Upcoming events.
Want your event featured on the PAC Events Calendar? Contact us at info@publicartnd.org
Travel the World Through Art Camp
Explore the world twice a week through Art and Wellness in this free Art Camp for middle schoolers!
Frost Fire Summer Theatre Presents FAME
Follow the the journey of the final class of New York City's prestigious High School for the
Performing Arts, spanning from their first year in 1980 to their graduation in 1984. It portrays
the students’ struggles, triumphs, and complex relationships with authenticity and drama.
Their story explores themes of ambition, fame, self-confidence, and the challenges of pursuing
a career in showbusiness. The show also tackles pressing issues such as prejudice, drug
abuse, and exploitation, offering a raw glimpse into the realities faced by aspiring performers.
Art For vets
Join us for our annual Veteran Show Saturday July12th 1-5pm at Arts for Vets 215 N 3rd St. Suite 100. All art made by veterans! The Boardroom will have a cash bar and food will be served.
EGF Campbell Library Community Art Exhibit
Stop by the East Grand Forks Campbell Library to enjoy beautiful artwork created by local artists!
NDMOA Opening Reception - Roberta Paul
The North Dakota Museum of Art a new exhibition opening next Thursday of work by Roberta Paul, a graduate of UND in 1981. Her last exhibition in Grand Forks was held over 40 years ago in the UND Art Galleries housed in the Memorial Union which later became NDMOA. She went on to a very successful career as an artist with her work in the collections of institutions and private collectors across the country. It fills both galleries and the work spans four decades. The show is on display through October 26.
Andante Community Orchestra
Join the Andante Community Orchestra for a free family-friendly concert! August 2nd at 4pm.
There's Something I Must Tell You
Join the exciting kick off for the 4-state premiere tour for the new play, “There’s Something I Must Tell You!” Free will donations at the door will go towards travel expenses.
Movie-Making camp for teens
This two-week movie-making camp will take 12- through 18-year-old students through the process of brainstorming, writing, editing, directing, filming, and producing a short film. It will also allow them to cast their films from actors outside the camp, hence involving additional area youth. The finished, short movies will be screened at the Empire Art Center on the large screen in the auditorium, preceded by a Red-Carpet event so family, friends, and community members can view this unique locally produced film.
I Remember... Memoir Readings
Join a thought-provoking evening of readings by local writers working on new memoirs! Topics include but are not limited to parents, parenting, and rediscovering oneself through sport.
Concerts in the Garden: She Keeps Bees
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Concerts in the Garden are casual outdoor events featuring musicians from across the country. In addition to great music, guests can enjoy food hot off the grill, nightly specials, beer, and wine.
Jesus Christ Superstar
The Empty State Theater is proud to present Jesus Christ Superstar on August 7th-9th and August 14th-16th. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
The East Grand Forks Heritage Days Bandstand Music Show
Come celebrate East Grand Forks’ Heritage Days with this amazing Bandstand Music Show! Enjoy 3 days of performances from regional musicians that range from classic swing to folk dance music!
Open gate for all events!
Gracie's Place Pop-Up Coffee Shop
Hosted by Elio Walsh at the Arts For Vets Gallery, enjoy coffee, baked goods, jewelry, artwork and books. Featuring house-made specialty syrups for lattes, matchas, and chais.
Concerts in the Garden: Laamar
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Concerts in the Garden are casual outdoor events featuring musicians from across the country. In addition to great music, guests can enjoy food hot off the grill, nightly specials, beer, and wine.
Rozaays Soiree: Keeper of the Truth Poetry Nite
Join a captivating evening at the Empire for the Keepers of the Truth Poetry Nite. Dive into an immersive experience, where powerful verses meet soulful sounds. Exclusive talent, profound moments, and an unforgettable vibe await. Be part of an extraordinary journey on Aug 29th, and let's create magic together.
From the Ground Up - Artist Reception
Come enjoy the Artist Reception for Victoria Cuellar at Muddy Waters on July 25th! Victoria’s art emphasizes earthy tones and beauty in imperfections!
North Dakota Museum of Art Concerts in the Garden - Brett Newski
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Concerts in the Garden are casual outdoor events featuring musicians from across the country. In addition to great music, guests can enjoy food hot off the grill, nightly specials, beer, and wine.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Wisconsin indie rock mainstay BRETT NEWSKI brings a collision of alt-country, Tom Petty, & 90’s alternative rock on his latest LP, ameriCONa (not on streaming). Newski is back with satirical humor, contrarian ethos, & the knack for creating anthems for outliers. The ep shows flourishes of Bob Dylan & Jonathan Richman, with production in the vein of Velvet Underground.
NEWSKI has played alongside bands like Violent Femmes, Pixies, Nada Surf, Guster, Gin Blossoms, Better than Ezra, Barenaked Ladies, Japanese Breakfast, Built to Spill, and Courtney Barnett. The band has received praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, NBC, Billboard and SPIN.
