Culture | May 12th, 2025
July means we're deep into summer and ready to find new ways to cool off, connect with our neighbors and have fun. Whether you want a road trip, a staycation or a way to shake yourself out of a midweek slump, these are our picks for the best events and attractions all month long.
Planning ahead? Check out our August 2025 Events Calendar too. (And here are our May events and our June calendar, if you missed them!)
The Unchosen Ones Exhibit Opening
July 1, Hjemkomst Center, Moorhead
R.J. Kern photos lift up kids at Minnesota county fairs who didn’t win. Opening 1-5 p.m.
Mandan Rodeo Days
July 2-4, Dale Pahlke Arena, Mandan
One of the nation’s oldest rodeos returns with exciting roping, riding and barrel racing action.
Opening Reception: Murray Lemley
July 3, Plains Art Museum, FargoCommemorate Murray Lemley’s photography exhibit with light refreshments at this free event.
Art in the Park Festival
July 3-4, Dykshoorn Park, Mandan
Shopping and entertainment include goods from crafters, artists, artisans and live music.
https://www.visitmandan.com/art-in-the-park-festival
Sertoma Fabulous Fourth and Fireworks
July 4, Sertoma Park and South Middle School, Grand Forks
A huge fireworks display, food, entertainment and thousands in prizes attract crowds.
https://www.gfsertoma.org/4th-of-july-celebration
Fireworks
July 4, Biesiot Activities Center, Dickinson
This patriotic fireworks show doubles as the Roughrider Days finale.
Independence Day Parade
July 4, Main Street, Mandan
This parade (with a theme that changes every year) has been a Mandan staple for generations.
4th of July Carnival Fun at Bonanzaville
July 4, Bonanzaville, West Fargo
Families love the food, free admission, a pie-eating contest, bouncy houses and activities.
Red River Valley Fair
July 4-13
The All American Rejects, Kane Brown and more + fair food + rides and games = summer fun.
https://www.redrivervalleyfair.com/
Christopher Paul Stelling
July 8, North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks
Hear the soulful stylings of this Atlanta vocalist and guitarist live on the museum grounds.
RiverArts
July 9, Viking Ship Park, Moorhead
Art demos, games and performances by Heart and Soul and Fargo Folklorico pack the park.
ND Country Fest
July 9-12, New Salem
Come for camping, music from Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell, Gary Allen, Sara Evans and others.
https://www.ndcountryfest.com/
Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome
July 10, Moorhead Public Library
Don’t miss this regional favorite at a free, all-ages outdoor show.
Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 10-13, Birds Hill Provincial Park, Winnipeg
Multiple stages, magical camping and strong community anchor this 50-year-old music festival.
https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/
Homefest 2025
July 11-13, Watford City
Connect with friends and sample food, art and music at this lively old and new friends reunion.
https://www.watfordcitychamber.com/events/
Northwest Water Carnival
July 11-20, Detroit Lakes
Water fights, games, live music and a mile-long parade keep the summer fun coming.
https://visitdetroitlakes.com/event/water-carnival-in-detroit-lakes-mn/
Treats of the FM
July 12, Parachigo, Fargo
Feeling snacky? Hit up 15 local food vendors at this food fair.
https://www.facebook.com/Parachigo
Red River Market Opening Day
July 12, Broadway Square, Fargo
Shop for produce, gifts, food and drinks on Saturdays (except for July 19) until October 25.
iphone Photography Workshop
July 12, Hjemkomst Center, Moorhead
Photographer R.J. Kern provides hands-on instruction in the Oak Room.
Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic
July 12, Mandan
Riders of all levels roll through gravel roads. There’s also a prize purse up for grabs.
Buffalo Trail Days
July 12-13, Epping
Linger over a pancake breakfast, car show, parade and fireworks, street dance and more.
The Annual Cormorant Area Art Club Fine Art Show
July 12-13, Cormorant Community Center, Cormorant Village
Meet artists, watch art demonstrations and support local Minnesota creatives.
Fort Ransom Sodbuster Days
July 12-13, Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom
Demos bring pioneer practices like threshing, blacksmithing and baking pies over a fire to life.
https://www.fortransomsodbusters.com/
Live Horse Races
July 12-August 3, North Dakota Horse Park, Fargo
Cheer for live horse racing, plus corgi races, casino nights and more, Saturdays and Sundays.
Brett Newski and the Bad Inventions
July 15, North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks
Contrarian anthems by these satirical indie rockers sound even better in the open air.
Haywire All Ages Show
July 16, The Aquarium, Fargo
The Boston hardcore stalwarts are joined by Fargo’s Emeto and Minneapolis’ Out4Blood.
Gooseberry Summer Park Concert
July 17, Gooseberry Park, Moorhead
Appreciate big band and jazz stylings, with a little funk, rock, Latin and swing mixed in for fun.
Downtown Fargo Street Fair
July 17-19, Fargo
Downtown pulses as food and art vendors, thousands of shoppers and entertainers mix.
https://www.downtownfargo.com/
Moondance Jam
July 17-19, Moondance Fairgrounds, Walker
Regional artists and camping combine at this revamped summer festival.
North Dakota State Fair
July 18-26, Minot
Check out Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Fat Joe, Limp Bizkit, plus free stages, food and fair rides.
FPL Puzzle Competition
July 19, Main Library, Fargo
Adults and teens 15+ compete for prizes. Pre-registration is required and opens July 5.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band
July 20, Scheels Arena, Fargo
Special guests Jefferson Starship complete a legendary rock line-up.
Mamma Mia!
July 22-26 and July 29-August 2, Bluestem Amphitheater, Moorhead
Hum along to ABBA tunes during this cheerful Trollwood Performing Arts School production.
https://trollwood.org/mainstage-musical/
RiverArts
July 23, Viking Ship Park, Moorhead
Hear October Road, see Chinese Heritage of Recreation and Dance and try hands-on activities.
TEDx Fargo
July 23-24, Fargo
Speakers address a theme as community members network, listen and learn.
https://tedxfargo.com/event-overview/
Night Bazaar
July 24, Broadway Square, Fargo
Downtown gets a little wild with a circus themed, open-air festival atmosphere.
https://www.folkways.org/nightbazaar
Cruz-In Forks Downtown Car Show
July 24, Downtown Grand Forks
Three local car clubs host this hot rod, classic car and roadster showcase.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18zr2Fq4kk/
Squirrel Flower, Dear Nora, Walker Rider
July 24, The Aquarium, Fargo
Listen to rock-tinged indie folk, dreamy experimental pop and alt-country, all in one show.
Buffalo Days
July 25-27, Jamestown
Take in vendor shows, concerts, tournaments, pancake breakfast, parade and activities.
https://discoverjamestownnd.com/events/
Hozier – Unreal Unearth Tour 2025
July 27, FARGODOME
The Irish troubadour crafts a dreamy cocktail of folk, rock, blues, pop and soul.
https://www.fargodome.com/events/detail/hozier
Shop the Lot
July 27, Scheels Arena, Fargo
This free event includes art, gifts, handmade and vintage items, plus local food trucks.
Warren Zeiders
July 31, The Lights, West Fargo
Watch a rising country star light up one of the region’s coolest outdoor stages.
Japan Art Festival
July 31-August 2, Plains Art Museum, Fargo
Explore the process and style of Ukiyo-e artwork during this fun, free and inspiring gathering.
October 20th 2025
October 15th 2025
September 16th 2025
July 29th 2025
July 15th 2025
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