Overview
Marching bands take the field alongside a celebrity musical guest at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Halftime Show and find themselves at the heart of the game day festivities. This incredible trip to Memphis, Tennessee, is a musician’s dream! Apply today for a chance to perform for a stadium full of fans and march in the adjudicated Beale Street Parade. Plus, compete in the Liberty Bowl Battle of the Bands — the winner gets to perform during the Pre-Game Show. Students will discover the culture of Memphis as they explore Beale Street, eat local barbecue, and even see a professional rodeo. Applications are now open for December 2025 through January 2026!
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Memphis, TN
Director's Reception (Liberty Bowl Marching Band)
You and your fellow band directors are invited to a reception where we’ll cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience in Memphis.
Hotel check-in after 4PM
Liberty Bowl Professional Rodeo
Jump right into the excitement at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Professional Rodeo!
Day 2
Liberty Bowl Battle of the Bands
Sightseeing
You have the afternoon free to take in the sights of Memphis. Check out Sun Studio, Beale Street, and a local BBQ joint.
Day 3
Mass Rehearsal
Start your day with your first mass band rehearsal! Join students, directors, and top clinicians from across the U.S. as you begin rehearsing for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Halftime Show Finale.
Beale Street Parade
Head over to the Beale Street Parade where you’ll perform for the cheering crowds.
Exclusive dinner, dance, and awards ceremony
Day 4
Final Rehearsal (Liberty Bowl Marching Band)
Attend the final Halftime Show dress rehearsal with the entire band and the LIVE guest star! Previous guests have included Scotty McCreery, Big & Rich, and The Beach Boys.
Liberty Bowl Kickoff
Day 5
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event
Exclusive awards ceremony
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.