Culture | August 15th, 2024
The nights are getting cooler, the days are slowly shortening and school supplies and Halloween goodies are already on the shelves. Fall is coming — and it looks like fun.
Celebrate the season with harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, Oktoberfests, haunted houses, corn mazes, spooky bar crawls and paranormal events across North Dakota and western Minnesota. (Don’t worry, there are lots of non-haunted happenings, plays, concerts and vendor shows, too.)
Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival
September 1, Medora
Study star lore, hear speakers and meet stargazers on the last day of the festival.
https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/nature/dakota-nights-festival.htm
Goatwhore and Vitriol
September 3, The Aquarium, Fargo
Southern extreme death metal rips through Fargo.
Grand Forks Pride
September 4-14, Grand Forks
Fan favorite events like Pride in the Park provide a chance to connect and build community.
https://grandforkspride.wixsite.com/grandforkspride
Greater Moorhead Days
September 5-15, Moorhead
Come for the parade, Midco Kids Fest and Medallion Hunt, paddle the Red and more.
Chocolate for Change
September 5, Delta by Marriott, Fargo
Nosh on chili and delectable desserts, then bid on auction items to benefit YWCA Cass Clay.
Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally and Badlands Kite Fest
September 6-8, Medora
Colorful kites and regal hot air balloons soar above Medora. Bring your own kite to join in!
https://medora.com/hotairballoon/
United Tribes Technical College International Powwow
September 6-8, Bismarck
One of the largest powwows in the region returns as a powerful testament to Indigenous culture.
https://unitedtribespowwow.com/
La Boheme
September 6-7, Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, Minot
Western Plains Opera presents Puccini’s moving tale of artists on the brink.
Chute Out Rodeo
September 6-8, Burdick Arena, Devils Lake
See bareback, saddle bronc and bull riders, calf ropers, barrel racers and more.
Hazen Harvest Fest
September 6-8, Hazen
Rock out with a parade, Dachshund dash, fleischkuekleand street dance featuring Hairball.
26th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
September 7, Warroad Estates Golf Course, Warroad
Men’s and women’s teams, games and raffles. You could win a new car.
Grafton Corn Maze
September 7-October 6, Grafton
Corn and straw bale mazes, corn pit, corn cannon and more make weekends fun in Grafton.
https://graftonparks.com/corn-maze
Fort Ransom Sodbuster Days
September 7-8, Fort Ransom
Historical reenactors show us what rural life was like in the 1900s through immersive demos.
https://www.fortransomsodbusters.com/
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch
September 7-October 27, Emerado
Come for the 10-acre corn maze, stay for hay rides, a haunted house and rides. Open daily.
https://nelsonspumpkinpatch.com/attractions/
Aronia Berry Harvest Festival
September 8, Nelson Aronia Farm, Amenia
Enjoy aronia berries, food trucks, cooking demos and kids’ games.
https://www.nelsonaroniafarm.com/
Reaping Asmodeia
September 8, The Aquarium, Fargo
All ages are welcome at this melodic death metal show.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch
September 8-October 19, Bismarck
The granddaddy of pumpkin patches bursts with mazes, rides and attractions. Open daily.
https://papaspumpkinpatch.com/
Best Sellers Book Club
September 9, Lake Agassiz Regional Library, Moorhead,
Discuss “The River We Remember,” this year’s One Book, One Community title.
https://larl.org/locations/moorhead/
Big Iron
September 10-12, Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo
Check out 900+ booths and meet ag experts from around the world at this major farm show.
Potato Bowl
September 10-14, Grand Forks
Spud lovers flip for The World’s Largest French Fry feed, parade and UND football.
