Dunedin's Military Tattoo: What to Know Before You Go

The gridiron at Dunedin High becomes a showcase of musical talent under the stadium lights Saturday.

And organizers announced this year's showcase is dedicated to Dunedin's fallen soldier Spc. Zack Shannon, who died March 11 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Dunedin's Military Tattoo, an annual exhibition of marching bands, bagpipe bands, brass bands and highland dancers from across Florida and beyond, heralds the upcoming Dunedin Highland Games, in its 47th year.

The annual marching band exhibition stems from a 17th century British Army tradition, according to the Dunedin Highland Games committee website:

Drummers from the barracks were sent out into the towns at 9:30PM each evening to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to the barracks. ... the military was instructing the innkeepers to stop serving beer and to send the soldiers home for the night. 

The Military Tattoo event proceeds support the pipe bands for Dunedin Highland Middle School, Dunedin High and the City of Dunedin.

Some of this year's participating bands include: City of Dunedin Pipe Band, Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band, Dunedin Highland Middle School Highlander Band, Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums and St. Andrews Pipe Band of Clearwater.

Want to Go?

• When: Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
• Where: Dunedin Memorial Stadium at Dunedin High School
• Tickets: $12 in advance, or $15 at the gate. Purchase them online here. 
• Concessions: Available
• Parking: Free at the high school

More Weekend Events:

Saturday

• Scottish Breakfast
• Dunedin Green Market
• Summer Camp Preview in Dunedin
• Dunedin Showcase Theater's "Loving Lives"
• Mascot Night (aka D-Jay's Birthday Bash)
• Songs of Sinatra ~ A Tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes
• The Dropa Stone Returns to Dunedin Brewery

Sunday

• Lucky Dog Gone Green Expo
• Jesse Terry in Concert

Looking for more? Check the Dunedin Patch calendar.

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[Article Last Updated Friday, April 5, 2013 at 3:57 p.m.]