The McNeese State University Cowboy Marching Band will host the “Showdown at Sundown” High School Marching Band Festival at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Cowboy Stadium. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m.

Ten high school marching bands from Louisiana and Texas will participate in the early-season festival, according to Dr. Jay Jacobs, director of university bands at McNeese. Bands will be adjudicated by a panel of music educators and receive written and recorded comments, along with a festival rating.

Participating Louisiana bands are Sulphur High, Barbe High of Lake Charles, Westlake High, Jennings High, Iowa High, Abbeville High and Delcambre High schools.

Participating Texas bands are Orangefield High, Kountze High and Hudson High of Lufkin.

The Pride of McNeese Cowboy Marching Band will conclude the evening with exhibition performances of their pregame and halftime shows.

Admission is $5.