The countdown to the start of the 2026 Drum Corps International season is on.
With just over thirty days until a new season of drum corps officially kicks off, here's everything you need to know before heading into the 2026 DCI season. There's a lot to cover, so let's jump right into things!
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1. DCI 2025 World Class Medalists & Caption Award Winners
In case you need a refresher on who claimed the bronze, silver, and gold medals at the conclusion of the 2025 DCI season, here's a recap of the World Class Finals results:
| 2025 DCI World Championship Finals | ||
| 1 | Boston Crusaders | 98.425 |
| 2 | Bluecoats | 98.250 |
| 3 | Santa Clara Vanguard | 96.700 |
| 4 | Blue Devils | 95.788 |
| 5 | Carolina Crown | 94.800 |
| 6 | Phantom Regiment | 94.300 |
| 7 | Mandarins | 92.825 |
| 8 | Blue Stars | 91.175 |
| 9 | The Cavaliers | 90.800 |
| 10 | Troopers | 90.050 |
| 11 | Colts | 88.050 |
| 12 | Blue Knights | 87.450 |
The 2025 DCI World Championship Caption Award winners were as follows:
- Donald Angelica Best General Effect Award: Bluecoats
- Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award: Boston Crusaders
- John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award: Bluecoats
- George Zingali Best Color Guard Award: Boston Crusaders
- Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award: Boston Crusaders
2. 2025 Open Class Medalists & Caption Award Winners
Here's a breakdown of the Open Class Championship Finals scores and Caption Award winners:
| 2025 Open Class World Championship Finals | ||
| 1 | Spartans | 82.150 |
| 2 | Gold | 80.875 |
| 3 | The Battalion | 79.750 |
| 4 | Columbians | 77.775 |
| 5 | River City Rhythm | 74.225 |
| 6 | 7th Regiment | 74.225 |
| 7 | Raiders | 73.750 |
| 8 | Colt Cadets | 71.050 |
| 9 | Les Stentors | 68.350 |
The 2025 DCI Open Class Championship Caption Award winners were as follows:
- Best Brass Performance: Spartans
- Best General Effect: Spartans
- Best Visual Performance: Spartans
- Best Percussion Performance: Spartans
- Best Color Guard: Spartans
- Most Improved Corps: Zephyrus
Fans can expect massive changes in the DCI Open Class throughout the 2026 season, as the Spartans have officially transitioned into the World Class. With the back-to-back-to-back gold medalist out of the mix, it'll be exciting to see which corps take home hardware at the end of the season.
In addition to saying goodbye to the Spartans, fans will say hello to some new faces competing in the Open Class this season as Open Class Affiliates: Boise Gems, Arsenal, and Eclipse. If you're interested in learning more about these corps, check out our article that breaks down the process of these corps moving into the Open Class.
3. 2025 All-Age World Championship Medalists & Caption Award Winners
2024 was the first year that DCI fans got a taste of a combined Finals week, featuring World Class, Open Class, and All-Age ensembles competing in Lucas Oil Stadium. With two years of Finals competition in Lucas Oil Stadium under their belts, here's how the 2025 season shook out for the All-Age competitors:
| 2025 All-Age World Championship Finals | ||
| 1 | Reading Buccaneers | 97.525 |
| 2 | Hawthorne Caballeros | 95.775 |
| 3 | Bushwackers | 94.250 |
| 4 | Atlanta CV | 91.625 |
| 5 | Cincinnati Tradition | 90.950 |
| 6 | Connecticut Hurricanes | 89.550 |
| 7 | White Sabers | 87.475 |
| 8 | Rogues Hollow Regiment | 85.925 |
| 9 | Sunrisers | 83.475 |
| 10 | Govenaires | 83.075 |
| 11 | Minnesota Brass | 80.300 |
| 12 | Fusion Core | 78.325 |
And here's a recap of all of the Caption Awards for each All-Age class:
- Hy Dreitzer Memorial Trophy for High Brass: Reading Buccaneers
- Sean & Bob Holton Memorial Trophy for High Percussion: Reading Buccaneers
- Jim Costello Memorial Trophy for High Visual: Reading Buccaneers
- Frank Gerris Memorial Trophy for High Total Effect: Reading Buccaneers
- Harvey Olderman Memorial Trophy for Best Color Guard: Reading Buccaneers
Additional All-Age Awards:
- Best Honor Guard: Hawthorne Caballeros
- Butch Anderson & Walt Winkleman Memorial Trophy for Best Drum Major: Bushwackers (Hunter King)
- Lou Storck Memorial Trophy for Best Showmanship: Bushwackers Cymbal Line
4. Mandarins on Hiatus for the 2026 Season
In case you missed it, the Mandarins announced back in December that the ensemble was going on a hiatus for the 2026 season as "part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen organizational infrastructure, enhance member experience, and ensure long-term sustainability amid evolving economic conditions affecting the performing arts nationwide."
