Calendar of Events

Copper Enameling Workshop

Cheryl Bannes will lead this hands-on workshop with students learning a kiln-fired enameling technique to design and create their own jewelry or small art piece using copper, glass and bold modern forms. The workshop will reimagine this ancient art, dating back thousands of years, when artisans fused glass to metal using fire to create lasting color and symbolic design. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2 at the Studios @ The Armory. Fee is $45. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Saturday STEM: Explore Chemistry - DIY Bath Bombs

At the Saturday Stem event at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9 participants will explore chemistry making DIY Bath Bombs. Materials will be provided. The event will be held at the Park Rapids Area Library basement large meeting room. Saturday Stem events are free and open to the public. Participants 8 years and younger should be accompanied by an older sibling, parent or other adult.

Contour Drawing to Wire Sculpture

Suzanne Dinger will introduce participants in this class to the expressive power of line through both drawing and sculpture. You will begin with contour drawing exercises and move into exploring the wire sculptures and use the drawings as templates to create original three-dimensional wire sculptures. This class will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Fee is $25. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Pottery Painting: Berry Basket

Karen Moyer of Leaf River Pottery is leading a series of Park Rapids Community Education pottery painting classes. The class to paint a berry basket will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14. All the pottery, glazes and general supplies are included. After class, projects return with the instructor to be fired and seven to 10 days later they are individually bagged and returned to Community Ed. Makers are notified by email when their pieces have arrived so they can pick them up. Fee for this class will be $33. To register contact the office at 218-237-6600.

Caleigh

The Park Rapids Area Library will host Caleigh in a performance of “They Brought Their Songs,” international folk music in Minnesota, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. This is a program sponsored by the Kitchigami Regional Library with Minnesota Legacy funding.

Word Dances

The Armory Arts & Events Center will host Word Dances, an impactful, multi-sensory performance Saturday, May 16 with a Happy Half Hour at 4 and Poetry in Motion at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy how poetry, dance and music can promote healing, hope and joy. General admission will be $10; ages 12 and under free.

Exhibition by David Ceminski

An opening reception for David Ceminski’s exhibition is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at Tin Ceiling Gallery. The display will be a selection of paintings and drawings from David’s time at C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio.

Season Finale Open Mic Night

Season Finale Open Mic Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Share your talents by calling 218-237-3722 and setting up a 10-minute time slot. Doors open at 6 p.m. Open Mic Nights are free to the public, but $5 donations are encouraged and welcome. Beverages are available at the AA&EC concession window.

PK Mayo Band Concert

The last concert of the season at the Armory Arts and Events Center will feature PKMayo, playing country, rock, blues and folk, Saturday, May 30. The doors will open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7. Advance tickets are $10; $15 at the door. Buy yours now at https://www.parkrapidsarmory.org.

Exhibits by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall

The Nemeth Art Center 2026 season has begun with a year of ambitious exhibitions, artist residencies and public programming that continues the commitment to presenting contemporary art. On view through July 18 are works by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall. A reception for both artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Fleischer is an Ohio-born, Minnesota-based artist whose work in drawing, sculpture, sound and performance explores threshold states, resistance patterns and opportunities for contact. John holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and is a recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board's Artist Initiative Grant. He has presented projects at venues such as the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (Grand Rapids, MI), Kunstverein Graftschaft Bentheim (Neuenhaus, Germany), Foreign & Domestic (New York City), Rochester Art Center (Rochester, MN) and Hair + Nails (Minneapolis. Holliday Hall is a visual artist from Los Angeles, who merges material and sound-based inquiry to uncover overlooked patterns within the natural world. Her work draws out the beauty of hidden structures and chance processes, engaging them across multiple scales simultaneously.

Jenn Ellis, Harp/Piano

Jenn Ellis will play piano, harp and Appalachian dulcimer to open the summer Noon Hour Concert series at Calvary Lutheran Church Thursday, June 4 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Ellis grew up in Bemidji, and started piano lessons at age 6. She later studied violin, harp and the Appalachian dulcimer. She received a scholarship from the Bemidji Area Church Musicians organization to study at Concordia College in Moorhead, where she majored in music with a piano emphasis and social work. Now she accompanies students and choirs, plays professionally for events and helps lead worship at her church. Jenn lives in West Fargo with her husband and their 3 children. She will be playing selections including hymns, classical and contemporary music. A free will offering will be taken for the musician.