Winds of Change: Local Agriculture Through History
September 12, Lake Agassiz regional Library, Moorhead
Learn about local agricultural history over the last 60 years.
https://larl.org/locations/moorhead/
Summer Nights on Central Finale
September 12, Valley City
Hit the streets for live music from Tripwire, prizes, shopping, food vendors and games.
https://www.valleycitytourism.com/summernights
Used Book and Car Manual Sale
September 12-14, Lake Agassiz Regional Library, Moorhead
Score used books for a great cause. $5 a bag on Saturday.
https://larl.org/locations/moorhead/
High School Rodeo
September 13-14, McKenzie County Ag Expo, Watford City
The next generation of ropers and riders thrill the crowd.
https://www.watfordcityevents.com
September Pride of Dakota
September 13-14, West River Ice Center, Dickinson
Shop for gifts, housewares, decor, original art, crafts and more, all from North Dakota makers.
DrekkerFest
September 13-14, Brewhalla, Fargo
This two-day event promises beer, wrestling, prizes, food and fun for the whole family.
JunkFest
September 14, Foster County Fairgrounds, Carrington
Hunt for antiques and vintage treasures, hear live music and sample street food.
https://www.facebook.com/JunkFest
Festival on Main
September 14, Downtown Minot
The neighborhood bursts with street food vendors, inflatables, games, bingo, music and more.
A-Maze-N’ Clown Pumpkin Patch
September 14-October 13, North of Meidinger Park, Jamestown
Get in the fall spirit every Saturday and Sunday.
https://www.facebook.com/Amazenclownpatch/
Lil’ Bitz Pumpkin Patch
September 14-27, Fargo
Pumpkins, wagon rides, a 10-acre corn maze, games and activities. Open Friday-Sunday.
https://www.lilbitzpumpkinpatch.com/
Czech Day
September 15, Catholic Workman Hall, New Hradec
Celebrate with great Czech food and music from Matt Hodek and The Dakota Dutchmen.
Woofstock
September 17, The Lights, West Fargo
Bring the pups for dog-friendly crafts, vendors, treats, water activities, a 5K and more.
Barenaked Ladies
September 17, Bluestem Amphitheater, Moorhead
The irreverent Canadian rockers join Toad The Wet Sprocket for an open air show.
https://jadepresents.com/events/
Concordia College Faith, Reason and Work Affairs Symposium
September 18, Concordia College, Moorhead
Anya Kemnetz discusses how COVID changed kids’ lives.
www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/Symposium
West Fargo Cruise Night
September 19, POW/MIA Plaza, West Fargo
Ogle the souped-up hot rods and snazzy custom cars and sample oodles of street food.
https://www.westfargoevents.com/event/
In Living Color
September 19, Fargo Brewing Company, Fargo
The band’s mix of rock, heavy metal, hip-hop, funk, jazz and social commentary still sings.
Folkways Night Bazaar
September 19, Broadway Square, Fargo
Engage your senses with mystical entertainment, vendors, food and general merriment.
Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Reunion
September 20-22, New Rockford
The 66th Annual event returns with The Great Minneapolis Line and Massey Harris.
https://www.centralndsteamthreshersreunion.com/
North Dakota Rough Rider Cup
September 20-22, Dale Pahlke Arena, Mandan
Top PRCA cowgirls and cowboys compete for almost a half million in cash and prizes.
Haunted Farm
September 20-October 31
The haunted house, dark maze, dungeon, vortex and more are open Fridays and Saturdays.
West Fest
September 21, West Fargo
The city welcomes fall with a popular parade, food vendors, craft show and family fun.
Oktoberfest
September 21, Downtown Detroit Lakes
Don’t miss music, lawn games, an apple strudel contest and plenty of beer.
https://www.oktoberfestdl.com/
Harvest Festival
September 21, DSU King Pavilion, Dickinson
Fall festivities include food, vendors, free entertainment and horse and carriage rides.
Harvest Moon
September 21, Walker
Sample over 150 craft beers, wines and spirits. There’s live music and camping, too.
