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Cal Poly Bands Concert: Stage and Screen
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Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Join the Cal Poly Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble for an evening of unforgettable music from the stage and screen. This exciting concert celebrates some of the most beloved cinematic scores ever written, featuring selections from the legendary John Williams catalogue, including music from Star Wars, The Cowboys, Far and Away and Harry Potter. Audiences will also experience the grandeur and brilliance of Gustav Holst’s iconic Jupiter from The Planets, a masterpiece that has inspired generations of composers and film scorers alike. From sweeping adventures and magical worlds to majestic symphonic traditions, this program promises an inspiring journey through music that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students)
Cal Poly Bandfest!
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Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
The Cal Poly Bands continue the season with works that have served as a foundation for the medium of concert band music along with new music that highlights the agility of the modern wind band. Among the works on the program are selections from Igor Stravinsky’s music for The Firebird and Tyler Harrison’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone, featuring guest artist Nick May.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students)
Cal Poly Mustang Band in Chinese New Year Parade
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Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027
6 p.m, San Francisco
The Cal Poly Mustang Marching Band has been invited for the 12th time to participate in the Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Parade — named by the International Festivals and Events Association as one of the top 10 parades in the world!
The Mustang Band first performed along the 1.7-mile length of the Chinese New Year Parade in 2014 and was among 15 marching bands that participated. It has been awarded first place in the adult marching bands category multiple times, most recently in 2024. This year’s parade gets underway at 6 p.m.
The band’s more than 220 members, from academic disciplines across the campus and nearly all of Cal Poly’s six colleges, perform at nearly 50 campus events each year, including athletic games and university functions.
Before the parade, starting at 3 p.m., Mustang Band will continue the tradition of performing some of its favorite pep and postgame tunes in front of the landmark Ferry Building, the gateway to San Francisco, which is visited annually by millions of visitors, on The City’s Embarcadero.
The parade began in the 1860s as a means for the Chinese community to educate and share its culture with the greater community. Nothing like it had ever been done in their native China. The parade and festival have grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia.
The Chinese New Year Parade will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with floats, dragon dancers and other festive entries. The event will be broadcast live on ABC 7 and streamed on Hulu. Search for the 2027 Chinese New Year Parade.
Cal Poly Band and Orchestra Festival Finale Concert
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Saturday, April 3, 2027
6:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
The Cal Poly Band and Orchestra Festival brings together outstanding student musicians from across the region for two days of inspiring performances, collaboration, and musical excellence. The festival culminates each evening with featured concerts by Cal Poly’s premier ensembles. On April 2, the celebration concludes with an exciting performance by Cal Poly Jazz in Spanos Theater.
The second day, April 3, features a grand finale concert showcasing the Cal Poly Symphony and Bands in a program spanning beloved classics and cinematic favorites. Audiences will enjoy music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and John Williams, highlighting the artistry, versatility, and energy of Cal Poly’s distinguished music ensembles. Join us for this dynamic festival experience celebrating the power of music and performance.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students)
Cal Poly Open House Concert
Saturday, April 10, 2027
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Members of the Wind Bands will perform with the department's other large, premier ensembles. Read more about the concert.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students)
Cal Poly Wind Bands Concert: Song and Dance
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Sunday, May 16, 2027
3 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the conclusion of the Cal Poly Wind Bands’ 2026–27 season with "Song and Dance," a program that explores music’s power to move both body and spirit. The concert features selections from Chris Holmquist’s "A New Orleans Symphony," a vibrant tribute to the rhythms, colors and cultural traditions of one of America’s most musical cities.
The evening will culminate with Maurice Ravel’s electrifying La Valse, a dazzling and ferocious masterpiece that transforms the elegance of the Viennese waltz into a whirlwind of sound and spectacle. The Cal Poly Choirs will joing the bands for a special presentation of Johannes Brahms’s deeply expressive "Begräbnisgesang," a lush and moving work that offers moments of reflection and beauty. Together, these powerful works create a fitting finale to a season of artistry, collaboration, and musical discovery.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students)