Calendar of Events

Teach. Do. exhibit

The Gallery @ the Armory is hosting an exhibit titled "Teach. Do" through September 26. This exhibit celebrates eight current and retired art teachers whose creativity, mentorship, and dedication have shaped the youth and culture of our region. Through their own artistic practice, they embody the spirit of doing what they teach. We honor their lasting impact as teachers and artists. Teach. Do. Artists are Carol Albright, Cheryl Bannes, Linda Beilke, Tiffany Besonen, Chris Boedigheimer, Dawn Rossbach, Amber Schroeder and Bonnie Tweeton.

Exhibit: The Crystal Chandeliers Light Up the Paintings on Your Walls

Nemeth Art Center is presenting "The Crystal Chandeliers Light Up the Paintings on Your Walls," through September 27. Curated by Aaron Spangler the exhibit features Matt Bollinger, Samantha Joy Groff, Frank Spidale, Jewelya Coffee and Pete Driessen. For images and information about these fascinating artists, go to https://www.nemethartcenter.org/upcoming.

Writing Historical Fiction

Obie Holmen will explore a writer’s challenge of blending factual context, such as the Vietnam War, with fictional characters for the first Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program of the fall season September 8. His talk will also address how historical fiction can expose themes of moral ambiguity and political choices. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

2nd Saturday STEM

The Park Rapids Area Library STEM program continues at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12. This event is open to all ages, but participants 8 years old and younger need to be accompanied by an older participant or adult. The activity will be held in the large meeting room downstairs

Wooden Mosaics Workshop

Jamie Jokela will teach the timeless art of wooden mosaics in a Wooden Mosaics Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 12 at the Studios @ the Armory. Fee is $40 including materials. Register at www.parkrapidsarmory.org or call 218-237-3722.

Dr. Delbert Dumas: Guilty or Not?

For the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 15, Cecelia McKeig will present the intriguing case of Northern Minnesota's own Jekyll and Hyde character as she asks, “Despite the good doctor’s success, did he have another life entirely?” All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Art Bites: Watercolor Postcards

This season of Art Bites lunch and art sessions will start at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 17 at the Gallery @ the Armory. Create watercolor postcards and enjoy lunch for $25. Register at www.parkrapidsarmory.org or call 218-237-3722.

Open Mic Night

The Open Mic Night season opener will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up. Refreshments will be available.

Minnesota Libraries Read Together

Take a moment to participate by reading our book in the library. There will be fun activities to inspire you and a story time for the kiddos at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 18.

Writers' Workshop and Book Release Party

The Jackpine Writers' Bloc will host an all genres writers' workshop, Finding the Language of Poetry for all Writers, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 19 at Jack Pines Resort. Instructor will be Laura Hansen. A $55 fee includes lunch. Preregistration is required: email sharrick2@wcta.net. After lunch (at approximately 1 p.m.) the annual book release party for Talking Stick Volume 35 is free to all. The program will include readings, introduction of winners and an invitation to all who were published to read. After the readings, there will be time for conversation and dinner.

It Takes Two

Don't miss the opening concert of the Heartland Concert Association's 2026-27 season at 7 p.m. Monday, September 21 at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium. It Takes Two will feature Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann for an unforgettable musical journey celebrating the iconic duos that have shaped history. From legendary musicians like Johnny Cash and June Carter to iconic on-screen pairs like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this dynamic performance features everything from classic hits and Broadway showstoppers to playful nods to pop culture favorites like Batman and Robin and The Odd Couple. The duo review blends the legacy of timeless hits with the wit and edge of classic sketch comedy. Season tickets are available at Beagle and Wolf Books. For more information about the Heartland Concert Association and sample video and program highlights at https://heartlandconcertassociation.org/.

Three Old Guys: Snowmobile Adventure #2

Rob Hallstrom recalls a 3,500-mile snowmobile ride from Minnesota to Newfoundland for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 22. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Moving Words: Writers Across Minnesota

The Park Rapids Area Library was chosen again to host Moving Words: Writers Across Minnesota. An evening of conversation and readings with four authors you'll want to meet is planned at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24. The authors will be Okwudili Nebeolisa, David Hage, Josephine Marcotty and Jess Lourey.

Paradigm

Four local musicians will entertain for a StArt Leap concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 25 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m,. Tickets are only $10.

Art LEAP 2026

Art Leap, an “open studio event,” will offer 35 sites and feature more than 150 artists at studios and other locations in Hubbard, Becker and Cass counties the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27. Sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. At the 20th annual event, see what's new at studios and sites you’ve visited in the past and find new places. Some sites will host new guest artists and new works that will interest first time and returning visitors. Hop from studio to studio, learn process, appreciate skill and support the artists. Let fall's natural beauty inspire you as it does the artists. as you pass lakes and travel country roads.The Event Guide for Art Leap 2026 is available to view or download on our website. Paper event guides are available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Park Rapids Area Library and other locations.

