Events in Grand Forks, ND

Actor, storyteller, and retired Minnesota educator David Ward presents a family-friendly program that celebrates Paul Bunyan’s legends while exploring the history of the logging and lumber industry. With fast paced storytelling and portrayals of memorable figures such as Ole the Big Swede and camp cook Hot Biscuit Slim, the era of the North Woods is brought to life. This public program is free thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. It is designed for elementary-aged children, and guests of all ages are welcome.

This session pairs storytime with a craft activity. Each week introduces a new theme through stories, songs, rhymes, flannel boards, and more. The storytime portion usually runs 30 to 45 minutes and is aimed at children ages 3 to 6, though kids of all ages are welcome to participate. All craft materials are provided at no cost.

Pizza Ranch offers a wing-focused buffet featuring both boneless and traditional options served with a range of sauces. Enjoy as many wings as you like, and try the new fries included on the buffet.

Mama's Milk Connection is a welcoming meet-up at the Polk County Public Health Crookston office that offers encouragement and practical support for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Attendees connect with fellow moms and peer counselors for breastfeeding to share experiences, ask questions, and receive community-based support in a friendly setting.

A gathering for teen writers. Bring a project to work on, whether it is a book, short story, or poem, or come ready for creative prompts and group discussions. Write, share ideas, and enjoy the experience with peers.

Spark creativity with a relaxed LEGO building gathering where kids can design and construct imaginative creations. This drop-in format lets participants come and leave at their own pace. Activities are geared toward ages 6 to 12, and children and families of all ages are welcome. The club meets on the third Friday of each month.

Bentley heads to Ralph Engelstad Arena to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in an early season meeting. It is a contrast in styles, with Bentley favoring disciplined, structured play while North Dakota leans on pace and depth. The arena’s sightlines, atmosphere, and student section can shape the momentum of the game. Pivotal moments often come through key faceoffs, special-teams swings, and late-game tension.

At the East Grand Forks Performing Arts Center, this scholarship competition highlights accomplished young women from the community as they present their talents, poise, and dedication to service in pursuit of titles and educational awards. Serving as an official preliminary for Miss North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s Teen, the program concludes with the crowning of Miss Grand Forks, Miss HollyDazzle, Miss Pride of the North, and their Teen counterparts. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, children five and under are admitted free, and local MAO titleholders receive complimentary entry as honored guests. A refined and celebratory program filled with achievement and local pride awaits.

College hockey takes the spotlight at Ralph Engelstad Arena as the Bentley Falcons travel to Grand Forks to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Bentley enters as the underdog, while North Dakota plays on home ice in a venue widely recognized within the sport. Expect a fast, physical matchup where special teams, goaltending, and momentum shifts could decide the outcome. Tickets are available for those planning to attend.

World Ballet Company brings the timeless story of Swan Lake to the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center with the power of a live orchestra. Fate and magic unfold onstage as 50 international dancers perform in more than 150 hand-sewn costumes against beautifully crafted sets. Tchaikovsky’s score fills the hall in real time, heightening every scene from the playful Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s virtuosic sequence of 32 fouettés. The performance lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 5 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours beloved classics to cities nationwide, featuring artists from over ten countries. To date, the company has visited more than 300 cities and performed for over 500,000 audience members.

Teams of four take on the second Polar Bear Scramble at King's Walk Golf Course, using a best ball scramble format with a shotgun start. The entry is $400 per team or $100 per player, and it covers golf, cart use, range balls, and a prize payout. Online registration is available.

Play bingo at Southgate for a guaranteed $1,200 giveaway. The event features an Early Bird round followed by the Regular Session. This is charitable gaming sponsored by NDAD.

Loss touches every life, yet no one needs to face it alone. This supportive gathering welcomes people wherever they are on their grief journey, providing a relaxed and welcoming space to connect and share with others. Offered in partnership with area counselors and a clergyman, it emphasizes understanding, friendship, and walking together through life after loss.

Open to all ages, this hands-on LEGO club welcomes builders of every skill level. Whether you are a seasoned master builder or just getting started, you can follow a suggested theme or create something entirely your own. All bricks are provided, so bring your imagination and get ready to build.

Babies through preschoolers can enjoy songs, stories, and movement poems alongside their caregivers. Sessions take place on the first and third Tuesdays in the morning, last about 30 to 45 minutes, and include time to connect with fellow caregivers along with playtime.

