Events Up North April 29-May 3: Massive book sale in Hibbing, smelt fry in Backus

Published April 23, 2026 at 10:33 AM CDT

Events this week include a production of "The Grapes of Wrath" in Brainerd, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids, and a student art reception in Bemidji.

It's another busy week in Northern Minnesota. Here are some events to check out:

Verse Like Water - noon in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips will give readings, followed by an informal craft talk at 1:30 p.m. in room E339.
Minnesota Aging Pathways presentation - 1 p.m. at the Bemidji Senior Center
Aging Well Together Community Conversation - 2:30 p.m. in the Active Living Center of the Itasca Family YMCA in Grand Rapids. This week's topic is "Eating Well."

ILO Players present The Theft at Windsor Manor - 6:30 p.m. at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids. Tickets
100+ Women Who Care Bemidji Area spring fundraiser - 5 p.m. social hour, 6 p.m. fundraiser at South Shore Hotel.
Brainerd Community Theater presents The Grapes of Wrath - 7 p.m. in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College. Tickets.

First Friday Art Walk - 4-7 p.m. at various locations in Grand Rapids
Alcoholics Anonymous Iron Range Get Together - 5 p.m. registration, 8 p.m. speaker at Red Rock Inn in Hibbing. An open meeting follows the speaker.
Middle School Invitational Exhibit opening reception - 5-6:30 p.m. at Watermark Art Center in Bemidji
Pine River Market Square vendor orientation - 5:20 p.m. at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce
Fantastical Frybread Bingo Songfest - 6-8:30 p.m. at Klockow Brewing in Grand Rapids. Held in conjunction with Fire in the Village.
Brainerd Community Theater presents The Grapes of Wrath - 7 p.m. in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College. Tickets.

Alcoholics Anonymous Iron Range Get Together - 10 a.m.-11 p.m. at Red Rock Inn in Hibbing
Brainerd Community Theater presents The Grapes of Wrath - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College. Tickets.
Backus Fire Department Smelt Fry - 4 p.m. until the smelt runs out at the Backus Fire Hall

Brainerd Community Theater presents The Grapes of Wrath - 2 p.m. in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College. Tickets.
Grand Rapids Male Chorus concert, "Land That I Love - Songs of America" - 2:30 p.m. at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids. Featuring special guest Ditty Wish.

What's going on in your community? Let us know!

Events Up North is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.