Community & Cultural Events
The Greater Mankato Diversity Council is committed to fostering an inclusive and connected community. Our Community Events page highlights diverse cultural, educational, and social events happening throughout the Mankato area, as well as programs and initiatives hosted by GMDC. Whether you're looking for celebrations of heritage, discussions on equity, or opportunities to engage with local organizations, this is your go-to resource for staying involved. Join us in building a more welcoming and vibrant community!
20th Annual Earth Conference: Co-Creating a Coalition of Care
For 20 years, the Earth Conference has brought people together to exchange ideas, inspire action, and build relationships rooted in conservation, community well-being, and Earth stewardship in the Mankato area.
As our world grows more uncertain and injustice threatens the foundations of the communities we love, the need for unity and collaboration has never been more urgent. Living Earth Center believes that true strength lies in coming together, across sectors, disciplines, and lived experiences, to shape a resilient, caring future for Mankato.
That’s why, at this year’s 20th Earth Conference, we’re taking a bold next step: laying the foundation for a Mankato Area Earth Coalition. A new, locally rooted alliance of individuals and organizations committed to a healthy planet and a healthy community.
This coalition is being designed to facilitate powerful synergy to the great work already being done by local groups, amplifying missions, aligning strategies, and creating a shared movement for lasting, systemic change in our region.
At the conference, they’ll work together to co-create the coalition’s structure, guiding principles, communication approaches, and a roadmap for what comes next, so the momentum you build together continues long after the event ends.
If you or your organization is ready to connect, collaborate, and co-create a stronger, more just Mankato, they invite you to take your seat at the table. Join them at the Earth Conference, and help shape a future that cares for all.
Conference Schedule:
8:30am - Check-In, Coffee & Muffins
8:45am - Welcome & Opening Reflection
9:00am - Coalition Framing & Conversations
11:50am - Lunch
12:45pm - Open Space Discussions
2:45pm - Next Steps & Commitments
3:20pm - Wrap Up
Tickets: $50 pre-registration/$60 at the door
Student Tickets: $15
(student scholarships are available, email info@livingearthcentermn.org for scholarship info)
register via link below:
2025 American Indian Night
Celebrate 2025 American Indian Night!
Join us to celebrate American Indian culture, history and community! This event will feature: NASA student exhibit, dinner, welcomes and introductions, keynote speech, Q&A with the author, and a book signing after the keynote address.
Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Anton Treuer
Dinner will be served. Ticket required. Email Megan at megan.heutmaker@mnsu.edu to reserve your ticket!
United Way Reading Festival
Join Greater Area Mankato United Way on November 15 for their 12th annual Reading Festival, sponsored by Capstone and in partnership with local organizations to promote literacy and celebrate reading.
This year's theme is "Win with Reading" and is all about board and party games!
Join them 9 am-12 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025 for this FREE, expo-style event at the Mankato Family YMCA Blue Gym. The festival includes free Capstone books, activities geared toward Pre-K through 3rd-graders, and literacy information for parents. Visit all the organizations' booths at your own pace. All children welcome. No registration necessary.
Hindsight 20-25
Join us for Hindsight 20-25—a special luncheon honoring two decades of bridge-building, advocacy, and community connection. This milestone event is both a reflection on the past and a bold look toward the future we’re shaping together.
Old Town Mankato Day of the Dead
Join Old Town Mankato for the 2025 Mankato Day of the Dead Celebration. Stay tuned for more details.
Spooky Stride & Stroll
Join River Valley Running Mankato for a spooky stride & stroll! Wear your costume for your walk/run and be entered into a drawing to win a prize (TBD). Return to the store afterwards and enjoy scary good treats!
This is a FREE family-friendly event; strollers, walkers, and runners of all paces are welcome. Pre-planned route will be roughly 3 miles, but participants are welcome to go as short or as far as they'd like.
We want to encourage an active lifestyle and welcome people of all abilities to join even if they don't consider themselves runners. This is a social, inclusive event that's fun for the whole family! You can even bring your dog, as long as they are on a leash.
Creative Factory
Kids ages 6-10 are invited to sign up for North Mankato Taylor Library’s Creative Factory event on Thursday, October 23rd at 4pm in the conference room! Everyone will get to make their own spooky lantern!
Registration opens Monday, September 22nd at 10:00am.
Register by calling the library at 507-345-5120, stopping into the library or online at https://www.northmankato.com/library_calendar.php
Latin Pulse
Experience the passion and power of Latin American music as the Mankato Symphony Orchestra presents Latin Pulse—an unforgettable evening led by MSO Music Director Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi.
