When students return to high schools and colleges in the Fall, school marching bands begin practicing for contests and public performances. For those who love marching band, it’s a big hurrah to see band festivals and parades, often associated with football games. Several of the premier marching band competitions take place in San Diego and Pasadena:

• SAN DIEGO November The Band of Pride Tribute and San Diego Veterans Day Parade.
• SAN DIEGO December  Poinsettia Bowl Pre-game show with heart-pounding marching bands, poinsettiabowl.com
• SAN DIEGO December  Holiday Bowl and Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade.
• PASADENA Bandfest December   Three Shows, Bandfest tickets $15 through Sharp Seating Company, call: (626) 795-4171 or SharpSeating.com