Find food, fun and fantastic music at August festivals
Neither drought nor haze from Canadian wildfires are keeping communities from celebrating their culture and heritage on weekends throughout August. In between, you can go fishing, take a kayak around the lake, go tubing down a river, pitch a tent under the pines, stay off line for a few days or shop where you don’t have to stand in line. Whatever you choose, it’s not too late to enjoy time at the lake.
Come out to the Park Rapids American Legion Friday, Aug. 6 for the annual backyard barbecue bash. Burgers, corn on the cob and more will start being served at 4 p.m. and the beer garden opens then, too. Tate McLane will entertain from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Corey Medina & Brothers will perform form 9 to 11:30.
Park Rapids Legends and Logging Days Aug.14 & 15, celebrates the area’s logging and lumberjack heritage. The festivities traditionally start with Water Wars at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 on Main Street in downtown Park Rapids. Teams sign up to battle it out for bragging rights and possession of the coveted Loony Traveling Trophy. Unfortunately, with the State water restrictions, this years Water Wars have been canceled. Live music on 2nd Street Stage will still be on!
The Northern Knights Car Club will host the annual Run to the Rapids Rod Run Aug 13 and 14 at the C’mon Inn and Downtown Park Rapids. The public is invited to the Show-N-Shine Saturday morning on Main Street.
Park Rapids Legends and Logging Days will celebrate the area’s logging and lumberjack heritage Saturday, Aug. 14. The activities will change locations to the 4th block of Main Avenue in Downtown Park Rapids. Gates will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The award-winning Timberworks Lumberjack Show will return four times throughout the day with lumberjacks competing against each other in pole climbing, cross-cut sawing, axe throwing and log chopping. The Backyard BBQ Challenge is a new event with an open class backyard grilling challenge. Contestants will compete to win prize money in three different cooking classes: Ribs, Chicken and Sides. Enter all 3 to become the Top Grill Master and win a Traeger Pro 780 Wi-Fi Wood Pellet Grill! Heading up the Challenge is Grand Pit Master, Leonard Hawkins. Other family-friendly attractions, a food court and beer garden will be available. Local artist 2 Towns Down will bring live music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 5 to 8 p.m. Eli Mosley, award-winning writer, singer and Nashville performer, will perform. On Sunday, Aug. 15, there will be a free concert featuring artist Levi Pelzer from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on the beach at Sleeping Fawn Resort. Proceeds will benefit Northwoods Wildlife Rescue Inc.
2nd Street Stage, an evening of free live music, a beer garden and family activities in Downtown Park Rapids continues Thursday evenings Aug. 5, 12 and 19.
August weekends also offer the Pine Point Traditional Powwow’s colorful viewing Aug. 14 and 15 and Nevis’ Northwoods Triathlon treats spectators to watch competitors swim, bike and run for prizes Aug. 14. Head to the 45th Annual Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Show near the north entrance of Itasca State Park Aug. 20-22. Wolf Lake welcomes you to their Harvest Festival Aug. 20-22.
More culture is in store as the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Pippin continues Aug. 4-7 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, the Noon Hour Concert series continues Aug. 5, 12 and 26 and the Art Fair at the Winery (Forestedge) entertains Aug. 21 and 22. The Nemeth Art Center, live theater and other events add to the season’s cultural offerings.
And all this is just a sample of the activities and events planned all month long.
There’s still time to take it all in. Finding a place to stay can be as easy as a couple of clicks on the lodging pages on our website. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.