The Zia Marching Band Fiesta is an annual event open to all high school bands. The 2009 Fiesta will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Applications for the 2009 contest were mailed on April 7, 2009.

The competition is limited to the first 32 applicants. Bands compete within their classes during preliminary competition. The top 10 bands from preliminary competition (regardless of class size) advance to the final round of competition.

Performance times are scheduled in reverse order of receipt of entry applications (the first application received performs latest in the day). The Grand Champion from the previous competition has the option to be scheduled to perform last in the preliminary competition, and the  Zia New Mexico champion (if not the grand champion) is scheduled to perform in the penultimate position.

There is a non-refundable $300 entry fee.  Class size is determined by the size of the school, not the size of the band.  Bands of America© judging criteria are used to determine scores and placement.