Events in Mankato today

Explore how humanism functions as a lifestance in a three-part series featuring naturalism, ethics without religion, and the role of meaning and mattering. The concluding session examines meaning and purpose from a humanist viewpoint, considering what significance our lives can hold if we arise from an undesigned evolutionary process, whether our lives truly matter, and how intentional communities can help people experience meaning and mattering. The discussion looks at how a naturalistic outlook, ethical commitments, and community connections shape a sense of purpose. The session is presented by Audrey Kingstrom, who grew up Lutheran in rural Minnesota, encountered evangelicalism in college, and later studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, earning a Master of Divinity. By the end of seminary she identified as an atheist and redirected her path into education through publishing and high school teaching. After 16 years on the East Coast, she returned to Minnesota and found congregational humanism at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, where she and her husband have been members for over two decades and raised their two sons. She has been active with HumanistsMN, serving on the board for eight years, including five as president, and is a humanist celebrant as well as the organization’s program coordinator and a frequent presenter. Sponsored by Steve Gilbert. Participants may register for one, two, or all three sessions. The full series is free for Gold members and $14 for Silver members. Silver members may also attend individual sessions for $7. Non-members pay $15 per session or $45 for the complete series. To register, contact the office by phone at 507-389-2011 or by email at lifelonglearners@mnsu.edu. Silver members may also register online.

The 17th annual Mn Adult & Teen Challenge Gala in Mankato brings the community together at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center for an evening focused on healing, hope, and the journey out of addiction. The program includes personal stories of transformation, songs of hope performed by the client choir, and insight into how a supportive community can create a safe path forward, encouraging brave steps into recovery. The night highlights lives being changed and the community support that helps make those changes possible.

MAMB leads a casual gravel cruise that heads out after the A and B groups. Expect a friendly, no-drop ride of about 20 miles at a steady 12 to 14 mph, with a route that blends gravel and pavement and adds a little trail for variety. The exact route is chosen at kickoff to match the weather and the group’s abilities. Gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and other capable bikes are welcome. Riders gather at the Nicollet Bike parking lot before rolling out.

Play in a weekly Magic the Gathering Pauper event where decks are built entirely from commons. The tournament runs for three rounds. Entry offers a $10 option that includes a booster pack, or participants can take $5 in store credit for each match win. Promo packs are awarded to the top four finishers.

This Multiplayer Lorcana event features four-player pods in a free-for-all format, with players aiming to reach 20 lore. Entry is $10 and includes two booster packs for participating, along with weekly play kit promos and additional goodies.

Enjoy a free Pokemon League night with opportunities to play and trade with other participants. Sign up to obtain a League ID. Attendees receive a free Pokemon prize pack for showing up to the league.

This weekly Gundam event features match play with a $10 entry fee. Participants receive promotional packs, and a booster pack is awarded for each match won.

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Performing Arts opens the 2026-2027 Theatre and Dance season with Lee Blessing’s Two Rooms in the Andreas Theatre at the Earley Center for Performing Arts. The story follows an American held captive overseas and the spouse waiting at home, exploring love, loneliness, political pressures, and the high cost of silence during a crisis. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors ages 65 and older and for children under 16, and $5 for Minnesota State Mankato students. The box office is open on weekdays in the Performing Arts Center lobby, and tickets are also available by phone.

Enjoy a dedicated night of Magic the Gathering with Commander/0athbreaker play. The entry fee is $5, and every participant receives a booster pack. The pod winner also takes home a promo card.

A weekly One Piece Card Game event offers three rounds of play with an entry fee of $10. Players receive a booster pack for each match win, and weekly promo packs are also part of the prize support.

Enjoy a three-round format at this weekly Riftbound Nexus gathering. Entry is $10, with a booster pack awarded for each match win and a weekly Nexus Promo Pack included.

Take part in a free, family-friendly meet-up that welcomes walkers, runners, and stroller pushers at any pace. Routes are planned at about three miles, and participants can choose a shorter or longer distance. Formerly known as a group run, the focus is on encouraging an active lifestyle in a relaxed, social setting that includes people of all abilities, even those who do not consider themselves runners. Leashed dogs are welcome. Complimentary snacks and coffee are provided, with hot chocolate and tea available when the weather is cold. This gathering happens every week in any weather, unless otherwise noted.

Browse books and handmade items, chat with authors and artists, and connect with fellow attendees in a welcoming setting. This event is part of Bethany Lutheran College's Fall Festival celebration and offers a relaxed space for readers and makers to share ideas, discover new favorites, and enjoy creative conversations.

This is a weekly Lorcana gathering featuring 1v1 Core Constructed play, where players face off head to head. The entry fee is $10 and participants receive two booster packs, plus weekly play kit promos and other goodies.

Enjoy a weekly Star Wars Unlimited organized play session with a three-round structure. Bring a constructed deck to challenge fellow players. Entry is $10. Every participant receives two booster packs for taking part, and weekly play kit items are distributed at each session.

This weekly Sorcery Contested Realms meetup offers complimentary learn-to-play instruction before participants are paired for games.

Jo Dee Messina brings her Bridges Tour to the Grand Hall at the Mayo Clinic Event Center for an evening of live country music. Known for a commanding voice, many chart-topping hits, and a lasting impact on the genre, she presents a standout concert experience.

This weekly Digimon Card Game event features three rounds of matches. A free learn-to-play session is available beforehand. Entry is $10, and each match win earns a booster pack.