North Iowa Band Festival
Join us on May, 21 – 25, 2026!
The 87th North Iowa Band Festival theme is “Bands, Birthdays, and Brass” — where every milestone shines and every story deserves a spotlight. From legendary bands marking unforgettable moments to visionary brands and individuals driving innovation and growth, we’re honoring the people and passions that have shaped industries, communities, and culture. And of course, we can’t forget one of the biggest birthdays of all — America’s. Celebrating the spirit, creativity, and resilience that define our nation, we’re turning up the volume on everything that makes these milestones matter. This isn’t just a celebration of dates and achievements — it’s a tribute to the past, present, and future of innovation, artistry, and the enduring spirit that keeps us moving forward.
The North Iowa Band Festival is the largest free marching band competition in the Midwest. Tourism-related expenditures contributed an estimated $136.18 million into Mason City’s economy in 2018. In Cerro Gordo County, tourism generated an estimated $214.46 million in visitor spending, a record for the county and the 11th highest County level in the State. Tourism related jobs employed nearly 1,570 people in Cerro Gordo County.
For photos and a recap of Band Festival weekend, visit our North Iowa Band Festival Facebook page!
General Information
Button Discount
Schedule
Parade, Parking & Downtown Information
Festival History
Visitor and General Information About Mason City, check out these websites:
Visit Mason City – Main Street Mason City – City of Mason City
All Forms
Marching Band Forms
Parade Forms
- Parade Entry Form or Register Online
- Parade Map (walker drop off, float entrance, marching band entrance)
- Parade Line-Up Map
- Parade Line-Up Alpha or Parade Line-Up Numerical (Line-up is subject to change)
Other Forms
Honoree Nomination Forms
NOTE: If you are interested in entering a convertible to transport royalty, honorees, etc. in the parade, please contact the Chamber.
By the Numbers
2025 North Iowa Band Festival Honorees
2025 North Iowa Band Festival Sponsors
Grand Marshal Sponsor
Drum Major Sponsor
Band Master Sponsor
Flag Corps Sponsor
Cargill – Casey’s – CENT Credit Union – Farmers State Bank – Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mason City – ITC Midwest – NIACC – One Vision – POET Biorefining-Hanlontown – Pritchard Companies – Rieman Music – Jane Fischer and Associates LLC – U.S. Bank – Wealth Progression Group – Mason City Noon Kiwanis – 43 North Iowa – The Music Man Square
In-Kind Sponsors
98.7 Kiss Country / 103.7 The Fox – Alpha Media, USA – City of Mason City Culligan Water Conditioning – D&D Printing – Domino’s Pizza – Fat Hill Brewing – Globe Gazette – KIMT News 3 – LeDoux Signs -Historic Park Inn – Trinity Lutheran Church