Here's what Dr. Daniel Fong, President/CEO of Mandarins Performing Arts had to say about the decision:
“This decision reflects our commitment to thoughtful growth and the continued pursuit of excellence... The Mandarins organization has a proud history of innovation and resilience. Taking a single season to retool our systems, evaluate touring logistics, and invest in creative and instructional development will position us for even greater success moving forward.”
In the months that have followed their hiatus announcement, the Mandarins had another successful indoor season with Immortal Winds, introduced the Marching Arts In-Service clinic, launched the Mandarin Arts Academy Percussion Workshops, and have announced their 2027 steering committee and senior leadership members.
While fans won't see them take the field this summer, the organization has been hard at work to ensure we'll see the Mandarins back on the competition field soon.
5. Where the 2025 DCI Finalists Will Premiere Their Shows
Fans won't have to wait for too long to see the 2025 top-12 corps make their first public appearance on the competition field. Of the eleven corps participating in the 2026 DCI season, four will debut at Drums Along the Rockies, two at the DCI Tour Preview, and the other five at a smattering of shows throughout the end of June and early July. Fans will, however, have to wait all the way until July 7th to see the first performance from the reigning gold medalist corps, the Boston Crusaders.
Here's the full list of premiere performances for the top-12 and whether you can catch their first performances streaming live on FloMarching:
- Boston Crusaders: Drums Across the Smokies - July 7
- Bluecoats: Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration - June 27 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Santa Clara Vanguard: Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase - June 26 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Blue Devils: Drums Along the Rockies - June 27 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Carolina Crown: DCI Tour Preview - June 26
- Phantom Regiment: Drums Along the Rockies - June 27 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Blue Stars: Rotary Music Festival - July 2
- The Cavaliers: DCI Tour Preview - June 26
- Troopers: Drums Along the Rockies - June 27 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Colts: Drums Across Nebraska - July 1 (streaming on FloMarching)
- Blue Knights: Drums Along the Rockies - June 27 (streaming on FloMarching)
6. DCI 2026 Streaming Schedule
Speaking of show premieres, here's a list of all of the DCI 2026 events you can stream live on FloMarching this summer:
* June 26 | Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase
June 27 | Drums Along the Rockies
* June 27 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration
July 1 | Drums Across Nebraska
July 10 | Western Corps Connection
July 12 | So Cal Classic: Open Class Pacific Championship Finals
July 18 | DCI Southwestern Championship
July 22 | DCI Southern Mississippi
July 24 | DCI Middle Tennessee
July 25 | DCI Southeastern Championship
July 25 | Midwestern Championship
July 31 - August 1 | DCI Eastern Classic
August 3 | Innovations In Brass
August 3 - 4 | DCI Open Class World Championships
August 6 - 8 | DCI World Championships
August 7 - 8 | DCI All-Age World Championships
August 8 | SoundSport International Music & Food Festival
* indicates FloMarching exclusive show separate from the 2026 DCI Summer Tour
7. Two Community Performances Streaming Live, Exclusively on FloMarching
In an effort to continue expanding our marching offerings during the summer season, FloMarching is proud to announce that we are, once again, streaming two exclusive premiere performances this season: The Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration and the Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase.
