More than 3,000 collegiate musicians will turn J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown into the World’s Biggest Halftime Show, as the Collegiate Marching Band Festival returns for its 22nd annual edition beginning noon Oct. 1.

The event is a one-of-a-kind festival in the country featuring college marching bands performing for one another, parents and enthusiasts of the marching band activity. The 2017 festival brings 20 college and university bands from throughout the mid-Atlantic region together.

“We have been fortunate to create an event over the past 21 years that has become a tradition for the bands and their alumni and parents,” said John Villella, president of Vivace Productions, the organizers of the event. “This year, we are proud to celebrate this unique musical event with 20 great bands from throughout the East, welcoming bands from Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, West Virginia and Connecticut.”

Performing during the Collegiate Marching Band Festival will be the marching bands from Lock Haven University, Moravian College, Millersville University, Marist College, Wilkes University, California University (Pennsylania), Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg University, Gettysburg College, Boston University, Shepherd University, Kutztown University, Morgan State University, Shippensburg University, University of New Haven, Towson University, Slippery Rock University, University of Delaware, University of Massachusetts and West Chester University.

A new feature at this year’s event will be the Wells Fargo College Fair, featuring information and representatives from a majority of the participating schools. In addition, Wells Fargo will be on hand providing an opportunity for students and parents to interact with representatives from its educational finance program and receive materials on young people’s journey to college.

The 22nd Annual Collegiate Marching Band Festival is sponsored by DeMoulin Uniforms, the United Wells Fargo and the Yamaha Corporation of America.

Gates open 11 a.m. There is a cost.

Tickets and information are available by calling 610-431-3311 or visiting vivaceproductions.com.