Community members are invited to join us at the Community Farm from 5 -7 pm for an evening of volunteering! Many hands make light work, Living Earth Center and Blue Earth County Community Farm will be doing seasonal farm maintenance tasks such as, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and more!

***BONUS***
Dinner provided by LEC!

No experience necessary! Everyone is Welcome!
Registration is not required but appreciated for meal planning.

Registration link:

https://signup.com/go/zphqgKz 

South Central Committee is focused on uplifting the Latino Community through advocacy, leadership, and event planning.

Register Here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/EIeq114ED0W2dk4UNLxTiQ2

Spend your summer evenings with live jazz by Trading 4's Jazz Combo out on the lawn of the Carnegie! Bring your blanket or lawn chair, listen to fun music, enjoy local food trucks, and celebrate art and community!
Open to all, $20 suggested donations appreciated.

In collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System, these summer programs celebrate summer activities and healthy habits! Covering topics like First Aide and CPR, being active and eating healthy, guests can enjoy infused water, crafts, informational hand outs and activities that support MCHS's Slim Your Screentime initiative!

Dates | Times | Topics
June 12 | 10-11:30am | Summer Safety, First Aide and CPR
July 10 | 10-11:30am | Being Active
August 14 | 10-11:30am | Nutrition and Allergies

This program is included with Museum daily admission or membership

The ArtSplash Art Fair is a local art fair that helps raise money for the North Mankato Taylor Library. The 21st Annual ArtSplash will be held on June 27th, 2026 in Wheeler Park. Enjoy local art, kid activities, live music, food trucks, and more!

Register to be a vendor here: https://app.amilia.com/.../city-of.../api/Program/Detail... 
Standard fee is $35 for a 10'x10' space. Vendors under 18 can have a booth at no charge!

TEAM FEE: $125 (9 Player max)
$25 late fee for registrations after June 19th.

10:00 a.m. team check-in / 10:30 a.m. start (Rosters due day of play- all players must have ID)

Whether you’re playing with friends, coworkers, or meeting new teammates, this tournament is all about fun, friendly competition, and enjoying a great day in the sand.

6 on 6 recreational, co-ed friendly format (3-male max on court)
Guaranteed multiple matches
Simplified rules
Emphasis on fun, inclusion, and sportsmanship
Perfect for social teams, and anyone looking to enjoy a fun day in the sun.

Each team is responsible for bringing their own volleyball for warm-ups. A game ball and official will be provided for each court.

Pool Play seeded down into Bracket play
Gold and Silver(tentative- based on # of teams) Brackets

Summer Outdoor Markets are BACK!

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Location: Mankato Vintage Market Parking Lot (1630 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN)

Come and explore a variety of handmade goods, unique crafts, and local treasures. Every market has different vendors, so there's something for everyone to discover.

Vendor Applications Open! 
Are you a local artisan or maker? Mankato Vintage Market would love to have you join us as a vendor! Secure your spot by filling out our vendor application form:

https://form.jotform.com/.../event-vendor-registration-form

Spaces are limited, so don't wait to apply! (Do not respond to anyone in the comments about taking applications first vendors. They are scams!)

Get ready for a day of community, creativity, and supporting local makers. Can't wait to see you there! 

DayTrippers Theatre "Nobody's Perfect"
Leonard is thrilled when he hears his manuscript has the top prize, but equally disappointed to hear it can only be awarded in person to a female. To avoid forfeiting the prize, Leonard’s alter ego, Lulabelle Latifa is born-- and the real craziness begins!
Think “Some like it hot”, “Tootise” and “Mrs. Doubtfire”- a classic romantic comedy with a twist that has belly laughs galore.
Fri, Jun 26; 8:30 am-5:30 pm l Wow! Zone l $115
Registration Deadline: Mon, June 1, 2026
Register here: https://mankato.ce.eleyo.com/.../daytrippers-theatre..

You are invited to join the Bllue Earth Community Farm at the Farm from 5 -7 pm for an evening of volunteering! Many hands make light work, we will be doing seasonal farm maintenance tasks such as, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and more!

***BONUS***
Dinner provided by LEC!

No experience necessary! Everyone is Welcome!
Registration is not required but appreciated for meal planning.

Registration link:

https://signup.com/go/zphqgKz

Thinking about downsizing or simplifying your lifestyle? Join The Pillars of Mankato for a free Lunch & Learn.

Please join The Pillars for free lunch and a presentation from the downsizing experts, Caring Transitions. Learn how simplifying your home can create a safer, more manageable, and more enjoyable lifestyle. Whether you are planning a move, exploring senior living, or preparing for the future, this event offers practical guidance in a welcoming setting.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please reserve your spot by June 19. Seating is limited.

RSVP to Lisa Sandmann at 507-344-6771 or Lisa.Sandmann@Fairview.org

Join the Mankato Community Queer Choir as they return for their second concert performance, Taking the Stage! This vibrant celebration of song highlights the power of queer voices, community, and creative expression.

