Events Up North June 22-28: Beltrami Block Party in Bemidji, Paul Bunyan Days in Akeley

Published June 18, 2026 at 12:23 PM CDT

Events this week include a powwow in S. Lake, a gallery hop in Hibbing and a youth literacy event in Baxter.

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

Brown Bag Author Series - noon at Brainerd Public Library. Allen Eskens will talk about his latest novel The Quiet Librarian.
Meeting Our Moment: Rural Women Rising Together - 5-7 p.m. in Palisade. RSVP required.
Poetry reading & discussion - 6 p.m. at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids. Jolene Brink will read from her book of poems, Overburden, and discuss writing, history and creativity with her former Grand Rapids High School teacher Frieda Hall.

Creature Connections: The Reptile Experience - 10 a.m. at Eveleth Public Library, 3:30 p.m. at Virginia Public Library
Woods and Wildflower Walk - 10:30 a.m. at Itasca State Park. Meet outside Douglas Lodge.
The Jolly Pops - 10 a.m. at Cook Public Library, 3:30 p.m. at Aurora Public Library. The Jolly Pops combine upbeat, original music with popular children’s classics.

The Story Tree: Whose House is That? - 10 a.m. at Lake Bemidji State Park Amphitheater. Designed for ages 3-5, but all are welcome. Adults must accompany children.
Pool noodle obstacle course - 10:30 a.m. at Virginia Public Library
Brat picnic fundraiser - 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at both branches of National Bank of Commerce in Bemidji. Suggested $10 donation will benefit United Way of Bemidji Area.
Creature Connections: The Reptile Experience - 1 p.m. at Gilbert Public Library
Gallery Hop - 2-7 p.m. on Howard Street in downtown Hibbing. Explore 15 galleries and businesses featuring local artists and live music.
Hyperscale data center impacts presentation - 6 p.m. at Headwaters Music and Arts in Bemidji
Coleraine City Band concert - 7 p.m. at Longyear Park in Coleraine

Outdoor Artisan Market - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Watermark Art Center in Bemidji
77th Annual Paul Bunyan Days - 9 a.m.-midnight in Akeley
Pups in the Park - 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lum Park in Brainerd
Visitors Day - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at U of M North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids. Explore 130 years of agricultural research and education through exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Llama Llama Read-O-Rama - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Northland Arboretum in Baxter
Honoring Our Youth Waa Wi Ye Gaaa Maag Pow Wow - 11 a.m. at S. Lake powwow grounds with grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Beltrami Block Party - 1-9 p.m. on Beltrami Avenue in downtown Bemidji. Co-hosted by KAXE/KBXE, Brigid's Pub and Keg N' Cork with live music from Sonny Johnson, Caige Jambor, Tiny Town, Little Fevers, David Huckfelt and Erik Koskinen.
Artist reception - 4-6 p.m. at Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids. Meet artists John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall and see their exhibits.
Sister Song Celebration concert - 6 p.m. at the Mask and Rose Women's Theater in Puposky. Celebrate 20 years of the theater with cake at 6 p.m., followed by the outdoor concert at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own seating, water and bug spray. Pay what you wish.

Honoring Our Youth Waa Wi Ye Gaaa Maag Pow Wow - all day at S. Lake powwow grounds with grand entry at 1 p.m. and supper at 4 p.m.
77th Annual Paul Bunyan Days - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Akeley. Grand parade at 1 p.m.
Unfinished Freedom, 250 Years On - 1-8 p.m. at Miner's Pavilion in Grand Rapids. Featuring live music and food trucks. Bring your own chair.

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.