North Dakota Teen Rodeo Association Finals

May 15–17 / BISMARCK – Held at the All Seasons Arena on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, this exciting youth rodeo championship features barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, goat tying, and bronc riding competitions throughout the weekend. Event times vary daily, and admission is generally affordable for families. Visitors can experience authentic western culture while enjoying concessions, vendor booths, and the energetic atmosphere of North Dakota rodeo traditions. For more information, visit https://www.ndtra.org/

Norsk Høstfest Spring Showcase

May 16 / MINOT – The North Dakota State Fair Center hosts this Scandinavian-themed spring gathering celebrating Nordic heritage with cultural demonstrations, traditional foods, artisan vendors, folk music, and dancing. Admission prices vary by activity. Guests can sample lefse and lutefisk, browse handcrafted Nordic gifts, and experience the region’s deep Scandinavian roots in one of North Dakota’s most culturally unique communities. For more information, visit https://hostfest.com/

Band Day Parade & Festival

May 17 / WILLISTON – Downtown Williston comes alive beginning around 10 a.m. with marching bands, community floats, classic cars, and family entertainment during this long-running regional celebration. Admission is free. Visitors can enjoy local food vendors, shopping, live music, and a festive atmosphere that highlights western North Dakota community spirit and small-town hospitality. For more information, visit https://www.visitwilliston.com/events/

Fargo Marathon Weekend

May 28–30 / FARGO – This nationally recognized running event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and youth races throughout Fargo and neighboring Moorhead. Registration fees vary by race category. Spectators line the streets with live music and cheering stations while runners enjoy scenic city routes and a high-energy finish inside the Fargodome. The weekend also features health expos, food vendors, and downtown nightlife activities. For more information, visit https://fargomarathon.com/

Devils Run Car Show

May 29–31 / DEVILS LAKE – One of the Upper Midwest’s premier classic car gatherings, this three-day event fills Devils Lake with vintage vehicles, cruises, live music, food vendors, and downtown entertainment. Admission for spectators is free in most public viewing areas. Visitors can expect hundreds of restored classics, custom hot rods, and community events alongside fishing, boating, and lake recreation opportunities. For more information, visit https://devilsruncarshow.com/

Capital A’Fair

May 30–31 / BISMARCK – Hosted at the North Dakota Capitol Grounds from approximately 10 a.m.–5 p.m., this free outdoor arts festival showcases regional artists, craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Families can participate in children’s art activities while browsing paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handmade goods from across the region. The scenic capitol setting provides a relaxed and walkable festival atmosphere. For more information, visit https://www.bismarckarts.org/capital-afair/

North Dakota State BBQ Championship

June 5–6 / MANDAN – Dykshoorn Park hosts competitive barbecue teams from around the region for a weekend of smoked meats, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, with food available for purchase. Visitors can sample award-winning barbecue, enjoy community entertainment, and experience Mandan’s welcoming small-town charm along the Missouri River. For more information, visit https://visitmandan.com/events/

Rally in the Valley

June 5–7 / VALLEY CITY – Valley City State University and downtown venues host this summer kickoff festival featuring live concerts, softball tournaments, carnival rides, street dances, food vendors, and community events. Many activities are free to attend. The scenic Sheyenne River Valley backdrop and historic bridges add extra appeal for weekend travelers exploring eastern North Dakota. For more information, visit https://www.valleycitychamber.com/events/

German Days

June 6 / GLEN ULLIN – This charming western North Dakota community celebrates its German heritage with a parade, polka music, authentic German cuisine, craft vendors, and family activities throughout downtown. Admission is free. Guests can enjoy homemade kuchen, sausage, dancing, and cultural traditions that reflect the area’s strong German-Russian immigrant history. For more information, visit https://www.glenullin.org/

Grand Cities Art Fest

June 6–7 / GRAND FORKS – Downtown Grand Forks transforms into a vibrant outdoor art market featuring more than 100 artists, food vendors, live performances, and interactive activities for all ages. Admission is free and festival hours run throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can stroll downtown streets filled with paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and artisan goods while enjoying local restaurants and entertainment venues nearby. For more information, visit https://www.grandcitiesartfest.com/

PBR Bull Riding Challenge

June 6 / DICKINSON – The West River Ice Center hosts this adrenaline-filled professional bull riding competition beginning in the evening. Ticket prices vary depending on seating. Fans can expect top riders, energetic announcers, western vendors, and family-friendly entertainment in one of western North Dakota’s premier rodeo-style events. For more information, visit https://www.visitdickinson.com/events/

Fort Union Rendezvous

June 11–14 / WILLISTON – Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site recreates the fur trade era with historical reenactments, black powder demonstrations, artisan encampments, and cultural presentations along the Missouri River. Admission is free. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters, explore trading post history, and enjoy one of the region’s most immersive living-history experiences. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/fous/planyourvisit/rendezvous.htm

United Tribes International Powwow

June 12 / BISMARCK – Hosted at the United Tribes Technical College grounds, this celebrated Native American cultural gathering features traditional dancing, drumming competitions, artisan vendors, and authentic Indigenous cuisine. Admission prices vary by session. Visitors can experience vibrant regalia, cultural traditions, and one of the Northern Plains’ most meaningful Native events. For more information, visit https://www.uttc.edu/powwow

McQuade Softball Tournament Opening Events

June 12 / BISMARCK – One of the largest nonprofit softball tournaments in the nation begins with opening ceremonies, entertainment, food vendors, and community celebrations across multiple athletic complexes. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, team spirit, and hospitality that attract thousands of players and spectators to the Bismarck-Mandan area each year. For more information, visit https://www.mcquades.com/

Summer Kickoff Street Fair

June 12 / JAMESTOWN – Downtown Jamestown hosts this community festival featuring local food trucks, artisan vendors, live music, children’s activities, and evening entertainment. Admission is free. Visitors can explore the historic downtown district, nearby Frontier Village attractions, and North Dakota’s famous buffalo heritage while enjoying a festive summer atmosphere. For more information, visit https://www.jamestowncalendar.com/