Classic on the Cane
Saturday, October 31, 2026 • Natchitoches, LA
Join us for the 37th-annual Classic on the Cane
The 37th-annual Classic on the Cane Marching Festival at Northwestern State University is sponsored by the Walker Music Initiative and Assessment Sync.
100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and donations collected via the Assessment Sync platform will be donated to the Northwestern State University band program. Please consider supporting the band program as they also begin to raise funds for new band uniforms for the 2028 season.
We truly appreciate your support. Fork 'em Demons!
Advanced Discounted Ticket Sales
Advanced ticket sales are available at a reduced rate versus what you will pay at the gate on the day of the event.
Advanced ticket prices (available online now):
$15.00 General Admission
$10.00 Seniors(65+), Military, and Children 5-10 years old
$10.00 NSU Faculty/Staff
Gate prices (cash only):
$20.00 General Admission
$15.00 Seniors(65+), Military, and Children 5-10 years old
$10.00 NSU Faculty/Staff
Patrons who utilize advanced ticket sales will receive an email with a QR code for each ticket purchased. These emails will come from @assessmentsync.com, which is the complete platform used for the event's scoring, ticketing, and donations. All profits from Assessment Sync will be donated to the Northwestern State Band Foundation account, which assists in the program's operations.
Spirit of Northwestern Uniform Drive 2028
The Spirit of Northwestern (SON) will be in need of new band uniforms for the 2028 season. Please consider a donation of any size to assist us in this initiative to raise $50,000.00 by November 1, 2026.
Donations of $500 or more
A commemorative message sewn into the jacket of a uniform for each multiple of $500.
Honor an alumn, or a current SON member with a special message inside the jacket for the SON to carry into performance
Pay respect to a family member, or a friend with a message that will honor their contribution to Northwestern State, the SON, or the arts.
Recognition on a donor plaque that will be displayed outside the SON Uniform Suite
Recognition in all printed and digital programs for band concerts and events
Classic on the Cane program (donations received as of October 15, 2026 will be in print and digital); donations received afterwards will be in digital format only
Concert Band programs
Our Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do gates open?
Gates will open to spectators approximately one hour before the first performance of the day. Bypass the long ticket line and save money by purchasing your tickets online at the link provided.
The schedule for the event can be found on this page and in the Spectator's Guidebook.
Where do we park?
Although it is a Saturday, there may be other events occurring around the facilities used for Classic on the Cane. Please observe all signs, especially designated handicap areas. The Spectator's Guidebook will have the most up-to-date information available.
What is the ticket refund policy?
Tickets may be refunded up to the day before the event. To request a refund, please see the instructions in the email you received when the purchase was made.
What merchandise is available?
We will have a variety of vendors selling everything from apparel to shout-outs. Each of those vendors will have a variety of methods for payment of their goods and/or services.
Travel
Maps may be acquired by accessing the Spectator Guidebook.
Spectators are asked to take the Caspari Street entrance into campus to avoid unnecessary rerouting from other streets (Tarlton, Central, or Jefferson).
With other events on campus, please observe all sinage, which allows us to accommodate those patrons with special needs (e.g., sineage designated handicap spaces/lots).