January

SAINT PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL
St. Paul, MN
End of January to early February
PH: (651) 223-4700
E: info@winter-carnival.com
www.winter-carnival.com

One of the nation’s oldest and most renowned winter festivals, runs ten days including Ice Carving Competition, Torchlight Parade, Royal Dethroning plus more outdoor and indoor activities.

Contact
St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, 429 Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102

February

FESTIVAL DU VOYAGEUR
Winnipeg, MB
Mid-February
PH: (204) 237-7692
E: info@festivalvoyageur.com
www.festivalvoyageur.com

A celebration of Canada’s fur trading era combines the “joie de vivre” of the voyageurs with more than 400 music performances, magnificent snow sculptures, historical interpretation of early 19th century at Fort Gibraltar, live entertainment, traditional dishes, arts and crafts, the voyageur International Sled Dog Classic and a governor’s ball. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Festival du Voyageur Inc., 233 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4

March

ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR
Brandon, MB
Late March
x` PH: (204) 726-3590/(877) 729-0001
E: info@brandonfairs.com
www.brandonfairs.com

A week of excitement with world-class equestrian events, agricultural shows and auctions, and children’s activities. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, #3-1175 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 7C5

April

May

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH WATERFOWL CELEBRATION
Winnipeg, MB
May and October
PH: (204) 467-3300/(888) 50-MARSH (62774)
E: ohmic@ducks.ca
www.oakhammockmarsh.ca

Flock to the marsh to welcome and send off the thousands of waterfowl and birds that stop at this marsh wetland. Celebrations include walks, entertainment and activities for all ages.

Contact
Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, 1 Snow Goose Bay on Hwy 220, Stonewall PO Box 220, Oak Hammock Marsh, MB R0C 2Z0

June

FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL
Lake City, SD
First weekend in June
PH: (605) 448-5474
E: RoyLake@state.sd.us
www.sdgfp.info/parks/Regions/ GlacialLakes/FortSisseton.htm

Observe cavalry, artillery and infantry demonstrations. The Festival includes continuous performances of melodramas, musical entertainment and Dakota Dan’s Medicine Show. Enjoy rendezvous and food booths. Held at Fort Sisseton State Park. State Park entrance license required.

Contact
Fort Sisseton State Park, C/O Roy Lake State Park, 11545 434th Avenue, Lake City, SD 57247

CRAZY HORSE VOLKSMARCH
Custer, SD
First weekend in June
PH: (605) 673-4681
E: memorial@crazyhorse.org
www.crazyhorse.org

10K volksmarch held at Crazy Horse Memorial. This walk is your only chance to see the carving of the work in progress up close.

Contact
Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730

LEWIS AND CLARK DAYS
Washburn, ND
Early June
PH: (701) 462-8535
E: info@fortmandan.org
www.fortmandan.com

A citywide celebration which focuses on the history of Lewis & Clark Expedition. Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, featuring Native American artifacts, historical displays and artwork of Karl Bodmer. See historical re-enactments, special programs and living history performances. Visit Fort Mandan’s authentically reconstructed fort where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1804 – 1805 and where they first met Sakakawea.

Contact
The North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, PO Box 607, Washburn, ND 58577-0607

MEORA MUSICAL
Medora, ND
Early June to early September
PH: (701) 623-4444/(800) 633-6721
E: medora@medora.com
www.medora.org

This colorful production runs nightly June through Labor Day in a natural amphitheater in the dramatic North Dakota Badlands. It is a musical extravaganza featuring the Burning Hills Singers, as well as nationally acclaimed variety acts. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, 301 5th Street, PO Box 198, Medora, ND 58645

FORT UNION TRADING POST RENDEZVOUS
Williston, ND
Mid-June
PH: (701) 572-9083

The modern rendezvous is a re-creation from the fur trade era. Participants gather in clothing and dwellings typical of the early 1800s. Competitions include black-powder shoots, tomahawk-throwing contests, buffalochip tosses, pit sawing and frying pan throws. One day is set aside as crafts and demonstrations day.

Contact
Fort Union Trading Post NHS, Special Events Coordinator, 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801

POW WOW GRAND CELEBRATION
Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN
Late June
PH: (800) 472-6321
E: commentsgch@grcasinos.com
www.grandcasinomn.com

Experience the rich heritage of the Ojibwe culture at their annual celebration. Traditional dancers, grass dancers, fancy and jingle dancers attired in beautiful regale compete for prizes. Enjoy a variety of food and crafts.

