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North Iowa Band Festival 2023
May 26 - May 29
Chamber Announces Band Festival Entertainment
MASON CITY, IA – Entertainment for the 84th annual North Iowa Band Festival will include a variety of musical genres.
Thursday
In the spirit of celebrating local musicians, the John Adams Middle School Band will kick off the weekend on Thursday night, followed by a performance from the Mason City Municipal Band.
Friday
On Friday, the talented Mason City High School Orchestra is scheduled at 5PM at the Principal Performing Arts Pavilion. The Mason City High School Jazz Band is scheduled at 6PM on the main stage, followed by Elton and Billy – The Tribute at 7PM! This dueling piano duo will be playing all of the favorites from legendary piano men Elton John and Billy Joel!
Saturday
Saturday’s entertainment begins with The Stu Nevermann Run at 8AM, followed by the BIG parade at 10AM that runs down East State Street from North Penn to the High School. The state champion MCHS Danzers will perform at 12:45PM in front of the Main Stage before the Awards Ceremony at 1:30PM. The instrument petting zoo will be held from 2-4PM along with balloon creations and spin art. At 2:30PM, the Bill Riley Talent Show will be held on the Main Stage, a first for the North Iowa Band Festival! This show will serve as the area’s first of the summer, and the winner of the show will compete in the state show at the Iowa State Fair later in August.
Saturday evening’s Main Stage performances begin at 5:30PM with local band The Sweet Nuthins. Fans of NBC’s “The Voice” will be in for a treat this year when Morgan Myles takes the main stage with her country flare at 7PM. Myles recently placed third on Season 22 of the popular singing competition show. She was also the only female singer to boast the accomplishment of making it to the top five finalists!
Parade Entry Deadline
Parade entries are now being accepted. Applications received after May 20 are subject to a $25 late fee. Entries will compete for Grand Marshal honors—reflecting best use of the festival theme “All-American Band Festival”; or for the Mr. Toot award which honors the best use of any theme.
Carnival, Concessions, Marketplace
Festival activities, which also include a carnival, concessions, and marketplace, will take place throughout Memorial Day in downtown Mason City. Thanks to the support from major sponsors and the Friends of the Festival campaign, this event provides a full weekend of entertainment for the North Iowa community free of charge. More information is available at www.nibandfest.com. The website is updated frequently with updated information including volunteer opportunities, sponsors, parade details, and the full entertainment schedule.
The North Iowa Band Festival Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide a weekend of wholesome family entertainment at little or no cost to the family; to promote and celebrate the rich musical heritage of North Iowa; and to provide an atmosphere which showcases young musicians who are becoming a part of that heritage.
Thursday
6PM – John Adams Middle School Band – Plaza
6:45PM – Mason City Municipal Band – Plaza
Friday
4-7PM – The Stu Nevermann Run Packet Pickup – Aquatic Center
5PM – Carnival/Concessions/Marketplace Open – Downtown/Central Park
5PM – MC High School Orchestra Concert – Plaza
6PM – Entertainment Opener – MC Jazz Band – Main Stage
7:30PM – Entertainment Headliner – Billy Joel and Elton John-The Tribute! – Main Stage
Saturday
8AM – 33rd Annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run – MC Aquatic Center
10AM – 84th Annual North Iowa Band Festival Parade – Starts at N Penn and runs down East State Street
12PM – Carnival/Concessions/Marketplace Open – Downtown/Central Park
12:45PM – Mohawk Danzers Performance – Plaza
1PM – NIACC Extreme Makeover Announcement – Plaza
1:30PM – Awards Ceremony – Plaza
2-4PM – Instrument Petting Zoo / Balloon Creations – Central Park
2:30PM – Bill Riley Talent Show – Main Stage
5:30PM – Entertainment Opener – The Sweet Nuthins – Main Stage
7PM – Entertainment Headliner – Morgan Myles – Main Stage
Sunday
9AM – Outdoor Worship Service – Trinity Lutheran Church
11AM-5PM – Marketplace Open – Central Park
12-8PM – Carnival/Concessions Open (wristband day) – Downtown Mason City
Monday
12-6PM Carnival/Concessions Open – Downtown Mason City