NEED TO KNOW
Smoking is not permitted on campus
No outside food or drink allowed – water bottles/containers must be empty
No coolers allowed
All concerts are rain or shine but will be canceled if conditions do not allow for an outdoor performance
Concerts will not be moved indoors in the event of rain or wind
Tickets are non-refundable
Free parking from 4:30 pm to the end of the show
Art in the Park
Carrie Sapa will be hosting Art in the Park on Tuesday, July 15th at 6:00pm!
Meet at the Big Shelter in Sherlock Park.
Free admittance available for all ages!
All supplies are provided!
The Magic of Alcohol Inks
Join artist Julie Olson for her upcoming class "The Magic of Alcohol Inks." Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, you'll be taught various techniques to create your own masterpiece! All supplies included. $45/person.
The Music Box
Catch live performances by Chris Johnson, Gordon and Sheldon Bird, and Colin Monette!
North Dakota Museum of Art Concerts in the Garden - Christopher Paul Stelling
Atlanta, Georgia based songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling has released 7 albums and played thousands of concerts across the US, Uk, and EU over the last decade. Stelling has mostly toured solo but has also supported Son Little, Mavis Staples, The Devil Makes Three, Ben Harper and many others. Stelling released a trio of albums for indie favorite Anti- records and has performed multiple times at Newport Folk Festival and on CBS Saturday Morning. Stelling is known for his intricate finger-style guitar work, road tested vocal delivery, and introspective lyrics.
Impassioned singer and virtuosic guitar player Christopher Paul Stelling’s new album Best of Luck, produced by Ben Harper, is available now. Throughout Best of Luck, discontent and self-doubt are transformed into messages of resilience and hope. Harper says he instantly recognized a kindred spirit in Stelling’s virtuosic finger picking and soulful delivery. “It was like finding a John Fahey or Leo Kottke that was a really great singer,” he explains.
Movie-Making Camp For Teens
This two-week movie-making camp will take 12- through 18-year-old students through the process of brainstorming, writing, editing, directing, filming, and producing a short film. It will also allow them to cast their films from actors outside the camp, hence involving additional area youth. The finished, short movies will be screened at the Empire Art Center on the large screen in the auditorium, preceded by a Red-Carpet event so family, friends, and community members can view this unique locally produced film.
Gelli Plate Printing Class
Back by popular demand! Gelli Plate Printing class with Jeannette Ringuette!
Sunday June 29th 2-4pm. $25/person. Limited spots available!
Contact Mandy Smestad if you'd like to sign up!
text 701-317-6711
North Dakota Museum of Art Concerts in the Garden - Joslyn and the Sweet Compression
After cultivating her dynamic voice and performance skills in backup roles and stage plays, Joslyn Hampton teamed with her stepfather, Marty Charters (a touring guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Van Morrison), to compose a captivating set of tunes and assemble an ace band. Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Carter Scofield- Guitar, Tyler Papierniak – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Jacob O’Donnell – saxophone, and Will Doty – Keyboard) combine to deliver a hook-filled mix of funk and soul.
Arts for Vets
Join us at Arts for Vets Saturday June 21st 2pm-3:30pm for poetry by Dale Jacobson and art by Therese Masters Jacobson.
Dale has published ten books, the most recent "Awake in the Imagined World" (Red Dragonfly Press). He has taught English at UND for 33 years.
Therese is a seasoned artist who captures life like portraits, animals and still lifes with paint and pencil. She also excels in the surreal and abstract with pen and ink.
Art in the Park
All ages // Meet at the Big Shelter at Sherlock Park* to create art with local artists! All supplies provided.
*If the weather is unfavorable, meet in the Large Meeting room at the East Grand Forks Library.
Harp Ensemble Tour
On June 10th, Harpist Callie Stadem will be leading a Harp Ensemble tour in the Greater Grand Forks Community through the following locations.