Contact
Grand Casino Hinckley, 777 Lady Luck Drive, Hinckley, MN 55037

SCANDINAVIAN HJEMKOMST FESTIVAL
Moorhead, MN
Late June
PH: (218) 299-5452
E: FMSHF@ci.moorhead.mn.us
www.scandinavianhjemkomstfestival.org
Festival of Nordic traditions, arts, crafts, foods, music, dances of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

Contact
Nordic Culture Clubs, PO Box 926, Fargo, ND 58107

INTERNATIONAL POLKAFEST
Chisholm, MN
Last full weekend in June
PH: (218) 254-7959/(800) 372-6437
E: beth.pierce@ironworld.com
www.ironworld.com

The annual four-day International Polkafest at Ironworld Discovery Center is “the biggest polka party in Minnesota.” The celebration features music on four stages with appearances by 35 of the nation’s greatest polka bands.

Contact
Ironworld Development Corporation, 801 SW Hwy 169, Suite 1, Chisholm, MN 55719

July

LAURA INGALLS WILDER PAGEANT
De Smet, SD
Last weekend in June and first two weekends in July
PH: (800) 776-3594/(800) 880-3383
www.desmetpageant.org

Each summer actors re-create scenes from the pioneering days of De Smet where Laura Ingals Wilder grew up. The pageant is historically based on Laura’s life and is presented outdoor at 9 p.m. nightly.

Contact
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, Box 154, De Smet, SD 57231

FREEDOM FEST IN THE HEARTLAND
Austin, MN
First week in July
PH: (507) 434-0094

Join in the fun with America’s Miracle Meat. . . SPAM. This festival features plenty of unique events, contests, entertainment, SPAMtastic foods and a Fourth of July parade.

Contact
Spamtown USA Festival Office, 329 N Main Street, Austin, MN 55912

WINNIPEG FOLK FESTIVAL
Winnipeg, MB
Early July
PH: (204) 231-0096
E: info@winnipegfolkfestival.ca
www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca

Internationally acclaimed celebration of people and music featuring over 60 acts, six-day time stages, evening mainstage, family area, artisan tent and food court. It is one of the largest outdoor folk music festivals in North America and has been named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Winnipeg Folk Festival, #203-211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3P2

THE LAURA INGALLS WILDER PAGEANT
Walnut Grove, MN
Three weekends in July
PH: (507) 859-2174/(888) 859-3102
E: pageant@walnutgrove.org
www.walnutgrove.org/pageant.htm

A captivating outdoor drama based on the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder in the 1870’s. Staged “On the Banks of Plum Creek” (original site), the drama re-creates historical incidents from her books.

Contact
Wilder Pageant, 11505 Crown Avenue, PO Box 313, Walnut Grove, MN, 56180

NEEPAWA LILY FESTIVAL
Neepawa, MB
Mid-July
PH: (204) 476-8811/(866) 893-0381
E: info@lilyfestival.com
www.lilyfestival.com

Celebration of lilies with flower shows, craft demonstrations, historic walking tours, entertainment, tea parties and much more. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Neepawa Lily Festival, PO Box 2376, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

HERITAGEFEST
New Ulm, MN
Mid-July
PH: (507) 354-8850

A unique Old World celebration of history and culture featuring continuous entertainment on five stages, ethnic foods, beverages, musical entertainment, street performers, traditional gifts and crafts, and Gemutlichkeit – friendliness.
Contact: Heritagefest, PO Box 461, New Ulm, MN 56073

NORTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
Minot, ND
Mid to late July
PH: (701) 857-7620
www.ndstatefair.com

The state fair features the best in big-name entertainment, farm, craft and home exhibits, displays, the midway and the State Championship Finals Rodeo.

Contact
North Dakota State Fair, 2005 Burdick Expressway East, PO Box 1796, Minot, ND 58702

MANITOBA THRESHERMEN’S REUNION AND STAMPEDE
Austin, MB
Late July
PH: (204) 637-2354
E: info@ag-museum.mb.ca
www.ag-museum.mb.ca

A heritage festival that brings all aspects of the museum to life with a vintage parade and machinery displays, horse power demonstrations, pioneer lifestyle activities and operating pioneer village with its related business shops. Also enjoy the Central Canada's Fiddler Festival.

Contact
Manitoba Agricultural Museum, PO Box 10, Austin, MB R0H 0C0

NORTHERN PLAINS INDIAN CULTURE FEST
Stanton, ND
Late July
PH: (701) 745-3300
http://www.nps.gov/archive/
knri/event.htm

This culture fest encompasses a wide range of activities that exemplify the Northern Plains tribes who frequented the Knife River area from several thousand years ago to the present. Programs and demonstrations by skilled artisans highlight the Northern Plains Indian culture. Activities include archeology talks, flint knapping, bead working, porcupine quillwork, brain tanning hides, Indian dances and flute music, tepee raising/folding and etiquette.

