Ten grand spring & summer to-dos in Forks

Warmer weather has arrived, which means lots of grand outdoor events are springing up in Forks! While there may be many more, here are just some of my favorite seasonal activities and attractions.

NAVIGATING THE GREENWAY.  

Biking, inline skating or simply taking a stroll on our beautifully groomed Greenway Trail System is a perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. My favorite spot to hop on is near Sorlie Bridge because it’s easy to refuel with stops at some of the numerous restaurants and breweries doting our scenic Downtown landscape. If you want to bring your favorite furry friend along, Lincoln Dog Park is one great place to let Fido roam. Boathouse on the Red is also located nearby and offers weekend canoe, kayak and SUP rentals to channel the Red and Red Lake Rivers. Conditions permitting, they are open every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 8 PM, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Prefer to explore via two pedals but don’t have your own wheels? Grand Rides bike share can set you up with one sweet bicycle. Pick up spots are located around town and the program is simple to use through a smartphone application.

ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS UNDER GRAND SKIES.  

Locating lots of good buys is literally a walk in the park come this June! ArtFest 2024 will fill University Park with 100+ artisans selling everything from paintings and pottery to clothing and jewelry. There will also be a variety of food vendors serving up scrumptious cheese curds, corn dogs, fry bread tacos, funnel cakes and more. All the fun runs from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, June 8, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday, June 9. The annual Downtown Street Fair always delivers blocks full of cool craft items, hot live tunes and fabulous food vendors. This year’s event will be held, August 23 & 24, on the west side of the river.

FORKSFUL OF ZEN.  

Breath deep, stretch yourself and get in touch with your inner guru by taking part in New Love Yoga’s 10th Annual Summer Outdoor Yoga Series. Led by master yogi Marissa, these free to the public/donation-based classes will take place at 10 AM, every other Saturday, June 1 through September 21. 

VINO VIBING.  

Spend a relaxing weekend in Forks un’wine’ding at Grape Mill Vineyard & Winery. Let the fabulous Halverson family fill your glass with some of their grand grape libations while you sip and savor away the day. Tours are available upon request. Make sure to check their Facebook page before you go, as they occasionally feature live music and local food trucks. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Grape Mill will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 PM.

SUNDAE FUNDAY.  

If you and the tots are anxious to get out of the house, Sherlock Forest Playground makes for one grand little outdoor getaway! Built entirely by community members, “castle park” (as the kids affectionately call it) is the perfect place to play on a beautiful spring or summer day. Afterward, head to nearby Cherry Berry or Mike’s Pizza and cool off with some creamylicious yogurt or ice cream accompanied by all the toppings your heart desires.

PRODUCING GREAT THINGS.  

Town Square Farmers Market will fill Downtown Forks with lots of awesome vendors every Saturday, June 15 through September 28, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Some of the savory and sweet treasures and treats you'll discover include fresh produce, salsa, lefse, bagels, honey, jam, kuchen, cookies and the gooiest caramel rolls around. There will also be food truck fare and live entertainment on the main stage.

FLICKS AL FRESCO.  

Watch Hollywood stars under celestial stars during our annual Summer Movie in the Park series. Sponsored by the Grand Forks Park District, all showings are free but make sure to pack your pocketbook if you want to purchase some tasty concessions. This year’s schedule is as follows: June 13 – Elemental at Riverside Park; June 27 – Barbie at University Park; July 11 – Migration at Lincoln Drive Park; July 23 – Harry & the Hendersons at University Park; August 7 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at Riverside Park; August 22 – Rescuers Down Under at Lincoln Drive Park.

TEE OFF.  

Play a round, in our two towns, on four awesome courses. Lincoln Park Golf Course is a 9-hole course with bent grass greens and closely manicured fairways that will provide a superb golfing experience for all levels. When spending the day at Ray Richards, you’ll find 9 holes to test your abilities, a driving range and complete pro shop. Valley Golf Club features a scenic, challenging 18-hole layout which runs along the Red River on the Minnesota side. Considered one of the area’s premier courses, King’s Walk is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature PGA Course. The prairie links style course stretches over 7,200 yards, with four sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and first-class restaurant. 

TUNE UP DOWNTOWN. 

Experiencing the Summertime Blues is a grand thing in our Forks...when attending Blues on the Red 2024 presented by The Olive Ann Hotel! On Saturday, June 29, Town Square will be filled with the soulful sounds of two great musical acts: Jennifer Lyn & the Groove Revival and Johnny Rawls. Admission is just $5 but best bring a few extra buck$ if you want to enjoy some delish food and drinks. But that’s not all! Come August 16 & 17, Happy Harry’s Hot Valley Nights will heat up Downtown East Grand Forks with some of the nation’s top country music entertainers including Neil McCoy and Craig Morgan.

COMPETITIVE FUN UNDER THE SUN.  

For those wanting to work up a sweat, both the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Park Districts offer up first-class facilities where everyone can enjoy a game or two of pickleball, tennis, basketball, disc golf, horseshoes, skateboarding and more.    

If you’d like additional information on any of these grand goings-on, along with countless other attractions and events, please check out our website. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.