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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Live at the Carnegie: Fanaka Nation, Ft. Robert Lehmann
Fanaka Nation has been consistently adding color to the Minneapolis music scene. His worldly and booming style can be described as "culture rap,” fusing hip hop with African and other world sounds. The Minnesota-born artist is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in his eclectic music which is relatable to audiences around the world. From being on Soulja Boy's US tour to selling out Minnesota's legendary venue, First Avenue's 7th St Entry, he is a fast-rising star with longevity. Fanaka records under the independent label Kilimanjaro Records.
Robert Lehmann has a knack for bringing together seemingly disparate influences, learned in part from experiencing the world as a mixed, Filipino-American in the Midwest. He mixes improvised and semi-composed material on his pianos, synths, and drum pad, combining classical piano, house, EDM, jazz, hip-hop, ambient, with some soundtracky vibes, inviting listeners into an otherworldly sound while simultaneously providing space for listeners to feel firmly grounded in this one.

2nd Annual Mother's Day 5k
Join us for the YWCA Mankato Mother’s Day 5K on Saturday, May 10th, and be part of a powerful movement that uplifts women, families, and our entire community. This event is more than just a run—it’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and togetherness. Whether you walk, jog, or run, your participation supports YWCA Mankato’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen families. Let’s lace up, show up, and make a difference—see you there!

Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While not Mexico’s Independence Day, the holiday has become a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, especially in the United States, highlighting music, dance, food, and community

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The month of May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This holiday honors the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Jewish American Heritage Month
The month of May is Jewish American Heritage Month. This holiday honors the contributions of Jewish Americans.

Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.

2nd Annual Mahkato Spring Round Dance
Join us for Mahkato's 2nd annual round dance! Everyone is welcome! Featuring Indigenous vendors & food trucks. Alcohol & Drug Free Event
Saturday April 12th, 2025 1pm-6pm
Location: Mankato East High School (2600 Hoffman Rd, Mankato, MN 56001)

Nonpartisan Mankato Town Hall
Join us on March 29th for a nonpartisan Community Town Hall at Mankato State University!
This is an excellent opportunity to come together with your community and state legislators to share concerns, recommendations or lived experiences on key issues affecting you, family, friends or our community.
Your voice matters! Let’s work together to shape the future of our community.
If you've already saved the date we've automatically added you to our attendees list!

Queers & Coffee - Fillin’ Station
Join South Central Minnesota Pride for Queers & Coffee! Meet new people, make conversation, and help build a better LGBTQIA+ community. Allies are encouraged to attend.