If you ever wanted a crash course on the lively theatrics of high-stepping marching bands, head to the University of Maryland’s SECU Stadium on Sunday.
The Capitol Battle of the Bands will host its third annual showcase of ensembles from historically Black colleges and universities. Nine schools — including Bowie State, Howard and Morgan State — will compete. Tickets start at $30.
The event will also feature a performance from a mashup of 315 students from 12 Prince George’s County Public Schools.
“These kids get a chance to perform on this large stage that they probably wouldn’t be able to do in their individual band,” said Rodney Chambers, the executive director and founder of High Stepping Nationals, a nonprofit that organizes the Capitol Battle of the Bands.
“They also get to see these elite HBCU bands perform and inspire them to go to college or higher education and join one of these HBCUs,” said Chambers, a music educator who used to teach in D.C. public schools. He founded High Stepping Nationals in 1998.
Chambers’ goal throughout his career has been to create a proper platform for this form of marching band. High-stepping differs from corps-style performances, the latter of which Chambers said is distinguished by precise movements like those of soldiers.
In high-stepping, “you’re rocking from side to side when you’re marching or playing the music — very high energy,” Chambers said. “We play lots of popular tunes and a lot of the old school tunes too: R&B, rock and hip-hop.”
Chambers said he’s inspired to see so many students join together in a time when it feels increasingly difficult to make in-person connections.
“The kids are getting along and meeting kids from other parts of the county and having fun and learning music and dancing together,” Chambers said. “It’s so amazing.”
Here are other events across the capital region to check out.
Not So Spooky Skate
Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cabin John Ice Rink will invite ghosts and ghouls to lace up their skates. The annual event will feature families dressed in their spooky best to glide around in a costume parade, along with crafting activities.
Parents are asked to register their children ages 6 and under; tickets are $20.
Trek or Treat
Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro will host a costumed walk on Friday aimed at children 12 and under. Families can expect to make a trek lasting 30-45 minutes. You’ll encounter spooky scenes and games while collecting candy and treats.
The centerpiece of the walk is the park’s 50-foot Trick-or-Tree, adorned in Halloween lights.
Tickets are $5-$7.
7 Locks Fall Fest
Saturday, 3-8 p.m.
The Rockville brewery will host part-Halloween, part-Oktoberfest celebrations, with highlights including pumpkin carvings and a stein-hoisting competition. It will serve traditional German food courtesy of Palmetto Bay Cuisine.
Admission is free; a commemorative 1-liter beer stein plus a fill is available for prepurchase for $28.52.
Flights and frights
Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
College Park Aviation Museum will open for families to trick or treat and take part in other Halloween activities. Guests will get a peek inside the hidden gem of a museum as it’s refashioned with seasonal decorations.
Tickets are $5.
Bangin’ in Bowie
Saturday, 7 p.m.
The monthly showcase at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts will feature a trio of comedians, including Kym Whitley, hosted as usual by local mainstay Joe Clair. The night will be soundtracked by DJ 2-Tone Jones and other performers.
Tickets are $35-$50.
HalloWheaton
Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton will host guests to roast s’mores and paint pumpkins, among other festivities, to get a start on Halloween. Adults can also imbibe at the beer and wine garden and play yard games.
Admission is free.
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