This weekend in Bismarck, ND

Runners come together for a monthly meet up organized by the Bismarck Marathon. Open to all paces and experience levels, it welcomes race registrants as well as anyone simply looking to share miles with friendly company. New Life Church serves as the gathering point, with water and Gatorade on hand. The emphasis goes beyond workouts, building connection and camaraderie within the Bismarck running community.

This half-day kayak class on the Missouri River introduces essential paddling skills, river awareness, and the enjoyment of exploring moving water. Enrollment is capped at 10 people to keep instruction focused, and all participants must be 18 or older. By the end, expect improved boat control, techniques for covering distance without tiring your arms, practical ways to read currents and avoid hazards, and the confidence to plan future outings with friends and family. The group meets at Car Bodies Boat Ramp in Mandan, where parking is available. From there, participants board a shuttle to an upriver launch at Hoge Island, with departures running on a prompt schedule. The downstream paddle from Hoge Island takes about 1.5 hours. A sandbar lunch is included during the trip, featuring a sandwich and chips, along with time to ask questions and connect with fellow paddlers. The experience involves walking up and down an incline, and registering indicates you are physically able to participate.

Kirkwood Mall and BLC present a two day card show featuring an interactive mix of sports cards and trading card games. Collectors can browse, buy, sell, and trade with more than 40 confirmed vendors, creating a lively marketplace at Kirkwood Mall. A limited number of vendor tables remain.

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.

Celebrate a decade of Volkswagen enthusiasm at the 10th Annual VW Show, a family friendly celebration of classic and modern VWs. Enjoy food and refreshments, door prizes, and plenty to see with dozens of Volkswagens on display. Owners of any Volkswagen can register a vehicle for $10 to participate, while spectators are welcome to admire the collection. A portion of proceeds benefits the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

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.

Get ready for a full day of high-flying monster truck action at Dacotah Speedway. This event features two shows, plus extra motorsports fun like freestyle motocross and kids powerwheel races. The matinee runs in the afternoon, with gates opening early for a pre-show meet and greet pit party, and the evening show follows with its own gates opening and pit party time. Bring the whole family for nonstop excitement in a rain-or-shine lineup.

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.

A community benefit is being held to support Nelson and the family following a recent cancer diagnosis. The gathering includes a donation-based spaghetti dinner, an auction with silent bidding, and a selection of homemade baked goods for purchase. Proceeds will help the family during this challenging time.

Tom O’Leary in Bismarck presents an Adult Junior golf tournament featuring a modified alternate-shot format. Entry requires a completed registration form with a $40 fee, plus $10 for each additional child when the same parent plans to play more than once. Start time and starting hole details will be shared ahead of play. For questions or more information, contact John Loomis at 701-220-5970.

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.

Experience live Christian music at Mayas Mexican Restaurant with performances by Colleen Reinhardt, Julie Ternes, and guest musicians. Guests may purchase lunch during the music. Donations supporting the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC) are welcomed from May through August.

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.

At Harmon Lake, this group ride serves as the season’s final outing, with the possibility of an extra session later on. Riders will be organized by age and ability before setting out on the trail, and waivers will be available to sign ahead of time. Afterward, participants can gather for a hot dog roast to celebrate a summer of riding. Parents are encouraged to take part and should either ride along or remain available in the parking lot. This is not a drop-off event. Helmets must be worn.

Long fermented sourdough takes center stage with fresh loaves, focaccia, and cookies available. In addition to the baked goods, the event features activities for children, live music, and a variety of vendors to explore, with food and drinks available for purchase.

A summer night market in Downtown Bismarck comes to life through a partnership with Trestle and local organizations, creating a welcoming community gathering that celebrates local makers and small businesses. Families can expect bounce houses for kids, yard games and interactive activities, and comfortable places to sit and connect. Live music, beer and wine stations, and a thoughtfully selected lineup of local vendors and food set the tone for an evening focused on hometown talent and flavors. The street is closed to form a walkable market space where friends, families, and neighbors can relax, explore, and enjoy time together.

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.