Appointments are required for a free car seat and booster seat safety check. Call 701.780.1489 to schedule. Children grow quickly, so seats often need updates, and many are not used correctly. A certified child passenger safety technician will review installation and make sure each child is in a seat that fits their size. Open to the public.

An evening of live jazz unfolds at Cloud 9, featuring UND musicians and a mix of swing, soul, and improvisation. Expect a relaxed setting where the music takes center stage. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

An annual soup and chili cookoff fundraiser kicks off the 2026-2027 campaign.

This meeting welcomes fountain pen enthusiasts at any experience level, offering a chance to connect over handwriting, journaling, and exploring inks. Participants gather to share their appreciation for the craft of writing by hand and the creativity that comes with it.

A cozy Quilts and Coffee trunk show presented by the North Star Quilters Guild features local quilter Ginger Trzynka. New and experienced quilters are welcome. Admission is $10, payable at the north door of Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND.

At Crookston High School, North Carolina-based Nu-Blu features husband and wife Daniel Routh on guitar and vocals and Carolyn Routh on bass and vocals, with Austin Hefflefinger on banjo and Justin Harrison on mandolin. Counted among today’s notable acoustic acts, the group is known for richly textured Appalachian tones. Close-knit harmonies, high-velocity picking, and tender, heartfelt ballads showcase an effortless unity on stage, building a strong connection with listeners and offering a range that appeals across musical tastes.

Dakota Poker Tour brings tournament action to Grand Forks at Canad Inn Grand Forks. The lineup features a fast paced Turbo with a $100 buy in for 15,000 chips, 20 minute levels, $100 rebuys for 15,000 chips, and an optional $100 add on for another 15,000 chips available through the close of registration. Total entry is capped at $300. A suggested $20 dealer appreciation is noted, and tipping is appreciated but not required to participate. Also on the schedule is a single day Monster Stack with a $300 buy in, a 100,000 starting stack, and 30 minute levels. Late registration is available, and the same optional $20 dealer appreciation applies.

The annual gala for the All Saints Catholic Schools Network takes place at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Families, alumni, parishioners, and friends gather to celebrate Catholic education in Grand Forks and to support the mission of shaping the hearts and minds of students at Holy Family-St. Mary's School, St. Michael's Catholic School, and St. Carlo Acutis Middle School. The evening features dinner, live and silent auctions, and meaningful stories from the schools, along with opportunities to contribute directly to the future of students. Proceeds benefit the Ignite the Mission Capital Campaign, advancing plans for a permanent home for St. Carlo Acutis Middle School and strengthening Catholic education across the network.

Get started in AKC agility with an ACT Agility Course Test designed for newcomers to competition. The program features two rounds each of ACT1 Standard and Jumpers, plus two rounds each of ACT2 Standard and Jumpers, for as many as eight runs in one day and a chance to complete a title. Dogs must be at least 15 months old and training in agility, with teams familiar with the specified equipment and without any AKC agility titles beyond ACT1 or ACT2. The setting is intended to help handlers build ring experience in a low pressure environment. Entry is $10 per run and includes AKC fees, with capacity limited to 120 total runs. Pre-entry is available, and same-day entry may be offered if space remains. After each test, $10 fun runs will be available with no pre-entry required. A brief optional seminar for first-time competitors will introduce AKC agility basics and help teams feel prepared. The event takes place indoors on matted flooring in a fully enclosed, air-conditioned facility.

HOPE-o-ween returns with a family friendly fall celebration at HOPE Church. Kids and families from the church and community can wear costumes and enjoy candy, games, and interactive activities. The gathering creates time to connect, welcomes families to HOPE, and shares the love of Jesus in a fun, relaxed setting.

Cathedral Parish’s annual Harvest Festival offers a welcoming day of hearty food, community, and activities for all ages. A classic autumn meal is on the menu, including turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, carrots, cranberries, dinner rolls, and slices of apple or pumpkin pie. Visitors can browse a country store, bid in a silent auction, try their luck with raffles, and enjoy children’s games and activities. For tickets or additional details, call 218-281-1735.

Experiment with color, collage, doodles, and words to record your thoughts, moods, and dreams in an art journal. No experience is necessary. Bring your imagination.

Round up your puzzle crew for a fast-paced jigsaw challenge where teams collaborate to finish a 100-piece puzzle before the two-hour limit runs out. Put teamwork and problem-solving to the test as the clock ticks. Registration is available through the Grand Forks Senior Center.

