For a taste of all-American fun, don’t miss North Dakota’s famous state fair.

Check out the North Dakota State Fair in Minot from July 19–27. The family-friendly event draws an average of 300,000 people every year. It also attracts an all-star concert lineup, including acts like MGK, Thomas Rhett, Mötley Crüe, Lil Wayne, Lainey Wilson and Sawyer Brown in 2024.

Watch dancers and singers light up the free stages; greet chickens, cows and other animals; and step into history at the interactive Fur Traders Rendezvous, where costumed guides cook, work, and create art and music. Then, relax at the shaded fishing pond in The Conservation and Outdoor Skills Park. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department also leads drop-in archery and air rifle lessons.

Gather in Minot for entertainment, a rollicking midway, local eats and deep-fried everything.

Calendar of Events

Find the best events the state has to offer with this event calendar.

May 18
Cody Johnson—The Leather Tour
The Fargodome is a far cry from the rodeo arena where Johnson got his start as a Texas bull rider. His fierce cowboy grit and old-school country spirit still shine through his music. (For AAA Member-exclusive discounts on concerts and more, visit AAA.com/Tickets.)

May 18–19
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
See real-life versions of favorite childhood toys battle at the Bismarck Event Center. Three shows promise a dance party, laser lights, freestyle motocross—and even a fire-breathing robot.

May 23–26
Fargo CoreCon
Meet fellow fantasy, science fiction, horror and anime fans at this popular convention held at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. It features panels, cosplay contests, crafts, theme rooms and more.

May 25–27
Skyfest over Fort Stevenson
Bring your own kite or watch professional kite flyers at Fort Stevenson State Park near Garrison. See stunt kites climb and dive and spot some of the world’s largest kites dancing in the sky.

May 26
Badlands Gravel Battle
Cyclists tackle 40, 80 or 120 miles of dusty red scoria roads through the Badlands during this rugged ride. Races begin in Medora and feature scenic views and major elevation gains.

May 31–June 2
Kite Fest
Colorful kites bob and weave in the breeze high above Meidinger Park in Jamestown. This free, family-friendly event includes candy drops, music, kite making, contests and demos.

June 8
Lewis and Clark State Park 50th Birthday
This rugged park near Epping celebrates its golden birthday in June. Join the party and hit the trails, rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and fat-tire bikes or splash in scenic Lake Sakakawea.

June 8–9
ArtFest
Nearly 100 artists, musicians and food vendors converge at University Park in Grand Forks for this bustling summer event. Almost 20,000 patrons shop, sip and snack in the shade every year.

June 14–16
Ashley Sizzling Summer Days
Bring the family to the heart of German-Russian country for bingo, a parade, a car show, plenty of kuchen (that’s German for cake) and live music, including polka and country rock.

June 14
Jon Pardi
Hear the country music singer, songwriter and producer live at The Lights in West Fargo. The outdoor venue is a mixed-use commercial and residential space that has a stage and 20 shops and restaurants, all in one handy location. (For AAA Member-exclusive discounts on concerts and more, visit AAA.com/Tickets.)

June 21–23
Mid Summer Festival
The Scandinavian Heritage Association presents a celebration of Nordic culture in the strollable Scandinavian Heritage Park. The park is a symbol of Minot and an attraction in its own right.

June 29
Jo Dee Messina
The country crooner brings her authenticity and energy to Fargo Brewing Company for an engaging outdoor show. The Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour is named for her breakout hit.

July 2–4
Mandan Rodeo Days
Roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding bring big thrills. Don’t miss the Independence Day parade and Art in the Park Festival.

July 4
Sertoma Fabulous Fourth and Fireworks
Grand Forks celebrates with a parade, games, music and food trucks in Sertoma Park. At dusk, the massive fireworks display paints the sky above South Middle School.

July 10–13
ND Country Fest
Fans flock to New Salem for this four-day camping and country music extravaganza. DJs keep the late-night energy up after performances from headliners like Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Clint Black and Pam Tillis.

