Free events in Bismarck, ND

Celebrate all things Jeep at Scotty’s Drive-In. Whether you roll with the top off, run mud tires, or show off a dashboard lined with ducks, every build is welcome. Head over with your crew to enjoy a summer evening, grab something from Scotty’s, and connect with fellow Jeep fans. Jeep drivers can ask for a free ice cream cone as a thank you for cruising in.

Enjoy a free PG-rated screening of Hoppers beneath the stars at Lions Park, part of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District’s summer series that brings one outdoor movie each month from June through September. Screenings begin about half an hour after sunset. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and feel free to bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to enjoy during the show. July, August, and September screenings are sponsored by Essentia Health.

Now in its third edition, Bundle Up Your Baby Bump in Bismarck welcomes new and expecting parents to the gym at St. Mary’s Academy for a free opportunity to pick up baby essentials. Items available are lightly used and donated by local community members, offering a budget-friendly way to prepare for a growing family. The event is supported by Goebel Pediatric Dentistry.

BisMarket is spotlighting community involvement with Kids Market #3, where 15 kids will host their own booths and share goods they have made alongside regular market vendors. Transitions Yoga will lead free yoga in the park, with donations supporting Ministry on the Margins, Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue, and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. A dedicated kids yoga session adds a playful experience designed for children and their parents. Live music will feature performances by Kris Kitko and Sweet Liver.

Dakota Pro Musica is hosting a special parent-and-infant singing class designed to help babies and caregivers enjoy music from the very start. The session will feature breathing techniques, lullabies, rhythms, and rhymes, with an emphasis on how a parent’s voice supports bonding, relaxation, and love. Parents will also leave with simple songs and strategies they can use to bring music into everyday routines. Free and open to all parents with infants and toddlers, with media invited.

Clark the Lark marks a decade with a birthday celebration at Elk Ridge Park. The event features inflatables and games along with pizza and cake, made possible by support from Knutson Realty. Admission is free.

Gather at Shelter 9 in Sertoma Park for an interfaith potluck that welcomes everyone, including those with no faith tradition. Bring a dish to share, and, if possible, bring reusable tableware to help reduce waste. Donations of school supplies will be accepted for local students, and financial contributions will support upcoming events.

Enjoy a relaxed meetup for fiber crafters at the Former Governors’ Mansion. Bring crochet, knitting, or any preferred fiber project to work on, share techniques, and show off your stitches. Cookies and coffee will be available. Free and open to all ages, with children accompanied by an adult.

Support bumble bee conservation at Dakota Zoo while exploring the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas. Take part in interactive community science activities that help conservation efforts. This event is free and open to all ages, and friends are welcome.

Participate in a monarch conservation event at Dakota Zoo that focuses on caring for monarch caterpillars and introduces the Monarch Watch program. Get involved in practical community science activities suitable for all ages. The experience is free, and friends are welcome.

The Annual Ice Cream Social brings a sweet celebration to the Former Governors Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck. The gathering is free and welcoming to all ages. This year it is part of ND250, commemorating the United States' 250th birthday.

This weekly Sunday afternoon social on the Trestle Patio in downtown Bismarck features live music, outdoor games, inflatables, food trucks, local vendors, giveaways, and chilled beverages. It is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. The series is supported by Global Neighbors and Mighty Missouri Coffee Company.

DJGA’s Girls Golf Mentorship Program continues this summer in partnership with Basin Electric, offering a free, one hour mentorship session for girls who are brand new to the sport or building beginner skills. No advance registration or equipment is needed. Please wear athletic clothing and tennis shoes. The experience is designed to be fun and welcoming.

An open blues jam takes place on the west-side outdoor patio at The Bismarck-Mandan Elks, hosted by Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival. There is no charge to attend or participate, and the event welcomes musicians and music lovers who are 21 or older. Amplifiers for guitar and bass, a keyboard, vocal microphones, and drums are provided. Seating is first come, first served, and saving or moving tables is not permitted. Dinner service is available on the patio.

At Bismarck Farmers Market, a farmstand refillery offers a bring your own jar style of shopping. Visitors will find household refills like laundry detergent and castile soap, personal care options such as moisturizer and hair care, and pantry items that include Lulu bouillon and other small batch staples. Depending on the season, there may also be seedlings, fresh produce, or compost. Bring containers from home or pick one up on site. Inventory changes based on availability.

Day of Caring unites local businesses, organizations, and volunteers for a community-wide service effort. Teams tackle tasks such as preparing classrooms, organizing supplies, and completing hands-on projects that support local nonprofits and schools, all with the goal of creating a brighter future for neighbors. Nonprofits and schools may propose projects for volunteer support, and businesses and community members can take part as teams or individual volunteers. The spirit of the day centers on working together with care to achieve meaningful results.

Presented by Dakota West Arts Council in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, this weekly summer series brings musical activities and guest performers to the stage in Custer Park, all guided by music educator Kris Kitko. This session features Northern Plains Dance's Summer Youth Ensemble. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, including families with children of all ages. Bring lunch along and pack a blanket or lawn chairs for comfortable seating. If the weather turns bad, the program will relocate to the Capital Ice Complex.

Help identify birds at the Dakota Zoo while getting to know eBird. Take part in an interactive community science session that is free for all ages, and feel free to bring a friend.

This free informational event at Pizza Ranch is designed to make health coverage easier to understand. Attendees can explore budget friendly coverage options, ask questions and get guidance from area professionals, receive a complimentary quote with no obligation, and enjoy a free meal.

Kyle, a singer songwriter, performs music that spans multiple genres and decades using only guitar, vocals, and a loop pedal. Admission is free and the show is open to all ages.

Dakota West Arts Council presents the Summer Songs Concert Series at General Sibley Park and Campground in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. This free event welcomes all ages and spotlights Avantide, a four-piece alternative rock band from Bismarck that draws on influences such as The Black Keys, Pavement, and Spoon, shaping tuneful hooks, memorable lyrics, and tight interplay. The concert is planned for the park’s amphitheater, with a move to shelter 1 if weather is poor.