Step up to your biggest audience yet
Perform for packed college bowl game halftime crowds, march for national parade spectators, and so much more in this unique series of elite high school marching band programs.
Insider access means one-of-a-kind experiences
Exclusive partnerships
How often do you get the chance to offer a live bowl game performance or televised national parade to your band? We’ve built the special relationships it takes to get them in front of literally thousands of fans— maybe even the largest audience they’ll ever perform for!
Exposure on a grand scale
Bowl games and parades give students so many chances to shine. Battles of the Bands, Pep Rallies, and of course, big halftime shows in national stadiums. Or marching for the TV cameras in the highest profile parades. No matter which you choose, our events deliver national exposure.
Taking your band to the next level
Professional mentors
Through live rehearsals, bands get to practice and learn with peers from around the country who play the same instruments. They pick up pro tips from renowned university music professionals. They benefit from adjudicators’ critiques, too, when they opt into field show competitions.
A taste of the college band scene
Bowl games give students a chance to rub elbows with college bands, and see firsthand what it’s like to take the next step in expertise and mastery. That’s inspiration to grow on!
The best of the big cities
Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, and more. It’s all happening in major cities over the holidays, and we put your students into the heart of the action. We bring you a big helping of what makes each city a special destination, from where you eat and what sites you see to the absolutely most fun things to do!
A boost in confidence and poise
Being “on” in such a demanding, electric environment is a growth experience like no other! The lights, the field, the make-it-or-break it one-time performance for massive crowds—all combine to bring out the best your students have to give. And make them proud!
The WorldStrides Difference
When you travel with us, you don’t just get a best-in-class experience, you get our 55+ years of expertise. We understand the needs of performing groups like yours. That’s why we offer flexible package options, so your group can find the one that fits you best. Plus, for qualifying band leaders, we offer a free preview trip, so you can see the WorldStrides difference for yourself.
The Big City Experience
CHICAGO THANKSGIVING PARADE
CHICAGO, IL | NOVEMBER 2026
Talented marching bands strut their stuff at the televised Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. You’ll feel the thrill of marching down historic State Street packed with spectators. During your visit, explore downtown Chicago with a visit to the famous Shedd Aquarium or an architecture boat tour on picturesque Lake Michigan.
Why you’ll love this parade
• Gala awards celebration
• Easy, one-mile parade route
• Downtown accommodations
• Every band is featured on TV
The Theme Park Experience
POP-TARTS BOWL
ORLANDO, FL | DECEMBER 2026
Give your marching band the thrill of a lifetime with an unforgettable halftime performance, the chance to experience the viral mascot that has captured the internet’s attention, and two-day access to some of Florida’s top theme parks. Plus, march in Universal’s Holiday Parade alongside the same balloons used in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your package includes a two-day pass to Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure!
Why you’ll love this bowl game
• Two-day pass to Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure
• Perform in the Pop-Tarts Bowl Halftime Show
• 60,000 spectators
• Optional parade through Universal Studios
The Music Lover’s Experience
AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL
MEMPHIS, TN | JANUARY 2027
Marching bands take the field alongside a celebrity musical guest at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Halftime Show and find themselves at the heart of the game day festivities. Plus, compete in the Liberty Bowl Battle of the Bands and win the chance to perform during the Pre-Game Show. Students will discover the culture of Memphis as they march in the historic Beale Street Parade, eat local barbecue, and see a professional rodeo.
Why you’ll love this bowl game
• Entry to Liberty Bowl Professional Rodeo
• Perform in the halftime show alongside special musical guests like previous guests Scotty McCreery, Starship, and The Commodores, to name a few
• Compete in the Liberty Bowl Battle of the Bands
• Chance to perform solo at pre-game
• March in the adjudicated Beale Street Parade
The Texas Experience
VALERO ALAMO BOWL
SAN ANTONIO, TX | DECEMBER 2026
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the halftime show at the Alamo Bowl. Bring your band to take the field at the Alamodome. Your musicians will also participate in the Battle of the Bands Field Show Competition and be part of the action at the River Walk Pep Rally. Celebrate your success in San Antonio with an awards ceremony, dinner, and line dancing at beautiful Pedrotti’s Ranch.
Why you’ll love this bowl game
• Awards ceremony, BBQ dinner, and line dancing at Pedrotti’s Ranch
• Perform in the halftime show and River Walk Pep Rally
• Compete in the Battle of the Bands Field Show Competition
• 64,000 indoor stadium spectators
• A celebration of Texas and Mexican heritage
The Rockstar Experience
HOLIDAY BOWL
SAN DIEGO, CA | DECEMBER 2026
Soak up the beautiful San Diego sun—and the spotlight—when your band marches in the televised Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade. Your musicians will also take the field to perform during the Holiday Bowl halftime show. This unforgettable performance experience wouldn’t be complete without a celebratory day pass, private dinner, and awards ceremony at SeaWorld®.
Why you’ll love this bowl game
• All-day pass to SeaWorld®
• SeaWorld® dinner and dance party
• Perform in the pyrotechnic-filled halftime show
• March in the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
• Battle of the Bands Field Show Competition
The Big Easy Experience
ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL PARADE
NEW ORLEANS, LA | JANUARY 2027
Take your marching band to New Orleans to be part of one of the biggest events of the college football season! Your band will compete in the Battle of the Bands, perform in the famous French Quarter, enjoy lunch on a Natchez Steamboat cruise, and march in the Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade—this city knows parades!
Why you’ll love this parade
• A Natchez Steamboat lunch cruise
• Celebrate at an exclusive New Years Eve gala
• March in the televised Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade for 73,000+ spectators
• Compete in the Battle of the Bands Field Show Competition
• Perform for passersby in the lively French Quarter