Events in Bismarck today

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.

Something new is taking shape at the studio with Rise & Thrive Tribe, a 12-week morning fitness experience for those looking to grow stronger, build confidence, stay consistent, and connect with a like-minded community. More than a standard class, it emphasizes empowering workouts, genuine accountability, and steady support, all structured to help create stability and momentum before the day gets underway. Expect a welcoming vibe with community, coffee, and positive energy. Enrollment is intentionally limited to cultivate a true tribe rather than a crowd. Pricing options include a 12-week package for $400 or a 6-week option for $210. Studio monthly and annual members can ask about available discounts, and monthly payment plans are offered.

This summer, a ladies day at Prairie West offers a friendly outing with friends, golf, and cold beverages. The $40.00 fee includes green fees and a cart, a drink ticket, and entry into contests for Golf Shop credit. Tee times are available throughout the day.

This weeklong school-age summer camp at Theo Art School invites kids to explore the Mammal Mountain ecosystem inspired by Zootopia. Campers will take part in hands-on art projects and creative activities centered on mountain wildlife, creating things like bear paintings, mountain goat sculptures, fox crafts, and woodland scenes using a variety of art materials and techniques. The camp runs daily with full-day options, plus half-day choices for families who want a shorter schedule.

Delve into the work of notable modern-era artists while creating original pieces across a variety of mediums. This weeklong art camp offers a full-day format with an option to attend for half days. Participants should bring a water bottle and a packed lunch. Tuition is $300 for the full-day week or $150 for the half-day week. Pre-registration is available.

This kids’ camp workshop focuses on imaginative play and creative expression. Children will get hands-on with paint and make their own personalized projects. Participants can choose a theme from the available options, and each theme includes four unique DIY activities to create. Pizza will be provided for lunch, making it a fun way to celebrate the last week of summer vacation.

Little animal fans can spend a week exploring the wonders of the animal world through creative projects and playful learning. Designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, this mini art camp blends hands-on artmaking with sensory activities, story time, and imaginative play. Each day highlights different creatures, from beloved pets and farm animals to bright birds, ocean dwellers, and tiny insects, with opportunities to discover how animals live, move, and relate to their surroundings. The experience nurtures curiosity, kindness, and a love of nature while building fine motor skills and encouraging self-expression through art. Weekly pricing is $75 for members and $80 for nonmembers.

Participants can cruise Main Street Mandan or head out on the open road. After the ride, there will be a freewill donation supper and a gun and sporting goods raffle that benefits The Bee-lievers.

The Sanford Bismarck Bariatric Surgery Support Group offers a discussion focused on back-to-school routines with practical meal planning and prep strategies. Alicia will lead the session. Attend in person at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in the basement, Study Room 1, or participate virtually through Microsoft Teams or by phone.

Explore the North Dakota State Capitol grounds on a guided outdoor walk that shares the stories behind the buildings, the Capitol monuments, and the arboretum trail. The route is about a mile and the experience lasts roughly an hour, offering a comfortable pace. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. Attendees meet at the Capitol’s south visitor entrance, and visitor parking is located to the east.

Step into the spotlight at The Lonesome Dove for concert-style karaoke on a real stage with show lights. In partnership with Rock Creek Karaoke, this unique setup gives every performer a rockstar moment. The experience is led by crowd favorite KJ Jason Jund, who keeps the energy high while creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

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.

Enjoy a family-friendly cultural learning experience exploring Taiwan through stories, games, and snacks. This event is part of the Summer 2026 Kids Culture Series, presented by the North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative in partnership with the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library and Bismarck Library Foundation, Inc. Bring your family and friends for a fun, educational time.

This youth-focused series highlights global traditions, offering interactive explorations of India, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Mongolia through stories, crafts, and movement. Presented by the North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative, the program takes place at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in the Children's Library Story Room. It is free and open to all children and their families, and no registration is required. NDAAACI is a nonprofit that showcases and celebrates Asian and Asian American arts, culture, and heritage throughout North Dakota. Members of the media are invited to attend.

Tee off for a cause at Prairie West Golf Course during an annual scramble that supports the Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota. Teams of four can enter for $500, which includes golf, a cart, and lunch.

This gathering brings together survivors of brain injury from across the state to share support, insight, and encouragement in a caring community. It is available virtually via Zoom with registration or in person at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in Study Room 2. For details or help with access, contact Beth at beth.beckers@und.edu or 701-777-4649.

Calling all mystery lovers! Join the Strictly Mysteries Book Club to meet other readers and chat about your favorite mystery authors. For this August session, the group will focus on James Grippando’s books. You’re welcome to read one or more of the author’s books (copies are available at the library) and come ready to discuss. The group is open to everyone, and there’s no registration required.

Try your luck at a bingo giveaway at Pub 21 with $250 up for grabs. Charitable gaming is sponsored by NDAD.

Learn practical ways to document final wishes so loved ones are spared avoidable emotional stress and financial strain. This seminar shares guidance on organizing plans in advance and bringing clarity and peace for family members. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, call 701-815-0952 and indicate which event you would like to attend.

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.