These two exclusive premiere shows serve as an opportunity for fans to watch select World Class, Open Class, All-Age, and SoundSport ensembles debut their 2026 programs exclusively on FloMarching before they officially hit the road on their 2026 summer tour.
Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase Schedule
The Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase will take place on Friday, June 26. The event will feature Santa Clara Vanguard in a brand-new DCI 2026 premiere show, hosted and streamed exclusively by FloMarching.
At the moment, the lineup is still in the works so keep checking back for updates regarding the schedule for the Santa Clara Vanguard showcase!
Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration Performance Schedule
The Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 27. The event will begin with local favorites from the Buckeye State and culminate in the premiere of the never-before-seen 2026 Bluecoats show. The event wraps up with a combined encore, including participants in The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp and an encore performance from the 2026 Bluecoats. View the full event schedule below.
| Time | Ensemble |
| 5:15pm | Gates Open |
| 6:00pm | Welcome, Introductions, National Anthem |
| 6:15pm | Columbus Saints |
| 6:25pm | Rogues Hollow Regiment |
| 6:40pm | Cincinnati Tradition |
| 6:55pm | Eclipse Drum and Bugle Corps |
| 7:10pm | EN-CORPS, EN-RICH-MENT |
| 7:25pm | Bluecoats Legacy Arc |
| 7:40pm | Rhythm IN BLUE |
| 8:02pm | World Debut of The Bluecoats |
| 8:18pm | The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp performance with The Bluecoats |
| 8:38pm | The Bluecoats Encore |
| 8:53pm | Event Concludes |
For more information about the Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration, click here.
8. Standout Show & Venue Changes
Throughout the 2026 DCI season, there are a handful of exciting changes to the summer tour schedule, including venue changes and show format. Here are the standout updates to be aware of:
- Similar to last year's setup, the DCI Tour Preview (June 26) will be an unscored event featuring special performances from Carolina Crown, The Cavaliers, and Cincinnati Tradition. The event will also feature "extended performances and interview with staff and designers from each corps," and will conclude with an encore performance by Carolina Crown in combination with the students participating in the Bands of America Summer Camp Marching Band.
- DCI St. Louis (July 21) is a new show hitting the tour schedule for the 2026 DCI season. While the competition itself will be held just across the river in Belleville, IL, it's exciting to see new opportunities for corps to perform in different venues.
- It's baaaaaack! After one year at the Tennessee Titan's Nissan Stadium, drum corps is heading back to Murfreesboro for DCI Middle Tennessee (July 24). Fans can expect to see performances from the Bluecoats, Boston Crusaders, Colts, and, of course, Carolina Crown.
- For fans who want to see a solid mix of Open Class and World Class corps ahead of Finals Week, check out DCI Huntington on July 29. This year's participants include 7th Regiment, Madison Scouts, Gold, Santa Clara Vanguard, Columbians, and more.
- For the second year in a row, Finals Week at Lucas Oil Stadium will be bigger than ever, with DCI All-Age corps now having the opportunity to perform two times on the world's biggest stage. All-Age World Championship Prelims will be on the morning of August 7, with Finals happening the following morning on August 8.
