The 2026 MacNider Arts Festival will be on Saturday, June 13!
The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is pleased to announce the theme of the annual MacNider Arts Festival and Outdoor Art Market. This year’s “Sweet on Art” tasty treats theme will encourage children to use their imaginations while making exciting projects on Sat., June 13 from 9 am – 4 pm. Arts activities for children, an Art Market full of talented artists, and live music will all be part of the fun. The FREE Pancake Breakfast is from 9-10 am or until gone. All events are located outside the Museum and the adjacent Mason City Public Library at 303 2nd Street SE in Mason City. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
The day begins with the Mayor and City Council’s Free Pancake Breakfast at 9 am. This free breakfast is one of the most popular parts of the festival! Starting at 11 am the Museum will sell food for festival goers to purchase including hamburger, walking tacos, root beer floats, etc. Proceeds of food sales benefit the Festival and Museum programming.
Children’s activities will be offered from 9 am to 4 pm and are free. A variety of projects will be available with volunteers on hand to assist. Kids will be able to create and take-home art projects like felt fortune cookies, watermelon suncatchers, donut magnets, butterfly candy wings, as well as enjoy the traditional favorites of easel painting and stepping stones.
There will be live musical entertainment on the stage in front of Museum throughout the day, including the Mason City Municipal Band (9-10 am), NOLA Jazz Band (10:30 am -12 pm), Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (12:30-2 pm), and Jordan Messerole (2:30-4 pm). Bring a lawn chair or use the picnic tables and bleachers provided!
The Art Market will be open from 9 am – 4 pm with many fine artists. This is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, sculptures, glass, and more. By purchasing work from these artists you are not only supporting the local economy and their work, you are purchasing quality unique art.
More than 200 area citizens are being recruited to volunteer during the Festival. If you are interested in volunteering during part of this event, contact the Museum at 641-421-3666 or email Jackie at jmbohl@masoncity.net.
The MacNider Outdoor Art Market will be open from 9 am – 4 pm with many fine artists and crafts persons. This is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, sculptures, glass, and more. By purchasing work from these artists you are not only supporting the local economy and their work, you are purchasing quality unique art.
2026 Sponsors:
2026 SPONSORS: Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Dental Center of North Iowa, The Electricians, Fat Hill Brewing, First Citizens Bank, First United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Health Center, Hildebrand Real Estate, Hoover Hatchery, ITC Midwest, MetalCraft, NI Mattress Outlet, North Central Mechanical Services, North Iowa Community Credit Union, North Iowa Eye Clinic, Raymond James & Associates, Router 12, State Farm Insurance, Stellar Industries Inc., Tierney Properties, Accord Architecture, Hearing Associates, Sukup Manufacturing Co, Mason City Lumber Co., The Sugar Stash, Zilge’s, & the Generous People of North Iowa!
Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
5 thoughts on “MacNider Arts Festival”