Dio Day 2026 is officially on the calendar.
I-100 is proud to be media sponsor of Dio Day 2026! For more than a decade the Dio Day committee has raised money for the Dio Day Music Scholarship, awarded every year to a Cortland High School student — the same school Ronnie James Dio graduated from.
This year, Dio Day happens Sunday, July 19th, at the Cortland Music Park — a venue we are so excited about. Tons of space, deep Cortland roots, and the perfect place to celebrate Ronnie’s legacy. Camping is available!
📢 Attention Vendors!
We’re excited to announce Dio Day 2026 at our spacious new venue, and we want YOU to be part of the fun! Reserve a booth for just $50 for the entire day. Keep all your profits while connecting with fellow music lovers and enjoying amazing live music.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your products, crafts, or creations at a day filled with good vibes, great people, and incredible tunes!
Reserve your spot today and be part of the celebration! Interested? Contact Sheila Ryan at Sheila@center4art.org
Headlining: Holy Mother
Holy Mother is an American heavy metal band led by powerhouse vocalist Mike Tirelli, whose soaring vocals have drawn comparisons to Ronnie James Dio.
The band’s lineup includes Greg Giordano (guitar), Freddy Villano (bass), and Frankie D’Esposito (drums). Known for high-energy performances and melodic yet aggressive songwriting, Holy Mother continues to be a strong force in traditional heavy metal.
The band lineup (in order of appearnace):
- Jim Van Duesen
- Crimson Underground (Cortland High Band)
- Elderly Bros
- Billy Golicki – Billy and the Therapists
- The High Road (Kat’s Band)
- Yayle Hues
- Holy Mother (headliner)
- Throw down Cold
- Defining 13
- Catalyst
Each Band Is donating their time and talent for the cause which is deeply appreciated.
We’re bringing back the Ride for Dio motorcycle run this year, which makes this event more special.The Ride for Dio will be a short motorcycle run, expected to depart from the park prior to the event. Participation in the ride will be included with the price of admission.
Ride details:
- The Dio Day Motorcycle Ride is completely free to participate in and will take place the morning of the event, Sunday, July 19th. Riders will meet and line up at 9 a.m. at Cortland Music Park, with kickstands up at 10.
- The route takes riders south on Route 11 through Marathon, west on Route 79 to Richford, where there’ll be a quick stop at the gas station, then north on Route 38 to Route 13 in Dryden, and finally back through Cortland to Cortland Music Park.
- The ride is expected to return right around the time Dio Day festivities begin, making it the perfect way to start the day.
We are also excited to share that the Homeville Museum at the CNY Living History Center will be doing a display at the event, led by Jamie Dangler. The display will feature a variety of pieces along with information from Ronnie’s early years and throughout his career.
So save the date: Sunday, July 19th — and you can follow Dio Day Cortland on Facebook to stay up to date as more details roll out.
Important Links
Cortland Music Park: https://www.cortlandcountrymusicpark.org/
Camping Info: https://www.cortlandcountrymusicpark.org/campgrounds/
Dio Day Cortland on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diodaycortland
Dio Day Cortland website: https://www.diodaycortland.org
Holy Mother: https://www.facebook.com/holymotherband
The CNY Living History Center: https://cnylivinghistory.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CNYLivingHistoryCenter
The Homeville Museum’s Website: Musicians from Cortland County – Welcome to Homeville!
The Homeville Museum Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HomevilleMuseum/
