Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Mankato Job Fair

Coming Thursday, April 30th from 2pm-7pm, at the Courtyard by Marriott!

Join Radio Mankato for the Mankato Job Fair at the Courtyard by Marriott on Thursday, April 30th from 2pm-7pm! Part-time and full-time positions are available. Health Care, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Food Service, and more!!!

More Info Here: https://radiomankato.com/events/mankato-job-fair/

Connections Shelter is hosting a community learning event on Tuesday, April 28 from 6:30–8:00 PM featuring Dr. Gregg Colburn, co-author of Homelessness is a Housing Problem.

This presentation is designed to help our community better understand the drivers of homelessness and explore solutions together. The event is free to attend and will take place at Centennial Student Union (Rooms 253/4/5) with a short presentation and light reception.

Join The Betsy-Tacy Society for the reopening of the Betsy-Tacy Houses for the public tour season and celebrate Maud's birthday in style. Activities include self-guided tours of Betsy’s House (with a Scavenger Hunt for kids!), shopping at Tacy’s House, delicious refreshments, a fun craft project with colored sand, an excerpt from Betsy-Tacy, and a mini concert of songs from the era! We'll wrap up the event by singing "Happy Birthday" to Maud – the beloved writer who taught us all 86 years ago that the BEST present is the present of a friend.

Itinerary
1–1:55 Ongoing activities:
 Self-guided tours of Betsy’s House
 Scavenger Hunt at Betsy’s House
 Shopping at Tacy’s House
 Refreshments at Tacy’s House
 Craft project at Tacy’s House
 Weather permitting: outdoor activities
1:10: An excerpt from the "sand store" chapter of Betsy-Tacy read aloud
1:30: A serenade of songs from the era by a local trio 

2–3 Ongoing activities:
 Self-guided tours of Betsy’s House
 Scavenger Hunt at Betsy’s House
 Shopping at Tacy’s House
 Refreshments at Tacy’s House
 Craft project at Tacy’s House
 Weather permitting: outdoor activities
2:10: An excerpt from the "sand store" chapter of Betsy-Tacy read aloud 
2:30: A serenade of songs from the era by a local trio

Sign up here! 
https://fareharbor.com/.../items/705120/calendar/2026/04/... 

On April 23, YWCA Mankato proudly hosts the 53rd Women of Distinction ... their premier celebration honoring the women who shape our community, challenge the status quo, inspires us and make progress look powerful.

For more than five decades, Women of Distinction has been the event to attend.
A declaration that women’s leadership matters.
That equity matters.
That recognizing excellence isn’t optional ... it’s essential.

And this year? It hits different.

As YWCA Mankato celebrates 100 years of advancing equity and empowering women, the 53rd Women of Distinction becomes a legacy moment.

Expect:
Powerful stories
Meaningful connections
A few well-earned standing ovations
And the kind of inspiration that lingers long after the lights dim

This is the night we pause to say, “We see you.”
To the women who lead.
To the women who mentor.
To the women who build, advocate, organize, innovate, and show up—again and again.

Fifty-three years strong.
Still bold. Still necessary. Still recognizing women ... loudly

Save the date: April 23.
You’ll want to be in the room when we celebrate leadership that changes everything.

This event is an opportunity to come to the Children’s Museum and connect with other single caregivers of children in partnership with Life-Work Planning Center.

There will be barrier free opportunities for admission for families to play, resources to connect to services for support, and a chance to connect with peers.

There will be a resource fair in the Community Room in which you are encouraged to engage with organizations that can provide information and support for services.

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Access resources. Learn about services. Connect to get help.
Project Community Connect (PCC) is a free community resource event! All are welcome.
Join Greater Mankato Area United Way and Project Community Connect Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Grand Hall in Mankato. Visit the booths of service providers for help. More information at MankatoUnitedWay.org/PCC.
Support by:
BlueCross BlueShield Minnesota
Compeer Financial
Fidium
Lloyd Management
Mankato Clinic Foundation
Mayo Clinic Health System
Medica
Event leadership by: Blue Earth County Supportive Housing; City of Mankato; College of Allied Health and Nursing - Minnesota State University, Mankato; Greater Mankato Area United Way; Lloyd Management; Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota; MN Valley Action Council; Sagent; River Valley Continuum of Care; Southwest MN Housing Partnership

Annual event benefitting MY Place.

