Mark your calendars and join Greater Mankato Growth for the 23rd annual Songs on the Lawn, a series of free summer get-togethers that showcase our region's wide variety of local music, entertainment, and food! This event will take place every Thursday in June.
Sip, sway, and set your coordinates for Bluestem. Sip & Sail is back to kick off the summer concert season!
After a wildly fun debut, this tropical-inspired celebration returns with breezy drinks, island vibes, and the laid-back sounds of Jimmy Buffett, performed live by Parrothead Paradise. Expect classic hits, sing-alongs, and a full-on island escape under the stars.
Welcome to an unforgettable night with Demo Derby at Douglas County Fairgrounds - MN in Alexandria—one of the area’s favorite spots for live entertainment. Demo Derby - Alexandria Alexandria brings big energy and a crowd-ready vibe that feels made for a fun Minnesota evening out. Expect a performance built on bold moments, sharp timing, and a lively connection with the audience—every beat designed to keep you leaning in and cheering along.
Welcome to the America 250 Tribute Concert at Douglas County Fairgrounds - MN in Alexandria—a local favorite for a big night of live music and hometown pride. Join neighbors and visitors for **America 250 Tribute Concert - Alexandria Alexandria**, where the celebration feels both personal and grand. This tribute show is built around the spirit of 250 years—powerful vocals, era-spanning anthems, and storytelling moments that connect the songs to the people and places that shaped them.
Join us for a free, family-friendly evening of food, live music, and community curated activities in celebration of the powerful voices behind the Minnesota Unraveled podcast, including host Dr. Chantel Rodríguez and guests from Seasons 1 and 2.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to view the soulforce: the movements of memory exhibition curated by producer, director, writer, and editor, James Curry, featured on podcast episode 110.
The Thumbs Up Annual 5K & 10K takes place in charming Elk River, Minnesota, with a paved road course for a run, walk, or bike race that takes in the beauty of the William H. Houlton Conservation Area, the Lake Orono Dam, and breathtaking views along Lake Orono. This event brings the community together to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention. All registrants receive a themed participant shirt, race bib, meaningful finisher medal, and exciting finish line swag.
It’s that time of year: Spring Bakkenalia!
On May 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., get the rare chance to see what the museum becomes after hours.
Start the evening in the rooftop garden with blooming greenery, free drink sampling, and live music. As the sun sets, the energy shifts as interactive science activities come alive under the stars.
Explore the exhibits without the kids, grab something from the food trucks or cash bar, and catch special vault artifact presentations led by our curators.
Recommended for all ages
We’ve heard that talking about climate change may be the most important action we can take. But it can be hard to know where to start. Today’s guests can help with that challenge. Explore the ways we talk about climate change with our families, in our communities, and to ourselves. Find your climate story, and hear from others about theirs!
Mill City Museum is celebrating summer early in the Baking Lab with special guest Sarah Peterson as she introduces her new MNHS Press book Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart and shares a favorite rhubarb pie bar recipe. Samples available while supplies last. Included with site admission.
The Salt Lake Birding Weekend is in its 49th year. The 2026 event will be held May 1-3, starting at Lac qui Parle Wildlife Area Headquarters, near Watson, MN. Birders will be shuttled to several locations, including Salt Lake, to view migrating birds. There will be three coach buses with bathrooms for birders to have comfortable access to the remote locations to see the birds. This event has some exciting opportunities this year, along with new partnerships.