Campbell Book Club brings readers together to discuss a selected title and connect with others who enjoy reading. Conversations focus on the featured book and provide a chance to share insights with fellow participants. Information about the current book choice is available online.

Staff will be at Love in Action GF offering help with job searches, veteran services, business services, information on training programs, resume assistance, and limited unemployment insurance support. Visitors can come by to ask questions, learn about available resources, and get practical guidance.

Meet in person with Legal Services staff at Spectra Health in Grand Forks for an intake to determine eligibility for services. Appointments are required. To schedule, call 1-800-634-5263 for those under 60, or 1-866-621-9886 for over 60.

Explore practical techniques for cleaning and preparing native prairie seed for future planting in a hands-on community class. Using seed gathered during the Community Seed Collection event, participants learn simple ways to separate seed from chaff and other plant material. The session also covers what happens after collection, including proper storage and the pretreatments some native species may need before germination. Topics include cold stratification, scarification, and other foundational steps for successfully starting native plants from seed. All materials are provided, and prior attendance at the Seed Collection class is not required. Instruction is led by Katy Cavanaugh, horticulturist with the Grand Forks Park District, and Dr. Kathryn Yurkonis, professor in UND Biology. Registration is required, capacity is limited to 30, and a waitlist is available. The class is free and open to all community members.

Designed for pre-K ages, this session invites babies and toddlers to explore their senses through hands-on activities at a variety of sensory play stations. Caregivers can connect with one another while helping their little ones build social skills and early literacy foundations in a relaxed, play-centered setting.

Guests who bring their exclusive 5th Saturday tote can take 20 percent off everything that fits inside, with food excluded. These totes are not available for purchase and were handed out at previous events to attendees who made a product purchase. This offer is available for one day only.

A family literacy session featuring songs, stories, and movement-based poems designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers along with their caregivers. The gathering also offers time to connect with other caregivers and includes playtime for children.

Learn essential first aid skills in a focused four-hour class designed to help you act quickly and confidently during a medical emergency. A Red Cross survey reports that 59 percent of injury-related deaths could have been prevented if first aid had been provided before emergency services arrived, which is why this training centers on practical responses to acute injuries and sudden illnesses such as burns, bites, poisoning, and seizures. Offered as part of RiverView Health’s quarterly education program through its American Heart Association Community Training Center, this course includes a book and completion card in the $60 fee, with advance payment required to secure a spot. Contracted AHA Community Training Centers are the only sites authorized to provide these classes to the public and professionals through affiliated instructors and programs. The AHA supplies educational materials and encourages proficiency in these courses but does not sponsor the class or receive fees beyond the portion allocated for AHA materials. For registration or more details, call 281-9536 or email chendrickson@riverviewhealth.org.

Stephen King’s gripping story comes to the stage in an adaptation by William Goldman. Successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon survives a car crash and is taken in by Annie Wilkes, who calls herself his number one fan, only to awaken confined in her secluded house. As he recovers, she reads his latest book and is furious to find that he killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. She coerces him into writing another Misery novel, and he soon understands she does not plan to let him leave. Ryan King directs, with costumes by Mare Thompson. The cast features Nicole Quam as Annie Wilkes, Matthew Rochat as Paul Sheldon, and Matt Stavens as Buster, the sheriff. Recommended for ages 16 and up due to violent content. Co-produced with The Blue Moose Bar and Grill.

Western Michigan travels to Grand Forks for a showdown with North Dakota, a pairing known for quick pace, physical play, and special teams that can tip the balance. Inside Ralph Engelstad Arena, a loud crowd and close-in views create an intense setting where momentum can swing in an instant.

Smart Sitter, a Safe Kids Grand Forks program, helps young teens ages 11 to 15 develop core babysitting skills at Altru Professional Center. The class focuses on childcare, safety, and basic first aid, including CPR. Participants who complete the course receive a certificate and a course manual, building the knowledge and confidence to care for younger children and strengthen babysitting qualifications.

Illinois State heads to Grand Forks as the Redbirds face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the Alerus Center. Expect a clash of differing approaches, with both squads aiming to gain ground as the season enters its late stages. The indoor venue often heightens crowd noise and can quicken the tempo, creating noticeable momentum swings throughout the game.

