Paint The Town will be playing all of your favorite songs at The Bun Lounge in Grand Forks, ND! Bring yourself as well as some friends, and get ready for a party!

Join the City Band at their upcoming summer concerts

Arts for Vets invites all US Veteran artists of all military backgrounds to submit works for “Independence 250-US Veterans Art Show”
This is a juried exhibition celebrating the power, resilience, and voice of veterans who have served, protected and helped build the United States of America.

Inspired by the spirit of our country’s birth and the ongoing pursuit of independence, freedom and democracy this show explores what freedom in creativity, equality in expression, and representation of diverse veteran creativity mean through the eyes of veterans today. We invite artists to reflect on themes of identity, autonomy, family history, creative expression and personal pursuits of freedom and happiness from personal stories of who have served in the military. Ask yourself, "How do you I use the arts and creative expression living in freedom in my everyday life?" "How do I express myself creatively as an independent artist?" "How do I express myself after military service?" Artists are welcome to share and celebrate their art in any art form or subject matter they choose that's what Freedom is all about! Creative independence is the key to truly embracing the freedoms our country has to offer. One veteran may choose to create something patriotic, while another paints a portrait of a friend and accepts all subject matters. One may create a sculpture based on military service and another spoken word on their every day life. This show is designed to celebrate and uplift those who served in the US military and keep our country strong!

Awards:
● People’s Choice Award (voted at the opening reception)
● Curator’s Choice Award
● Honorable Mention

The music of Sean Hayes consists of folk, soul, country, and in between the cracks, on the edges – roots, rock, reggae.  Sean Hayes is a crooner, a wailer and an escape artist. He plays songs to get you dancing, sipping, dreaming and falling.

Born in New York, raised in North Carolina, with over 30 years playing music in California’s Bay Area you can hear a bit of all these places flowing through the songwriting and his singular voice.

These influences are reflected in the many different musicians Sean has played with over the years. From singing duets with Aimee Mann and Frazey Ford to touring with Charley Crockett, Jolie Holland, The Wood Brothers, Ani DeFranco and The Cold War Kids among many others. His songs have been remixed by renowned House DJ Mark Farina and have appeared on NPR, NBC and HBO. Dress it up however you like it’s just good music.

Other inspirations run the gamut: sly, funky jams like “Bell” and “Gold Tooth” revolve quite literally around a celebration of the bell shape and Hayes’ gold tooth, respectively; while “Joy” is a seductive, slow-burning afternoon love song, and “Invisible Weight” sings the praises of a simple apology, no matter how long overdue. Taken together, these tracks comprise a meditation on balance and acceptance — on learning to see life’s bruises and heartaches as necessary parts of the ride.

Join the City Band at their upcoming summer concerts

Join us at the opening of "Material Abstractions" from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Beginning at 5 pm, curator, Anna Sigrídur Arnar and featured artist, Lauren Fensterstock will provide commentary. The gallery talks and reception, including hors d'oeuvres and beverages, are free and open to the public. Parking is available, at no charge, in front of the Museum located on the University of North Dakota campus. The exhibition will be on display through October 4, 2026.

About the Exhibition

The history of abstraction has typically focused on a sequential progression of heroic individuals in Western art “discovering” abstract art in the early 20th century. By contrast, Material Abstractions acknowledges the global and diverse traditions of abstract art, many of which predate Western developments. The exhibition also features works of fiber art including weavings, quilts, and fabric constructions. Such works are often inherently abstract in their underlying structure or bear decorative abstract motifs yet have traditionally been excluded from the narratives about abstract art because of their status as a decorative art or craft. Above all, Material Abstractions highlights abstract art that embraces the unique communicative power of materials including paint, wool, wood, hemp, bamboo, clay, metal oxides, glass, leather, mirrors, repurposed books, animal bones, and seashells to name but a few examples. These materials appeal not only to sight, but also to touch and sound to invoke a multisensory experience. For many artists featured in the exhibition, the historical traces or personal stories embedded in materials release information that fundamentally shape understanding of a work of art.

All works in this exhibition come from the permanent collection of the Museum and provide an overview of the depth and range of artists in the collection.

Featured artists
Machiko Agano | Edgar Arceneaux | Omar Barquet | Tonia Calderon Lauren Fensterstock | Adebunmi Gbadebo | Carol Hepper | Samuel Levi Jones | Terran Last Gun | Susie J. Lee | Medrie MacPhee | Jayson Musson | Kenny Nguyen | Richard Nonas | Ruben Nusz | Judy Onofrio | Esteban Ramón Pérez | Usha Seejarim | Erin Shirreff | Evelyn Ward | Lena McGrath Welker | Yvonne Wells | Steven J. Yazzie | Domenico Zindato

Cousin Curtiss brings to the stage a fiery dynamic rarely seen by a solo act and now partnered up with the equally enigmatic and soulfully driven electric guitar prowess of Harrison B, these two road warriors are on a mission to electrify audiences everywhere with their two-man full-band sound. Think, “blues at bluegrass speeds.” Imagine, “rock americana with a soulful drip.” Experience rapid fire acoustic guitar, incendiary harmonica, fiercely energized solos, all driven by a thunderous kick drum.