Bismarck Marathon
September 21-22, Bismarck
The marathon route snakes across the Capitol Grounds. Or try the half, 10K or 5K.
https://thebismarckmarathon.com/
Fall in Fargo
September 21-22, 28-29, Rheault Farm, Fargo
Bring the kiddos for a petting zoo, straw bale maze, carnival games and photo ops galore.
Norsk Høstfest
September 25-28, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot
Sample Nordic food, shop from Scandinavia, meet artisans at work and enjoy epic concerts.
Fargo Junk Market
September 27-28, Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo
Score photogenic antiques, primitives, vintage finds, handmade gifts and repurposed items.
https://www.abeejunk.com/visit
Cruz-In Forks: The Downtown Car Show
September 26, Grand Forks and East Grand Forks
Find classic cars, hot rods and drool-inducing muscle cars on both sides of the river.
Six Appeal
September 26, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes
A world-class vocal ensemble with local roots brings a cappella stylings to the stage.
Lost in the Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
September 27-October 27, Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo
Pick your pumpkin and wander through the corn maze without leaving town Friday-Sunday.
https://www.redrivervalleyfair.com/p/events/
Junktoberfest
September 27-29, Junkyard, West Fargo
The west location shows its German pride with beer, food, festivities in this first annual event.
https://www.junkyardwest.com/events
Oktoberfest
September 27-29, New Leipzig
Classic experiences (German food, kids’ games, a rocking street dance) abound.
What the Constitution Means to Me
September 27- October 13
Theatre B, Moorhead
This Tony-nominated show is hopeful, funny and yes, patriotic. See it Friday-Sunday.
Oktoberfest
September 28, Hankinson
Don your dirndls and lederhosen for German food, music, axe throwing, bounce houses, etc.
http://www.hankinsonnd.com/oktoberfest.html
Masterworks 1: Passion
September 28-29, NDSU Festival Concert Hall, Fargo
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra performs works by Strauss, Bizet and Tchaikovsky.
https://www.fmsymphony.org/masterworks-1
Art Leap 2024
September 28-29, Park Rapids and Heartland Lakes Area
Cruise to artists’ studios and cultural destinations in Heartland Lakes and Park Rapids.
https://www.heartlandarts.org/
The Fashion Affair
October 3, Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks
Dress to impress at this fundraiser, which includes food, music and a fashion show.
https://thefashionaffairgf.square.site/
Beer, Brats & Brass
October 5, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes
Sections of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony play jazz, classical, funk – and a few polkas.
Fall Fest
October 5, 12, 19, 26, West Acres, Fargo
Hit the mall for live music, crafts and activities for the whole fam on Saturday afternoons.
Roughrider Ink and Iron Expo
October 4-5, Veterans Memorial Arena, West Fargo
This love letter to tattoo art and bikes will also be the very last show.
Paranormal Investigations
October 4-26, Bonanzaville, West Fargo
Which historic buildings are haunted? Find out Fridays and Saturdays.
Young Frankenstein
October 4-6, 10-13, Empire Arts Center, Grand Forks
Frankenstein’s grandson takes over the family biz in Transylvania in this spooky romp.
AlKEMist Gravel Fest
October 5, Mandan
The 55-mile course includes the Missouri River valley and bluffs. Or try the 30-mile course.
Oktoberfest
October 5, Drekker Brewing Company, Fargo
Pull on those lederhosen for beer, outdoor games and good times at the Fargo fun factory.
https://drekkerbrewing.com/brewery/events/
FMVA Studio Crawl
October 5-6, Fargo-Moorhead and beyond
Meet your fave artists, watch demos, shop and create your own art at his immersive event.t
Concordia Choirs Concert
October 6, Concordia College, Moorhead
Concordia’s mind-blowing choirs perform for free.
https://www.concordiacollege.edu/
Jazz Into Fall
October 6, 13, 20, 27, Main Library, Downton Fargo
Spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying live jazz at the library.
https://fargond.gov/news-events/calendar/
UffDa Day
October 7, Rutland
Nordic treats take center stage, but there’s a parade, wine and beer and a car show, too.
https://rutlandnd.com/uffda-day
Kottonmouth Kings
October 9, Fargo Brewing Company, Fargo
The legendary hip-hop group stops in Fargo.
