Upcoming events.
Want your event featured on the PAC Events Calendar? Contact us at info@publicartnd.org
Better Together Art Exhibit
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library, Northstar Quilters Guild & River Forks Watercolor Society have collaborated together to present the Better Together art exhibit! The Better Together art exhibit will be displayed from February 9th to March 27th.
Winter Watercolor Wonderland
Come enjoy the Winter Watercolor Wonderland exhibit at the ArtWise Gallery! Almost 60 artworks from local watercolor artists from River Forks Watercolor Society are on the walls of ArtWise! This art exhibit is on display from February 12th to March 21st.
Hadestown
COME SEE HOW THE WORLD COULD BE.
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today... and always.
Intertwining two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Live Music with Four Mile Portage, from Duluth! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
NDMoA: Curator Tours
Join Museum Curator Anna for an engaging tour of the current exhibitions. The tour is designed to provide insightful context to the artwork, but also to invite discussion and questions. Tours are free and open to the public.
NDMOA: Family Day - Earth Moves
Family Day is a day where children of all ages and their accompanying adults come together to create, design, and construct. Each month, guests will explore new art techniques and materials inspired by the exhibitions that fill the galleries. Drop in or stay the entire time. There is no admission, although donations to cover materials are always welcome. Parking is free.
Dogmahal: Zine Meetup
Enjoy a free event for zine and indie comic creators of all skill levels to meet and collaborate! Bring something you're working on or start something new. If you're interested in learning, there will be supplies and creative prompts to make yourself an easy, six page zine.
What is a Zine? Zines (short for fanzines) are DIY, self-published, small-circulation booklets (often photocopied) that provide a platform for niche, personal, or marginalized voices.
World Ballet Company - Cinderella
Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage!
The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.
World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler. From the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, every moment is filled with charm, wonder and everything you’ve loved about this story for years.
Join us for an unforgettable journey of magic, beauty, and the promise of "happily ever after." But remember, when the clock strikes midnight, everything will change…
NDMOA: Gallery Talk, Workshop, and Drawing Session with SHOCK UC MSK
Renowned graffiti artist SHOCK UC MSK is featured in this exhibition with several mixed-media works produced with found materials from an abandoned flour mill. Many of these works bear the expressive and colorful mark-making that can be found in his graffiti work. An additional section of the exhibition features selected Blackbooks and sketchbooks from SHOCK’S personal archive as well as strikingly designed zines inspired by the setting of the abandoned flour mill.
Concerts in the galleries: The Cavatina Duo
The Cavatina Duo has become one of the most impressive combinations of its kind in the world. “Style, sympathy, and technical aplomb . . . it's doubtful that the Cavatina's sophisticated and artistic playing could be surpassed.” —Fanfare Magazine
East Grand Forks Campbell Library - Project Constellation
On April 17th at 12pm, the East Grand Forks Campbell Library will host Project: Constellation for a free public Scandinavian cultural heritage program!
Project: Constellation is a violin/guitar husband and wife duo out of Grand Forks North Dakota.
Half the band is authentically Scandinavian and performs Scandinavian music sung in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish.
Project: Constellation’s Scandinavian music contribution picks up from where most people’s knowledge of the Swedish/Norwegian languages and culture seems to have left off, 1890 - today. Enjoy Swedish and Norwegian Children's songs, Eurovision winners, 80s rock, contemporary, holiday songs, and more!
The Thumbelina Poems: Song Cycle for Soprano and Harp
Join us for the world premiere of The Thumbelina Poems: Song Cycle for Soprano and Harp! A new music work, this song cycle tells the classic fairy tale story of Thumbelina using the other-worldly qualities of both the voice and the harp. Three Grand Forks artists collaborated to bring The Thumbelina Poems to life; local poet Merie Kirby wrote the text, composer and harpist Callie Stadem wrote the music, and performances will feature Dr. Anne Christopherson as the soprano and Callie on the harp. Performances will consist of an author's talk by Merie Kirby, followed by a performance of the whole song cycle. There are two performances, the first of which is Saturday, Feb. 28th at 4:30 p.m. at UND’s Hughes Fine Arts Center in the recital hall. The second performance will be Sunday, March 15th at 3:30 p.m. at the Northwood High School performing arts center (Northwood, ND). This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. It is also funded in part by a grant from The Arts Partnership.
Arts for Vets: She Holds These Truths
Enjoy the opening reception “She Holds These Truths”! Hosted by Arts for Vets, this art show celebrates International Women’s Day, which includes the work of 2025 People’s Choice Winner Kelsey Clifford!
