Pepsi National Battle of the Bands Expands to South Florida for MLK Weekend 2026

Pepsi National Battle of the Bands Expands to South Florida with Inaugural Palm Beaches Edition at FAU Stadium in January 2026

THE PALM BEACHES, FL – The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB), one of the premier showcases of HBCU marching band excellence, is making history with the launch of its first-ever South Florida edition, scheduled for January 16–18, 2026, during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at Florida Atlantic University Stadium in Boca Raton.

This new event marks a major expansion for the beloved cultural showcase, which has long captivated fans through its flagship event in Houston, Texas. The Palm Beaches edition will be presented in partnership with Webber Marketing & Consulting, The Palm Beaches, Florida Atlantic University, and Palm Beach State College, offering a dynamic new destination for HBCU music, community, and legacy.

“This is not a replacement for our Houston event — it’s a powerful expansion,” said Derek Webber, Executive Producer and Creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “South Florida offers an incredible opportunity to bring the energy of HBCU culture to a new region.”

Music, Culture, and Legacy in The Palm Beaches

This new edition of NBOTB will bring together thousands of HBCU alumni, families, and supporters for a three-day celebration of marching band excellence, cultural pride, and educational empowerment.

“Hosting this inspiring event during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend is a powerful way to spotlight ideals of unity through music, tradition, and community,” said Emanuel Perry, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council.

“It will be the largest and most impactful event taking place in South Florida,” added George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “This event blends culture, competition, and the unrivaled talent of HBCU marching bands on an enormous stage of family fun and economic impact.”

Education Meets Entertainment

NBOTB was founded to spotlight the excellence of HBCU marching bands while raising critical scholarship funds for participating schools. To date, it has generated $2.1 million in scholarships, helping support aspiring musicians and future leaders.

The 2026 edition in The Palm Beaches will include performances by the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats, with the full lineup of participating bands to be announced in Fall 2025 during a live media event. Tickets and travel packages will also go on sale at that time.

The event will also feature educational outreach, community activities, and immersive fan experiences designed to engage youth, families, and supporters of HBCUs and Black excellence.

Event Info
Pepsi National Battle of the Bands: Palm Beaches Edition
January 16–18, 2026
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida
Visit: www.nationalbattleofthebands.com
Follow: @NationalBattleoftheBands (IG, FB, TikTok, YouTube), @NationalBOTB (X/Twitter)

SOURCE National Battle of the Bands

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