No Cure for Being Human with Kate Bowler
October 10, Avalon Events Center, Fargo (and online)
New York Times bestselling author, professor and podcast discusses suffering and success.
Witch
October 10-13, Concordia College, Moorhead
A charming devil strikes a bargain in this subversive fable.
The Pack Drumline
October 11, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes
Hear the official drumline for the Chicago Sky, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.
Paula Abdul
October 12, Scheels Arena, Fargo
The singer, dancer and choreographer headlines. Pop icons Taylor Dayne and Tiffany open.
https://www.scheelsarena.com/event/show/560442052
Punkin Bash
October 13, Drekker Brewing Company, Fargo
Fall food, drinks, vendors and activities = the ultimate autumn vibes.
https://drekkerbrewing.com/brewery/events/
Brad Williams Tour 24
October 13, Fargo Theatre
This stand-up comedian (who Robin Williams called “Prozac with a head”) brings the energy.
https://fargotheatre.org/event/brad-williams/
Zach Williams Revival Nights Tour
October 13, Scheels Arena, Fargo
The Grammy-award winning country/rock artist’s story is heavy on excess and redemption.
ValleyCon
October 18-20, Ramada, Fargo
This major gathering of sci-fi, fantasy, comics, anime, horror, gaming, film and TV fans returns.
Carrie the Musical
October 18-31, FMCT, Moorhead
The Stephen King classic gets the musical treatment, just in time for Halloween.
https://fmct.org/current-season/#up
Throne Mixed Martial Arts
October 19, Alerus Center, Grand Forks
A night of hard-hitting knock-outs and epic action awaits.
Hocus Pocus Bar Crawl
October 19, Minot
Dress a little witchy (or in the costume of your choice) and hit the street for a little mischief.
B2Wins
October 19,Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, Grand Forks
Brazilian brothers turn their violins into a rock show/dance party.
Dropkick Murphys
October 20, Bismarck Event Center
The scrappy punk rockers are shippin’ up to Bismarck as part of their tour of North America.
Theory of a Deadman Unplugged
October 22, Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, Grand Forks
The multi-platinum rock band plays an intimate acoustic show in GF.
Shrek The Musical
October 23, Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, Grand Forks
Everybody’s favorite ogre takes the stage in this charming and sassy musical.
https://calendar.und.edu/event/shrek-the-musical
Concordia Orchestra
October 25, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes
This award-winning ensemble promotes living and historically excluded composers.
Minot Men’s PBR
October 25-26, Minot Municipal Auditorium, Minot
The new PBR Challenger Series offers hard-hitting competition and bull riding action.
The Big One
October 25-26, Fargodome, Fargo
More than 200 exhibitors stock their booths with baked goods, decor, gifts, art and crafts.
https://thebigone.biz/fargo-fall-show/
Pride of Dakota
October 25-26, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot
Get a head start on Christmas shopping with gifts, art and goodies made right here in ND.
Red River Market Closing Day
October 26, Broadway Square, Fargo
The last market of the season has a Halloween twist, with lots of fall treats.
https://www.redriver.market/schedule
Movie After Dark: Hocus Pocus
October 26, POW/MIA Plaza, West Fargo
See the Sanderson sisters’ antics in this classic Halloween flick in the cool night air.
Fall Makers Market
October 27, Brewhalla’s Odditorium and Magic Factory, Fargo
Score handmade treasures from over 40 local makers
https://drekkerbrewing.com/brewery/events/
Swan Lake
October 30, Chester Fritz Auditorium, Grand Forks
The World Ballet Company presents the beloved Tchaikovsky classic.
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