A treat for your eyes and ears! You won’t believe what a great show these young people produce.
This year will be our 92nd annual festival, filled with three parades, a carnival, and multiple community events, all of which concludes with the Arkalalah Marching Festival held at Arkansas City High School’s Bulldog Stadium. As always, this KSHSAA supported event promises to be a celebration of musical talent, camaraderie, and the vibrant spirit of your students.
Participating in the Arkalalah Band Festival will offer your students a unique opportunity to perform in a festive atmosphere, engage with other passionate musicians, and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges. Beyond the competition, the festival aims to foster a sense of community and pride in the musical achievements of our talented youth. We look forward to creating lasting musical memories together.
There will also be concessions available for spectators or groups who wish to utilize them. General admission is FREE to all!
Saturday, Oct. 26th, 11:00 a.m.
This is an indoor event located inside the ACHS gym.
Saturday, Oct. 26th 4:30 p.m.
This outdoor event is located at ACHS's Bulldog Stadium.
Saturday, Oct. 26th 8:30 p.m.
This outdoor event is located at ACHS's Bulldog Stadium.
The registration deadline for our 2024 Marching Festival is September 12th.
We ask that all competing bands also participate in the Saturday Grand Parade which showcases the incredible dedication and skill of high school bands from across the region to tens of thousands parade goers. We believe that your participation will not only contribute to the success of the festival but also provide your students with a memorable and enriching experience.
You may register for up to four events including our Arkalalah Grand Parade (required for all participants), the Indoor Color Guard Competition, the Field Competition at Bulldog Stadium, as well as our 2024 Mass Band Light Show Exhibition performance (not for ratings). All groups participating will receive a FREE meal provided by our generous sponsors.
The Arkalalah Marching Festival takes great pride in providing a welcoming, affordable, and educational experience for your program. We are very fortunate to have corporate sponsorship which allows us to create and improve on this unique opportunity every year. Because of these generous corporate donations, ensembles will receive feedback from highly-qualified judges, ratings, a participation plaque, and other awards presented as follows:
- *Morning Color Guard Competition: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
- *Afternoon Parade Competition: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
- *Evening Field Competition:
-Best in Class- Band, Percussion, and Color Guard
-Overall Awards- Percussion, Color Guard, Grand Champion, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up.
*Please note that comments-only entries are available for each event
All packets and awards will be announced and handed out during the on field awards ceremony at 8:00 p.m. that will directly follow the field competition.
Following the awards presentation, all participating bands are invited to join in a MASS Band Exhibition performance with the lights OUT. We will provide your group with music and directions/field coordinates upon the completion of your registration. Deck your band out in lights and join in the fun! We look forward to celebrating a fantastic festival day with all of you!
11:00 a.m. - Indoor Color Guard Competition (ACHS gym)
2:00 p.m. - Downtown Grand Parade begins
4:30 p.m. - Field Competition begins (Bulldog Stadium)
--Meals for parade bands as scheduled--
8:00 p.m. - Awards Presentation
8:30 p.m. - Light Show Mass Band Exhibition Performance
1. Registration is $50 total for ***all ensembles (regardless of number of events participating).
2. ALL ensembles must participate in the afternoon parade (you may choose to participate in the parade for comments only)
4. There will be no acceptance of registrations after the September 12th deadline and no registration refunds for schools who cancel after the registration deadline.
5. ***MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY ensembles may participate in the parade or color guard competition for FREE!