Monarch puppet-making workshop & Procession of the Species

Six local nonprofit community organizations will celebrate biodiversity and the return of the monarchs with a free puppet-making workshop and Procession of the Species June 5 in Park Rapids. The community is invited to join visiting artists Mary Plaster and Chris Lutter who will lead the events. Guest artists will bring supplies to make monarch puppets in a free workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 5 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. To register, call Park Rapids Community Education at 218-237-6600 (Monday through Friday) by Tuesday, June 2. Children must be accompanied by a parent. From 12:30 to 1 p.m. come to participate in large puppet training in preparation for the Procession of the Species which will start at 1 p.m. at the Armory, proceed to the intersection and cross Highway 34, then cross Highway 71 and continue to Red Bridge Park, cross the red bridge and end at Heartland Park. At Heartland Park there will be music, food and more. If it rains, the procession will be held in the Armory. Partnering on this project are Heartland Arts, Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Cultural Museum, C.R.E.A.T.E., the Armory Arts and Events Center, Nemeth Art Center and Park Rapids Community Education.

Pottery Painting Class: Pottery Glaze Summer Bouquet

The husband and wife duo of Michael and Melanie Hanson will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 11 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Michael will perform on soprano saxophone, joined by Melanie on violin, in a program that blends the elegance of Baroque music with the vibrant compositions of American violinist Mark O’Connor. There will be a free will offering taken for the musicians.

Melanie Hanson, piano/violin; Michael Hanson, soprano saxophone

The husband and wife duo of Michael and Melanie Hanson will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 11 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Michael will perform on soprano saxophone, joined by Melanie on violin, in a program that blends the elegance of Baroque music with the vibrant compositions of American violinist Mark O’Connor. There will be a free will offering taken for the musicians.

Mark Joseph & The American Soul

American Soul is a fitting brand for Mark Joseph. Since his 2017 album by that title, he has charted a relentless and soulful course through America, and Americana, from blues to country to psychedelic rock. Mark Joseph and his band will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Willow Whistle Workshop

Guest artist Bruce Engebretson will lead a Willow Whistle Workshop for high school ages and adults from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 12 in the Nemeth Art Center Gallery. All materials will be provided. Register with Community Education at 218-237-6600. Cost is $10.

Workbench New Play Workshop

The Workbench New Play Workshop is back for a sixth year from June 14-20. Applications are being accepted for writers interested in creating their own original play. Writers of all levels are welcome. Participants will be led through a series of exercises by New York City playwrights Gregory Paul and Melanie Goodreaux, culminating in a public performance of their work Saturday, June 20 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. To apply, go to https://www.northernlightopera.org/upcoming-production. 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

Line and Wash Watercolor Cards

Lily Hadrava will teach how to capture the art of line and wash watercolor in a class from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 15. Participants will learn essential watercolor and ink techniques step-by-step as they create three charming floral greeting cards and envelopes. This class is perfect for beginners and watercolor enthusiasts alike. Fee is $40. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Comic Ventriloquist James Wedgwood

Comic ventriloquist James Wedgwood will bring his outrageous characters and hilarious audience participation to Century School at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, sponsored by the Park Rapids Area Library. This family friendly show will delight and surprise all ages as James blends amazing technical skill seamlessly with quick wit and wacky wooden friends. It's a great opportunity to see the fascinating art of ventriloquism up close and who knows, you may even become part of the act. Come see why James truly is "Funnier Than Your Average Dummy!"

Jennie Anderson, flute, Rebekah Sundsrud, piano

Performing at the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at Calvary Lutheran Church will be Jennie Anderson on flute and Rebekah Sundsrud on piano. Jennie has lived in the community for 20 years. She is involved with the Park Rapids Area Community Band, Heartland Concert Association and PEO Chapter FJ, conducts the Hubbard United Methodist Church choir and Classic Chorale, and performs in the Northern Light Opera Company orchestra. She is a graduate of Augsburg College where she studied flute with Mary Roberts Wilson. She also has performed in England and Norway. Jennie is excited to perform again for the Noon Hour Concert series and will play selections from Gabriel Faure and Herman Beeftink. Sundsrud is a pianist and cellist who lives in Park Rapids and performs with various local and regional ensembles. There will be a free will offering taken for the musicians.

Good Morning Bedlam

Good Morning Bedlam is a folk-rock duo from Minneapolis. Their shows are known for their wild energy and stunning harmonies. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Exhibition by Patrick Pope

An opening reception for Patrick Pope’s exhibition, a collection of beadwork, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Tin Ceiling Gallery.

NLOKids Theater Camp

Northern Light Opera Company’s Kids Theater Camp starts Monday, June 22 and will continue through July 11. Kids will learn playwriting and improv, games and creative movement, and song writing and dance. The bus to Pine Point leaves Century School at 9 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m. daily. Free lunch is provided. Performances will be July 10 and 11 at the Armory Arts and Events center. For more information, go to www.northernlightopera.org. 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.

DIY Teddy Bear Workshop

Stuff and color your own teddy bear during a workshop at the Park Rapids Area Library. The first will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 and a second will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19. This was one of most popular events last summer! Space is limited so sign up early. We are hoping folks will allow those who were not able to participate last year will be able to sign up first.