NDMoA - Re-arming Language: Post-graffiti Artists and Fables, Myths, and the Stories We Share
The North Dakota Museum of Art invites the public to an exhibition opening reception on March 5, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Join us to celebrate the opening of two new exhibitions, Re-arming Language: Post-graffiti Artists and Fables, Myths, and the Stories We Share. Joe Ellis, Minneapolis-based artist and art broker will speak about Re-arming Language: Post-graffiti Artists. Ellis is also a curator whose mission is defined by promoting Graffiti as an art form and providing historical framework for its legacy. The works from the Museum’s collection on view here were selected with his informed knowledge of this legacy. Museum curator, Anna Sigrídur Arnar will also speak at the opening about Fables, Myth, and the Stories We Tell. The exhibition celebrates storytelling, an art universally shared between cultures, featuring work from the permanent collection of the Museum.
UND Wind Ensemble Concert & University Band Concert
We invite you to join us for this concert featuring the UND Wind Ensemble and University Band. The event will be livestreamed at und.edu/music/stream for those unable to join us in person.
3475 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58202
Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Spring Concert
NVYO provides challenging symphonic opportunities for young musicians aged 9 to 21, within a supportive setting. Please support these amazing young people as they make music, make friends, and use their talents to make a difference in the community!
North Country Hootenanny 2: A Celebration of Regional Bluegrass Music
Step back into the magic for Year Two of the North Country Hootenanny!
MoonCats Productions is bringing the celebration back to Grand Forks — and this year’s winter gathering shines even brighter. Set inside the historic Empire Arts Center, the night unfolds with rich folk, Americana, and high-spirited bluegrass from an unforgettable trio of performers.
Midtown District Mall Craft & Vendor Show
Join us on February 28, 2026 | 9AM–3PM for a day of shopping, creativity, and community!
Discover handcrafted goods, unique vendors, gifts, home décor, fashion, treats, and more — all under one roof. Bring the family and support amazing local businesses while finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
📍 Midtown District Mall (formerly Grand Cities Mall)
🚗 Ample parking available
Follow Grand Cities Pop Up Shopping for updates and vendor sneak peeks!
Brad Williams Tall Tales Tour
Brad Williams' latest stand-up special, Starfish has racked up over 7.5 million YouTube views, fueling his rise as on of comedy's most original voices. Currently selling out theaters worldwide, Brad's high-energy shows blend razor-sharp punchlines with fearless personal storytelling.
He's appeared on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Netflix's The Degenerates, and top podcasts including The Joe Rogann Experience, Your Mom's House, and TigerBelly. An accomplished actor and the first stand-up to headline a Cirque du Soleil show, Brad's comedy connects, inspires, and leave audiences roaring.
Jack Bryan Live: the Empire Arts Music Box
Jack Bryan takes the stage at Empire Arts Music Box for an intimate evening of live music. Known for his authentic sound and compelling delivery, this show is a chance to experience his music up close in a setting made for listening.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, open-jam starts at 7:00 PM. Jack takes the stage at 8:00 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.
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Arts for Vets: Oil Painting with Brenda
Learn oil painting with award winning artist Brenda Baumer!
Limited Spots! - $50 per person
Email mrsmestad@yahoo.com or call 701-317-6711 to sign up!
Arts for Vets: Dream Catchers with Roxanne Laducer
Learn how to make traditional dream catchers with Indigenous artist, Roxanne Laducer. Her classes preserve Ojibwe heritage, promote healing, and inspire future generations. She is the recipient of the 2025 Midwest Culture Bearers Award!
Tina The Tina Turner Musical
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Jack Bryan Live: Southgate Casino Bar and Grill
Jack Bryan brings his high-energy live set to Southgate for a Friday night show featuring sharp songwriting, strong vocals, and an engaging stage presence. Expect a dynamic performance that keeps the crowd locked in from start to finish.
NDMOA - All-Day Open House reception for Current Exhibition of Local Artists
To celebrate the current community exhibition, "Limited Time Only: REgional Artist Showcase," the Museum will host an All-Day Open House on Thursday, February 12 from 9 am to 5 pm on Giving Hearts Day. Join us for snacks and refreshments throughout the day with four informal guided tours held at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm, along with pop-up art activities and scavenger hunts for all ages. This is also a great time to pick out your favorite artwork and cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Pay as you go parking is available in the Museum lot and parking is free after 4 pm. For those also participating in Giving Hearts Day, donors of any size will receive 25% off in the Museum Gift Shop and donors giving $100 and above will receive a free lunch entrée in the Café. And, as always, everyone receives $1 off drinks in the Café from 3 – 5 pm for Happy Hour.