Midtown Kidtown (10:30am)
EGF Public Library (12:00pm)
Good Samaritan (1:30pm)
North Dakota Museum of Art Summer Art Camp
North Dakota Museum of Art: Summer Art Camp
Week-long Day camps, 9 AM–3 PM. Kids create alongside professional artists, exploring new themes weekly. Held at UND’s Huges Fine Arts Center. Registration opens May 7! Two camps each week from June 9 - July 18. Cost: $250 (Membership Discount $50)
June 9 – 13
1A Wild and Real: Color and Expression | Ages 6–9
1B Story Lab: Write and Imagine | Ages 10–14
June 16 – 20
2A Print Lab: Press and Print | Ages 6–9
2B Creative Costumes: Design and Dress | Ages 10–14
June 23 – 27
3A Color Explorers: Color and Expression | Ages 6–9
3B Emblem Makers: Symbols and Shapes | Ages 10–14
June 30 – July 3
4A Music Around the World: Sounds and Stories | Ages 3–6 with Parents | Special Price $125
4B Music Art and Mythology: Myth and Melodies | Ages 7-11 | Special Price $125
July 7 – 11
5A Handmade Histories: Craft and Culture | Ages 6–9
5B Relief Printmaking: Prints and Patterns | Ages 10–14
July 14 – 18
6 Wild Creations: Sculpt and Build | Ages 6–14
On Fridays at 2:00 pm the campers design and hold a brief reception and art show for parents, friends, and family. Park in the same area that you drop them off in the morning. The campers are proud of their week’s work. We encourage you to show your support by attending the reception. This is also a time for you to meet the teaching artist, Museum staff, and all the other campers and families that make camps possible. Please prepare to take home the artwork at 3:00 pm, after the reception. You will want to bring your camera.
Registration and information: www.ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp
Contact: 701.777.3599
ArtFest
Dates of Event: June 7, 2025 to June 8, 2025
Hours: Sat. 10 am to 6 pm, Sun. 10 am to 4 pm
Place: University Park, 320 N 25th St, Grand Forks, ND
Public Admission Price: Free
Number of Exhibitors: Nearly 100
Attendance: 20,000
Nearly 100 Artists, Musicians & Food Vendors - One Location
Hosting nearly 100 artists, artisans, food vendors and musicians, ArtFest caters to more than 20,000 art lovers and festival-goers from around the region.
Messy Art Day
Get ready to squish, splatter, and smear—Messy Art Day is back! Join us on the library’s front lawn (weather permitting) for a hands-on art explosion featuring colorful activity stations, creative chaos, and all the ooey-gooey goodness your imagination can handle. No need to stay inside the lines—just bring your curiosity and clothes that can get a little messy. Programming partners include the wildly wonderful Brainy Ink, the North Dakota Museum of Art, Artwise, and Muddy Waters Clay Center. Let’s make a beautiful mess together!
Cabaret Musical - Fire Hall Theatre
In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don't Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.”
Hoboken High Reunion 1989
The Empire Theatre Company is producing "Hoboken High Reunion, 1989" at the Empire Arts Center May 30 and 31st. Show starts at 7:30 but we encourage you to arrive by 7:15 so you can sign-in, pick up your name badge, and get reacquainted with your former classmates! That's right, this reunion is for everyone!
The infamous class of 1979 is celebrating their ten-year reunion, and long buried secrets are about to be revealed. The prom queen's title is being contested. Old sports grudges will be settled. And what really happened to Darla Kavanaugh in the summer of '79?
Plus, there will be dancing on stage to tunes spun by "Deter," cash bar, pizza and desserts for sale
Big hair!
Big drama!
Big laughs!
Bring a group of 10 "classmates" -- perhaps the chess club or women's softball team -- and your tickets are just $20 each.
You could also come solo, because the Hoboken Cougars can't wait to see you! Tickets: $25.
Or -- bring your BFF and save on two tickets: $45.
Now, the only question is -- What are you going to wear?!
Go to www.empireartscenter.com to reserve your tickets to Hoboken High Reunion, 1989
Co-produced with the GF Comedy Collective. A fun-raiser for the Empire Theatre Company.
Nine & Numb Improv
Get ready to laugh your socks off!
Join Nine and Numb Improv Troupe for a night of hilarity and surprises!
When: Tuesday, May 27
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Empire Arts Center
Expect quick wit, unpredictable scenes, and a whole lot of laughs. Don't miss the comedy magic—grab your friends and make it a night to remember!
North Country Fiddle and Dance
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents
Community Folk Dance Afternoon
📅 Saturday, May 24
🕒 3:00 – 5:30 PM
📍 Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN
Live Music by Four Mile Portage (from Duluth)
Dance to North American Folk Favorites!
Reels, squares, circle mixers & more — all dances are taught and beginner-friendly!
All ages welcome — Families, couples, singles… Come one, come all!
🎟️ Donations at the door
🍽️ Note: After-hours event – come early if you'd like to eat! Kitchen closes at 2:30 PM.
More info at: northcountrydance.org
Memorial Village Art Dedication Ceremony
Join the University of North Dakota and UND Athletics for a meaningful dedication ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of World War I veterans. This special event will unveil the new Memorial Stadium artwork, a lasting tribute to UND’s proud history and those who served.
Event Details:
Memorial Village Art Dedication
📅 Thursday, May 22
🕥 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Outside the Hyslop at Memorial Village
2625 2nd Ave. N, Grand Forks, ND
(Corner of 2nd Avenue and Columbia Road)
Following the ceremony, join us for cookies and refreshments in the Letterwinner’s Lounge, located on the first floor of the Hyslop at Memorial Village.
