24 Schools to Compete in Four States Marching Classic in Texarkana Oct 3

Alright Texarkana, you need to be on your best behavior next weekend, because there will be a lot of visitors in our area. Just think, 24 marching bands across four states will descend upon Texarkana on Saturday, October 3. The bands will all be competing against each other as Texarkana ISD hosts the 2026 Four States Marching Classic at Texas High School's Grim Stadium.

Get our free mobile app

One of the region's biggest high school marching competitions is getting even bigger this year. For the first time in several years, all four states in the Four States area will be represented, with bands from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma competing throughout the day.

Competition Continues To Grow

After welcoming 15 bands in 2025, this year's event has grown to 24 participating bands. We are talking 24 marching bands. Schools from across the region will travel to Texarkana to showcase their musical talent, precision marching, and months of hard work.

Enjoy a Full Day Of Marching Band Performances in Texarkana

Preliminary competition will start at 9:30 AM and will continue throughout the day. Benton High School from Benton, Louisiana, who were the 2025 Grand Champion, will return to defend its title.

READ MORE: Nash Elementary School In Texarkana Earns Statewide Recognition 

The Texas High School Tiger Marching Band will perform an exhibition show at 4 PM, giving everyone a preview of its 2026 UIL marching production, "Dystopia."

The top 10 bands from preliminary competition will advance to the finals. Preliminary awards are scheduled for 4:30 PM, with finals beginning at 6 PM. Final awards will be presented at 9 PM.

More Information on the 2026 Four States Marching Classic in Texarkana

This event will be held at Grim Stadium located at Summerhill Rd & W 12th St in  Texarkana, Texas

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and free for children age 6 and younger.

Participating schools include Arkansas High, Bismarck, Benton, Daingerfield, Dierks, El Dorado, Foreman, Fouke, Genoa Central, Horatio, Hooks, Hope, Liberty-Eylau, Linden-Kildare, Marshall, Maud, Mount Pleasant, Nashville, New Boston, Queen City, Tyler, Valliant, and Waskom. Texas High will perform in exhibition and will not compete.