Cousin Curtiss left a successful teaching career in Alaska in 2015 to pursue music full time and has never looked back. Shortly after committing himself to road life, his life and story was discovered and featured by Business Insider, Cosmopolitan magazine, Redbull, Fox News, MSNBC, Daily Mail UK, and many more.

Years later, Cousin Curtiss continues to turn heads wherever he plays solo, with the band, or supporting acts like The Commonheart, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, G Love and Special Sauce, Infamous Stringdusters, Sweet Lillies, Andy Thorn (of Leftover Salmon), John Stickley, Pepper, The Bellamy Brothers, and the list goes on. The journey that started in dive bars has grown to festival appearances around the States such as Salmonfest, New West Fest, Hoxeyville, Chickenstock, Mile of Music, Tico Time Bluegrass Fest, and more.

Come to the Empire’s Music Box July 11th, 2026!

The Empire's monthly Music Box features 3 local acts, as well as an open-to-the-public jam at the start of every show. If you're interested in live, local music, the Music Box is the place to be! Come for the music, stay for the good vibes(and the free popcorn).

Doors open at 6:00 PM, open-jam starts at 7:00 PM

The Music Box is one of the only venues in Grand Forks that allows artists to play what they want, and our Music Box stage helps to give any musician a platform to perform, regardless the genre or experience.

Tickets available by donation at the door. Recommended Donation of $10. The Music Box is supported through our sponsor, Rydell GMC and through donations from our community.

he Doctors of Comedy

Presented by the Empire Arts Center and GF Comedy Collective

A real doctor (and his friend) trade their day jobs for laughs at this one-night stand-up showcase. 

July 9 / 7:30pm

Empire Arts Center

Meet Your Comedy Providers:

Steve Windels, aka The Beaver Doctor, is a professional wildlife biologist by day, stand-up comedian by night who gives a unique perspective on not just the mysteries of the animal kingdom but life in general as a middle-aged divorced dad trying to figure out where he fits on this goofy planet. He was a 2025 finalist for the House of Comedy’s Funniest Person contest and a 2025 finalist of the Funniest Person in Minneapolis. He also produces comedy shows in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in Minnesota. Learn more at www.thebeaverdoctor.com.

Ateh Ekinde could be a doctor right now. The 30-year-old was on course to enter medical school roughly four years ago, until a chance encounter with stand-up comedy changed his trajectory. A popular Minnesota comic, Ateh Ekinde can be seen performing at many of the top clubs and performance venues around the Twin Cities. 

Get your tickets now by clicking below or by calling 701-746-5500.

Jack Bryan will be playing the patio at Blue Moose Bar & Grill on Thursday, July 9. Jack’s known around the Grand Forks area for his mix of popular covers and original folk/pop songs, with a really engaging live style.

Brett Newski is back again this year, but this time with his full band, the Bad Inventions! Wisconsin indie rock mainstay Brett Newski & the Bad Inventions bring a collision of alt-country, Tom Petty, & 90’s alternative rock on their 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.

His new book Piss in the Wind, tells tales of his weirdest shows across Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong before moving to Saigon, Vietnam for two years. A must-read for fans of Hunter S Thompson, Chuck Klosterman, or Henry Rollins.

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.

Join the City Band at their upcoming summer concerts

ArtWise will exhibit Lacey Anderson's photography May 17-June 20, 2026. An opening will be on May 17 from 2:00-4:00.

Lacey Anderson is an educator, sociologist, and Garden Fellow at the GRO.UND Learning Gardens at the University of North Dakota. With more than fifteen years of teaching experience, her artistic practice is shaped by the concepts she explores in the classroom, including sustainability, social equity, advocacy, and care. She works across photography, embroidery, and assemblage to translate these ideas into visual form.

Through her work, Anderson invites viewers to slow down and look closely. By focusing on small, easily overlooked moments, Biodiversity in Bloom highlights the interconnected relationships between humans and the natural world, suggesting that care for the environment is inseparable from broader questions of justice, responsibility, and collective well-being.

This month’s Empire Music box will feature 3 musicians; Matt Pinkard, Chris Erickson, and Cody Verret! As always, the show will be preceded by an open-to-the-public jam, so bring any instrument you’d like! If you're interested in live, local music, the Music Box is the place to be! Come for the music, stay for the good vibes(and the free popcorn).