RSVP here: https://www.myplacemankato.org/event-details/2026-block-party/form

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Step into a night of magic and celebration at The Lotus Night Market, happening this Saturday, April 19th from 6:00–9:00 PM in the CSU Ballroom!

Hosted by Asian Students in America (ASIA), this vibrant cultural event will be filled with delicious food, stunning performances, exciting raffles, and hands-on activities that showcase the rich traditions and energy of Asian night markets. Doors open at 5:30 PM, so come early to explore and soak in the atmosphere. Merch will also be available for purchase throughout the night, so don’t forget to bring a little extra! Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or to support your community, this is one night you won’t want to miss. 

Saturday April 11th for the 3rd Annual Mahkato Spring Round Dance: Honoring Our Graduates

MC: Redwing Thomas
Stickman: Mato Thomas
Pipeman: Fred Desjarlait

Invited Singers:
Cetan Thomas
Alex Copenace
Joe Rainey Sr.
John Morris Jr.
Hoksida Blacklance
Seavert Sheridan
Kayden Buckanaga-Jackson
Brendan Strong

Honorarium for first 10 walk-in singers!

Specials:
Best Dressed Woman: $50
Best Dressed Man: $50

Hand Drum
1st Place- $250 + Satin Starquilt
2nd Place- $150 + Pendleton
3rd Place-$100 + Pendleton

Womens Sidestep:
1st Place- $200
2nd Place- $150
3rd Place- $100

Mens Sidestep:
1st Place- $200
2nd Place- $150
3rd Place- $100

𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐈𝐏𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆

Join Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership at Good Counsel Hill on April 11 for a special evening of music, history, and community. Experience the beauty and power of the historic pipe organ, featuring local organist Chad Winterfeldt and guest musicians from the Mankato Symphony Orchestra as part of the Twin Cities chapter AGO (American Guild of Organists) regional Spring Organ Crawl.

This free event is open to all—come enjoy the music, explore the chapel, and stay for light refreshments following the demonstration.

Reserve your spot: bit.ly/GoodCounselOrgan

Special thanks to their partners, Partnership Art and the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, for helping bring this event to life. 

#LetThePipesSing #GoodCounselChapel #MankatoEvents #LiveMusicMN#OrganMusic #CommunityEvents #ExploreMankato #ArtsInCommunity#FreeEvent #HistoricSpaces #CreativePlacemaking #SupportTheArts 

This is a great opportunity by Mankato Zero Waste to downsize, reduce your clutter or clean out your closets! It's also a marvelous opportunity to stock up on kitchen items, home decor or linens, all at no cost!

You may drop off items on Friday, April 10 from 4:00 - 7:00 or during the event from 10:00 - 100 on Saturday at the second floor employee entrance.

A prom dress exchange will also be a part of the event.

Partial funding for this event was provided by a City of Mankato Community Grant.

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

All Are Able is Mankato Ballet Company’s outreach program that offers specialized, creative movement and dance classes. These classes 4-week sessions, provide a safe dance experience, while adapting to the individual needs of all participants.

April 4 - April 25.

Register at the following link: https://mankatoballet.org/community-involvement/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKvG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ3QTZPZEZxMjE0eXF1dFk0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuS9dRgYbdIO7As4sozET4_i2pONdnSK0z5I0H3_yhJylxMxxWG2oWLknYJj_aem_iAiB3Gjd6-Pqip2wN9jSGw

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

The Immigrant Defense Network's Brave of Us Tour is a multi-city effort across the Upper Midwest to strengthen community readiness, solidarity, and response.

This training will prepare participants to serve as Constitutional Observers, helping ensure rights are respected and communities are supported during moments of fear or harm and be added to IDN's rapid response network.

By registering at the following link, you will receive event updates, location details, and follow-up information as it becomes available. https://secure.ngpvan.com/1Iv5phiooEazRlEHh5zLUA2

Join South Central trans, queer & ally neighbors! Come to the Community Fair from 4pm-6pm to build community, play games, meet supportive organizations, and contact legislators about the importance of supporting trans Minnesotans.