The BCBC Summer Series wraps up the MTB season at Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park with a final evening of racing. Registration will be available before the start and will close shortly before the race begins, which is planned to start promptly. A short awards ceremony will follow to recognize perfect attendance and top finishers. Bring a beverage and be ready for monster cookies. Season standings will be based on each rider’s best results: the top 5 finishes for the A division, the best 4 races for the B divisions, and the top 3 finishes for the C and youth divisions. Photo credit: Terry Easton.

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.

Wrap up the MTB series with a laid-back gathering. Once the race finishes, linger a little longer for pizza and beverages, then celebrate the season’s efforts with an awards presentation recognizing a summer of racing.

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.

This demonstration showcases AccuQuilt cutting and how it supports fast, precise fabric preparation. Learn how to create consistent shapes for quilting, sewing, and crafting projects with less effort and greater accuracy.

Catch Sketch as part of a summer movie series at Riverstone Church. Space is limited, so reserve a spot in advance.

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.

Youthworks’ Street Outreach Team will set up an information table at the library, sharing resources and services for youth and the wider community. The outreach program connects with young people who have run away, are experiencing homelessness, or are at risk, and it offers immediate guidance along with health and wellness supplies.

Learn how to enliven watercolor landscapes in a two-hour workshop led by artist Kimberly Eslinger. The session focuses on using light through contrast and layered washes to build depth and interest. Topics include selecting watercolor paper, creating dimension with successive layers, managing color density, working with gouache, acrylics, resists, masking tape, or gel pens, adding and lifting pigment, techniques for painting bushes, choosing watercolors, and practical artist tips that simplify the process. Participants are welcome to bring cold-pressed 180 lb paper, a No. 8 round brush, any watercolors they already have, a watercolor palette, a stiff waterproof board for taping their work, and reference photos for inspiration. If these items are not available, extras will be available by request through BAGA. The class fee is $25 for BAGA members and $30 for non-members. Eslinger is an illustrator, painter, sculptor, and fairy house builder whose watercolor illustrations appear in Sonnets for the Journey by Deone Emineth.

This in-person session offers an intake with Legal Services staff to determine eligibility for services. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-634-5263 if you are under 60, or 1-866-621-9886 if you are 60 or older.

Scotty’s Drive-In hosts a weekly Classic Car Night, happening every Wednesday until winter sets in. Bring a classic vehicle and, by requesting it, receive 10 percent off your order.

The summer motorcycle tradition returns to Bismarck with weekly Bike Night meetups, prizes, and plenty of two-wheel camaraderie. Attendees can register at each gathering for extra entries to win a custom chopper built by Siouxicide Choppers, and must be present to claim the grand prize. Each week also features a Bike of the Week contest. The winning ride earns Sickies Bucks and a Grand Finale invitation, with a shot at Bike of the Year.

A book chat focused on Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, facilitated by Heather May, Community Integration Facilitator with the City of Bismarck. First published in 1997, the novel follows Chiyo Sakamoto, later known as Sayuri Nitta, who is sold into a geisha household in Kyoto, Japan, in 1929, and it traces her journey to becoming a renowned geisha before, during, and after World War II.

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.

Spectacular Euphoria Band delivers a live music performance at Bismarck/Mandan Elks Lodge #1199.

Theory of a Deadman and Sevendust bring their Dead / Seven Tour to Bismarck Event Center, joined by Return to Dust. This concert unites all three bands on one stage for a powerful rock lineup in Bismarck.

Come stomp it out at Line Dance Lessons, where dancers of all skill levels are welcome. No partner is needed, just show up and learn. The session runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a $5 per dancer fee. Kids 12 and under can join for free.

Encourage imaginative play and creativity at a kids camp workshop where children dive into hands-on art, mixing paint and crafting personalized pieces. Participants choose a theme from the available options, and each theme features four unique DIY projects to make and enjoy. Pizza is provided for lunch, and the experience offers a cheerful way to celebrate the last week of summer vacation.

Now in its 13th year, the James Maher Scramble will take place at Apple Creek Country Club.

Explore a new hobby and learn mahjong with guidance from experienced players at a welcoming library group. Beginners can watch games and ask questions, and seasoned players can sit down for friendly play. The library offers learning tools, from books to recommended online resources, to help you get started. No signup or prior experience is needed, and you can stop in when it works for you. There is no cost, and people of any age are welcome. The gathering takes place at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in the Missouri River Room. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

The store will remain open later than usual for a lively evening that includes music, refreshments, and prizes, along with additional offerings to keep the experience festive.

Artist Linda Donlin leads a class on the foundations of her signature technique, often called “paint sculpting” by her fans. Using her recommended boutique paints and a palette knife, participants learn to layer paint to build texture and dimension while working with sunflowers as the subject. Please bring gloves and a small palette knife. All other supplies are provided. The class fee is $50 for BAGA members and $55 for non-members. Online registration is available.

Perfect for connecting with friends or family, this hands-on DIY workshop lets each participant select a wood project from the gallery and create a custom sign. All materials are included and step-by-step instruction is provided, with a range of paint and wood stain colors to choose from. Make something for your home or prepare a gift. Pre-registration is required. Board & Brush Bismarck is a BYOB establishment.

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.

Pub 21 hosts karaoke sessions where anyone can take the mic, whether you have years of stage experience or are trying it for the first time. Pick the songs you love, bring friends, and sing your heart out on stage for a lively night of music.