Fueled by a creative class that is deeply rooted in place, the Fargo arts scene isn’t curated by outsiders for tourist consumption. It’s grown from the people who live here: Indigenous artists reclaiming public narratives, muralists energizing alleyways and bridge underpasses, musicians turning local bars into performance halls, and a maker community redefining what “Midwest cool” looks like.

Full Three-day itinerary

If you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo, this three-day art itinerary highlights the region’s top museums, galleries, public art, and creative experiences. Check out the full Fargo art Itinerary and mix and match with other things to do in Fargo, and add whatever you’d like!

Day 1

Morning

Moonrise 

The only spot to kick off the weekend, Moonrise serves amazing homemade Pop-Tarts and crafted coffees. 

111 Broadway N, Fargo

Plains Art Museum

After breakfast, check out the Plains Art Museum in Downtown Fargo. The largest art museum between Minneapolis and Seattle has an incredible collection of nationally recognized works, with Native American pieces sprinkled throughout.

Plains Art has free admission, but you can opt for a guided tour for $4 per person for a more curated experience.

704 1st Ave N, Fargo

Afternoon

Brewhalla

For lunch, head to Brewhalla. This spot not only has a full food and shopping market, but also connects to Drekker Brewing Company, which is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Fargo. 

1702 1st Ave N, Fargo

Unglued Craftatorium

After your meal and a spin through Unglued's storefront, head upstairs for a class at Unglued's Craftatorium. From stained glass to quilled 3D classes to watercolors, there's no shortage of art pieces to choose from. 

1702 1st Ave N, Fargo

Bonanzaville

Cass County's Historical Society is home to the region's pioneer village. Mosey through to see Fargo's first house, a mansion from a Bonanza farm, as well as train, plane, and car museums. Inside, there are rotating exhibits. 

1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo

Evening

Dinner at Maxwell's

A great spot for a surf and turf meal and an Old Fashioned, Maxwells is a staple of West Fargo for good reason. 

1380 9th St E, West Fargo

Live Music at The Lights

After dinner, grab a show at The Lights. Whether a Stage West performance or a Country concert, this outdoor venue is a must-stop. 

3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo

Day 2

Morning

Youngblood Coffee

Try something off the gourmet toast menu with a specialty coffee at Youngblood Coffee Co. while their records spin in the airy setting, and you’ll be ready to start your second day.

623 2nd Ave N, Fargo

West Acres Mall

This might seem like an odd stop on this list, but once you get to West Acres, you'll realize why it's a staple of the region's arts. The entire shopping center is filled with local art from their galleries to their flower installations. 

3902 13th Ave S, Fargo

Shopping Downtown

After your trip to the mall, head back to Downtown Fargo and out to some of the local galleries and purchase your own piece of local art.

Check out spots like Gallery 4 or Dakota Fine Art for some local art flair. Some other stops include Mooreoki for anime art, Mystic Moth Studio, which features unique crystals and insect taxidermy, or Midnight Galleries, an art gallery above Moonrise Cafe.

Afternoon

Lunch at Beer & Fish

The name pretty much says it all, but this restaurant serves beer-battered and fried fish in the British tradition. Oh, and beer. They'll also serve beer.

303 Roberts St N, Fargo

Rourke Art Museum

Next, cross over the river into Moorhead to dive into their art scene. Right in Downtown Moorhead, you'll find the Rourke Art Museum, which is another free art museum and gallery in the area.

521 Main Ave, Moorhead

Hjemkomst Center

This Scandinavian culture center showcases a replica Norwegian stave church, a Viking ship that actually sailed from Minnesota to Norway, and one of the region's largest art collections. You can also take a guided tour of the inside of the stave church; they're scheduled every hour (the views are incredible!).

202 1st Ave N, Moorhead

Evening

Dinner at Sol Ave.

For dinner, head to Sol Ave., located right next door to Junkyard Brewery. This bright restaurant has globally-inspired dishes like fresh watermelon salads, kimchi Reubens, and Bibimbap rice bowls that were once featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

1408 1st Ave N, Suite 2, Moorhead

Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre

FMCT produces shows throughout the year; check their website for current shows and upcoming performances.

Hjemkomst Center | 202 1st Ave N, Moorhead

Harold's and/or Starbird

After the show, stop at Harold's for a nightcap. If that tastes like another, stop at Starbird Tiki Bar to try one of their delicious drinks. 

Day 3

Morning

Randy's Diner Too

For your final morning, try a homestyle breakfast from Randy's Diner Too. This diner will fill you up for a day full of art. 

641 32nd Ave W, West Fargo

The Art Bar

Next, take a class at The Art Bar, which hosts painting classes for all ages and skill levels. Check out their website for upcoming events. 

18 1st St W, West Fargo

Shopping at Blu Water Creek

Up next, check out the Shoppes at Blu Water Creek. Stores include Eco Chic Boutique, Leela & Lavender, and furniture shopping at McNeal and Friends. 

Afternoon

Lunch at Ziti's Italian

This cozy Italian joint has a fantastic lunch menu. We recommend trying the Ziti Rosa or Spaghetti Polpetti. 

3170 Sheyenne St S #170, West Fargo

Go on a Painted Bison Hunt

Up next, grab a map at the Visitors Center of all of the locally-painted Bison scattered around town and go for a drive. 

Evening

Dinner at The Mezzaluna

On this night, we recommend a dinner at Mezzaluna. Their rotating seasonal menu always has something great for a meal, and their Burrata is a must-try. Plus, downstairs, The Drawing Room is a great place for a pre-show drink. 

309 Roberts St N, Fargo

Show at the Fargo Theatre

What better way to wrap up a weekend of art in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo than a show at the Fargo Theatre? This 100-year-old theatre in the heart of Downtown Fargo hosts movies, live shows such as the Symphony, Opera, and Ballet, and touring comedy and musical acts. 

314 Broadway N, Fargo