Audiences will be swept away by the concert lineup:
Astor Piazzolla – Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (featuring dazzling violin solos by MSO Concertmaster Sabrina Tabby)
Arturo Márquez – Danzón No. 8
Juan Pablo Contreras – Mariachitlán
José Asunción Flores – Gallito Cantor
Horacio Fernández Vázquez – Tumbao: A Latin Suite
More than a concert—Latin Pulse is a cultural celebration!
Starting at 5:30 PM, enjoy authentic Latin American cuisine from El Mexicano and Delicious Pupusas food trucks. The bar at Kato Ballroom will be open throughout the evening, and a live auction hosted by celebrity auctioneer Ben Findley will keep the energy high at intermission.
Young music lovers will have a special opportunity to sit side-by-side with MSO musicians—getting an up-close view of the orchestra in action!
In partnership with Mankato’s Old Town Day of the Dead Festival (October 25 on Riverfront Drive), this concert honors the rich traditions and cultural pride of Latin America through music and community.
“From fiery dance rhythms to sweeping symphonic landscapes, this program pulses with energy, passion, and cultural pride,” says Estigarribia.
mankatosymphony.org
box office: 507-933-0441
Bundle Me Warm
Everyone is welcome to come get winter coats, gloves, boots, scarves, snowsuits and hats.
You don’t need to be a Blue Earth County resident to receive winter items.
Indigenous Peoples Day 2025
FREE Event!
Live Music
Food & Craft Vendors
Cultural Education
Kids Activities
Planetarium Showings
Learn, Honor, Celebrate: Indigenous Peoples Day in Mankato!
Community Cleanup Series: Spring Lake Park
Greetings, Planet Protectors!
Ready to make a real, visible impact in our community? Join the Blue Earth Project for a fun and rewarding afternoon as they “team up to clean up” our beloved Greater Mankato! Let's roll up our sleeves and work together to restore the beauty of our local green and blue spaces. Every single piece of debris we collect makes a difference.
Our Goal: Our mission for the day is to clear debris from Spring Lake Park. We want to ensure this gem of a park remains a clean, safe, and beautiful environment.
Help Us Collect Data! (Optional) Want to take your contribution a step further? You can use our mobile app during the cleanup to collect data on the types of litter you find. This information is crucial as it helps us better understand the challenge our community faces from waste and litter, allowing us to plan more effective solutions.
Get it on Google Play: https://bit.ly/quickcapandroid
Download on the App Store: https://bit.ly/quickcapios
Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Meeting Point: Swimming Pool Facility
What We Provide:
We've got you covered with the essential gear to make our cleanup safe and effective
Heavy-duty trash bags
Protective gloves
Litter grabbers/pickers
High-visibility safety vests
Hand sanitizer
What You Should Bring:
Please come prepared to be comfortable and safe!
Closed-toe shoes (No sandals or flip-flops, please)
Comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun
Your positive energy and community spirit!
Parking:
Swimming Facility Parking Lot
Agenda:
12:00 PM: Check in, grab your gear.
12:10 PM: Quick safety briefing and group assignments.
12:20 PM: Cleanup begins!
01:40 PM: Wrap up, dispose of collected litter, and take a group photo to celebrate our hard work!
This is a family-friendly event, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Let's show our planet some love and have a great time doing it.
Please RSVP so we can get a headcount for supplies! Don't forget to invite your friends and share this event.
#BlueEarthProject #CommunityCleanup #Volunteer #GreaterMankatoEvents#EcoFriendly #MakeADifference
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Sensory Awareness & Accessibility Night
These quarterly events invite children with sensory challenges or other special needs and their families to experience and enjoy the Museum free of charge at a time when there is a limited number of visitors present.
October Community Volunteer Day at the Farm
Living Earth Center and Blue Earth County Community Farm invite you for an evening of volunteering!
Many hands make light work, we will be weeding, harvesting, and doing general farm maintenance tasks with...
***BONUS***
Dinner provided by LEC!
The Community Farm is home to our Produce Donation Program, all food grown is donated to local community partners such as ECHO Food Shelf, MY Place, and the St Peter Food Shelf.
You will be making a difference and helping to feed YOUR community.
Registration is not required but appreciated for meal planning.
Register via link below:
https://secure.qgiv.com/.../octobercommunityvolunteerday.../
Greater Mankato Ubuntu Festival
Fri, Oct 9 from 3-5pm
Fri, Oct 10 from 6-8pm
http://www.ubuntumn.com
Music, interactive art, storytelling, film, drumming, workshops, concerts, deep community connection. This FREE multi day event has something for everyone to come together and experience the Spirit of Ubuntu.
Special performances by world renowned Reggae Musicians... Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah!