Heartland Arts sponsors Art Leap with funding provided, in part, by Itasca-Mantrap's Operation Round Up, the Lake Country Scenic Byway, Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and West Acres Foundation. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Download/View the 2026 Event Guide.

Project Constellation

Enjoy Scandinavian storytelling through song with Project: Constellation from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. The program is free as part of Art Leap weekend.

Remembering Ed De La Hunt

Butch De La Hunt will remember his father, Ed De La Hunt, for the Hubbard County Historical Society program from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, September 28 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room. These programs are free and the public is invited to attend.

Part Two - Life in America

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 29 will feature Fay Dickey's return to tell her immigrant story as she transitions from opera singer to farmer to teacher. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Last day to vote for your favorite sculptue

The 2026-27 Park Rapids Sculpture Trail has 13 sculptures in Downtown Park Rapids and Red Bridge Park. Each year, a People's Choice Award is presented to the winner of a popular vote. Vote for fun! Ballots are available at the Park Rapids Area Library, Chamber Visitor Center, kiosk in Pioneer Park and City Hall and may be turned in at the Library or City Hall by the deadline Friday, October 2. Or vote on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PRsculpturetrail.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Show up in your bathrobes and pajamas for a special Saturday morning matinee of DreamWorks' FORGOTTEN ISLAND (PG, 1 hour, 43 minutes) at 10 a.m. October 3. Young and old alike are welcome!There’ll be cereal, the sugary kind mom doesn’t like you to eat. And you can stay comfy in your pajamas and robes to really embrace those Saturday morning vibes.

The 1894 Hinckley Firestorm

Historian Amy Rea will describe the devastation and lasting effects of a fast-moving calamity in Minnesota's early years for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 6. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Line & Wash Watercolor: Fall Gourds & Pumpkins

Celebrate the beauty of autumn while learning the basics of line and wash watercolor in a class from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 6. In this beginner-friendly class, participants will create a charming fall painting featuring colorful gourds and pumpkins. Instructor Lily Hadrava will provide step-by-step instructions. Fee is $40. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, October 8 at the library. Free will donations are accepted. Cash or check only; no change available. Find fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, puzzles, CDs and more.

Jack O'Lantern Light

Make a Jack O’Lantern Light in a class from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 8. After the class, the projects return with instructor Karen Moyer, Leaf River Pottery, to be fired. Seven to 10 days later the projects, individually bagged, are returned to Community Ed. You will be notified by email when they have arrived and you can pick them up. Children are welcome to attend with an adult. Fee is $65. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

"Harvest & Hibernate" Fall Festival

The “Harvest & Hibernate” Fall Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 10 in Hubbard. Activities will include live music, a pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin painting, crafters, hayrides, Halloween movies and chili cook-off. Some carefree; $5 wristbands will be needed for the kids activity zone.

2nd Saturday STEM

The Park Rapids Area Library STEM program continues at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 10. This event is open to all ages, but participants 8 years old and younger need to be accompanied by an older participant or adult. The activity will be held in the large meeting room downstairs.

Gorgeous Gourds workshop

A Gorgeous Gourds workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 10 at the Studios @ the Armory. Kathy Sanders will teach you how to transform a simple dried gourd into a one-of-a-kind work of art inspired by nature. Participants will learn wood burning, coloring, embellishing and finishing techniques while creating your own gourd. The fee of $75 includes a cleaned gourd; dyes and paints; beads, feathers and embellishments; use of all tools and written instructions and safety information. The class is beginner friendly. Register at www.parkrapidsarmory.org or call 218-237-3722.

ArcoStrum

October 11 at the Area High School Auditorium. ArcoStrum is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining the 21st-century violin-guitar art form, presenting a new chamber music that is mixed-genre, multi-cultural and cross-era. Merging Eastern and Western cultures, ArcoStrum seamlessly combines the evocative sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu and dizi with the virtuosity of classical violin, guitar and electric guitar. TY Zhang and Strauss Shi met at The Juilliard School and soon discovered their chemistry not only as friends but in music-making. Their name, ArcoStrum, fuses "arco" a bowing technique for the violin and "strum" the motion used to create sound on a guitar. Season tickets are available at Beagle and Wolf Books. For more information about the Heartland Concert Association and sample video and program highlights at https://heartlandconcertassociation.org/.

