are free and open to the public, though registration is required for select activities.
Those events include:
- NBOTB Cares Initiative — Thursday, Jan. 15 | The Palm Beaches
- HBCU College & Career Fair — Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Palm Beach State College Gym, Lake Worth Campus
- Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference — Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Palm Beach State College Public Safety Conference Center, Lake Worth Campus (PSD 108)
Palm Beach County tourism and sports officials said the event adds a major cultural draw during a high-traffic holiday weekend.
“This event brings immense cultural and economic value, and we’re thrilled to welcome HBCU fans and families to experience The Palm Beaches,” said George Linley, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Emanuel J. Perry, executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council, said the weekend programming allows visitors and residents to engage beyond the stadium. “This is a true destination event that allows us to spotlight local culture, support small businesses, and welcome new visitors during a meaningful time of year,” Perry said.
Organizers say additional details on suites and group rates for the stadium showcase will be released ahead of the event.
To get tickets to the HBCU showcase, see official website.
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