Western Michigan heads to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota in a high-energy college hockey showdown at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Expect quick transitions, a relentless forecheck, and pivotal moments on power plays and penalty kills. With both teams known for developing future pros and playing in front of a roaring crowd, each shift carries extra intensity from start to finish.

Nighttime Storytime offers a cozy evening of imaginative tales paired with a theme-based craft activity. Families can unwind together as stories are shared, then make a creative project inspired by the theme. Children are encouraged to bring a favorite blanket to stay comfortable while they listen.

The event is called Pride of Dakota.

Take part in a free, hands-on cooking class in the kitchen at Grand Forks Salvation Army that teaches how to make Adas bil Hamod, a rich, vitamin-packed dish. Lentils are one of the three key components of this recipe, and the session will also explore six main types of lentils, how to prepare them, and what each is best used for. Everyone will have a chance to participate in the cooking process. This Live Well Grand Cities program is part of a community-supported series focused on local food skills education, and there will be a monthly raffle for one $10 Hugo’s gift card.

8th Hour takes the stage for a live performance at The Diamond.

The third annual Purse Bingo benefiting Scruffy Tails Humane Society brings an evening of games and giving to the Crookston Eagles Club. Expect multiple rounds of bingo with designer purses up for grabs, along with raffles, additional games and prizes, and food to enjoy. Admission is $50 and includes ten bingo games, offering repeated chances to win handbag prizes throughout the night. An online silent auction will run in advance so participants can bid on featured items before the event. Each round played helps provide food, veterinary care, and shelter for animals waiting for their forever homes, and all proceeds support Scruffy Tails Humane Society. Attendees may wish to bring a bingo dauber.

8th Hour will perform live at The Diamond.

NVYO launches its 16th season with a fall concert at the Empire Arts Center. Symphony and Philharmonic, the organization’s two student symphony orchestras, share the stage in a program that spans music by composers of today and the past, blending beloved repertoire with overlooked treasures and newly written pieces. More than 90 young players on strings, winds, brass, and percussion perform together, representing schools across Minnesota and North Dakota, with several UND college mentors performing alongside them. The program reflects NVYO’s focus on rigorous ensemble training and meaningful performance opportunities for musicians ages 9 to 21 in a welcoming setting that builds community connections. General admission is available at the door on a pay what you can basis, with a suggested minimum of $5 per person. Support for the season comes from regional grants, donors, educators, and community venues.

Charlie Berens brings The Lost and Found Tour to the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center. He is a comedian, New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-winning journalist, and musician. Berens first gained wide attention in 2017 with The Manitowoc Minute, a viral Midwest-themed news series, and he continues to create Midwest-inspired sketch comedy for an audience of more than 10 million across social media.

This supportive gathering offers a relaxed, welcoming space for people navigating loss to connect and share with others. Support is provided in collaboration with local counselors and a clergyman, with a focus on friendship, understanding, and walking together through the challenges of life after loss. Whatever point someone is at in the grief journey, no one has to face it alone.

Top student musicians from UND Music, selected from this semester’s Student Showcase, step into the spotlight for a concert that honors their achievements across a wide range of musical styles. The performance can be experienced in person or through a live stream.

Baby Bounce is a welcoming family literacy program offering storytime, songs, and action poems for young children from infancy to preschool age and their caregivers. Each gathering lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to connect with other caregivers as well as playtime.

Experience a spirited concert from the UND Steel Pan Ensemble, featuring lively rhythms and an upbeat atmosphere. The program spotlights the distinctive sound of the steel pan in a vibrant showcase. Attend in person or watch a live stream.

St. Cloud State travels to Grand Forks for a clash with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The matchup typically brings quick pace, hard checks, and pivotal special teams moments between these programs. It offers a clear read on where each team stands as the campaign progresses.

Ryan & Ryan bring a piano program celebrating George Gershwin to Crookston High School. This father and son duo bridges traditional and contemporary styles to create an engaging concert. Donald, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, moved to the United States to study music and earned degrees from Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. Barron began playing at four, refined his craft at the University of Oklahoma, and has appeared as a soloist across the country and abroad. Together they share virtuosity, expressiveness, and a clear joy in performing, with Gershwin at the heart of the program alongside other selections.

At Ralph Engelstad Arena, Lindenwood meets North Dakota in a hockey matchup that contrasts a newer Division I program with the Fighting Hawks, who are known for depth. Quick ice and an energetic crowd are hallmarks of the venue, creating a lively setting for a spirited game.

