It’s time to turn up the volume and celebrate the heart and soul of our great state-Iowa! From the iconic Field of Dreams to the breathtaking Bridges of Madison County, everyone is invited to pay homage to the places, people, and traditions that make Iowa truly special. Guests, marching bands, entertainers, and parade participants are encouraged to add their own Iowa flair to the festival-whether it’s rolling cornfields, music that echoes through our towns, or pride in our agricultural and cultural roots. The theme for the 86th North Iowa Band Festival is "The Sounds of Iowa".

The North Iowa Band Festival committee is busy securing marching bands from the region, booking musical acts for the main stage, and preparing for an abundance of totally tubular parade entries! The parade will be held on Saturday, May 24, and parade entries are now being accepted. Parade placement is taken on a first come-first served basis, so if your organization wants to be towards the front of the parade, be sure to get your entry form in as soon as possible! Parade entry forms can be picked up at the Commerce Center or found online at www.nibandfest.com. Businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to participate!

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.

Registration Forms

2025 Band Entry Form
Timing and Penalty Guidelines and Map 
2025 Royalty Entry Form
Parade Entry Form or Register Online
2025 Marketplace Brochure
Stu Nevermann Run Registration & Route

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, May 22, 2025

12-8PM: Food Vendors Open
Central Park

6-8PM: Carnival Open
Downtown

6PM: John Adams Middle School Band
Principal Pavilion

6:45PM: Mason City Municipal Band
Principal Pavilion

Friday, May 23, 2025

12-10PM: Food Vendors Open
Central Park

4PM: Carnival Open
Downtown

5-7PM: Stu Nevermann Run Packet Pickup
Aquatic Center

5PM: Marketplace Open
Central Park

4:45PM: Mason City High School Orchestra
Principal Pavilion

5:30PM: Mason City High School Jazz Band
Downtown Main Stage

6:20PM: Will Barnett & Company
Downtown Main Stage

8PM: Trophy Dads
Downtown Main Stage

Saturday, May 24, 2025

8AM: 35th Annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run
Aquatic Center

10AM: 86th North Iowa Band Festival Parade
North Penn & East State St

12PM: Carnival / Marketplace / Food Vendors Open
Downtown

1:45PM: Awards Ceremony
Principal Pavilion

2-4PM: Instrument Petting Zoo / Balloon Animals
Central Park

2:30PM: Mason City Dance Team
Principal Pavilion

3PM: Noah Harris
Downtown Main Stage

4PM: Of Old Magic
Downtown Main Stage

6PM: BYOBrass
Downtown Main Stage

8PM: Not Quite Brothers
Downtown Main Stage

Sunday, May 25, 2025

9AM: Outdoor Worship Service
Trinity Lutheran Church

11AM: Marketplace Open
Central Park

12PM: Carnival / Food Vendors Open
Downtown

1PM: TOM&BETTY
Principal Pavilion

Monday, May 26, 2025

12PM: Carnival Open
Downtown

Date: May 22-26, 2025

Location: Various Location in Mason City, IA 50401

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