If you're hearing a drum beat around downtown Indianapolis this weekend, it's not just in your head. The Drum Corps International World Championships is returning to Lucas Oil Stadium for its 15th year.

Nearly 6,000 young brass musicians, percussionists, and color guard dance performers ages 14 to 22 will take the field from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Aug. 10 to close out the 2024 DCI Tour.

Corps' performances feature visual formations + choreography set to musical arrangements in classical, jazz, pop, and rock music.

In addition to the on-field performances at Lucas Oil Stadium, there will also be free family-friendly events happening around the city. These include "Shining A Light: On Music Education" at Monument Circle on Friday, Aug. 9 starting at 5:30 p.m. and the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets for competition viewing are available via Ticketmaster, with a special discount for Indiana residents for the Saturday, Aug. 10 DCI World Championship Finals.

The Bluecoats of Canton, OH is one of the top corps to watch this year. | Photo provided by Drum Corps International

If you're interested in seeing the top corps battle for the title, here's the full schedule:

Thursday, Aug. 8

Warm-Up Lot | 10:30 a.m. through last performing corps | Military Park | Free | Corps entertain fans with warm-up routines prior to their on-field performances at Lucas Oil Stadium.
DCI World Class Prelims | 12 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | $39+ | This event includes a lineup of more than 30 World and Open Class corps.

Friday, Aug. 9

DCI World Class Semifinals | 1:30 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | $49+ | Wtiness performances from DCI's top 25 corps as determined by Thursday's Prelims event.

Saturday, Aug. 10

SoundSport International Music + Food Festival | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium, Lot B | Free | Enjoy this family-focused community gathering with 24 musical ensembles, including DrumlineBattle competition and the Indiana High School Band Showcase.
DCI All-Age Class Finals | 10 a.m., awards ceremony at approximately 2 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | $40+| At this historic inaugural event, 13 corps participating in DCI's brand-new All-Age Class compete for championship titles across three competitive divisions.
DCI World Championship Finals Opening Ceremonies | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | Enjoy a performance by INpact Indiana's Future Honors Band, an ensemble comprised of 500 Indiana middle school students as well as The Commandant's Own, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
DCI World Class Championship Finals | 6:30 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | $59+ | DCI's "Top 12" will compete for the chance to be named World Champion and to affix their corps' name to the DCI Founders Trophy.