Drums at Appletime

09/17/2026

09/14/2026

Drums at Appletime® 2026 was a success! (We think so anyway) We had 17 bands perform and overcame multiple new challenges. (As usual) We had over 1200 band students perform. There were about 180 band directors, staff, judges and drivers that went through the hospitality room. Volunteers parked 76 buses and trucks in the parking lot. We had an estimated 1400 spectators. (we're still calculating) Our amazing volunteer cook crew from Molly's Pint in Murphysboro, defied the heat and cooked 480 hotdogs and over 500 hamburgers. Our volunteers filled the over 100 unique shifts and many worked multiple shifts working all day.
We want to thank our District Superintendent Dr. Andrea Evers, the Murphysboro School District Administration and staff and the amazing high school maintenance staff. The Murphysboro Police Department and Jackson County Ambulance for their services. Thank you to Crimson Express & Company, all of the volunteers and our Director of Bands, Mr Nick Williams for his dedication to the Murphysboro band programs.
I personally want to thank the rest of our Apple Festival sub-committee for their months of tireless planning and commitment to this event and what it means to our community and the school band programs. You're the best! Get some rest.
We hope to see you all next year!!

09/13/2026

Drums at Appletime® 2026

09/13/2026

Our 2026 Drums at Appletime Marion Nash Grand Champions are the Granite City Marching Warriors! 🏆

Congratulations to all of this year’s participating bands on your incredible performances and good luck on the rest of your season! We will see you next year! 🍎🎺🎵🥁🍏

09/13/2026

Great things are underway here at “Doc” Bencini Field! Good luck to all bands! 🎺🥁🍏🍎

Pictured: Paducah Tilghman High School

09/10/2026

We will see you Saturday! 🥁🍎🎺🍏🎵

Updated Drums at Appletime 2026 Schedule! Participating directors, check your inboxes. We will see you Saturday! Good luck with final preparations. 🍎🍏🎺🎷🥁

03/02/2026

UPDATE: Registration for 2026 is FULL!

Please register your band early to secure your spot for Drums at Appletime® 2026 on Saturday September 12th, 2026. We have a limited number of spaces available and cannot guarantee late registration.
Register Now!

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2026 - Murphysboro, Illinois (The competition will typically begin with introductions at 4:15pm and end around 10:00pm) Drums at Appletime® is part of the Murphysboro Apple Festival - Southern Illinois’ oldest and largest alcohol-free festival, drawing more than 45...