Building on the joy and energy of our debut concert, the choir invites you to experience a dynamic program filled with harmony, resilience, and pride. From uplifting anthems to heartfelt ballads, Taking the Stage highlights the diversity of identities and stories that make our community shine.

Whether you’re an OG supporter or attending for the first time, you’ll be welcomed into an inclusive space where music brings people together and every voice matters.

Come celebrate local talent, connection, and the magic of live performance. Let’s rise, sing, and take the stage together.
All are welcome. Bring your friends, your pride, and your love of music!

Tickets available at the door, with seating 30 minutes prior to the concert. $15 general admission via cash, PayPal, or Venmo.

SAVE THE DATE with Living Earth Center!!!

Plan to celebrate the longest day with your community!!

More details to follow - but expect a seasonal reflection, crafts, entertainment, and more!!

Event is free, with freewill donations greatly appreciated!
Preregistration is not required, but also appreciated.

register via link below:

https://secure.qgiv.com/.../2026summersolsticecelebration/ 

Please join The Greater Mankato Diversity Council for its 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration! This year, it will have our annual Freedom Walk starting at 2:30 at the Shared Spaces building on 2nd St. The rest of the event will take place on the front lawn of the Mankato Civic Center. You can look forward to a day full of fun, food, music, speakers, vendors, and activities for kids/families. We can't wait to see you there! (Event will conclude at 7 PM. Please plan accordingly.)

Art + Play
Thursday, 6.18.26​, 4-7pm
In the alley behind NaKato Bar & Grill
Presented by Gene Biewen and Noel Van tol

While Belgrade Avenue is under construction, CityArt is reimagining how art shows up in Lower North Mankato. CityArt in the Alley is a four-event series activating the Belgrade alleyway with art, experiences, and community throughout summer 2026.

Activities include:

Music Creation Station​ - Instrument Building Crafts and Music Jams for Kids, Babies/Toddlers and Adults by St. Paul’s and Jesus Loves Me Learning Center.

Antique Printing Press Demonstrations and Make + Take by Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing Co​. - Attendees will be able to make a letterpress print on an antique printing press, and learn how prints were made in the pre-digital era.

Live Painting by Noel Van Tol - Enjoy the art of our presenting sponsor.

Not-A-Box Arty Fort Building Station - Inspired by the book Not-A-Box by Antoinette Portis, ​T​he Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota will be building a box fort for children and families to add to and decorate throughout the event. Guests will also be able to create recycled art to take home using our cardboard tools, glue, tape and a variety of paper materials!

Sunnyside Puppeteers and Puppet Make + Take​ by Sidetracked​ - Alongside the Sunnyside Puppeteers, participants can experience and try their hands at a variety of puppet making styles, including felt, paper mache, and fabric. Materials for all styles will be provided and participants can bring their own puppet home.

Build, Bend and Sculpt Station - Create a sculpture you can take home. Plus, we'll be constructing our Spin & Sculpt community sculpture that began at May's event with the painting of slumped records.

CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Live Painting​ - Watch artists, Dana Sikkila and Dinah Langsjoen​, begin their large-scale mural on the side of the NaKato Bar & Grill. Plus, youth can try their hand at mural painting on an adjacent panel.

North Mankato Taylor Library - The North Mankato Taylor Library Bookmobile will be onsite, offering books, resources and activities for children and families

For June's Adult Craft Night at North Mankato Taylor Library, you will be painting flower pots! Choose the June 16th OR 17th date when you register. The cost for this craft is $5. Supplies will be provided. Registration required. Open to ages 18+. Registration opens Monday, May 18th at 10:00am. Register by calling the library at 507-345-5120, stopping into the library, or online at northmankato.com/library_calendar.php

Parent/Child introduction to a classic outdoor sport in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Participants will learn the basics of fishing, including proper equipment use, safety practices, and fundamental techniques. Participants will cover casting, knot tying, fish identification, and conservation awareness. No prior experience is necessary-just a willingness to learn and have fun outdoors. Water safety components also included.

Parent participation encouraged. Equipment provided by DNR grant funding.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register:
www.northmankato.com/culture-and-rec

Monday June 15th 10am-12pm

Spring Lake Park Pond (meet near Gazebo)

Ages: 6 - 12 year olds

Spend your summer evenings with live jazz by Trading 4's Jazz Combo out on the lawn of the Carnegie! Bring your blanket or lawn chair, listen to fun music, enjoy local food trucks, and celebrate art and community!
Open to all, $20 suggested donations appreciated.

In collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System, these summer programs celebrate summer activities and healthy habits! Covering topics like First Aide and CPR, being active and eating healthy, guests can enjoy infused water, crafts, informational hand outs and activities that support MCHS's Slim Your Screentime initiative!