Timothy Pinkerton, violin; Sarah Carlson, piano

Violinist Timothy Pinkerton will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Calvary Lutheran Church. A 21-year-old hailing from Bemidji, Timothy is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music. With a strong pull toward orchestral playing, he most recently won a position as first violin in the Canton Symphony Orchestra and serves as a substitute for the New World Symphony. In the summer of 2025, Timothy served as concertmaster at the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, under Marin Alsop and performed at the Domaine Forget Academy in Quebec. Additionally, in March 2025, he won first prize in the Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition undergraduate string division, With a strong collaborative spirit, Timothy enjoys playing chamber music and has collaborated with members of the Cleveland Orchestra. There will be a free will offering for the musician.

Indecent Proposal

Indecent Proposal is a band out of Duluth, built around connection, feel and songs that hold up in a room or street full of people. Blending modern alt-rock, groove-driven covers and emotionally grounded originals, the band focuses on moments you can feel as much as hear. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 25 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Children's 3-D art workshop

Visiting artist John Fleischer will lead a Children's 3-D art workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25 in the Nemeth Art Center Gallery. All materials will be provided. Register with Community Education at 218-237-6600. Cost is $10.

Author Emily Kilgore at Storytime

The Park Rapids Area Library will host a special story time with author Emily Kilgore at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 26. Her characters, Huck and Loona, love spending time together in the Great Northwoods. From cloud-watching to fishing, the two want to do everything together. When they realize they sometimes want to do different things or that there are some activities the other simply cannot do, they worry that their friendship is over. With themes of friendship, individuality, compromise and grace, Huck and Loona equips children to embrace their uniqueness and communicate with others for healthy relationships.

Children's Photography workshop

Guest artist Wayne Gudmundson will lead a Children’s Photography workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, June 26. All materials, including a disposable camera, will be provided. Register with Community Education at 218-237-6600. A second session will be held August 13. Cost is $40 for both sessions.

Memories of Bud Mack

The Hubbard County Historical Museum program for June will be Memories of Bud Mack, presented by Sharon Condiff. It will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 29 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room.

Exhibits by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall

The Nemeth Art Center 2026 season has begun with a year of ambitious exhibitions, artist residencies and public programming that continues the commitment to presenting contemporary art. On view through July 18 are works by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall. Fleischer is an Ohio-born, Minnesota-based artist whose work in drawing, sculpture, sound and performance explores threshold states, resistance patterns and opportunities for contact. John holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and is a recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board's Artist Initiative Grant. He has presented projects at venues such as the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (Grand Rapids, MI), Kunstverein Graftschaft Bentheim (Neuenhaus, Germany), Foreign & Domestic (New York City), Rochester Art Center (Rochester, MN) and Hair + Nails (Minneapolis. Holliday Hall is a visual artist from Los Angeles, who merges material and sound-based inquiry to uncover overlooked patterns within the natural world. Her work draws out the beauty of hidden structures and chance processes, engaging them across multiple scales simultaneously.

Bemidji Brass

The Bemidji Brass Quintet will entertain for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 2 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Members are Kyle Riess, trumpet; Alyssa Konecne, trombone; Steve Radley, bass trombone; Eve Sumsky, horn and Craig Swartz, trumpet. The quintet enjoys performing a diverse selection of music including sacred, musical theater and cinema, contemporary, jazz, and standard brass quintet repertoire. The Bemidji Brass Quintet is one of a very few ensemble groups in this area to consistently provide free musical performances for the community. No admission, A free will offering will be taken for the musicians.

The Front Fenders

The Front Fenders is a classic rock group from Fargo. The Front Fenders began in January 1996 as more of a 50s and 60s group. The band has continued to evolve and now represents all decades since. One thing has remained the same: the band makes a party! They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Emily Kjenaas, Mezzo-Soprano

Mezzo-Soprano Emily Kjenaas will perform at the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 9 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Originally from Park Rapids, Emily is a 10th grade English teacher, speech coach and assistant drama director in Wahpeton, ND. She has received 10 years of private voice lessons, 4 of those under Dr. Ana Miller at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Emily loves musical theatre and greatly appreciates every opportunity to perform in her hometown. There will be a free will offering taken for the musician.

Absolute Grüv

Coming off their blockbuster inaugural performance at 2nd Street Stage, Absolute Grüv is ready to come back for Year 2! For over two decades, The Grüv has captivated audiences nationwide with their distinctive fusion of classic soul and modern improvisational rock. Growing up on the shores of Belle Taine, their songwriting is honest and deeply rooted in Minnesota pride. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Camp Houdini

Camp Houdini will entertain all ages with historical storytelling through physical theater and sleight-of-hand magic in a show at 3 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Park Rapids Area Library. This is a Legacy funded program brought by the Kitchigami Regional Library System.