Uniquely Forks Annual Events Worth the Trip

Greater Grand Forks has a way of surprising people. What looks like a quiet college town on the prairie turns into a lively, culture‑rich destination once you tap into its annual events. Whether you’re into art, food, sports or festive winter magic, the region offers anchor‑worthy happenings that make planning a getaway incredibly easy. Each celebration brings its own flavor, crowd and energy — and together they paint a picture of a place that knows how to have fun in every season.

Below is a curated guide to the can’t‑miss annual events worth planning a trip around.

HAPPY HARRY'S PORK & BREW // JANUARY

This annual flavor‑fest has become a can’t‑miss highlight for anyone who loves bold bites and great brews. Local chefs go all‑in on creative, bacon‑forward dishes—think smoky, crispy, sweet and downright decadent—while guests explore a massive lineup of craft beers from standout regional breweries. The whole event is brimming with energy, making it the ultimate haven for food lovers, beer enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a good time built around great taste.

GREENWAY SNOW DAY // FEBRUARY

FebruaryBundle up in your warmest winter gear and head to Lincoln Drive Park, where the season comes alive in the best possible way. Zip down snowy hills, carve fresh tracks on the ski trails, glide across the ice or settle in for a charming sleigh ride straight out of a holiday postcard. The whole place feels like a winter playground overflowing with excitement and nostalgia. And the cherry on top: every bit of the fun is completely free, courtesy of the Grand Forks Park District.

TIME OUT WACIPI POWWOW // APRIL

Experience the heartbeat of tradition at the University of North Dakota Wacipi, a powerful celebration of life, heritage and community. This annual gathering showcases the enduring strength and beauty of Indigenous cultures through breathtaking dance, powerful songs and ceremonies that bridge generations. Savor delicious food, browse handcrafted art and goods from local vendors and feel the rhythm of a culture that continues to shape the spirit of the region.

FRIDAY NIGHT RACES // APRIL-SEPTEMBER

Get ready to feel your pulse skyrocket at River Cities Speedway, the legendary 1/3‑mile bullring track where Friday nights turn electric. Fans and drivers swear by this place for a reason—Street Stocks rumble, Late Models battle, Midwest Modifieds kick up clouds of clay, and the Outlaw Sprints unleash pure, unfiltered speed. The engines thunder, the dirt flies, and the whole grandstand vibrates as each lap delivers another jolt of adrenaline. Whether you live for racing or just crave an unforgettable rush, this is Greater Grand Forks’ ultimate high‑octane night out.

ARTFEST // JUNE

Step into an outdoor festival that bursts with creativity, flavor and pure family fun. Stroll through rows of incredible work from standout artisans and makers, treat yourself to crave‑worthy eats from a lineup of local food vendors and soak up live entertainment that fills the air with music. Watch artists transform raw materials into masterpieces right before your eyes, while kids jump into hands‑on activities that spark imagination and laughter. This isn’t just a craft fair—it’s a lively, one-of-a-kind experience you’ll want to revisit year after year.

TOWN SQUARE FARMERS MARKET // JUNE-SEPTEMBER

Wake up and make your way Downtown, because summer Saturdays in Grand Forks are the kind you’ll want to savor. The Town Square Farmers Market transforms the city’s core into a vibrant swirl of color, music and mouthwatering aromas. Picture tables piled high with sun‑kissed produce, still‑warm pies that taste like childhood, zesty salsas, golden honey and one‑of‑a‑kind handcrafted finds. Add in live music drifting through the square, food trucks dishing out global favorites and a friendly, laid‑back vibe that’s unmistakably Up North and you’ve got the perfect place to spend a summer morning—where locals mingle and visitors instantly feel at home.

SERTOMA JULY 4TH FESTIVAL & FIREWORKS

Celebrate Independence Day the Grand Forks way—with a full day of patriotic excitement and pure summer joy. For 12 straight hours, the city comes alive with live music, irresistible food and drinks, family games and giveaways that keep the fun rolling from morning to night. The whole celebration feels like one big community party. And when the sun finally dips, everyone comes together for a jaw‑dropping fireworks show that paints the sky in brilliant bursts of color. It’s the kind of Fourth of July you’ll be talking about long after the last spark fades.

