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.
Forever Music Concert
May 16-17, Belle Mehus Auditorium, Bismarck
All of the ensembles that make up Central Dakota Children’s Choir will perform.
Pride and Prejudice
May 16-18, Theatre B, Moorhead
The classic tale of bickering lovers concludes the theatre’s spring line-up.
Touch-a-Truck
May 17, Main Street, Mandan
Kids can see police cruisers, dump trucks and more. Look for inflatables and food trucks also.
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.
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.
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.
CoreCon 2025: Halfoween
May 22-25, Holiday Inn, Fargo
Get unseasonably spooky and meet new friends at this science fiction/horror/fantasy/anime con.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 23rd 2026
February 16th 2026
February 13th 2026
January 15th 2026
January 15th 2026
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