Then, after the fair, join Prism Organizing Network at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter from 6pm-8pm for dinner and a speaker!

To RSVP for the Fair: https://actionnetwork.org/events/trans-day-of-visibility-in-south-central-mn-community-activities?source=direct_link&&fbclid=IwY2xjawQvjkRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3anpjMEZLc0tPaGtqaXljc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt1ldWKwwJhjWAVuNhse2FIVc-2rPtk03qkZvhossnk65XtQtU9u9AfUQVQv_aem_bTbwbiWdytCqY2BPML4gQA‍

‍PLEASE NOTE that this event is for the Community Fair, there is a separate Facebook event/registration for the dinner/speaker.

Ask questions and register at the following link: https://secure.ngpvan.com/HTnJhIesVkKlx7tNv-hLPg2

Returning in 2026, many of the sit-down, history programs will be hybrid!

In March, the Blue Earth County Historical Society will be taking a virtual tour of the National Register of Historic Places in Mankato.

Attend in person at the History Center or join us via Zoom from anywhere! Can’t make the live recording? Register for the Zoom recording and get it sent to you to be able to view for up to a week after the program.

In-person admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors, and free for BECHS Members.

Online registration is $10/household and must happen in advance. Registration opens two weeks before the program and closes at 10 a.m. Central Time the day of the program.

Register online here: https://blueearthcountyhistory.com/.../national-register.../

MNSU’s Latin American Affairs presents Latino Night 2026: Nuestras Historias — a celebration of culture, identity, and community impact.

This annual event brings together students, families, campus partners, and community members to uplift Latino voices and create meaningful connections across Mankato and beyond.

Friday, March 27
CSU Ballroom
5:00 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM)

They invite their campus and local community partners to join them in celebrating stories that strengthen belonging and visibility. RSVP is required!

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

The Immigrant Defense Network's Brave of Us Tour is a multi-city effort across the Upper Midwest to strengthen community readiness, solidarity, and response.

This training will prepare participants to serve as Constitutional Observers, helping ensure rights are respected and communities are supported during moments of fear or harm and be added to IDN's rapid response network.

By registering at the following link, you will receive event updates, location details, and follow-up information as it becomes available. https://secure.ngpvan.com/FXXtwhUyeUaEJ14QNfUZLA2

The Teddy Bear Clinic is an engaging, hands-on experience designed to help children feel comfortable in medical and dental settings while promoting age-appropriate health and wellness education. Facilitated by local medical staff from Mankato Clinic, Orthopedic & Fracture Clinic (OFC), and Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry. Attending the clinic, children will receive a new teddy bear serve as the "patient." While supplies last!

Children will work side-by-side with local healthcare professionals as they perform checkups, administer treatments, and even explore mock medical procedures. With child-friendly tools, miniature lab coats, and guided activities, children learn about healthy habits, the importance of regular checkups, and oral healthcare—all while having fun in a welcoming environment.

The Teddy Bear Clinic fosters curiosity, empathy, and confidence, turning healthcare into a positive and playful experience for children and their families.

Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for 14 weeks of hands-on Indigenous learning!

Each Thursday from 4:00–6:00 pm, children ages 7–12 explore a new cultural theme through artmaking, storytelling, games, traditional knowledge, and guided activities. Co-sponsored by MSU’s Elementary Education program and Mahkato Okawitaya, these mini-workshops celebrate Dakota and Ojibwe traditions while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and respect.

Weekly topics include forest animals, dance regalia, beading, traditional tools, Indigenous games, star quilts, dreamcatchers, lodges, sacred foods, buffalo lifeways, drums, seasonal calendars, gardens, and ledger art. Children will handle replica tools, design patterns, build mini models, plant seeds, create artwork, and learn about the land and its first peoples.

Families may attend any or all weeks. Activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and joyful—perfect for young learners who love culture, nature, and hands-on exploration.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. And others:

College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Blue Earth County Public Library
Blue Earth County Historical Society

Project Advisory Council Members

SkyAnne Walker, Hocąk artist
Alex Ek, Wiinik stone artist
David Clobes, Apache Nation photographer & filmmaker
Gwen Westerman, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
John Armendariz, Hocąk artist
Megan Heutmaker, Dakota, MSU, Mankato
Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society