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May 2025 Summer Events Calendar

Culture | May 12th, 2025

From concerts and car shows to Japanese art and Juneteenth celebrations, there's so much going on around the region this summer. This year's High Plains Reader Summer Events Calendar is back and bigger than ever. It's packed with everything you need to make this the best summer yet. 

Check out the May events below and mark your calendars with all the great June events on tap. We'll bring you July events and the August event calendar in our June print issue, but you can read them all online whenever you like. Enjoy!

Aikido Open House

May 16, North Wind Aikikai, Fargo

Guests are invited to explore aikido movement. Wear comfortable clothing.

https://northwindaikikai.com/

Forever Music Concert

May 16-17, Belle Mehus Auditorium, Bismarck

All of the ensembles that make up Central Dakota Children’s Choir will perform.

https://aboutcdcc.org/

Pride and Prejudice

May 16-18, Theatre B, Moorhead

The classic tale of bickering lovers concludes the theatre’s spring line-up.

https://theatreb.org/

Touch-a-Truck

May 17, Main Street, Mandan

Kids can see police cruisers, dump trucks and more. Look for inflatables and food trucks also.

www.visitmandan.com

West Fargo Spring Market

May 17, POW/MIA Plaza, West Fargo

The Red River Market offers more than 40 vendors, food, art and other booths.

https://www.redriver.market/

The Art of Fiber...Down the Rabbit Hole

May 19-June 23, Spirit Room, Fargo

See works by Northern Prairie Fiber Artists. The June 14 demos and reception begin at 11 a.m.

https://www.spiritroom.org/

Wednesday Bites

May 21-October 29, Town Square, Grand Forks

Try a food truck (or two) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., now through October. Live music June-August.

https://downtownforks.com/wednesday-bites

In Session Podcast Recording With Rob Port

May 22, Craft Event Space, Fargo

Ann Alquist and Erik Deatherage cover the legislative session with Rob Port. Register online.

https://tinyurl.com/yyf8y8t9

CoreCon 2025: Halfoween

May 22-25, Holiday Inn, Fargo

Get unseasonably spooky and meet new friends at this science fiction/horror/fantasy/anime con.

https://www.fargocorecon.org/

Asian Night Market

May 23, Fargo Air Museum, Fargo

Shop for goods from 30+ Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs and artists.

https://www.asiannightmarketfm.org/

Hel’s Fury Tattoo Fest

May 23-25 Brewhalla, Fargo

Imaginative tattoo artists shock and delight at this three-day celebration of ink and creativity.

https://brewhalla.co/

Cottonwood Cider House Season Opener

May 23-25, Cottonwood Cider House, Ayr

Kick off summer with shareable plates, cider flights, cider cocktails and Sunday brunch.

https://cottonwoodciderhouse.com/

Battle of the Hamm’s

May 24, The Aquarium, Fargo

A total of 10 bands fight it out on stage for the ultimate honor — 300 cans of Hamm’s beer.

https://aquariumfargo.com/

Fairy Fest

May 24-25, Yunker Farm and Dog Park, Fargo

Kids don fairy ensembles for a parade, scavenger hunt and themed crafts.

https://www.fargoparks.com/events-and-deadlines/fairy-fest

Skyfest Over Fort Stevenson

May 24-26, Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison

Kites bob, ripple and dive along the shores of Lake Sakakawea. New flyers welcome.

https://www.skyfestnd.com/

Shady Hollow Flea Market Opening Weekend

May 24-26, Detroit Lakes

Up to 125 vendors sell their treasures every weekend through Labor Day.

http://shadyhollowfleamarket.com/

Badlands Gravel Battle

May 25, Medora

Kick up a little dust along 40, 80 and 120 mile routes through the badlands.

https://www.experienceland.org/badlands-gravel-battle

Joeboy

May 30, TAK Music Venue, Dilworth

Wear white and enjoy the chill Afrobeats vibe at this 18+ show.

https://www.takmusicvenue.com/

Paula Poundstone

May 30, Fargo Theatre

The comic, podcaster and NPR panelist’s wry, observational humor makes her a perennial fave.

https://fargotheatre.org/

Fargo Marathon

May 30-31, Fargo

The flat, fast courses include the full and half marathons, 10k, 5k and youth run.

https://fargomarathon.com/marathon/

Street Faire at the Lakes

May 30-31, Detroit Lakes

Savor the sights and sounds of summer with music, food, fun and shopping in Detroit Lakes.

https://www.dlstreetfaire.com

Chutes and Boots Pro Bull Riding

May 30-31, The Lights, West Fargo

Watch the pros battle bucking bulls at this pulse pounding event.

https://www.westfargoevents.com/event/

Kite Fest

May 30-June 1, Meidinger Park, Jamestown

Enthusiasts make kites, win door prizes and grab candy falling from the sky at this free event.

http://jamestownparksandrec.com/special-events/

Missouri River Festival

May 30 - June 8, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck

Don’t miss food, carnival games, wild rides and that classic summer fair atmosphere.

www.bismarckeventcenter.com

Making Peace with Change: a therapeutic poetry workshop

May 30-June 27, Spirit Room, Fargo

Five Thursday night poetry workshop sessions help participants process challenging events.

https://www.spiritroom.org/

Lokke Erzebet Valverde Reading and Viewing

May 31, Mind Virus Counter-Culture Books and Media, Fargo

The transgressive artist and author connects with fans from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

https://www.instagram.com/mindviruscounterculturebooks/

Stillness in Every Stroke: a mindful calligraphy workshop

May 31, Spirit Room, Fargo

Explore Japanese Zen calligraphy (shodō) as meditation. No experience necessary.

https://www.spiritroom.org/

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