MANKATO MINNESOTA EVENTS

Big Bobber Ice Fishing Contest

This event is scheduled January 25th, 2009 at 10:00am at Lake Washington at Squirrel’s Nest Landing/Westwood Marina. Tickets $30 in advance and $40 at the door, limited to 3,000 entrants. Prizes will be determined by fish weight and time entered. All 100 prizes will be awarded through drawings.  www.msumavericks.com/support/events/icefishing

Vikings Training Camp

Annual Minnesota Vikings training camp, watch pro NFL players train for upcoming season. Enjoy other activities hosted by the team throughout the week. See how your favorite players will look before the season opener. This event starts end of July through mid August each year.  www.minnesotavikings.com

Land of Memories Pow Wow

Native Americans from a number of tribes gather in Mankato’s Land of Memories Park, where the Dakota people held many ceremonies and gatherings before the 1862 U.S./Dakota warriors who were executed in Mankato in 1862. The Pow-wow, which is co-sponsored and co-organized by the Mdewakanton Association, is free and open to the public. It has been held in Mankato since 1972. The three-day event, which always takes place over the third weekend of September, includes the beautiful regalia of the dancers, traditional music, delicious foods and beautiful crafts. This event happens every year, the 3rd week-end in September.  www.mahkatowacipi.org

Hickory Street Rib Fest

At this 3 day annual festival, held each August, one may enjoy award-winning ribs while listening to a wide variety of live bands; also featured are children's games and activities.
112 Riverfront Drive, 507.345.4519.

Mankato Area Farmers Market

A gathering of local farmers and coops to market they’re fresh products. The choices expand throughout the season. During the summer months, there will be ripe tomatoes, green beans and fresh herbs, to name just a few of the many offerings. When fall comes, there will be pumpkins, squash and other seasonal treats.  Located at Madison East Shopping Mall. 507.420.8711.

Mankato Solstice

The Annual Solstice Festival, a celebration of music and art held at Land of Memories Park. This event is held in Mid June.  www.solsticemankato.com

National Brew Fest

National and regional musical acts will perform as brewers form across the country serve up more that 100 of the nation’s best brews. This event is held in downtown Mankato in the middle of June. For information call 507.625.4762.

North Mankato Fun Days

This four day festival is a community celebration and homecoming for everyone. There’s a kiddie parade and a large community parade that travels the winding streets of lower North Mankato, with lots of floats, cars, tractors and of course, candy! This event is held at Wheeler Park in North Mankato just before the mid of July. For information call  507.625.4141.