College hockey takes the ice as the Lindenwood Lions travel to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The matchup highlights differing styles, with Lindenwood seeking to prove itself on the road against a program known for pace and pressure and supported by a lively home crowd at a venue widely regarded in the college game.

Christina A. Silva visits the Plains to Pages bookshop within Dirt Roads Dakota for a signing that celebrates the completion of her Chronicles of Sonya trilogy. Readers can meet the author, learn about her work, and have copies signed. Her young adult series blends fantasy and science fiction with Lovecraftian horror undertones, making it a good fit for readers seeking an imaginative adventure. Featured titles include Darkwood Academy, The Black Dog, and Oblivion. The event is free to attend and offers time to browse the shop.

Baby Bounce at Crookston Public Library offers songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers. This weekly family literacy program meets on the first and third Tuesday mornings and lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, including time to connect with other caregivers and for play.

A friendly storytime paired with a hands-on craft. Themes change from week to week and are brought to life through stories, songs, rhymes, flannel board activities, and more. Sessions typically run 30 to 45 minutes and are designed for children ages 3 to 6, though participants of any age are welcome. All craft materials are provided at no cost.

This four hour chakra yoga and painting experience invites participants to explore the body’s seven main energy centers. The session begins with movement to attune the body, then shifts into creative expression on a 16 by 20 canvas. It includes an introduction to the chakra system that highlights the colors, symbols, and emotional themes connected with each center. A full body yoga flow supports balance, followed by a Reiki chakra guided meditation. A break for nourishment is included. The creative segment offers guided acrylic painting on 16 by 20 inch canvases, encouraging a personal interpretation of the chakra system through familiar symbols or intuitive abstract designs. All supplies are provided, including canvases, paints, brushes, and refreshments. Please bring a yoga mat. Sarah will have a few extra mats along with blocks, blankets, straps, and pillows. Attendance is limited to 10 participants. The cost is 77 dollars per person. To register, send a message or email queencityartcenter@gmail.com.

At Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, Guys on Ice delivers a musical comedy salute to the North’s winter pastime, ice fishing. The touring show ushers audiences into an ice shanty shared by two lifelong friends, Marvin and Lloyd, who spend the day swapping stories, cracking jokes, and catching everything but fish. Marvin pins his hopes on a drop-in from a cable fishing personality he believes will launch him to local fame. Lloyd, ever the armchair philosopher, is working his way out of trouble after pitching an anniversary trip built around a Packers versus Bears game. Their routine is regularly interrupted by Ernie the Moocher, a neighbor with a talent for “borrowing” snacks and beer, who also runs a playful, prize-filled halftime bit that puts the crowd in the middle of the fun. Expect cozy shanty warmth, northern humor, and tunes that celebrate the colorful language of life on the ice.

Nighttime Storytime offers a cozy evening of read-aloud tales paired with a themed craft. Families can settle in together, listen to engaging stories, and then get creative with a related project. Children are encouraged to bring a favorite blanket to snuggle with while they listen so everyone can stay comfortable during the reading time.

Bluey's Big Play brings the world of the Emmy-winning children's series to the stage at Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center in a theatrical production. The Heeler family makes its live stage debut in a show created especially for audiences, with artfully made puppets that animate the characters in a whole new way. The production is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. Everyone must have a ticket.

The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs travel to Grand Forks to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Ralph Engelstad Arena. These programs are known for strong defense, physical play, and contests that often come down to the smallest of margins, creating the feel of a rivalry night. Expect a fast pace, special teams that could tip the balance, and a loud crowd capable of swinging momentum in a hurry. An intense matchup is on tap for both longtime followers and those new to this clash.

The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs head to Grand Forks to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a hard-hitting, fast-moving showdown at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Both programs are built on disciplined defense and top-tier skill, which often leads to games with heavy checking, rapid transitions, and an extra edge. It shapes up as a true measuring-stick matchup as the season unfolds.

A session for babies through preschoolers and their caregivers featuring music, storytelling, and action rhymes. The program lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to connect with other caregivers as well as playtime. This family literacy program is created for young children and the adults who accompany them.

At Crookston Public Library in Crookston, this grief support group provides a compassionate space for anyone touched by loss. Wherever you are on your grief journey, support is offered in collaboration with area counselors and a clergyman. The emphasis is on a relaxed, welcoming setting where participants can connect and share with others. Find friendship and understanding while navigating life following a loss together.