Since 1973, Statesboro High School has played host to one of the largest marching band competitions in the state. This year, that tradition continues on Saturday as Statesboro High School's Marching Blue Devils sponsor the 49th annual East Georgia Marching Band Championships.

Admission is $10 per person, and the event is open to the public. The event will run from 1 p.m. until the winners are announced after the Statesboro High and Kennesaw State University bands perform at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. As the host band, Statesboro High is not participating in the competition, but will perform its full show at the Championships.

Full concessions will be available throughout the day, with many vendors on site. All proceeds go to the SHS band music program.

For the 2026 Marching Band Championships, 13 bands are scheduled to come from all over the region to showcase their marching skills on Womack Field and compete for recognition in different categories.

The Southeast Bulloch "Swarm" will compete in the festival, with their performance set for 5 p.m.

Also, the Claxton High band, will play at 3:10 p.m., with Screven County to follow at 3:40 p.m. and Metter High at 4:20 p.m.

Other area schools competing include Tattnall County, Vidalia and South Effingham.

Band classifications from A to AAAAA are determined by wind players and their performances are rated Fair, Average, Excellent or Superior, according to a point scoring system.

Participants will compete based on the size of the marching band. Each band will perform for a panel of judges. The judges' critiques will focus on areas of music performance, music effect, visual performance, visual effect, percussion, drum major and auxiliaries.