The 34th Annual Hastings Marching Band Invitational, proudly sponsored by Bennett Travel, will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Hastings High School. This much-anticipated event will showcase 17 marching bands from across the region, filling the day with music, energy, and school spirit.
Performances kick off at 3 p.m. and will take place every 15 minutes, continuing until 9 p.m. A dinner break is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by the grand finale, which is the awards ceremony for Class B, A, and AA bands at 9 p.m.
Hastings High School’s new band director, Caleb Piersma, shared his enthusiasm, saying "We are thrilled and honored to welcome so many talented groups to our competition this year. The Hastings Marching Band Invitational has a reputation for hospitality and flawless organization, and we look forward to continuing that tradition."
Veteran band director Jen Ewers echoed that excitement: "It’s always a joy to see such a wide variety of bands come together to showcase their hard work and talent. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience for performers and audiences alike."
The invitational is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the performers. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, and $5 for K–12 students.
The full performance schedule includes:
2:45 p.m.: National Anthem
3 p.m.: Maple Valley
3:15 p.m.: Reading
3:30 p.m.: Climax-Scotts
3:45 p.m.: Camden-Frontier
4 p.m.: Lawton
4:15 p.m.: Delton
4:45 p.m.: Parchment
5 p.m.: Fennville
5:15 p.m.: Brandywine
6:30 p.m.: Ionia
6:45 p.m.: Wayland
7 p.m.: Otsego
7:30 p.m.: Kalamazoo Central
7:45 po.m.: Mattawan
8 p.m.: Petoskey
8:30 p.m.: East Kentwood
8:45 p.m.: Hastings