9. Number of Performances Per Corps
We've got a lot of shows this season, and as such, fans have many chances to see their favorite corps perform throughout the 2026 DCI season! Here's an overview of how many times the World Class, Open Class, and All-Age corps will take the field, and where they'll be debuting their 2026 productions:
World Class
Ensemble | # of Performances | First Show | First Show Date |
| The Academy | 19 | MidCal Showcase | July 2 |
| Blue Devils | 18 | Drums Along the Rockies | June 27 |
| Blue Knights | 19 | Drums Along the Rockies | June 27 |
| Blue Stars | 20 | Rotary Music Festival | July 2 |
| Bluecoats | 19 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration | June 27 |
| Boston Crusaders | 17 | Drums Across the Smokies | July 7 |
| Carolina Crown | 17 | DCI Tour Preview | June 26 |
| The Cavaliers | 20 | DCI Tour Preview | June 26 |
| Colts | 20 | Drums Across Nebraska | July 1 |
| Crossmen | 17 | Celebration In Brass | July 8 |
| Genesis | 17 | Drums Along the Rockies | July 27 |
| Madison Scouts | 20 | Rotary Music Festival | July 2 |
| Music City | 18 | Drums Across the Smokies | July 7 |
| Pacific Crest | 18 | MidCal Showcase | July 2 |
| Phantom Regiment | 19 | Drums Along the Rockies | June 27 |
| Santa Clara Vanguard | 20 | Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase | June 26 |
| Seattle Cascades | 20 | Drums Along the Columbia | June 29 |
| Spartans | 15 | Cavalcade of Brass | July 10 |
| Spirit of Atlanta | 18 | Drums Across the Smokies | July 7 |
| Troopers | 20 | Drums Along the Rockies | June 27 |
Open Class
Ensemble | # of Performances | First Show | First Show Date |
| 7th Regiment | 11 | Barnum Festival: Champions on Parade | June 27 |
| * Arsenal | 4 | DCI New Mexico | July 14 |
| Blue Devils B | 7 | DCI West | July 5 |
| Blue Devils C | 5 | DCI West | July 5 |
| * Boise Gems | 3 | Drums Along the Columbia | June 29 |
| Colt Cadets | 13 | Drums Across Nebraska | July 1 |
| Columbians | 8 | Drums Along the Columbia | June 29 |
| * Eclipse | 5 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration | June 27 |
| Gold | 17 | DCI Capital Classic | July 3 |
| Golden Empire | 7 | MidCal Showcase | July 2 |
| Guardians | 3 | DCI Denton | July 16 |
| Heat Wave | 7 | DCI Birmingham | July 24 |
| Impulse | 8 | Drums Along the Columbia | June 29 |
| Les Stentors | 11 | Drum Corps Grand Prix | July 11 |
| Memphis Blues | 9 | DCI Northern Alabama | July 9 |
| Raiders | 11 | Drum Corps Grand Prix | July 11 |
| River City Rhythm | 12 | River City Rhapsody | July 5 |
| The Battalion | 12 | Drums Along the Columbia | June 29 |
| Zephyrus | 6 | DCI Little Rock | July 11 |
* indicates Open Class Affiliate
All-Age Class
Ensemble | # of Performances | First Show | First Show Date |
| Atlanta CV | 6 | Drums Across America | July 8 |
| Bushwackeres | 7 | Barnum Festival: Champions On Parade | June 27 |
| Cincinnati Tradition | 7 | DCI Tour Preview | June 26 |
| Columbus Saints | 3 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration | June 27 |
| Fusion Core | 5 | DCI Birmingham | July 24 |
| Govenaires | 6 | River City Rhapsody | July 5 |
| Hawthorne Caballeros | 6 | Barnum Festival: Champions On Parade | June 27 |
| Hurricanes | 6 | Barnum Festival: Champions On Parade | June 27 |
| MBI | 3 | The Kiwanis Thunder of Drums | July 7 |
| Northern Lights | 4 | Cavalcade of Brass | July 10 |
| Reading Buccaneers | 7 | Barnum Festival: Champions On Parade | June 27 |
| Rogues Hollow Regiment | 6 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration | June 27 |
| Sunrisers | 5 | Barnum Festival: Champions On Parade | June 27 |
| White Sabers | 5 | Drum Corps Grand Prix | July 11 |
10. Alumni Corps Performances
In keeping with the recent tradition of a big alumni corps performance at the conclusion of DCI World Championship Semifinals, the 2026 alumni corps performance this year will be from Phantom Regiment.
In previous years, fans have gotten to enjoy "throwback" performances from the Bluecoats Legacy Arc (2022), the Troopers Legacy Corps (2023), the Crossmen Alumni Corps (2024), and the Spirit of Atlanta Alumni Corps (2025).
