Humboldt, Kansas Since 1958

Commemorating America’s Heritage in the Bible

The Annual Biblesta Parade

WhenFirst Saturday in October

Parade1:30 p.m.

WhereHumboldt Town Square

Watch the 2026 film
A vintage army jeep flying a row of flags leads the Biblesta Parade past the Humboldt City Offices.

About Biblesta

On the first Saturday in October, Humboldt tells the story of the Bible in a single parade: floats, costumes, horses and marching bands, in order from Genesis to Revelation.

How Biblesta began in 1958 Watch the 2026 film

IThe Day

A Biblesta day

Biblesta fills downtown Humboldt from morning to evening on the first Saturday in October. This was the 2026 schedule; the 2027 schedule will be posted here closer to the day.

  1. 10a.m. to
    1 p.m.

    Gospel music on the Town Square

    Youth activities throughout the day.

    A family of young singers and players performs on the Town Square stage.

  2. 1:30p.m.

    The Biblesta Parade

    Floats, walking entries, equestrian units and marching bands, in order from Genesis to Revelation.

    The Oswego marching band steps off behind its red banner.

  3. 3–6p.m.

    Nationally known gospel groups

    On the Humboldt Town Square, with a free ham & bean feed.

    A band with keyboard, drums and guitar plays on the stage under the Town Square trees.

IIThe Procession

Genesis to Revelation

The Biblesta Parade is made up of floats depicting events from the Bible, walking entries, equestrian units, and marching bands playing Christian music. Everyone is dressed in biblical costume, and the entries are arranged in chronological order, from Genesis to Revelation.

  1. A pickup tows a float under a rainbow arch, its banner quoting Genesis 9:13: I set my bow in the cloud.

    Genesis 9:13

    The Rainbow Covenant

    The entries follow the Bible in order, so the parade opens in Genesis.

  2. Costumed figures stand at a stone doorway marked in red on a float titled The Passover, Exodus 12:21-23.

    Exodus 12:21–23

    The Passover

    Each float brings a scene from scripture to life.

  3. The giant Jonah and the Whale float sends up a spout of water as it rolls down the parade route.

    Jonah

    Jonah and the Whale

    A longtime favorite. Retired from competition, the forty-foot float is still one of the most fascinating sights of the day.

  4. A rider dressed as a Roman soldier raises a sword on a float with signs reading Armor of God and Eph 6:10-17.

    Ephesians 6:10–17

    The Armor of God

    Floats carry costumed riders past the crowd lining the route.

Floats and entries from the 2026 parade.

IIIOn the Square

For the whole family

Before and after the parade, enjoy gospel music in the Town Square from nationally known entertainers. Bring a lawn chair!

  • Families on lawn chairs and benches listen to music in the shade on the Town Square.

    Gospel music all day

    From 10 a.m. on the Town Square, with nationally known groups from 3 to 6 p.m.

  • A father and son play giant checkers on the grass of the Town Square.

    Youth activities

    Youth ministry activities run throughout the day.

  • Humboldt Lions Club volunteers in yellow shirts serve food from their tent on the square.

    Food all day

    Food vendors are open throughout the day. Plan to stay for the free ham & bean feed.

IVThe Film

Relive 2026

A two-minute look back at this year’s parade and celebration on the Town Square.

Watch the whole 2026 parade (29 min) Earlier years: the 2025 film

VPhotographs

Scenes from 2026

Select a photo to see it larger.

VIGet Involved

Pick up the torch

Biblesta is carried by the people of Humboldt and the churches, groups and families who take part. There’s a place for you in it.

  • Volunteer

    Want to help make Biblesta happen? Send us a note and tell us a little about yourself.

  • Join the parade

    Churches, youth groups, bands and organizations: ask about bringing a float, walking entry or equestrian unit.

  • Give

    Biblesta is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and may be mailed to:

    Biblesta
    P.O. Box 222
    Humboldt, KS 66748

Send us a message

Volunteering, a parade entry, a donation or a question: it all comes to the Biblesta committee. Or email [email protected].

VIIVisit

Finding Humboldt

Humboldt is in Southeast Kansas, 10 minutes north of Chanute and south of Iola. Take exit 224 on Highway 169.

The music, food and family activities are on the Humboldt Town Square, and the parade comes right through downtown. Bring a lawn chair and find your spot along the curb.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab) How Biblesta began
When
First Saturday in October
The 2027 date will be posted here
Where
Humboldt Town Square
Downtown Humboldt, Kansas 66748
Bring
A lawn chair
Food vendors all day, plus the free ham & bean feed