Bemidji, The First City on the Mississippi, Minnesota USA

Jaycees Water Carnival
Week of July 4th


Family oriented Fourth of July Celebration.  Fireworks, Midway & Food vendors, Kiddie Parade, Bingo Tent,  Live Music, Craft Fair, Parade

For information, call 800-458-2223

International Day
Held in July & August

An annual celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity held at the renowned 
Concordia Language Villages. 
The event draws people from across the country. Tour the villages while enjoying music, food, games and more.
For information, call 800-222-4750

Art in the Park
July 

The annual Art in the Park week-end  event is a juried show that features artists from across the state and nation.  Ethnic food booths are included in this colorful event.

For information, call 218-444-7570

Depot Day
August

The Beltrami County Historical Society hosts Depot Day each August at the restored 1912 Great Northern Depot.  This fun family event features arts, crafts, antiques, and flea market vendors, live music, dance performances (square dancing and Middle Eastern), food, wagon rides, depot tours, telegraphy demonstrations, and more!
       For more information, call 218-444-3376

Beltrami County Fair
 August

Beltrami County hosts a fun and lively Fair.  Everyone is invited to join us for these hectic, sense filling few days each summer when town and country meet.  At the Beltrami County Fair you will find friendly competition of the best products and animals and entertainment.

Dragon Boat Festival
First weekend in August


The Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival features two full days of fun for the entire family.  Spectators can view the entire race course from the shady and natural amphitheater of the waterfront park venue.  Great food, music, kid's activities, a parade of teams, downtown Crazy Dayz Shopping and much more make this the event of the year!

For information, call 800-458-2223

FALL EVENTS

Fall Covered Wagon Tours
  September

Bemidji's fall colors are spectacular when you take a guided tour by authentic covered wagon.  The narrated ride follows a historic trail and overlooks the Continental Divide.

For more information, call 800-777-7958

First City of Arts: Studio Cruise

Artisans from a 40 mile radius of Bemidji open their studios for this scenic drive-yourself tour.

Bemidji has more visual, performance and literary artists than would seem to be its’ share.  Whether it is the pristine natural surroundings, the relaxed pace or the educational atmosphere, many artists create their life’s work quietly tucked away in their individual studios.
In an effort to raise awareness of these artists, the 
First City of Arts:  Studio Cruise offers the public an unique opportunity to witness and learn about and discuss the creative process with each artist.  In addition, the artists will also be able to demonstrate and sell their work directly to the visitor. 
The tour is free and open to the public.

WINTER EVENTS

THE NIGHT WE LIGHT 
Day After Thanksgiving

Please join with Bemidji, the day after Thanksgiving, for the annual 'Night We Light' celebration. The evening festivities begin with the First City of Lights parade, followed by the countdown to lighting over one quarter of a million lights on the trees at the waterfront and downtown buildings.  An appearance by Santa Claus and horse-drawn Sleigh Rides add to the family fun.  Make this a traditional event for the whole family!

Madrigal Dinners
December 

For the past 3 decades, Bemidji State University has recreated a 15th century English feast.  Beautiful costumes and exceptional singing blends with humorous skits - all performed while you enjoy a delightful dinner.  Reservations are recommended.

Santa Lucia Fest
December 13

Experience the traditional Scandinavian 'Festival of Lights' celebrated each December 13th at
 6:00 a.m. The festival includes the crown of candles procession followed by a customary breakfast ushering in the Christmas season.

Brrrrmidji Polar Daze
January

This week long festival is filled with good eats, including the delicious "Taste of Northern MN".  There's lots of entertainment including snow sculptures, concerts, and an old time winter carnival.  Polar Daze features an unmatchable list of winter sporting events that include:  Golf on Ice, Polar Plunge, Broomball, 5 K walk/run, hockey tournaments, downhill ski races, snowboarding, snow shoeing, bonspiels, & more! 

For more information, call 800-458-2223

 Annual Logging Days
 February 

Return to the historic lumberjack era of the north for one glorious day.  Watch horse teams at work as you marvel at the ancient logging skills, performed just as they were in the early years of logging using authentic equipment and harvesting methods.   Enjoy a lumberjack pancake feed, sleigh rides, old-time music, saw 'n ax chopping and throwing contests.  Historic exhibitss, woodcarving, crafts and more.

For more information call 218-243-2231

MN Finlandia Ski Marathon
February 

Termed "The Nordic Festival of the North," the Finlandia is a premier North American ski event attracting over 600 national and international elite and citizen skiers.  2006 marks the  25th year the race has been held on the scenic and challenging trails that crisscross the Continental Divide at Buena Vista.  The event schedule includes:

For information on Finlandia, call 218-751-0041

World's Shortest Parade
 March 17


Whether one is Irish or not, St Patrick's Day is a reminder that the green renewal of Spring will soon break winter's grip. At 5:30 pm all are welcome to join in or watch the fun of  the 'World's Shortest Parade' in downtown Bemidji. 

Follow the Parade route (all 72 feet 8 inches of it) between Brigid's Cross Irish Pub (317 Beltrami Ave), across the street to Keg n' Cork Irish Pub. (310 Beltrami Ave)  Prizes for best costume, authentic food and lively music and fun!  Everyone welcome, no fees.