The National Battle of the Bands is returning to Houston this August with a stacked lineup of eight storied HBCU marching bands, a weekend of cultural celebrations, and community-driven events.
The event, presented by Pepsi and produced by Webber Marketing, will take place Saturday, Aug. 23, at NRG Stadium. The weekend officially begins Friday, Aug. 22, with programming that highlights entrepreneurship, education, music, and public service.
“Each year, we aim to raise the bar,” said Derek Webber, executive producer of the event and CEO of Webber Marketing. “This isn’t just a show. It’s a platform that honors the music, the legacy, and the impact of HBCUs nationwide.”
This year’s band lineup includes:
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Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White
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Albany State University, Marching Rams Show Band
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Florida A&M University, Marching 100
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Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South
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Langston University, Marching Pride Band
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North Carolina A&T State University, Blue and Gold Marching Machine
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Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm
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Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul
Tickets and Presale Details
Presale tickets are available now through 9 a.m. Central on Friday, May 16, for those subscribed to the NBOTB email list at nationalbattleofthebands.com. Public sales begin at 10 a.m. Central the same day, with prices starting at $25.
Weekend Highlights
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Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, at The Deluxe Theater): Powered by JPMorgan Chase, this free event will bring together business leaders, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs for workshops and networking.
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NBOTB Cares Community Outreach (9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23): The bands will participate in a series of community service events, including outreach to support the unhoused and youth engagement programs.
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Fan Experience (Noon to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at NRG Center): This free public event will feature performances, vendor pop-ups, giveaways and more. Highlights include:
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The Pepsi Experience: Live entertainment and a vendor marketplace
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HBCU College and Career Fair: Admission resources and employer connections
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Stroll-Off Competition: A spotlight on Black Greek-letter organizations
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NBOTB Hall of Fame: A ceremony honoring contributors to HBCU band culture
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Community and Corporate Support
Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, said the event’s return reflects the city’s continued commitment to celebrating Black college culture.
“This event brings unmatched talent, tradition and energy to the city every year,” Walsh said. “We’re proud to be the host city for something that means so much to so many.”
Kent Montgomery, PepsiCo’s senior vice president of industry relations, also underscored the company’s long-term support of HBCUs.
“With many of our employees being HBCU alumni, we understand how powerful these institutions are,” Montgomery said. “This is about investing in the future while celebrating the traditions that shaped us.”
