INDIANAPOLIS — One of Indiana’s most cherished musical traditions continued Friday as the Indiana State Fair welcomed 34 of the state’s finest high school marching bands to compete in the 2026 Indiana State Fair Band Day Presented by Music Travel Consultants & Paige’s Music.
Following an outstanding day of performances, the judges crowned Anderson High School Marching Highlanders the 2026 Indiana State Fair Band Day Champion. Anderson won its second consecutive Band Day Championship with 93.213 points
Montgomery County United, comprised of students from North Montgomery and Southmont, placed 13th. MCU scored a season high 73.238 points from the judges.
Each band was judged by music ensemble, music general effect, visual ensemble and visual general affect.
MCU’s highest score was 12th in the visual general effect. Other scores placements were 14th in music ensemble, 15th in music general effect and 13th in visual general effect.
Crawfordsville placed 25th in the preliminary competition.
The competition concludes the summer band schedule. All three Montgomery County bands will compete in fall competition with the Indiana Music Educators contests. All three bands can be seen on Friday night home football games.
For generations, Indiana State Fair Band Day has celebrated the talent, dedication, and passion of student musicians from every corner of the state. The competition showcases not only musical excellence but also the commitment, teamwork, and school pride that define Indiana’s marching band tradition.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair Band Day “Sweet Sixteen,” as selected by the judges:
• Anderson High School Marching Highlanders
• Ben Davis High School
• Centerville Blue Regiment
• Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School
• Jay County High School
• Kokomo High School
• Marion Marching Giants
• Monroe Central Golden Bear Marching Band
• Montgomery County United Marching Band
• Mooresville High School
• Spirit of Muncie Band And Guard
• Northeastern High School Marching Knights
• Richmond Red Devil Marching Band
• The Sound of West Side
• Winchester Community High School
• Pride of Yorktown Marching Band & Guard
The 2026 Indiana State Fair runs through Aug. 23, closed Mondays. Guests can experience live entertainment, 4-H competitions, agriculture, family attractions, and all the traditions that make the Indiana State Fair one of Indiana’s favorite summer destinations.
