Events Up North Aug. 24-29: Book sale in Virginia, Pride events in Bemidji

By Jennifer Barr

Published August 20, 2026 at 4:14 PM CDT

Events this week include a program on salamanders at the Sax-Zim Bog, a serenity stroll at Lake Bemidji State Park and a party at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids.

August is winding down in Northern Minnesota, but there's still so much to do!

Volunteer training - 6-7:30 p.m. at KAXE studio in Grand Rapids. Learn what it takes to be an on-air DJ. No commitment required!

Smithsonian Institution's Rural Initiative - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm

Friends of Virginia Public Library book sale - Noon-7 p.m. at Iron Trail Motors Event Center

Friends of Virginia Public Library book sale - Noon-7 p.m. at Iron Trail Motors Event Center

Visit KAXE at the Minnesota State Fair - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. inside the Education Building
Field Day - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Research Center in Staples
Real Horsepower! - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Forest History Center in Grand Rapids. Meet draft horses and learn about the work they do. Regular admission applies.
Friends of Virginia Public Library book sale - Noon-7 p.m. at Iron Trail Motors Event Center
They Might Be Giants: Salamanders of Minnesota - Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Lois King Education Center at the Sax-Zim Bog near Meadowlands

EAA Chapter 412 breakfast fundraiser - 8 a.m.-noon at Grand Rapids Airport. Freewill donations will support area youths pursuing a career in aviation.
Friends of Virginia Public Library book sale - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Iron Trail Motors Event Center
End of Summer Serenity Stroll - 10 a.m. at Lake Bemidji
Real Horsepower! - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Forest History Center in Grand Rapids. Meet draft horses and learn about the work they do. Regular admission applies.
End of Summer Bash - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Judy Garland & Children's Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids
Community Impact Fair - 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School in Walker.
"Art of the Game" celebration - 12-3 p.m. 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. fashion show and live music at powwow grounds in Ball Club. "Art of the Game" is a new mural painted by Annie Humphrey on the basketball court.
Bemidji Pride Family Fest - Noon-5 p.m. at Rail River Folk School in Bemidji. More events scheduled throughout the weekend.

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.