Festival Information

Vintage Band Festival 2010

Headquarters :  25 Bridge Square, Northfield

Headquarters Phone: 507-581-1689.

( We will handle all inquiries and requests, opening Saturday, July 31, 9:00 A.M.)

Administrative assistants Carly and Katie with some heavy metal

Background Information

This is an exciting international music event,  celebrating the music and the instruments of past eras. The VBF is being held in Northfield, Minnesota, the historic, charming river town known for its colleges, art, pubs, restaurants, and music.

Festival Features

  • 25  bands — about 100 concerts during 4 days!
  • The performances take place in many outdoor locations all around Northfield. Sites include Bridge Square, Way Park, Odd Fellows Park, Northfield Retirement Center, Riverside Park, Veterans’ Memorial Park, Central Park, and others. In case of inclement weather, alternate indoor sites will be announced.
  • Festival events are presented free of charge. Festival goers, however, are strongly encouraged make donations to help us with expenses. In exchange, you get an official cloisonné designer pin, access to the dance and vaudeville show,  and our gratitude.
  • Many attendees bring a bicycle and a folding chair. This is the best way to get around to the concert sites. May be you could also bring a sun umbrella.
  • Most of the bands are  dressed in 19th Century clothing-and many festival goers do the same.
  • Northfield has fantastic food available from the numerous restaurants and coffee shops. Most of the pubs and restaurants will have live vintage band music in the evenings.
  • Hotels, motels, and B&Bs in Northfield and nearby communities.
  • Dancing! There will be a Vinatge Dance at the Northfield Ballroom on Saturday night.(reserve your tickets now- limited space)
  • Vaudeville!- an evening of slapsitck, pet tricks, silent movies with the North Star Cinema Orchestra. (reserve your tickets now- limited space)

Cannon River in Northfield

Tourist Information

For further tourist information, contact:

Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
Toll Free: 800-658-2548

Festival Ensembles 2010

We are excited to feature several returning ensembles from 2006, as well as some new groups and many international bands.  Check out the links below to find out more about the bands and touring information

International Guests

Upper Midwest Bands

From farther away…

Performance Locations 2010

  • Bridge Square
  • Northfield Ballroom
  • Odd Fellows Park
  • Central Park
  • Way Park
  • Riverside Park
  • Northfield Ballroom
  • Veterans’ Memorial Park
  • Northfield Retirement Center
  • Contented Cow Pub
  • VFW Club
  • J. Grundy’s Rueb’n'Stein
  • Eagle’s Club Hall

And in these nearby communities:

  • Faribault
  • Farmington
  • Cannon Falls
  • New Prague
  • Red Wing
  • Chatfield
  • Minneapolis
  • New Ulm

  • The 2010 Vintage Band Festival will be held in conjunction with the Historic Brass Society’s Early Brass Festival.The Vintage Band Music Festival is a part of a summer schedule of arts activities in Northfield  which feature graphic arts, dance, theater and music.

Donations are Welcome! Please help!

  • A donation of $25 is the recommended minimum. You can attend all reserved events  and receive a souvenir pin.
  • A “silver cornet” donation of $100 or more makes you a sponsor of the festival. You receive passes and tickets to all reserved/limited space events, the opening reception, a free t-shirt, a souvenir collector VBF pin, a souvenir poster, and our sincere thanks!
  • A “golden euphonium” donation of $250 or more makes  you a founder of the festival. You receive all passes and souvenir gifts, our sincere thanks, and you also will be invited join  the international musicians and scholars for a special evening reception. Larger donations are also welcome.