Pioneerland Band Festival

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For More Information

Web: PBF Website

Email: Kennedy Stromberg, Benson Band Director

Mail: Pioneerland Band Festival
PO Box 133
Benson, MN 56215

Phone: 320-843-2710 (School)

Community Info: BensonMN.org

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Update June 12, 2026:
Today's parade has been CANCELLED due to a city-wide power outage that occurred this morning. Although electrical service has been restored, officials made the difficult decision to cancel the parade because Benson remains under a boil water advisory and emergency resources are needed elsewhere in the community.

The Pioneerland Band Festival parade is held annually in celebration of Flag Day. Note that for 2026, the parade is being held earlier than usual — Friday, June 12 instead of the traditional June 14. The parade serves as a traditional kickoff for many bands competing in the active summer parade circuit across Minnesota. In 2026 the event will celebrate its 39th year.

Benson's 39th Annual Pioneerland Band Festival will feature many of Minnesota's finest high school bands competing for cash prizes beginning at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 12. The parade route begins along Highway 12 west, then turns north on 14th Street and ends at the high school. The judges stand is located on 14th Street next to the Benson Armory near Wisconsin Avenue.

For complete information and the online program featuring information about each of the participating bands, visit the official Pioneerland Band Festival Website.

1. Benson - Host
2. Yellow Medicine East - Exhibition
3. Albany - AA
4. Montevideo - A
5. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - A
6. Patriots - AAA
7. Litchfield - AA
8. Bemidji - AAA
9. Fergus Falls - AA
10. Waconia - AAA
11. Buffalo - AAA

Benson - Host
Albany
Bemidji
Buffalo
Fergus Falls
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg
Litchfield
Montevideo
Patriots Marching Band
Waconia
Yellow Medicine East

• The awards ceremony will be held at the high school football field immediately following the parade. The ceremony will be broadcast live over KSCR Radio 93.5 FM.

Friday, June 12, 2026
Monday, June 14, 2027
(Traditionally held on Flag Day, June 14. Sometimes shifted to avoid overlap with other events.)

Web: PBF Website

Email: Kennedy Stromberg, Benson Band Director
Mail: Pioneerland Band Festival, PO Box 133, Benson, MN 56215
Phone: 320-843-2710 (School)

Community Info: BensonMN.org