July 13
9th Annual Ribfest
Come to Roosevelt Park in Devils Lake for a summer day packed with award-winning ribs, live music, volleyball and cornhole tournaments, and games for the kids.

July 18–20
Downtown Fargo Street Fair
Score unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, art and more from eight blocks of vendor booths. Don’t miss dozens of food and drink options and free entertainment at Broadway Square.

July 26–28
Buffalo Days
Jamestown honors its legendary white bison with food, shopping and family-friendly activities all over town. Annual favorites include a parade, a car show, a street dance and a pancake breakfast.

July 27–28
Fargo AirSho
Enjoy thrilling aerobatic performances by RAD Aerosports, The United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels and more.

Aug. 1
Music and Art in the Park
Cavalier City Park bursts with music, entertainment and fun for all ages. Watch the talent show, dance to the music of Whiskey Wheeler, and check out food vendors and games for kids.

Aug. 2–4
125th Annual Deuce of August
The largest Icelandic event in the country returns to Mountain. Favorite events include the North Dakota State Tractor & Pickup Pull, a parade, live music and a pancake breakfast.

Aug. 3
Maah Daah Hey 100 Mountain Bike Race
Zip through Little Missouri National Grassland, along buttes and across the Little Missouri River on one of the world’s most rugged single-track trails. Start south of Watford City.

Aug. 3–4
Capital A’Fair
This Bismarck favorite returns for its 50th year. It features over 100 artists and craft vendors, food vendors, live music and dance performances, inflatables, and art demos.

Aug. 3–4 and 10–11
North Dakota Renaissance Fair
Lords, peasants, knights and ladies congregate at West Fargo’s Red River Valley Fairgrounds for feasting, jousting, juggling, music and shopping. Period costumes are encouraged but not required.

Aug. 23–24
Downtown Street Fair
The streets of Grand Forks are transformed during this annual event. Shop for art, gifts and home decor or grab a meal, snacks and drinks as buskers perform.

Aug. 24–25
Island Park Show
More than 100 artists and expert craft vendors set up shop in the shade of Fargo’s oldest park. Enjoy live music, food and activities for the kids.

Aug. 25–26
Zach Bryan
The country singer-songwriter (and Navy veteran) brings his Quittin Time Tour, with special guests Matt Maeson and Levi Turner, to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Aug. 30
Styx
Scheels Arena in Fargo welcomes the rock legend behind soaring ballads like “Lady,” Top 10 hits including “Renegade” and sweeping anthems like “Come Sail Away.” (For AAA Member-exclusive discounts on concerts and more, visit AAA.com/Tickets.)

Sept. 7–8
Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally and Badlands Kite Fest
Watch colorful hot-air balloons float above Medora Campground at dawn on Saturday and Sunday. Kite flyers converge at the top of the Burning Hills Amphitheatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sept. 8
Aronia Berry Harvest Festival
This free event near Amenia showcases Aronia berries (also known as chokeberries) and offers food trucks, cooking demos, a corn maze, a bouncy castle, face painting and other family-friendly activities.

Sept. 12
Summer Vikes on Central
Celebrate the Valley City community and Valley City State University Vikings with live music, shopping, plenty of food vendors, games and chances to win prizes.

Sept. 21–22
Bismarck Marathon
The USA Track & Field-certified marathon rocks the North Dakota Capitol grounds. Runners can also try the half marathon, a 10K and 5K, a kids race or the adaptative race.

Sept. 22
Daniel O’Donnell
The Irish singer brings his unique blend of folk-infused music to the Fargo Theatre for one night only. A prolific recording artist, O’Donnell has created 42 Top 40 albums during his four-decade career.

Sept. 25–28
Norsk Høstfest
The continent’s largest Scandinavian festival returns to Minot. Try modern Nordic dining, shop for goods from Scandinavia, watch artisans at work and step into history at Viking Village.

Sept. 27–28
Fargo Junk Market
This juried show brings an expertly curated collection of antiques, vintage treasures, and handmade and repurposed items to shoppers at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo.