2026 Band Night Parade

Friday, May 8th

On the second Friday in May at 6:30 pm, each and every year (weather permitting), Eckroth Music is proud to bring the joy and excitement of the "Band Night" parade to Bismarck North Dakota. School marching bands show off their talent while beauty queens, non-profits, and local businesses from all over the northern mid-west march along with them, giving immeasurable support. Since its inception, it is impossible to guess how many kids, parents, and families have been impacted by the celebration of arts in the community that the parade represents. This one single event drives the futures of so many, and makes the Bismarck community a better place all year long. The details, planning, and implementation of this night are overwhelming, but the effect is immeasurable. For everyone involved in the parade's success each and every year, thank you for diving in and making this experience so wonderful!

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Want to be part of the Parade? Register Below!

Parade Entries: School & Organization Registration

Entry registration is now closed. School marching bands: please contact [email protected] if you missed the deadline. Late registration is not guaranteed.

 

Eckroth Music Marching Band Registration

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2026 Parade Line Up Coming Soon!

Instructions for Participants:

Line Up Arrival Times: 5:30-6:20pm

Vehicles and Floats: Please be in place by 6pm

Walkers and Participants: Preferred arrival between 6-6:20pm

Marching Bands: Follow instructions given by your Band leader

 

Organizations should enter the Capitol grounds via the northwest parking lot off of 4th street and proceed to the Capitol loop. A flag with your number will be placed in the ground. All organizations line-up on the west side of the loop.

Elementary School Groups should enter the Capitol grounds via the northwest parking lot off of 4th street and proceed to the Capitol loop. Your groups will gather on the west side of the loop on the sidewalk. You will find a flag along the sidewalk with your line-up number.

Bands buses should park in the northeast parking lot (Department of Transportation) and students should walk to the Capitol loop. Local students should also be dropped off in the northeast parking lot. There will be a flag with your line-up number in the ground on the east side of the Capitol loop.

 

Parade Rules

Staging/transportation: 

Parade participants are not allowed to ride the float to the staging area. Riders are only permitted on the float/unit once checked in at the parade staging area, during the parade, or on the way back to the staging area. No riders are allowed on a float/unit during transportation to or from the staging area.

During the Parade:

  • Participants must remain on a float at all times during the parade. Participants may not hang off or jump off/on moving vehicles.
  • Seating on floats must be secured.
  • All parade units should maintain a distance of 25-35 feet between entries throughout the parade.
  • Amplified Sound: All units with sound (other than bands/orchestras) agree to follow directions from parade staff. Units with sound that interfere with live performers may be asked to reduce volume or turn off sound systems.
  • No unit in any parade may distribute candy, flowers, coupons, flyers, or other materials to spectators by throwing or tossing the items at parade spectators. Items may only be distributed by placing them into the hands of spectators at the edge of the public streets.
  • Parade Entries with animals are responsible for all clean up. Please have the necessary supplies with you for the duration of the parade route.

 

 

Parade Route