Contact
Knife River Indian Villages, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571-0009

DAYS OF ‘76
Deadwood, SD
Late July
PH: (605) 578-2872
E: info@daysof76.com
www.daysof76.com

The 80th annual Days of `76 includes five days of action-packed professional rodeos, free street dances, carnival, western arts and crafts festival, and a three-mile long historic parade.

Contact
17 Crescent Street, PO Box 391, Deadwood, SD 57732

THE AMERICAN LEGACY EXPOSITION
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, south of Mandan, ND
Last weekend in July
PH: (701) 663-4758
E: info@fortlincoln.com
www.fortlincoln.com

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park explodes with living history demonstrations, entertainment and tours. Encampments on the grounds are alive with the 7th Cavalry displays and drills, Fur Traders Rendezvous and more.

Contact
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, 401 West Main Street, Mandan, ND 58554

SONG OF HIAWATHA PAGEANT
Pipestone, MN
Late July to early August
PH: (507) 825-4126/(800) 430-4126
E: hiawathaclub@iw.net
www.pipestoneminnesota.com
/pageant/index.htm

Longfellow’s poem, “The Song of Hiawatha” comes to life in this beautiful pageant held in a large outdoor amphitheater. The elaborate lighting, songs, dancing, costumes and a cast of 200 have attracted thousands every year.

Contact
Hiawatha Club, PO Box 1, Pipestone, MN 56164

August

CANADA’S NATIONAL UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL
Dauphin, MB
First weekend in August
PH: (204) 622-4600/(877) 474-2683
www.cnuf.ca

Special celebration of Ukraine’s independence. Experience the flavor of old traditions and culture through songs, lively music, exciting dances, colorful costumes and delectably satisfying Ukrainian cuisine. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, 1550 Main Street, PO Box 368, Dauphin, MB R7N 1M8

ISLENDINGADAGURINN (ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA)
Gimli, MB
First weekend in August
PH: (204) 642-7417
www.icelandicfestival.com

Held in the largest Icelandic community outside the homeland on Lake Winnipeg, this is the second oldest ethnic gathering in Canada. Features a midway, beach volleyball, Amma’s kitchen, folk festival, fine art show, sandcastle building contest, New Iceland historic and cultural exhibits and Icelandic traditional program parade.

Contact
The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, 107-94 1st Avenue, Gimli, MB R0C 1B1

STEINBACH PIONEER DAYS
Steinbach, MB
First weekend in August
PH: (204) 326-9661/(866) 280-8741
E: info@mennoniteheritagevillage.com
www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com

Celebrating pioneer life, the festivities feature interpretative demonstrations including churning butter, threshing, log cutting and quilting, horse show, children’s events and barbecues. Other pioneer-day celebrations include May Spring on the Farm (Victoria Day), Canada Day (July 1) and Fall on the Farm each Labour Day. Named as an American Bus Association Top 100 Event.

Contact
Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T8

FOLKLORAMA
Winnipeg, MB
First two weeks of August
PH: (204) 982-6210/(800) 665-0234
E: folkarts@folklorama.ca
www.folklorama.ca

Represents cultures from around the world in this two-week extravaganza full of ethnic richness and traditions in culture, food and art. With over 40 pavilions, this multicultural event is held throughout the city. Named each year as one of the Internationally Known Events for the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events.

Contact
Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg Inc., 2nd Floor, 183 Kennedy Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1S6

MINNESOTA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Shakopee, MN
Mid-August to end of September weekends
PH: (952) 445-7361/(800) 966-8215
E: info@renaissancefest.com
www.renaissancefest.com

One of the midwest’s largest, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival has full contact armored jousting, 11 stages of entertainment, magical children’s realm, rides, games and contests, and delicious food and drink.

Contact
1244 South Canterbury Road, Suite 306, Shakopee, MN 55379

PIONEER DAYS AT BONANZAVILLE
Bonanzaville USA, West Fargo, ND
Late August
PH: (701) 282-2822
E: info@bonanzaville.com
www.bonanzaville.com

A restored pioneer village from the turn-ofthe-century, Bonanzaville USA becomes a living museum for one weekend. This event features parades and demonstrations of pioneer skills and crafts, including buttermaking, feather-stripping and wool spinning. Visitors can have their hair cut in the barbershop, pull taffy in the general store, join in the quilting, watch the antique car show and just enjoy the community fun.
Contact
Cass County Historical Society, 1351 Main Avenue W, West Fargo, ND 58078

NORTHERN PLAINS HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Dickinson, ND
Late August
PH: (701) 483-4988/(800) 279-7391
E: cvb@dickinsoncvb.com
www.dickinsoncvb.com

This ethnic celebration, held on the campus of Dickinson State University, features food, music, dance, crafts and traditional dress of the various ethnic groups of North Dakota. Restaurants and clubs around the city also offer ethnic specialties and entertainment.

