Eleven bands from the area are scheduled to perform, including Statesboro High and Portal High. Also, bands from Jenkins County High, ECI and Claxton High will play at the Blast.

And, with a strong chance of rain forecast for much of the day, a plan is in place to move the event inside the Southeast Bulloch gym in case of rainy conditions, SEB band director Matt Olsen said.

With marching band competition season at hand, the Band Blast gives area bands an opportunity to hone their performances and get feedback from veteran judges without the pressure of scoring.

The bands in attendance will receive a critique from a panel of judges, which can serve as a starting point for which direction the bands need to go in order to improve their programs for upcoming competitions.

"It is a festival, not a competition," Olsen said. "Most band contests are based on scores, but we base ours on getting good instruction and having a good time."

As it does every year, the event will close with drum lines strutting their stuff in a Cadence Showcase and bands taking part in a friendly tug-of-war competition.

Admission is $10 and $5 for students. There will be food concessions and other local vendors.

2026 Band Blast Schedule

• Savannah Christian – 4 p.m.
• Jenkins County – 4:20 p.m.
• Portal – 4:40 p.m.
• New Hampstead – 5 p.m.
• Treutlen – 5:20 p.m.
• ECI – 5:40 p.m.
• Dinner Break
• Claxton – 6:40 p.m.
• Bleckley County – 7 p.m.
• Long County – 7:20 p.m.
• Statesboro – 7:40 p.m.
• SEB Swarm – 8 p.m.
• Tug of War and Cadence