American Marching Bands

St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is delighted to welcome THREE marching bands from the U.S. to this year’s festival.

University of Illinois Marching Illini

Sunday 15th March from 12pm

Since 1868 the University of Illinois Marching Illini has entertained millions of fans with traditional and innovative performances. Always a favourite at the Kilkenny festival the Marching Illini have been visiting Ireland since 1992. Their 2026 visit will be under Band Director Professor Barry L . Houser and comprises over 380 performers.

Beginning in Kilkenny Castle Park with a short performance they will then march through the streets in a one band Parade. The Marching Illini will begin their performance at Kilkenny Castle Park, before proceeding down The Parade and High Street, turning right onto Bateman Quay, and then returning to the Castle Park via Rose Inn St.

Campo Verde ‘Coyote Pride’ HS Marching Band

Monday 16th March from 11am

Under Band Director Matt Kozacek the band has has tripled in size over the last 12 years and has become one of the elite programs in the state of Arizona. Having performed internationally at the London New Years Day Parade as well as overseas at The Pearl Harbor Parade in Waikiki, Hawaii, the Coyote Pride are delighted to travel to Ireland for this years St. Patrick’s Festival. The 90 strong performers will put on a stand and blow performance in Kilkenny Castle Park, and the performance will last approximately 30 minutes.

Ohio State University Marching Band

Monday 16th March from 12:30pm

Nicknamed ‘The Best Damn Band in the Land’, it was founded in 1878 and will travel to Ireland for the first time in 2026, having previously performed at the 2015 NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium, the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a number of Rose Bowls. Their Band Director is Christopher Hoch and 270 performers will make the trip to Ireland. The performance will take place in Kilkenny Castle Park.

Please note that American Marching Band performances are weather dependent and at the discretion of the performers. Please check the St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny social media channels for updates!