National Band Expo on May 16 at Sweetwater

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:46 AM

By Staff report

Sweetwater, the nation’s largest online musical instrument and pro audio retailer, is giving musicians the chance to play, compare, and discover the band instruments that best support their goals at the National Band Expo on May 16.

Held at Sweetwater’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, campus, this in-person event will feature the largest selection of intermediate and advanced band instruments in the United States.

The National Band Expo is designed for students, band directors, and lesson instructors looking to purchase a band instrument. In addition to the largest selection of instruments available anywhere, Sweetwater will have manufacturer rebates, 0% financing on many models, and special day-of-event deals, along with the lowest pricing of the year on all the top band instrument brands.

“This is a one-of-a-kind event — something only Sweetwater could bring to life,” said Jennifer Witt, senior marketing manager for Sweetwater’s band and orchestra division. “Sweetwater already offers an unmatched selection of band instruments, and at the National Band Expo on May 16, musicians will be able to explore an even wider variety of options. It’s a rare opportunity to play this wide range of instruments, compare, and discover the step-up that best supports their musical goals.”

Because of the large selection available, Sweetwater anticipates drawing customers from throughout the Midwest and beyond. From 10AM to 5PM EDT on May 16, Sweetwater will have band instrument specialists available for 30-minute appointments and consultations to help determine the best fit. To sign up for a one-on-one consultation, visit https://sweetwater.formstack.com/forms/national_band_expo_registration.

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Sweetwater campus features the largest music store in the country, with more than 45,000 square feet of retail space. The National Band Expo event will be held in the retail store and in other spaces on the Sweetwater campus. For more information about Sweetwater’s band and orchestra instrument selection, visit Sweetwater.com/shop/band-and-orchestra.