By ND Commerce Tourism Division
Summer is winding down but September is full of adventure in North Dakota. Raise a glass (or beer stein) to the waning days of warmth at Oktoberfest. Soak in the sounds, colors and dance movements of a powwow. Bask in the glow of a star-filled sky during an astronomy festival. Or don your school colors and show hometown spirit at one of many homecoming events. To find more information about these activities, and for a complete list of events, go to NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.
2016 GRANDowntown Street Fair
Grand Forks
September 9-10
What's up is Downtown Grand Forks? More than 150 vendors will fill the streets, Town Square and Greenway park space with art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, music, food and fun during this inaugural event. Artist lineup features Rhyme or Reason, Boomtown, Sean Emery, and Joseph Bommersbach “Blind Joe”. www.downtowngrandforks.org/street-fair; 701-746-4636
United Tribes International Powwow
Bismarck
September 9-11
Come out for one of the highly awarded, premier cultural events in North Dakota. United Tribes International Powwow features more than 1,500 dancers and drummers from more than 70 tribes and regularly attracts around 20,000 spectators. www.unitedtribespowwow.com; 701-255-3285
Bakken X-Trek
Williston
September 10
This terrain race is hailed as “MonDak’s Filthiest 5K” and is back for another year to take full advantage of Williston’s rugged geography. Extreme North Dakota (END) helped develop this challenging course that has participants running, crawling, wading and climbing their way towards the finish line. www.bakkenxtrek.com; 701-774-9041
Big Iron
West Fargo
September 13-15
It will take a fast tractor and heaps of energy to visit all 900 exhibits at the largest farm show in the Upper Midwest but the Big Iron Farm Show tempts you to do it. Demonstrations, craft shows, seminars and more serve to educate farmers and ranchers from around the world about the latest innovation and advancements in agriculture. www.bigironfarmshow.com; 701-282-2200
51st Annual Potato Bowl
Grand Forks
September 13-17
It’s the 51st year of the annual Potato Bowl so join this unique celebration of potatoes and football! Festivities include the World's Largest French Fry Feed, live music, fireworks and a parade. Cheer on the University of North Dakota as it plays the University of South Dakota on Saturday. www.potatobowl.org; 218-773-3633
Downtowners Street Fair
Bismarck
September 16-17
Anointed the “Best of the Best” Festival in Bismarck, Downtowners Street Fair is back for another year of food and fun. More than 180 arts, crafts and food vendors offer handmade favorites, delicious eats and engaging activities in the heart of downtown Bismarck. Held in conjunction with the Autmnfest Parade on Saturday. Spend a day downtown. www.downtownbismarck.com; 701-223-1958.
Bismarck Marathon
Bismarck
September 17
Kroll’s Bismarck Marathon weaves through the Missouri River Valley and the cities of Bismarck and Mandan. Cheer runners from across the United States and Canada in this qualifier for the Boston and New York City marathons. www.bismarckmarathon.com; 701-220-9162
Octoberfest
Jamestown
September 17
It’s Octoberfest in North Dakota replete with beer, brats and lederhosen. Visit the Stutsman County Fairgrounds in Jamestown to commemorate German heritage. Don’t miss the wiener dog race, musical entertainment and games. Attendees must be 21 years old. www.jamestownarts.com; 701-251-2496.
Pride of Dakota Harvest Showcase
Dickinson
September 17-18
Shop from many Pride of Dakota members at the Harvest Showcase where you’ll find unique products, including gourmet food, wine, art, jewelry, sporting goods, home décor, and pet items. www.prideofdakota.nd.gov; 701-328-2231
Wild Hog Weekend/Grand Forks Marathon
Grand Forks
September 23-24
Put your sneakers on and grab some family fun with hog races and a 5K run/walk. A 10K, half marathon and an inaugural full marathon are highlights of this event that also includes food and live entertainment. www.gfmarathon.com; 701-746-0444
Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival
Medora
September 23–25
Marvel at the vastness of our universe and its countless twinkling stars while learning the secrets of the night sky from nationally recognized astronomers at the fourth annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. Events take place in and around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. www.nps.gov/thro/learn/nature/dakota-nights-festival.htm;
Oktoberfest Mandan
Mandan
September 24
German-themed family fun abounds at Mandan’s Oktoberfest in Dykshoorn Park. Polka bands, German food vendors, beer gardens, children’s activities, adult games and a hay maze make this a not-to-be-missed fall favorite. www.mandanprogress.org; 701-751-2983.
Applefest
Bismarck
September 24-25
For the 10th year, Bismarck’s pioneer town of Buckstop Junction comes alive with entertainment for all ages. The event, which benefits the Bismarck Cancer Center, features live music, food and craft vendors, a range of children’s activities and a fall festival tradition – an apple pie eating contest. www.applefest.org; 701-222-6119
NDSU Homecoming
Fargo
September 26–October 1
Join a multi-day celebration of a Top 100 research university and its successful athletics program that consistently impresses the nation. Events include a parade, tailgating, a coronation, reunions and - of course - a football game! www.ndsu.edu/homecoming/; 701-231-8011.
Norsk Høstfest
Minot
September 27-October 1
It’s lefse, lutefisk, Vikings and all things Nordic. Don’t miss out on uniquely Scandinavian delicacies and much more at North America’s largest Scandinavian festival. www.hostfest.com; 701-852-2368
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in September. For more information, go to NDtourism.com or phone 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663
Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TravelND , Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.
North Dakota’s accommodations are plentiful and varied. With more than 25,000 hotel rooms available in North Dakota, you’ll find a comfortable place to rest your head. So, plan your North Dakota vacation now. Go to NDtourism.com.
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