For the jam, we ask that participants limit any extra equipment that takes excess time to set up that may take away from the time others have to participate. The Empire provides equipment such as keyboards, amps, drums, cymbals, and cables so there is no need to bring your own!

Doors open at 6:00 PM, open-jam starts at 7:00 PM

The Music Box is one of the only venues in Grand Forks that allows artists to play what they want, and our Music Box stage helps to give any musician a platform to perform, regardless the genre or experience.

Tickets available by donation at the door. Recommended Donation of $10. The Music Box is supported through our sponsor, Rydell GMC and through donations from our community.

Celebrate the life of Melissa Smestad Halvorson through the eyes of her sister, award winning and published artist, Mandy Smestad. This exhibit will feature expressionism, surrealism, abstract, contemporary and more. Join us at Arts for Vets June 13th 2pm-5pm for the opening reception. There will be live music, refreshments and drinks as well. This exhibit will run for the duration of the month.

Join us for the eye catching and enticing art of local artist, Emma Katka! Opening reception is June 13th 2pm-5pm at Arts for Vets downtown GF and the exhibit will run until June 30th.

It is the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Japanese Garden in Sertoma Park. We will be celebrating our relationship with our Friendship City, Kanuma, by hosting a Japanese Festival from 1:00-4:00 PM on June 7th. Please join us for free arts and crafts, games, and performances. There will also be two food trucks selling refreshments.

Additionally, there is a drumming class at 1:30, but registration is required. Please consider signing up - it is for all ages - no experience necessary!

Whether you’ve been raised on the gritty, unforgettable songs of Johnny Cash or you’re just now discovering the power of his music, Church of Cash is a must-see experience. This band doesn’t just play the hits—they live them.

With unmatched energy and a style all their own, Church of Cash brings the music of the Man in Black to life while staying true to the heart of what made it legendary. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to preserving the soul of Cash’s songs—the stories of redemption, the struggle of being lost and found, the raw emotions of love and loss, and the haunting beauty of those iconic prison tunes.

With every performance, they don’t just cover Cash—they carry his spirit, inviting audiences to rediscover the music that still moves the world.

The Empire's monthly Music Box features 3 local acts, as well as an open-to-the-public jam at the start of every show. If you're interested in live, local music, the Music Box is the place to be! Come for the music, stay for the good vibes(and the free popcorn).

Doors open at 6:00 PM, open-jam starts at 7:00 PM

The Music Box is one of the only venues in Grand Forks that allows artists to play what they want, and our Music Box stage helps to give any musician a platform to perform, regardless the genre or experience.

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2026 Mayor's Choice Artist Award Reception to honor Greg Vettel.

Hors D'oeuvres & Drinks Provided
Music by Jazz on Tap
Award Presentation at 6:00 PM

Join us for a spring shopping event with over 40 crafters and vendors all under one roof! You’ll find handmade goods, baked treats, crochet, home décor, and your favorite direct sales vendors including Norwex, Pampered Chef, and Color Street. Perfect time to shop local for Mother’s Day, grad gifts, or just because.

East Grand Forks Campbell Library and North Country Fiddle and Dance present

A concert of Danish music, songs and stories.

KRISTIAN BUGGE, of Copenhagen, Denmark, (fiddle, vocals) and WB REID, of Seattle, ( guitar ) will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with songs and stories in Danish and English, wild polkas, fiery reels, jigs and lyrical waltzes from every corner of Denmark.

Spend your Thursday night with Jack Bryan at Joe Black's on Thursday, May 14th from 8–11 p.m. Bringing a mix of crowd favorites, acoustic rock, and laid-back energy, Jack always delivers a fun night of live music, good vibes, and singalong moments. Grab some friends, settle in with a drink, and kick off the weekend early with live music at one of downtown’s favorite spots.

Experienced and beginning painters are welcome to join this group of water media painters! Meetings are every second Tuesday of the month!

Get Ancestral Sounds Concert Tickets Now! This is a must see event incorporating indigenous instruments and new technologies! We look forward to seeing you soon!

ArtSee is completely free and open to the public.

ArtSee is a space for artists of all skills & mediums to share their art. Since the first ArtSee event in 2006, we have brought together hundreds of artists from the greater Grand Forks area to the North Dakota Museum of Art. From painting to word carving, ArtSee is the event of the year for all mediums. ArtSee’s purpose is to create a space for artists to connect with the community and to highlight the creative talent that we have right here in the Greater Grand Forks Region. ArtSee is GGFYP’s way of providing support for the Greater Grand Forks art community.