Motown Magic - Featuring The Shades of Blue
The show’s pitch perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography, & costuming perfectly capture the sights & sound of Motown.
A Journey Through Motown's Best Including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more!
Arts for Vets: Couples & Friends Portrait Painting with Mandy Smestad
Want something fun to do with your partner or friends for Valentine's? Sign up for Mandy Smestad's annual portrait class! Everyone has a blast! February 7th 2-4pm, $40/ person. Instruction by Mandy, all supplies and refreshments included.
Concerts in the Galleries: Imani Winds
Imani Winds is the 2024 GRAMMY® winner in the Classical Compendium category for Jeff Scott’s “Passion for Bach and Coltrane” released on their recently formed record label, Imani Winds Media.
Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the four time GRAMMY® nominated group has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach.
Arts for Vets Fundraiser: Celebrating 10 Years of Creative Service to the Community!
Arts for Vets has a fundraising celebration coming up to commemorate our 10 years of providing art programs to our creative community! Sunday February 1st 1pm-5pm! If you or someone you know would like to visit our Amazon wish list, here is the link and QR code. All donations, whether monetary or in-kind, are 100% tax deductible! Our nonprofit organization thanks you!
Real Life legends Family Day
Family Day is a day where children of all ages and their accompanying adults come together to create, design, and construct. Each month, guests will explore new art techniques and materials inspired by the exhibitions that fill the galleries. Drop in or stay the entire time. There is no admission, although donations to cover materials are always welcome. Parking is free.
Fire Hall Theatre - Into The Woods
The Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre presents Into the Woods.
Showtimes: Jan 28-31, Feb 4-7, 11-14 @7:30pm
Feb 1, 8, 15 @2pm
Tickets are available now!
O’neil family band: North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome- families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn.
Admission is free will donation at the door.
Arts for Vets: Create a Fused-Glass Valentine
Create the perfect valentine with this Fused-Glass class at Arts for Vets Gallery on January 24 from 10am-2pm!!
Empire Theatre Company Presents: Copenhagen
Actors will perform a “script-in-hand” reading of Michael Frayn’s drama Copenhagen about physicists Heisenberg and Bohr mysterious meeting in 1941 in Copenhagen. In Frayn’s speculative drama, they discuss the idea of nuclear power and its control, the rationale behind building or not building an atomic bomb, the uncertainty of the past and the inevitability of the future. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and Tony Award winner for Best Play (2000).
Exhibition Reception and Gallery Talk by Kandy G. Lopez
Please join us for a Closing Reception with Gallery Talk by featured artist Kandy G. Lopez on Thursday, January 22, 4:30 – 6 pm. The gallery talk and reception, including hors d’oeuvres and beverages, are free and open to the public. Parking is also free and available in front of and adjacent to the Museum. The exhibition, "Icons, Archetypes, and Portraits: From the Mythic to the Everyday," which includes her work, Mecca, is only on display through January 25.
Arts for Vets: DIY Vision Board Keychains
START YOUR YEAR WITH INTENTION!!
Join Elio Walsh in their DIY vision board keychain class at Arts for Vets Gallery on January 19th from 4-6pm.
Live Music Friday: Jack Bryan & Paint The Town at Southgate
Kick off your Friday night with an evening of great live music at Southgate on Friday, January 16th. The night starts at 8 PM with Jack Bryan, bringing his signature sound and setting the tone for a high-energy evening.
At 9 PM, local favorite Paint The Town takes the stage. Known as Grand Forks’ premier party band, Paint The Town delivers the kind of music that gets everyone on their feet
and keeps the dance floor packed all night long.
Grab your friends, hit the dance floor, and make Southgate your Friday night destination!
Andante Community Orchestra New Year's Day Concert
On New Year’s Day, 2026, Andante Community Orchestra will be ringing in the New Year with an all ages free concert and crafting session at 1PM at The Empire Arts Center.
Grand Forks Cultural Committee Presents: Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa Celebration hosted by Love In Action, Free event
Date and Time: December 28, 4PM to 6PM
at the Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Ave, Grand Forks, ND
Taste of Grand Forks, Live Performances, Learning Activities, & more.
Family-Friendly event sponsored by the Sam A Johnson Arts and Humanities Fund
Jack Bryan LIve at Rumors
Close out the year with Jack Bryan at Rumors on December 27. Known for his soulful vocals and engaging acoustic performances, Jack delivers a mix of originals and creative covers that keep audiences coming back for more.
Ring in the post-holiday vibes with great music, lively energy, and an intimate night out at Rumors — a perfect way to enjoy the end of the year with friends and live tunes.