Dates | Times | Topics
June 12 | 10-11:30am | Summer Safety, First Aide and CPR
July 10 | 10-11:30am | Being Active
August 14 | 10-11:30am | Nutrition and Allergies

This program is included with Museum daily admission or membership

Questions about Medicare? 

Attend a free, no-obligation workshop to get your questions answered. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare workshops help you understand your options and choose the coverage that is right for you. We present current plan year information until October. Beginning in October, we then present the next year’s plan information. 

Register here: https://bcbsmn-retail.my.salesforce-sites.com/.../mankato...

South Central Committee is focused on uplifting the Latino Community through advocacy, leadership, and event planning.
Register Here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/_AoFXyoioEmdDZFgsg_L8g2

June Toddler Course

Dates: June: 2, 9,16, 23

Time: 9:30 - 10:15 am 

Join us for a 40-minute, 4 session class that will bring the joy of music and movement to you and your young child, from walkers to 5 years! Learn musically with your child through singing, dancing, focused listening, exploring and playing instruments. This class environment promotes the development of your child's music aptitude and skills as well as attention, impulse control and language skills. Through simple echo games, little children begin to hear and perform a vocabulary of rhythm and melody patterns, the building blocks of music! Parents are encouraged to repeat music activities at home, to continue the fun and learning throughout the week.

This course is free but requires registration. 
This course does not include museum admission.

Register here:
https://ecom.roller.app/cmsouthernmn/website/en-us/products

Learn more about Musikgarten here: https://www.makingmusik.com/anjamusikgarten/

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

Ready to get rid of those Styrofoam pieces you’ve been saving? Here’s your chance to do just that. Mankato Area Zero Waste will be holding a recycling event of Saturday, May 30 from 9:00 – 1:00 at Kato Moving and Storage (Mayflower), 417 Poplar Street, Mankato.

Accepted items: Clean packaging materials, foam coolers, uncoated white insulation sheets, packing peanuts if securely bagged. All items must be clean, dry and free of tape or labels.

Not accepted: Take-out boxes, dinnerware, colored Styrofoam™, packaging with dirt, labels or tape

You are invited to join the Blue Earth County Community Farm at the Farm from 5 -7 pm for an evening of volunteering! Many hands make light work, we will be doing seasonal farm maintenance tasks such as, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and more!

***BONUS***
Dinner provided by LEC!

No experience necessary! Everyone is Welcome!
Registration is not required but appreciated for meal planning.

Registration link:

https://signup.com/go/zphqgKz

All ages are invited to join the North Mankato Taylor Library for a visit from Sustainable Safari! Explore, discover, and experience up-close encounters with exotic animals like kangaroos and capybaras. No registration required.

Questions about Medicare? 

Attend a free, no-obligation workshop to get your questions answered. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare workshops help you understand your options and choose the coverage that is right for you. We present current plan year information until October. Beginning in October, we then present the next year’s plan information. 

Register here: https://bcbsmn-retail.my.salesforce-sites.com/.../mankato...

Learn about the services, support systems, and care options available to help you or your loved ones confidently navigate the aging journey and plan ahead with informed decisions. Join us for this informative event, receive a complimentary Mankato Area Community Resource Guide, and connect with a panel of healthcare professionals during an interactive Q&A session. Presented by Senior Provider Community Connections

Minnesota TWINS vs Houston Astros
This loaded value game ticket is in the Legends Landing area of Target Field, which includes all you can eat concessions! 
You will be dropped off at the field to enjoy the game, eat your favorite concession treats, sip on soda or water and most importantly, cheer on our beloved TWINS! 
Wed, May 20; 8:30 am-6 pm l Wow! Zone l $110
Registration Deadline: Mon, April 27, 2026

To register click here: https://mankato.ce.eleyo.com/.../minnesota-twins-vs...

Celebrate Mental Health Awareness in May with local providers! Join in learning about mental health through fun activities that include all ages. Several agencies will have their own tables to promote their services and provide different games and crafts. Let's break down the barriers and stigmas together. And if that's not enough the food trucks will be sure to draw you in. This event is open to anyone in Mankato and surrounding communities, and is FREE. Tickets for the food trucks will be available to purchase. Meet us by the pavilions near the animal farm.

Get ready for a wild and wiggly adventure with the RAD Zoo! A cute tree frog or toad will hop in to say hello, along with awesome turtles, cool lizards, and even some slithery snakes!

The RAD Zoo will be visiting with their Scales & Tails of MN program to share fun and fascinating facts about each animal—like where they live, what they eat, and what makes them so special. The best part? At the end, kids (and brave grown-ups!) can gently touch a real reptile if they’d like!
It’s an exciting, hands-on experience the whole family will love!

This program is included with Museum admission or membership

Join the Carnegie Art Center for the Opening Reception of the 2026 Juried Exhibition, featuring works from over 40 local and regional artists. Awards will be given at 6 pm. 

Learn more about the juror, Kristen Sanders: https://kristensanders.com/home.html

The exhibition will be on view 5/15 - 5/30. 

This event is free and open to all.