Strike Up the Fun! Williston North Dakota’s Band Day Parade Route Announced

Get ready! The sound of drums, tubas, and squeaky clarinets is just around the corner as the 98th Annual Band Day Parade takes over Williston this Saturday. Whether you're a fan of music, marching, or just a good excuse to sit outside and wave at people, this cherished event has something for everyone.

Why the Parade Route Changed—and Why It’s Working Better Than Ever

The parade will follow its now-familiar route—a change made a few years ago when organizers needed more space and better logistics for staging. By starting at Williston State College (right at 18th Street & University Avenue, for those still mastering city geography), then heading west to 2nd Avenue West and marching south to Harmon Park on 11th Street West, the updated route has proven to be a smart move. With the college and ARC areas offering plenty of room for lineup and preparation, the new setup has made parade day smoother for everyone involved.

Music and Candy Makes Any Day Better

Along the way, you’ll see everything from high school bands to community floats, people handing out candy (please don't elbow the little ones for a Tootsie Roll), and plenty of local pride along the way. There’s nothing quite like hearing “Louie Louie” on repeat to really get into the Band Day spirit, because you know it's coming!

So grab your lawn chair, wrangle your friends, and claim your spot early. Bonus points if you bring coffee, sunscreen, and a smile! If you want to see how the parade is looking this year, click here to see the line-up.

Williston’s Band Day Parade isn’t just an event—it’s practically a local holiday. And at 98 years strong, it’s marching confidently toward its centennial. See you on the sidelines, and don’t forget to clap for the kids—they practiced, even if their trombone says otherwise.