7 Annual Events Around East Grand Forks, MN

The Greater Grand Forks area is home to several events and festivals that bring the community together. You can get out and enjoy the snow, support each other by shopping locally, celebrate your community heritage, and do so much more together. The following seven annual events are held in either East Grand Forks, Minnesota, or Grand Forks, North Dakota, so mark your calendars and get ready for a year of fun.

Greenway Ski Day

If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter activity, attend the Greenway Ski Day event each year in mid-February. Stop by Lincoln Drive Park in Grand Forks, North Dakota, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to play in the snow and enjoy some hot cocoa. 

During the event, you can participate in a ski clinic, find a hill to do some sledding, go ice skating, try some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and even ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. You can bring your own snow adventure equipment or plan to use the limited equipment available at the event. You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to enjoy the snow with your family and friends.

Art on the Red

As far as outdoor festivals go, Art on the Red is considered one of the best in North Dakota. The festival began in 2001 and originally took place on the banks of the Red River, hence the event’s name. Now, Art on the Red is located at University Park in Grand Forks, North Dakota, so be sure to swing by the park on the second full weekend in June.

The festival features many artists, artisans, entertainers, and food vendors. Come to shop for handmade items, taste delicious food, and enjoy the live music and performances. You can bring along the whole family and participate in the kids activities and the available art projects. Mark Art on the Red in your calendar, because you won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy the nice summer weather and support your local community.

Farmers Markets

Town Square Farmers Market 

The Town Square Farmers Market is located in historic downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota. You can shop for local produce and artisan products at this Grand Forks farmers market. The market is open for three months in the summer, from late June to late September, so pass by Lyons Auto any Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Farmers Market at Heritage Village

In East Grand Forks, check out the Farmers Market at Heritage Village. This farmers market also features local produce and artisan products, so be sure to stop by and support your local community. The market at Heritage Village is open for two months at the end of summer, from late July to late September, so pass by every Wednesday evening between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to shop and socialize.

Sertoma July 4th Festival and Fireworks

The Sertoma Club of Greater Grand Forks puts on an amazing Independence Day celebration. During the day, the festival usually starts off with a 10K and 5K fun run followed by a kids parade. Then you can enjoy shopping among the food vendors, listening to the Grand Forks City band concert, and participating in the silent auction and kids activities. The fireworks show begins after dusk. The best part is that admission to the festival is free!

If you want the chance to win a prize, simply purchase a $10 raffle ticket before or during the festival. The drawing usually takes place in the evening, and the Sertoma Club gives away several prizes. While specific prizes vary from year to year, the grand prize is usually a brand new car. Other prizes might include a cash giveaway or a family getaway.

Heritage Days

The Heritage Days celebration in East Grand Forks began as a centennial celebration in 1976. The next year, the celebration changed to Threshing Days, and in 1978, the annual event became known as Heritage Days. This free event happens every year in early August, right in Heritage Village. 

During the event, you can expect to attend a parade and a community dinner and enjoy live music and historical re-enactments. Don’t forget to stop by the classic car show and witness the antique tractor pull. Vendors selling food or craft items will also be set up at the event, so support your local community by stopping by the booths.

Potato Bowl USA

If you love football and french fries, you’ve got to attend the annual Potato Bowl USA. The Potato Bowl USA began in 1966, and it features a football game between the University of North Dakota and their opponent for that year. Today, the Potato Bowl USA includes many events, games, and food-related activities throughout the week leading up to the football game.

You can check out the Thomsen Homes kid’s zone with your little ones, watch the KEM Shrine Potato Bowl parade, participate in Hugo’s “Potato Bowl Plinko” game, and attend the world’s largest french fry feed hosted by Simplot. There are many other events and activities throughout the week, so check the schedule to find which activities you can attend with your family and friends.

HollyDazzle Festival of Lights

In late November, visit downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota, for the HollyDazzle Festival of Lights. The festival takes place on a Sunday and features many holiday-related activities.

In the afternoon, bring along the little ones to participate in the kids activities, decorate cookies and ornaments, enjoy a free carriage ride or holiday movie, make s’mores together, snap a photo with Santa or as a family, and watch local choirs perform. In the evening, watch the Parade of Lights and the HollyDazzle fireworks show. The HollyDazzle Festival of Lights is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Contact Rydell Chevrolet

Now you know more about the festivals and events you can attend throughout the year in the Greater Grand Forks area. Do you have a favorite local event that isn’t on this list? Please contact us, and we’d be happy to feature it!

Tags: Art on the Red, Farmers Market at Heritage Village, Farmers Markets, Greenway Ski Day, Heritage Days, HollyDazzle Festival of Lights, Potato Bowl USA, Sertoma July 4th Festival and Fireworks, Town Square Farmers Market
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