Paul Bunyan’s Footprints

Learn how the mythical character left a stamp on many aspects of state history and lore from Johnathon Jaeger’s stories for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 13. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Beginner Gelli Plate (Gel Mat) Printing

Discover the fun and creative world of Gelli plate printing in this beginner-friendly class from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 13. Lily Hadrava will guide participants in how to use a gel printing mat, acrylic paints, stencils and simple masking techniques to create monoprints. Finished prints can be transformed into greeting cards, bookmarks, journal pages, collage art, framed artwork and much more. All materials will be provided. Fee is $40. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Art Bites: Micromosaics

The October Art Bites lunch and art session will start at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 15 at the Gallery @ the Armory. Fee is $25; supplies and lunch included. Register at www.parkrapidsarmory.org or call 218-237-3722.

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night will entertain from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 15 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up. Refreshments will be available.

218$hit hiphop concert

The Armory Arts & Events Center will present a free hiphop concert featuring 218$hit Friday, October 16. Special guests will be Rico $haw, Bitoofromthefield and Masama. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7. All ages are welcome. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No alcohol will be served or permitted on the premises.

Fall Craft Exchange

The Fall Craft Exchange will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17 at the Park Rapids Area Library downstairs meeting room. Donations may be delivered October 13-16 to get an early bird entry - 8:30 a.m. the day of the event.

Corey Medina & Brothers

Corey Medina & Brothers will play in a concert Saturday, October 17. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Early bird tickets are $10; $15 at the door. Go to https://www.parkrapidsarmory.org/.

Great Northern Trains in Minnesota

For the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 20, Chas Bettendorf’s pictures and detailed descriptions will reveal the railroad’s impact on travel, settlement and daily life, including in Park Rapids. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Watercolor Fun

Jody Ziemann will teach beginning watercolor techniques in a class from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 21. Participants will take home three greeting cards. Fee is $23. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Ghost Stories from the Shadows 'Round the Campfire

Be a part of Long Lake Theater’s 3rd Annual Ghost Stories ’Round the Campfire at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and grab a seat around the bonfire for some scary storytelling. Stories unfold about past hauntings and creep tales from shadows of th epast. The evening will end with a delightfully haunted walk in the woods. This show is recommended for a teen-adult audience due to content. Tickets are $15; $20 for VIP tickets.Go to https://www.longlaketheater.com/.

Park Rapids History Trail

Rod Nordberg and Lu Ann Hurd-Lof will give a program on the Park Rapids History Trail when the Hubbard County Historical Society meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, October 26 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room. These programs are free and the public is invited to attend.

Fur Trade in Minnesota

American frontier historian Mark Sage will come in costume, bring props and videos and transport the audience to fur trading days for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 20. All HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Park Rapids American Legion. The space is handicap accessible There is no admission charge.

Wire Bending Art 101

Did you know copper is good for house plants? Jody Ziemann will teach participants to create at least two hanging ornaments and several plant pokes using copper wire and beads. This class will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 4. Fee is $25. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Snack & Stash Bowl

Make a Snack & Stash Bowl in a class from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday,November 5. After the class, the projects return with instructor Karen Moyer, Leaf River Pottery, to be fired. Seven to 10 days later the projects, individually bagged, are returned to Community Ed. You will be notified by email when they have arrived and you can pick them up. Children are welcome to attend with an adult. Fee is $50. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

The Art of Micromosaics

Micromosaics are intricate artworks made from thousands of tiny pieces of glass enamel, down as tesserae, carefully arranged to form highly detailed images. Instructor Kathy Sanders will guide participants to create a floral motif pendant. All materials will be provided and safety glasses, tile nippers and other supplies will be available. Fee is $65. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

2nd Saturday STEM

The Park Rapids Area Library STEM program continues at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 14. This event is open to all ages, but participants 8 years old and younger need to be accompanied by an older participant or adult. The activity will be held in the large meeting room downstairs.

Art Bites: Wire Bending

The November Art Bites lunch and art session will start at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 19 at the Gallery @ the Armory. Fee is $25; lunch included. Register at www.parkrapidsarmory.org or call 218-237-3722.

Open Mic Night

Enjoy Open Mic Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, November 19 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up. Refreshments will be available.

C. Willi Miles

A veteran performer and an extremely funny guy, C. Willi Myles, will perform for the Heartland Concert Association audience at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 19 at the Area High School Auditorium. Miles has the gift of connecting people with each other through humor and storytelling that everyone can relate to. After surviving his childhood growing up with nine sisters and one brother in Alabama, he moved to Minnesota to attend college and play football. With his stories about growing up in the South and acclimating to the cold of Minnesota, Miles gives a unique spin to life's everyday challenges by applying humor to them with relatable, non-offensive stories.

The Fat Cats

The Fat Cats will play in a concert Saturday, November 21. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Early bird tickets are $10; $15 at the door. Go to https://www.parkrapidsarmory.org/.