Be sure to check out all events for specific times and activities!
http://www.ubuntumn.com
Ageism Awareness Day
Join North Mankato Taylor Library and VINE Faith in Action for a special storytime and craft event as they celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on October 9 from 1 – 1:30 pm at the North Mankato Taylor Library! They will read a heartwarming story that highlights the importance of kindness, respect, and friendships between generations. After the story, kids will enjoy a fun, hands-on craft activity. Perfect for ages 3–9 — all are welcome!
St.Peter/Mankato Out of the Darkness Walk
Suicide is something that affects all of us, and we can all play a part in saving lives. Make a difference in your community by walking #OutOfTheDarkness with AFSP on Sunday, October 5 at Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter. Help spread awareness and understanding, send the message that help is available, and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, we can #StopSuicide!
Register today at afsp.org/StPeter
When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Check-in Time: 2:00 pm
Walk Start Time: 3:00 pm
Walk Chair Contacts:
Becky Kurth
507-985-2111
rebecca.kurth@state.mn.us
Jaime Flynn
jaime.e.flynn@state.mn.us
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Greater Mankato
Registration 9:00 AM
Ceremony 10:00 AM
Walk to immediately follow.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Join us at Spring Lake Park in North Mankato this year for an inspiring event full of hope. It is a great way to honor a loved one and connect with a community of others impacted by this disease. The morning will also feature a short program and the walk is casual. All ages are welcome!
Registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged. Pre-registration is highly recommended but on-site registration will also be available.
When you register, you will be set up with a personal fundraising web page that you can personalize and easily share with others.
Every registered participant who achieves the fundraising minimum of $100 will receive an official Walk to End Alzheimer's T-shirt via the mail. To receive a shirt in time for Walk day, participants must raise the T-shirt minimum at least four weeks prior to the event.
53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi
53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi
Honoring the 38 Dakota
Location: Dakota Wokisuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park), Mankato, MN
Grand Entries:
- Friday at 7:00 PM
- Saturday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- Sunday at 1:00 PM
Cost: General Admission $8.00 for the entire weekend
All must pay with the exception of the following:
Children 12 and under: Free
Seniors 60 and older: Free
Love Your Age VINE's 55+ Expo
The Love Your Age VINE’s 55+ Expo presented by Monarch Healthcare Management will be held on Tuesday, September 16
from 1- 4pm in the Grand Hall of the Mayo Clinic Heath System Event Center. The speaker series will be held from 1:30 - 4:30 pm in the Banquet Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
Attendees can visit with vendors, collect goodies, play games, socialize with peers, listen to informative presentations and sign up for a chance to win door prizes.
VINE’s Health and Wellness team will be offering free balance assessments and blood pressure checks
Hops for Hope - Fundraiser for ALS and FTD
Come to the annual “Hops For Hope” event on Saturday, September 6 – an awesome charity fundraiser to fight the devastating diseases, ALS and FTD. Join us and all of your friends at the beautiful and spacious Next Chapter Winery in New Prague, MN. As always, it will be a great time for a great cause. Please help us raise critical funds to continue developing new medical treatments -- and ultimately the cures -- for ALS and FTD.
Enjoy family-friendly fun, and grab a bite to eat from Pizzeria 201, Ofelia’s Mexican Food, and The Rolling Cones Ice Cream trucks, with excellent wine/beer/cocktails available at the bar. You’ll hear your favorite live music from Rockin’ Woody (1-4pm), and JAWS with Eddie Shimota (5-8pm) ... and as always you can find lots of awesome items in our popular silent auction, “mystery boxes”, and “cork pull”. And new this year: a 50/50 raffle!
South Central Minnesota Pride
Jessica Flatequal Pride Parade - 11:15am
Riverfront Drive
Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Heath System
Pride Festival - 12:00-4:00pm
Riverfront Park
Drag Show, Live Music, Vendors & Food, and more!
Pride After Party - 4:00pm at Atomic Star
Adult/Senior Board Game Night
Older adults and seniors are invited to join the North Mankato Taylor Library for a monthly board game night this summer at 6pm in the library! Registration is recommended.
Register by calling the library at 507-345-5120, stopping into the library, or online at northmankato.com/library_calendar.php
Sensory Food Festival
Join Sensory Services of Southern Minnesota on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Country Club Park for a morning of sensory-rich fun, tasty play, and community joy!
Expect food-themed stations, messy fun, and imaginative experiences for kids ages 0–10. This event is free for all to attend - donations help keep the fun going!
Food-themed sensory stations include:
Donut Delight Café
Little Chef’s Pizzeria
Corn & Scoop Corner
Country Club Park
109 Pebble Creek Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Bring your little chefs and come play!
Feria Comunitaria de Regreso a la Escuela | Back to School Fair
COPAL will be hosting a Back to School Fair! Details yet to come. Please visit their website to sign-up. https://secure.everyaction.com/aPuyJ3aQEUa01DnF0kVlnQ2
Coffee and Donuts for National Senior Citizen Day
Coffee, Donuts & Celebration!