No registration is required—just bring your UND spirit and help us honor this important moment in campus history. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Empire's Music Box
🎶 The Empire’s Music Box 🎶
📅 Saturday, May 17, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Empire Arts Center, Grand Forks
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Grand Forks' vibrant music scene at The Empire’s Music Box! This exciting evening of live, local music!
Come experience a night of great music, creative energy, and community vibes at the historic Empire Arts Center. Whether you're a dedicated music fan or just looking for a fun night out, this is an event you don’t want to miss!
🎟️ Tickets available now!
Mayor's Choice Award Reception
Mayor Bochenski Chooses Paul Gronhovd to Receive Artist Award on May 15
The Romantic Hero- Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra Concert
May 11, 2025 Concert
The Romantic Hero | A Symphonic Journey
Location: Grand Forks Masonic Center, 423 Bruce Avenue
Guest Artist: Basil Vendryes, Viola
This action-packed season finale includes all the explosive spectacle associated with two of the Romantic era’s most dramatic composers. From Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and “Prelude and Love-Death” from Tristan und Isolde to Berlioz’s programmatic Harold en Italie featuring guest violist Basil Vendryes, this program follows musical “heroes” at various stages of life. Join us for these thrilling examples of storytelling brought to life through the power of music!
Happy Hour - A Standup Comedy Fundraiser for the Empire Arts Center
You’re invited to
HAPPY HOUR
A Stand-up Comedy Fundraiser for the
Empire Arts Center
Get ready for another night of laughter at the 2nd Annual Happy Hour, a standup comedy fundraiser featuring some of the region's most talented comedians!
Each comedian brings their own unique style and perspective to the stage, delivering a diverse range of comedy that will have everyone laughing.
New this year: come early for an actual happy hour! From 6 to 7 PM, enjoy drinks and free appetizers courtesy of Ely's Ivy before the show kicks off. It's the perfect way to loosen up and get ready to laugh.
Not only will you enjoy an evening of great entertainment, but your ticket purchase supports the Empire Arts Center, helping to sustain and grow the arts in our community.
General Admission
Cash bar available
Recommended age: 18+
Join us for a night of comedy for a cause—because laughter is always better when it supports the arts!
City Band Spring Concert
Join the Grand Forks City Band at the Spring Concert on Monday, May 5th at the Empire Arts Center!
Opening reception for Ra'Chel Alexander- Chapters
Opening Reception: Chapters – A Solo Exhibition by Ra'Chel Alexander
📅 Thursday, May 1st
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Grand Forks Art Center- 215 N 3rd St. Suite 100 Grand Forks, ND 58203
Chapters is a solo exhibition reflecting on Ra'Chel Alexander's artistic journey in Grand Forks as she prepares for a new chapter in Minneapolis. This collection traces the evolution of her work—each piece a marker of growth, exploration, and transformation. From past to present, this show is both a farewell and a celebration of the creative path that has shaped her body of work. Join us in honoring the stories, inspirations, and moments that have defined her time here.
Opening reception for Ra'Chel Alexander May 1st, 5-8pm. The show runs until May 30th.
Opening Reception: Healing Works – Art by Veronica Dockter
Opening Reception: Healing Works – Art by Veronica Dockter
📅 Thursday, May 1st, 2025
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Arts for Vets Gallery- 215 N 3rd St. Suite 100 Grand Forks, ND58203
Join us at Arts for Vets for the exhibit of Veronica Dockter's "Healing Works." Veronica is a seasoned artist with work including colorful expressionism, poetry and beading. Show will run the duration of the month of May.
The opening reception is May 1st, 2025 5-8 pm and show runs until May 30th.
Muddy Waters Clay Center Spring Showcase
Spring Showcase at Muddy Waters Clay Center
May 1–3 | 2014 13th Ave. North, Grand Forks
Celebrate the season with local creativity at Muddy Waters Clay Center’s Spring Showcase!
Event Hours:
• Thursday, May 1: 3 PM – 7 PM
• Friday, May 2: 1 PM – 7 PM
• Saturday, May 3: 10 AM – 4 PM
Come shop the showcase for unique gifts, clever garden decorations and hand crafted pottery. Tour the studio, meet the artists and enjoy some light refreshments.
Register for door prizes!
2014 13th Ave. North, Grand Forks
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Stellaluna
Knocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird’s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat’s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits.
UND Wind Ensemble & Trombone Choir Concert
UND Wind Ensemble & Trombone Choir Concert
📅 Thursday, April 24, 2025 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, 3475 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND
Join us for an evening of extraordinary music as the UND Wind Ensemble and Trombone Choir take the stage! 🎷🎵 Experience powerful, dynamic performances showcasing the talent and artistry of UND’s finest musicians.
Can’t make it in person? Watch the live stream at und.edu/music/stream.