60 Mile Garage Sale
Shop garage sales and local business specials throughout the ten towns in the Root River Trail Towns organization and everywhere in between.
42nd Annual Vikingland Band Festival
The Midwest's finest high school marching bands gather in Alexandria for the Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship. Summer parade bands are at their peak in late June and they pull out all the stops as they perform on the city’s extra-wide main street.
Eight different bands have claimed the Grand Champion title in the Festival's 41-year history. Join us to see who rises to the top in 2026!
Things to Do in the Minnesota River Valley
Dramatic waterfalls, quiet riverwalks, and the state’s biggest Oktoberfest meet rich Dakota history in the quiet, leafy Minnesota River Valley. Small town charm is abundant in towns like Elysian (best seen by bike!), Olivia (so much corn) and Milan (are we in Norway?). And the River Valley is one of the only places in the state to see buffalo.
Road trip, here we come!
Spring Into the Glass Studio: Open House 2026
Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts welcomes spring and its community into the studio, for renewal, creativity, and connection. Gather and enjoy a variety of demonstrations by local artists that explore many of the glass processes our nonprofit studio has to offer! This includes glassblowing, flameworking, beadmaking, neon bending, kilnforming, and stained glass! Explore the studio, get curious about glass, and speak with artists about their work! This is an excellent opportunity to watch glass artists in action, ask questions, and gain some insight into the process.
60 Artists on 50th
81st cultivated art show.
60 artists showcasing media in clay, jewelry, photography, wood, glass, fiber, painting, illustration, and more.
Milaca RecFest and Activities
Milaca Rec Fest – A Minnesota Music & Camping Festival
Set in the welcoming small-town community of Milaca, Minnesota in scenic Mille Lacs County, Milaca Rec Fest is a growing regional festival that brings together live music, outdoor recreation, and community spirit for a memorable Minnesota weekend.
Weekend Breakfast Buffet at On the RoX – Saturdays & Sundays
Kick back and feast on a delicious spread at our Weekend Breakfast Buffet and Bloody Mary Bar!
Weekend Breakfast Buffet at On the RoX
Every Saturday & Sunday starting March 28th
8:00 AM – Noon | Rooftop Patio seating with stunning views **weather permitting
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet – $19.95
Hearty favorites including:
Spikin' in the Street
Get ready to dig, spike, and dive at the 4th Annual New Ulm Spikin' in the Street Sand Volleyball Tournament - right in the heart of our historic downtown! On July 31-August 1, 2026, the streets of New Ulm will be transformed into a thrilling beach volleyball arena, where teams from all over the region will compete for glory and bragging rights (and cash pay-outs). This action-packed event has become a summer highlight, bringing together athletes, sports enthusiasts, and community members of all ages.
Party by the Pond
Celebrate the end of summer at Party by the Pond, a lively outdoor music event in New Ulm. Held at The Shop, this popular late-summer concert brings together live bands, great food, cold drinks, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music, food vendors, and community fun while lounging with lawn chairs or gathering with friends by the pond. VIP experiences and general admission options are available, and the event is family-friendly with free admission for children.
Oktoberfest
Celebrate German heritage in the heart of New Ulm at Downtown Oktoberfest, a lively street festival filled with music, food, and Bavarian fun. Held along Minnesota Street in historic downtown, this family-friendly event features live bands, traditional German food, local beer, yard games, and festive competitions like stein-holding and sauerkraut-eating contests. The day begins with the Germanic-American Day Parade and the ceremonial keg tapping before the streets fill with music, dancing, and community celebration.