Summer events in Fargo for every type of traveler
Once the warm weather hits Fargo, the city fills up with summer events for all types of people. From great outdoors to girls’ trips to foodie favorites, find an event that sparks your summer interest.
Many of these Fargo summer events are perfect for families – anything marked with a * is recommended for kiddos!
The Great Outdoors
These events are perfect for the outdoorsmen in you.
River paddling excursions and rentals
The Red River is a wonderful place to relax and get out on the water. Both Lindenwood Park and The Rental Shack at the Hjemkomst Center have rentals throughout the summer and there will also be many river-themed events going on throughout the summer, including a Race the Red Canoe & Kayak Race!
Streets Alive *
June 23 & August 25
Downtown Fargo
This event is a great reminder to get outdoors and celebrate being active! You get to play in the street without having to worry about pesky cars, on Fargo’s main street, Broadway.
Horse Racing *
Weekends throughout July
North Dakota Horse Park
The excitement of live horse racing is unparalleled and you can witness it right here in Fargo. The “Little Track on the Prairie” is fun for the whole family.
Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks games *
America’s favorite pastime makes an excellent summer evening out in Fargo, North Dakota. From fireworks to giveaways, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks always have something fun going on during their games!
Girls’ Getaway
Grab your girls and head to Fargo for a weekend away. From the new shops and restaurants throughout the metro area to the yummy Bloody Mary & Mimosa bars, Fargo won’t disappoint.
Summer Craft Market
June 9
Drekker Brewing Company
Beer and shopping were meant to be. This Summer Craft Market combines them in June. You can make crafts, buy hand-made items, eat snacks, and (obviously) drink some beer!
Corks & Canvas
June 13, August 8, & September 12
Downtown Fargo
Sample an assortment of fine wines while viewing works by local artists at various galleries in Downtown Fargo. The Corks & Canvas walks include over 20 stops, so you can sample, sip, shop, and stroll your way through Downtown.
WOW (Women on Wheels) Dirt Ride
Mondays through October
Great Northern Bicycle Co.
Ride with other wondrous women throughout the trails of Fargo-Moorhead. If you don’t want to pack your bikes, you can rent them, too.
Red River Market *
Saturdays, July 13-October 26
Broadway & 4th Ave
Fargo-Moorhead’s largest farmers’ market takes to the streets of Downtown Fargo every Saturday of the summer. Buy local goods and talk to local vendors to get a real feel for life on the Northern Plains.
Downtown Street Fair *
July 18-20
Downtown Fargo
Girls’ weekend wouldn’t be complete without some local shopping. The Fargo Downtown Street Fair features vendors stocked up with local art, hand-made items, and plenty of delicious goodies.
Outdoor Concerts & Entertainment
Fargo-Moorhead is bursting with local artists. Check out our events calendar for different local artist shows, or head to these outdoor venues for some big-name artists.
Bluestem Events *
Fun concerts happen at the Bluestem Amphitheatre all summer long. From country music to hip-hop, you can sit under the wide open sky as the sun sets behind the stage. For a bit of theater, Trollwood Performing Arts School will be taking the stage in July to perform Freaky Friday.
Harold’s Fest: Velkommen to the Jungle
June 14-15
Harold’s On Main
Moorhead’s newest bar is getting its first music festival. Performers include The Cactus Blossoms, Har Mar Superstar, Dusty Heart, The Cropdusters, Green/Blue, and disappear forever. Tickets are $20 in advance for single-day passes, or $30 for a two-day pass. On the door, they’re $25, so get yours here soon!
Red River Valley Fair *
July 9-14
Red River Valley Fairgrounds
Cheese curds, a ferris wheel, and daily concerts are just a few of the reasons to attend this 6-day fair. It’s a can’t-miss in the summer for people of all ages and travel styles.
Fargo Blues Festival *
July 26-27
Newman Outdoor Field
If you’re into Blues, or even if you aren’t, hit up the Fargo Blues Festival. The venue, a baseball stadium, is a cool backdrop to one of the best blues festivals in the country with 12 bands over 2 days.
Foodies & Drinkies
We know how to eat and drink in Fargo, and we have events to prove it.
Happy Harry’s Ribfest *
June 5-8
Ribs and chicken and pulled pork, oh my! Some of the greatest rib cookers in the country descend on the FARGODOME parking lot June 6th-9th to serve up mouth-watering food. Each night as the sun sets, the entertainment kicks up a notch, with nightly concerts.
Craft Beer Week in Fargo
June 9-15
Craft beer lovers, unite, for the chance to explore Fargo’s breweries and beer scene! Homebrewers, beer enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good pint can head to one of Fargo’s eight (yes, you heard that right, EIGHT) breweries to try locally-brewed beers.
To sweeten the deal, grab our Crafts and Drafts passport and get it stamped by the bartenders for a chance to win prizes. Local breweries will be hosting tappings and events throughout the week, capped off with Under Brew Skies on Saturday in Island Park.
Fargo Food Truck Festival
August 16-18
North Dakota Horse Park
As soon as the snow melts, food trucks take to the streets selling incredible, diverse menus and livening up Fargo’s already-thriving food scene. This festival lets you try them all in one place, so it really doesn’t get better than that!
History & Culture Buffs
Fargo’s mix of Scandinavian culture and Old West-esque prairie makes an interesting mix. History and culture events highlight these distinct flavors of the area throughout the summer.
F-M Classic Bike Nights
Every second Tuesday of the month
Brewhalla
Bringing together classic motorcycles, riders, and enthusiasts, stop in to see classic and unique bikes at these Classic Bike Nights, plus eat some food and drink some great craft beer.
West Fargo Cruise Nights *
June 20, July 18, August 15, & September 19
Sheyenne Street, West Fargo
Car enthusiasts, rejoice! Car owners bring their nicest rides to this car show, which happens along Sheyenne Street in West Fargo. Grab a drink or some food and stroll along the main drag of West Fargo to check out some classics.
Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival *
June 21-22
Hjemkomst Center
In their 42nd year, the Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival bring great local history about the Red River Valley’s Nordic roots to life. People in Viking dress give demonstrations, Nordic foods grace lunchtime, and events swirl around the main focal point of the center – a replica 9th century Viking ship that sailed from Duluth, MN, all the way to Norway.
If you want to get to know the cultural background of the Fargo area, this event is the ticket.
Fargo Airsho *
July 20-21
Hector International Airport
Fargo’s great expanse of sky make it the perfect place for an airshow. Watch as the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds dip and dive through the air this July, filling the skies with stunts, tricks, and jet streams. Between the flying and the ground acts, you’re in for a weekend of absorbing, fun-filled entertainment.
Volkswagens in the Valley *
July 27
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
Bring your favorite VW or attend this free event just to see all the coolest Volkswagens descend on one place for an afternoon.
F-M Pride Week *
August 8-11
Downtown Fargo
One of the region’s largest pride celebrations, with daily events and, of course, a large parade.
Summer in Fargo means hot weather, plenty of interesting people, and quirky events. The city comes alive, making the season a great time to visit.