Culture | May 12th, 2025
Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota.
And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May events, June events and our July calendar as well. Happy planning!
Emo Night Fargo
August 1, The Aquarium, Fargo
Cassandre 3000 brings emo and pop punk classics to the stage. Free and 21+.
Fargo Blues Festival
August 1-2, Newman Outdoor Field, Fargo
National acts like Shemekia Copeland and Anthony Gomes bring soul to the open air festival.
Deuce of August
August 1-3, Mountain
Experience Icelandic culture with music, food, and a pickup and tractor pull for the 126th year.
Ray Grain Palace Days
August 1-3, Ray
Two big community concerts, food and shenanigans bring folks to town from all over the region.
https://www.facebook.com/RayGPDays/
Sheyenne RiverFest
August 2, Valley City
Paddle or float to Chautauqua Park for food, games, crafts, vendors and raffles.
https://www.vcparks.com/specialevents
Maah Daah Hey 100 Mountain Bike Race
August 2, outside of Medora and Watford City
Tackle North Dakota’s most famous single-track trail on 13-mile to 100-mile routes.
https://www.experienceland.org/maah-daah-hey-100-copy
Capital A’Fair
August 2-3, North Dakota State Capitol Grounds, Bismarck
See more than 100 artists, crafters and food vendors, plus art demos and live entertainment.
Jazz Concert
August 3, Gooseberry Park, Moorhead
Hear live jazz from six local bands at this open air event. Admission is free.
https://fmkicksband.com/concerts/
FM Pride
August 3-10, Fargo Moorhead
Save the date for a week of community-building activities and entertainment.
She Keeps Bees
August 5, North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks
Stripped down, soulful and raw, this Brooklyn band’s blend of blues rock…well, rocks.
Be My Neighbor Day
August 5, Fargo Civic Center Plaza
Prairie Public brings special guest Daniel Tiger to this free outdoor event for kiddos.
https://news.prairiepublic.org/
Disney’s High School Musical Jr.
August 5-6, Fargo North High School
Totally Trollwood Musical performers treat audiences to shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
RiverArts
August 6, Viking Ship Park, Moorhead
Don’t miss from Front Fenders the Scottish stylings of Heather and Thistle Pipe and Drums.
WEFest
August 6-9, Soo Pass Ranch, Detroit Lakes
Cody Johnson, Hardy, Jon Pardi and more headline this popular country music bash.
Njáls Saga Tapestry Exhibit
August 6-13, Hjemkomst Center, Moorhead
View an intricate tapestry depicting the medieval Njáls Saga made by Icelandic volunteers.
Exhibition Tour: Murray Lemley
August 7, Plains Art Museum, Fargo
A free tour spotlights Murray Lemley’s photos, which capture the beauty of everyday life.
Fargo Area Farm Tour
August 7, depart Scheels Arena Parking Lot, Fargo
The multi-stop bus tour includes lunch, a grazing table dinner and a concert to follow.
https://www.farrms.org/event-list
Deuces Wild
August 8, MDJ Saloon, Walker
Fan favorite dueling pianos return to Walker for an open air show.
North Dakota Chokecherry Festival
August 8-9, Williston
This signature festival boasts games, crafts, entertainment (and the ND State Fruit).
https://visitwilliston.com/signature-events/north-dakota-chokecherry-festival/
River Cinema Grand Forks Comic Con
August 9-10, Alerus Center, Grand ForksNerd out over comics, pop culture and so many more passions and pastimes.
Prayers for Peace and Unity
August 10, Lindenwood Park, Fargo
Join with the community at Kost Shelter for food, drinks and prayer from 4 to 6 p.m.
Billy Strings
August 12, Scheels Arena, Fargo
This Grammy Award-winning bluegrass star is one of the hottest tickets in the country.
Disney’s The Aristocats Kids
August 12, Discovery Middle School, Fargo
Trollwood Children’s Theatre brings a classic cartoon to life on stage. Shows at 2 and 7 p.m.
Symphony Rocks
August 14, Bluestem Amphitheater, Moorhead
The FM Symphony plays rock tunes at this popular annual event. Tickets go on sale June 3.
Gear Grinder Mountain Bike Race
August 16, Pipestem Creek Trail, Jamestown
Test your biking skills in beginner, recreational, sport, expert and kids’ rides.
https://discoverjamestownnd.com/yearly_events/gear-grinder/
Lamaar
August 19, North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks
Folk, soul, R&B and country combine in songs that long for justice and human connection.
West Fargo Cruise Night
August 21, Downtown Yards on Sheyenne, West Fargo
See hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles. Live music and food trucks make it extra festive.
https://www.westfargoevents.com/event/
Downtown Street Fair
August 22-23, Grand Forks
This is the place for local art, crafts, activities, live music, food trucks and kid-run businesses.
https://downtownforks.com/downtown-street-fair
Buckaroo, Country Nights at The Lights
August 22-23, The Lights, West Fargo
The two-day country musical features Justin Moore, Charlie Crockett and friends.
Barnesville Potato Days
August 22-23, Barnesville
Don’t miss potato wrestling, a car show, sweet tunes, food, a golf tourney and spud-themed fun.
Tacos and Two-Wheels
August 23, Up District Field, Fargo
Custom motorcycles, tequila and the region’s best tacos?! Count us in.
Arrowfest
August 23, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes
Test your skills with a new 3D archery experience. Two courses available.
Island Park Show
August 23-24, Island Park, Fargo
The juried art show attracts over 100 vendors. There’s music, food and kids’ activities, too.
https://www.fargoparks.com/events-and-deadlines/island-park-show
Overtime
August 24, TAK Music Venue, Dilworth
Take rock, rap and country, add grit and guitars and you’ve got Overtime.
https://www.takmusicvenue.com/
Minot Food Truck Festival
August 24, Oak Park, Minot
Eat your way through 20 food trucks. Look for crafts, axe throwing and inflatables also.
https://minotfoodtruckfestival.com/
Pioneer Days
August 24-25, Bonanzaville, West Fargo
Costumed guides reenact history, horse drawn wagons pass and kids squeal for the parade.
Jazz on the Patio
August 26, Wild Terra Cider, Fargo
Ice cold cider, cool tunes and a make-your-own cheese plate bar make this a stellar patio party.
Ashtyn Barbaree with Emmy Woods
August 30 The Aquarium, Fargo
Ethereal melodies weave in strands of folk, pop, rock, country and wells of deep emotion.
The Avett Brothers and Milk Carton Kids
August 30, Bluestem Amphitheater, Moorhead
A gorgeous riverside venue is the perfect spot to hear an indie folk rock line-up.
Pile
August 31, The Aquarium, Fargo
Experimental, haunting, nihilistic Midwest emo with NNAMDI and Disappear Forever. 21+
May 12th 2025
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