Contact
Dickinson, ND Convention & Visitors Bureau, 72 East Museum Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601

PRARIE VILLAGE STEAM THRESHING JAMBOREE
Madison, SD
Late August
PH: (605) 256-3644/(800) 693-3644
E: Info@prairievillage.org
www.prairievillage.org

Held at Prairie Village, a replica of a pioneer town, the jamboree features steam-powered and horse-powered threshing, many antique tractors and cars, plowing contest, car and horse parade, and musical entertainment. Other activities include train rides, dinner train, helicopter rides, carousel rides and tours of the village’s historic buildings.

Contact
Prairie Historical Society, PO Box 256, Madison, SD 57042

YANKTON LEWIS AND CLARK FESTIVAL
Yankton, SD
Late August
PH: (605) 665-3636
E: visityankton@yanktonsd.com
www.yanktonsd.com

Lewis and Clark scholars, vendor and food booths, living history re-enactments, buffalo feed and dance.
Held at Lake Yankton.

Contact
Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce, 803 E 4th Street, PO Box 588, Yankton, SD 57078

CORN PALACE FESTIVAL
Mitchell, SD
Last weekend of August
PH: (605) 995-8427
E: mschilling.cityofmitchell @midconetwork.com
www.cornpalacefestival.com

A celebration of the harvest and the redecoration of the World’s Only Corn Palace. Events include top-name entertainers, carnival, crafts and food booths, and much more.

Contact
Corn Palace Festival, 612 N Main Street, Mitchell, SD 57301

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
St. Paul, MN
End of August to early September
PH: (651) 288-4400
www.mnstatefair.org

The annual state fair’s grandstand features internationally known entertainers, auto racing, horse shows, rodeos, free entertainment venues, carnival midway and a daily parade. Over 1,300 exhibitors with services and merchandise and 300 food vendors.

Contact
Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Avenue N, St. Paul, MN 55108-3099

September

UNITED TRIBES INTERNATIONAL POW WOW
Bismarck, ND
First weekend in September
PH: (701) 255-3285
www.unitedtribespowwow.com

The United Tribes Pow Wow draws many contestants for Native American singing and dancing competitions. Colorful native dress and traditional regalia add to the festivities. Native American foods, arts and crafts are sold on the grounds.

Contact
United Tribes Technical College, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504

CUSTER STATE PARK BUFFALO ROUNDUP
Custer, SD
Late September/early October
PH: (605) 255-4515
E: CusterStatePark@state.sd.us
www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/ Custer/round.htm

Watch as cowboys, cowgirls and park crews saddle up and roundup Custer State Park’s 1,500 head of buffalo. After the roundup, the park staff sort, brand and vaccinate the animals for the November sale. This is one of the nation’s largest buffalo roundups.

Contact
Custer State Park, 13329 US HWY 16A, Custer, SD 57730

October

NORSK HØSTFEST
Minot, ND
Early October
PH: (701) 852-2368
E: hostfest@minot.com
www.hostfest.com

The Norsk Høstfest is a celebration of rich Scandinavian culture, particularly Norway’s. This event features top-notch Norwegian and American entertainers, Scandinavian delicacies, arts and crafts, flag ceremonies, dancing and Scandinavian dignitaries.

Contact
Norsk Høstfest, Box 1347, Minot, ND 58702

BLACK HILLS POW WOW
Rapid City, SD
Second weekend of October
PH: (605) 341-0925
E: info@blackhillspowwow.com
www.blackhillspowwow.com

There will be dancing, art shows and expos held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Contact
Black Hills Pow Wow Association, PO Box 8131, Rapid City, SD 57709

November

CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPITOL
Pierre, SD
Late November through December 25
PH: (605) 773-3301/(800) S-DAKOTA (732-5682)
E: sdinfo@state.sd.us
www.travelsd.com

More than 100 trees decorated by communities and civic groups from across the state give the halls of the State Capitol the holiday spirit.

Contact
South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development, 711 East Wells Avenue, C/O 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-5070

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