Join us as we honor our amazing residents on National Senior Citizen Day with a cozy Coffee & Donut Social!
It’s the perfect time to gather, share stories, and celebrate the incredible wisdom and warmth our seniors bring to our community.
Let’s raise a cup (and a donut!) to the seniors who inspire us every day!
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Sensory Awareness and Accessibility Playtime
These quarterly events invite children with sensory challenges or other special needs and their families to experience and enjoy the Museum free of charge at a time when there is a limited number of visitors present.
Summer Fair at Autumn Grace Senior Living
Join Autumn Grace Assisted Living for a fun-filled day to support the Alzheimer’s Association! Enjoy live music, a silent auction, carnival food, games, a dunk tank, bounce house, 50/50 raffle, and exciting prizes— including 3 grand prizes! No RSVP needed—just come out and have a great time for a great cause!
Queers & Coffee: Ice Cream Edition!
Join South Central Minnesota Pride for a special ice cream edition of Queers & Coffee at Mom & Pop’s! Come meet new people, make conversation, and help build a better LGBTQIA+ community! Allies are encouraged to attend.
2025 Minnesota Senior Games - Mankato, MN
Get ready for the 2025 Minnesota Senior Games in Mankato! This exciting multi-sport event is dedicated to motivating active adults aged 50 and over to lead a healthy lifestyle through friendly competition.
Join hundreds of athletes from across Minnesota and beyond as they compete in over 15 individual and team sports, including badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, pickleball, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, and more!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or looking to try something new, the Minnesota Senior Games offer a fantastic opportunity to stay active, connect with fellow participants, and celebrate the joy of healthy living.
Register now before registration closes on Monday, July 21! Visit the Minnesota Senior Games website to sign up and learn more: www.mnseniorgames.com
SCMN Pride's LGBTQIA+ Pool Party
Join SCMN Pride for the 4th annual LGBTQIA+ Pool Party and enjoy some time at the pool. This is a private event (not during the time the pool is open to the public) where you can feel safe and comfortable to be you! LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and allies are welcome.
No outside food or drinks allowed, wear your most comfortable swim attire, no over-the-nose goggles. The concession stand will be open.
This event is free will donation at the door to help support the party and future events!
Disability Pride Pop up at the Carnegie
Hosted by Open Arts Minnesota, The Arc of Minnesota, Self-Advocates of Minnesota (ACT), and Carnegie Art Center, you're invited to a family-friendly celebration of disability pride through art, community, and creativity! Activities include: Creating a collaborative community mural ,View Art by Disabled Artists, and Celebrate Disability Pride Together! Light refreshments will be served. Let’s build community through the power of art!
Free Homebuyer Education Workshop
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership is offering a FREE, 2-day virtual workshop this July, thanks to sponsorship from US Bank. Receive expert guidance in their 9-hour live virtual workshop, designed to give you the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the homebuying process with confidence.
Mankato LGBTQ Community Conversation
Prism reveals the rainbow in every community, and helps connect LGBTQ people across Minnesota, including in the greater Mankato area! Join us for the first in a series of area listening sessions with LGBTQ folks and allies to gather feedback on what's great, what's challenging, and what could help better serve LGBTQ folks in communities from Saint Peter to Mankato and beyond. Our hosts at First Congregational United Church of Christ are offering hospitable space and refreshments; people of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds are fully welcome. Please use the "tickets" link here to register so we have an accurate count for food!
We'll gather at 6pm for food and an introduction to the night, then share guided table conversations to get to know our neighbors, listen to what we're discovering, and hear about future opportunities for LGBTQ connection in the area. Come as you are; and leave with strengthened ties to the rainbow community right where we live.
2025 American Indian Summer Camp
The American Indian Summer Camp was first established in 2013 as a cooperative effort between American Indian Affairs and the four Dakota communities of Minnesota. The reason for starting was to give American Indian high school students a chance to visit and experience a university campus, so they may begin envisioning themselves attending. In 2017, just over half of American Indian high school students in Minnesota graduated in four years. Research shows that attending culturally-centered summer camps increases college attendance outcomes for American Indian students. Since then, the camp has opened to any American Indian student entering 9th - 12th grade, and has consistently filled its 40 spots!
The camp is free for students and includes housing, meals and other materials. Some activities include: Dakota or Ojibwe language learning, college informational sessions, mock college classes, and fun activities at MSU, Mankato and beyond!
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Megan Heutmaker via Email or Call.
Contact:
Megan Heutmaker
megan.heutmaker@mnsu.edu