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Your 2024 Fall Event Calendar

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.)

September

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.

https://aquariumfargo.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/mfzmsnjd

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.

ywcacassclay.org/chocolate

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.

https://wpopera.org/

Chute Out Rodeo

September 6-8, Burdick Arena, Devils Lake

See bareback, saddle bronc and bull riders, calf ropers, barrel racers and more.

https://tinyurl.com/32h9cfn6

Hazen Harvest Fest

September 6-8, Hazen

Rock out with a parade, Dachshund dash, fleischkuekleand street dance featuring Hairball.

https://tinyurl.com/3s74524e

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.

https://tinyurl.com/ycx7j6an

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.

https://aquariumfargo.com/

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.

https://bigironfarmshow.com/

Potato Bowl

September 10-14, Grand Forks

Spud lovers flip for The World’s Largest French Fry feed, parade and UND football.

https://www.potatobowl.org/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/5amhzmdy

DrekkerFest

September 13-14, Brewhalla, Fargo

This two-day event promises beer, wrestling, prizes, food and fun for the whole family.

https://drekkerbrewing.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/y988njd5

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.

https://tinyurl.com/3myshrc4

Woofstock

September 17, The Lights, West Fargo

Bring the pups for dog-friendly crafts, vendors, treats, water activities, a 5K and more.

https://tinyurl.com/yz27p6yz

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.

https://tinyurl.com/2ppe3ct4

Folkways Night Bazaar

September 19, Broadway Square, Fargo

Engage your senses with mystical entertainment, vendors, food and general merriment.

https://tinyurl.com/3r4wwy59

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.

https://ndroughridercup.com/

Haunted Farm

September 20-October 31

The haunted house, dark maze, dungeon, vortex and more are open Fridays and Saturdays.

https://www.hauntedfarm.com/

West Fest

September 21, West Fargo

The city welcomes fall with a popular parade, food vendors, craft show and family fun.

https://tinyurl.com/bdd7chhb

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.

https://tinyurl.com/4tn52cs3

Harvest Moon

September 21, Walker

Sample over 150 craft beers, wines and spirits. There’s live music and camping, too.

https://www.moondancejam.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/2s528key

Norsk Høstfest

September 25-28, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot

Sample Nordic food, shop from Scandinavia, meet artisans at work and enjoy epic concerts.

https://hostfest.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/mvvdr9kc

Six Appeal

September 26, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes

A world-class vocal ensemble with local roots brings a cappella stylings to the stage.

https://www.dlccc.org/

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.

https://newleipzig.com/home

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.

https://theatreb.org/

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/

October

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.

https://www.dlccc.org/

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.

https://westacres.com/

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.

https://roughriderexpo.com/

Paranormal Investigations

October 4-26, Bonanzaville, West Fargo

Which historic buildings are haunted? Find out Fridays and Saturdays.

https://www.bonanzaville.org/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/ms2yy99y

AlKEMist Gravel Fest

October 5, Mandan

The 55-mile course includes the Missouri River valley and bluffs. Or try the 30-mile course.

https://tinyurl.com/bdd6jaaz

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

https://www.fmva.org/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/a68ax6mh

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.

https://www.humanitiesnd.org/

Witch

October 10-13, Concordia College, Moorhead

A charming devil strikes a bargain in this subversive fable.

https://tinyurl.com/yxsjbeba

The Pack Drumline

October 11, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes

Hear the official drumline for the Chicago Sky, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.

https://www.dlccc.org/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/38rxtw99

ValleyCon

October 18-20, Ramada, Fargo

This major gathering of sci-fi, fantasy, comics, anime, horror, gaming, film and TV fans returns.

https://valleycon.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/2yjm44nr

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.

https://tinyurl.com/nhckee29

B2Wins

October 19,Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, Grand Forks

Brazilian brothers turn their violins into a rock show/dance party.

https://tinyurl.com/36573h9m

Dropkick Murphys

October 20, Bismarck Event Center

The scrappy punk rockers are shippin’ up to Bismarck as part of their tour of North America.

https://tinyurl.com/yxwt7xc3

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.

https://tinyurl.com/a9urhvpf

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.

https://www.dlccc.org/

Minot Men’s PBR

October 25-26, Minot Municipal Auditorium, Minot

The new PBR Challenger Series offers hard-hitting competition and bull riding action.

https://minotpbr.com/

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.

https://tinyurl.com/bd46fztb

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.

https://tinyurl.com/vspswvyz

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.

https://tinyurl.com/4hvbpy2h

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