MASON CITY — Mason City’s growing outdoor recreation scene will take center stage this weekend as the first annual Prairie Rock Trails Bike Fest brings three days of riding, competitions, clinics, live music and food trucks to town.
The event is scheduled for May 29-31, 2026, at Prairie Rock Trails Bike Park, 1500 Elm Drive, and other trail locations in Mason City.
City officials say the festival is designed to spotlight the Prairie Rock Trails system, attract riders and families from across Iowa and the surrounding region, and help bring tourism dollars to local businesses.
The weekend begins Friday, May 29, with a 4 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially celebrate the final completion of the professionally crafted bike terrain at Prairie Rock Trails Bike Park. The park includes flowing lines, technical elements, a kid-friendly pump track and progressive jump features.
An open ride will follow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with live music scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, will bring a full day of riding and festival activity. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a Women’s Clinic at Evans Preserve for beginners and first-time mountain bikers. Also at 9 a.m., the Legacy Trail Group Ride for intermediate to advanced riders will start at the Bike Park/Zerble Trailhead. A mountain bike tour group ride for intermediate to advanced riders will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Bike Park/Zerble Trail.
Food trucks and the vendor expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
One of the main attractions will be the Jump Jam competition, with events for multiple skill levels. The beginner level starts at 11 a.m., the intermediate level begins at 1 p.m., and the advanced level starts at 3:30 p.m. The competition is scheduled to wrap up at 5 p.m., with awards and celebration at 5:30 p.m.
Competition categories include Best Line, Best Whip and Best Trip. Prizes include cash, gear, product awards, medals, sponsor giveaways and bragging rights.
Saturday will end with another open ride from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, begins with more group riding. The Legacy Trail Group Ride for intermediate to advanced riders starts at 10 a.m. at the Bike Park/Zerble Trailhead. A mountain bike tour group ride begins at 10:30 a.m. Open riding starts at 11 a.m.
The kiddie track at the Bike Park will be open only to children Sunday, giving younger riders a chance to build skills in a safer, kid-focused setting.
Group rides are free, but registration is required for the Women’s Clinic, the Legacy Trail XC Group Ride and the MTB Tour Group Ride. Registration and a small fee are also required for riders entering the Jump Jam contest.
Helmets are required for all riders on the trails.
The event is also part of a larger effort to build awareness of Prairie Rock Trails and strengthen Mason City’s reputation as a place for outdoor adventure, biking and weekend travel.
Organizers say the bike park is built for everyone from riders learning the basics to experienced bikers chasing bigger features and bigger air.
To register and view the full schedule, visit the PRT Bike Fest web page.