North Iowa Band Festival
Join us on May, 27 – 31, 2027!
The 88th North Iowa Band Festival theme is “88 Keys of Harmony” — Inspired by the 88 keys of a piano, this year’s theme symbolizes the unity, rhythm, and harmony that music brings to our community. For 88 years, the North Iowa Band Festival has brought together musicians, families, and visitors in a shared celebration of sound and tradition, and this year promises to continue that legacy in perfect harmony.
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
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 Entry Map (walker drop off, float entrance, marching band entrance)
- Parade Line Up Map
- Parade Line Up -Alpha Listing or Parade Line Up -Numerical Listing (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
2026 North Iowa Band Festival Honorees
2026 North Iowa Band Festival Sponsors
Grand Marshal Sponsor
Drum Major Sponsor
Band Master Sponsor
Flag Corps Sponsor
Ahren Fire Protection – Cargill – CENT Credit Union – Chevron Renewable Energy Group – Farmers State Bank – Hertz Farm Management – Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mason City – Hy-Vee East – Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (Mason City) – ITC Midwest – NIACC – One Vision – POET Biorefining-Hanlontown – Pritchard Companies – Rieman Music – U.S. Bank – Wealth Progression Group – 43 North Iowa
In-Kind Sponsors
98.7 Kiss Country / 103.7 The Fox – Connoisseur Media – City of Mason City – D&D Printing – Fat Hill Brewing – Globe Gazette – KIMT News 3 – LeDoux Signs – Historic Park Inn – Trinity Lutheran Church – Powder Street Pizza