CONCERTS IN THE GARDEN // JULY-AUGUST

Sink into a summer evening at the North Dakota Museum of Art’s Concerts in the Garden, where world‑class musicians turn the open air into their stage. As melodies drift through the beautiful UND campus and the sun begins to fade, you can savor fresh‑off‑the‑grill bites and sip a cold beer or a glass of wine while you unwind. It’s an effortlessly magical blend of art, nature and music—an outdoor experience that captures everything we love about summer nights in Forks.

HERITAGE DAYS // AUGUST

Celebrate the spirit and stories of East Grand Forks at the annual Heritage Village event, where history doesn’t just rest in the past—it bursts into the present all around you. Stroll through a living timeline packed with vintage charm, hometown pride and hands‑on experiences. Enjoy a lively parade, admire rows of polished classic cars, tap your toes to live music and watch historical re‑enactments that whisk you straight into another era. When the day winds down, gather for a hearty community dinner and soak up the warm, festive atmosphere that brings generations together.

DOWNTOWN STREET FAIR // AUGUST

Get ready to explore blocks filled with delights as Downtown bursts to life with dozens of vendors showcasing one‑of‑a‑kind finds that include handcrafted goods, vintage gems, bold artwork, quirky gifts and surprises at every turn. Let the irresistible aromas lead you to sizzling street food and sweet treats that hit every craving. As you roam, follow the beat to multiple stages where live music fills the summer air and fuels the fun. It all comes together to create the perfect backdrop for a day spent shopping, snacking and soaking up the vibrant energy of the city.

POTATO BOWL USA // SEPTEMBER

Get ready to honor the Red River Valley’s most iconic crop in the most delicious way possible—Potato Bowl USA is a weeklong celebration bursting with spuds, sports and small‑town spirit. The festivities kick off with a high‑energy fun run and a parade that fills the streets with music, color and community pride. From there, the excitement rolls straight into UND’s big football game and tailgate party, where fans bring the heat and that unmistakable hometown spirit. Whatever you do, don’t miss the crown jewel: the World’s Largest French Fry Feed, where thousands gather to snack on free fries and socialize.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA HOCKEY // OCTOBER-MARCH

UND Hockey isn’t just a game—it’s a full-blown experience. When the Fighting Hawks hit the ice at the magnificent Ralph Engelstad Arena, fans from across the region and beyond pour in, creating an atmosphere that’s electrifying from the first puck drop to the final horn. Many local bars and restaurants even offer shuttle buses to The Ralph, turning your pre‑game hangout into a seamless ride straight into the action. Once inside, be sure to stop at the Sioux Shop to gear up with fresh Fighting Hawks merch before you find your seat. If you’re planning a fall or winter getaway, building it around a home game is one of the most exciting ways to experience our Forks.

HOLLYDAZZLE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS // NOVEMBER

Start the season with a burst of sparkle at this beloved, family‑friendly celebration that transforms Downtown Forks into a glowing holiday wonderland. The night comes alive with a dazzling lights parade, irresistible cookie‑decorating and ornament‑making stations, joyful live entertainment and cozy carriage rides that feel straight out of a storybook. And when the fireworks erupt across the winter sky in a brilliant finale, you’ll know the holidays have officially begun.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, Lincoln Park becomes a glowing escape that feels downright magical. As you drive beneath archways of twinkling lights and past whimsical displays created by local businesses and organizations, the whole park shimmers with holiday cheer and wonder. Whether you’re sharing a quiet, cozy ride with someone special or filling the car with kids eager to spot every sparkling scene, this beloved drive‑through tradition captures the heart of the season and lights up Grand Forks night after night.

A trip to Greater Grand Forks becomes even more memorable when you plan it around the moments that define the community. These annual events aren’t just dates on a calendar—they’re snapshots of local pride, creativity and connection. Whether you’re cheering in a packed arena, strolling through a summer festival or soaking in the glow of winter lights, each celebration offers its own reason to return. Build your getaway around one and you’ll leave with a deeper sense of what makes this place feel so alive.

For more information about these an all GRAND events, log on to VisitGrandForks.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.