2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands Reveals HBCU Lineup for MLK Weekend
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Editorial Dept.
The 2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands is heading back to The Palm Beaches this January, bringing another weekend of HBCU bands, music and culture. Five marching bands are already confirmed for the main showcase, and more are expected to be announced. The weekend will also include a mix of community, education, and entrepreneurship events before the bands take over on Saturday.
According to a press release from National Battle of the Bands organizers, the main event will take place January 16 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Gates open at 1:30 p.m., with the show starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the event’s official website.
Confirmed 2027 participating bands announced to date include:
- Alabama State University, The Mighty Marching Hornets
- Bethune-Cookman University, The Marching Wildcats
- Edward Waters University, Triple Threat Marching Band
- Florida A&M University, The Marching “100”
- Miles College, Purple Marching Machine
Additional participating band announcements will be shared later.
“Bringing these incredible programs together in The Palm Beaches represents everything the National Battle of the Bands was created to celebrate: the talent, tradition, excellence and cultural influence of HBCU marching bands,” said Derek Webber, Creator and Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands and CEO of Webber Marketing. “But the impact of this weekend extends well beyond the field. We’re creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, families, and the community to connect through education, service, business, and culture. That’s what makes this experience so special.”
The NBOTB also welcomes the Related Ross Foundation as one of its newest sponsors, supporting the event’s continued commitment to HBCU culture, education and community impact.
The weekend also features free community events and experiences, with registration details for select programs to be announced. Programming begins Thursday, January 14, with the NBOTB Cares Community Service Initiative, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to service and community impact.
On Friday, January 15, the Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference will bring entrepreneurs and small business owners together for connections, conversations, and resources designed to support business growth. The conference is free to attend with advance registration; details will be announced soon.
Saturday, January 16, offers a full day of HBCU experiences, beginning with the HBCU College & Career Fair, a free event connecting students and families with up to 35 HBCUs and employers and creating pathways to higher education and career opportunities. Attendees will have access to waived application fees, on-site admissions, and scholarships. The celebration continues with the free Fan Experience, featuring music, vendors, dance and step teams, the Divine Nine Stroll Off Competition, and additional entertainment.
For tickets, event information, registration updates, and additional details about the 2027 Pepsi NBOTB in The Palm Beaches, visit NationalBattleoftheBands.com.
About the National Battle of the Bands
The National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) mission is to enhance the visibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and the important roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders in music, the arts, and education.
As one of the largest showcases of HBCU marching bands in the country, NBOTB serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of leaders. To date, the event has awarded over $2.4 million in scholarships to participating institutions and has engaged tens of thousands of fans annually through live performances, educational programming, and community impact initiatives.
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