The annual UNH Marching Band Festival brings together high school marching bands from around the region to perform for each other in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Students have the opportunity to perform in Wildcat Stadium, the largest football stadium in the state of New Hampshire. There is no cost for bands to perform, and tickets for spectators are available at the gate. Instead of a traditional retreat, the show ends with all students down on the field for a dance party with the UNH Wildcat Marching Band, a highlight of the annual event!
Information for Spectators
2024 Details
Schedule
- 7:00 University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band Pre-Game Show
- 7:15 Milford High School Marching Spartan Band
- 7:30 Merrimack Valley High School Pride of the Valley Marching Band
- 7:45 Portsmouth/Newmarket High School Clipper Band
- 8:00 University of New Hampshire Wildcat Marching Band
- 8:15 Dance Party "Retreat" on Field – All bands invited to join UNH down on the field
There will be no intermission but there will be time between shows to visit the amenities on the concourse. Please stop by the exhibitor tables as well!
Concession Menu
Please note that the concession stand is cashless
- Hamburgers
- Cheeseburgers
- Hot Dogs
- Pretzels
- Nachos
- Popcorn
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Theater Candy
- Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate
- Bottled Soda, Water, PowerAde
Sign up to perform
There is no performance fee for bands and registration is open now! Please plan to bring your band. Page 2 of the registration form asks for specific performance information if you have it ready now (but can be skipped). The show begins at 7 p.m. and we can't wait to feature you!
Wildcat Stadium
We are thrilled to share our home base, Wildcat Stadium, with our band friends from around the region.
A great place to watch
With over 6,000 seats on the home side, every family member, fan, and band member will have a great seat. Sit down below to hear the music at full volume or on the upper level to get the best view of the drill transitions and guard work. Full restrooms and concessions are all available right on the concourse so you won't have to miss any more of the action than is necessary.
Accessible seating is also available with elevator service from the main entrance.
A great place to perform
Students can live the dream of seeing themselves up on our 30' by 50' high definition video board. A field-turf surface ensures stable footing and clear markings for the performers.
Multiple lighted warm-up areas are a short walk from the stadium. Equipment trucks can park in the lot right near the sideline entrance area or closer to the warm-up areas.
Most importantly, the crowd full of cheering band fans and colleagues will make every band feel like the home team.
