Hot days, cool events make late August special in North Dakota Posted on 8/12/2009
For more information, contact: Sara Otte Coleman, Director, Tourism Division North Dakota Department of Commerce 701-328-2525
It's starting to feel a lot like summer, so why not use this time to get in a little more R&R before school starts? We've got festivals and feeds, car shows and air shows, music and more. All you have to do is get there. To find more information about these annual events, or for a complete list of events, go to NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.
Old Settler's Day and Corn Feed Buckstop Junction, Bismarck August 16
Come to the pioneer town for a day of dancing, music, demonstrations and food. Tours of the site's historic buildings will be given. www.buckstopjunction.org; 701-250-8575
Mott Tractor Fest Main Street, Mott August 21-22
Celebrate our agricultural heritage by showcasing the tractor, the instrument that changed the fabric of farming. Dickinson native Kellan Lutz, star of the movies "Twilight" and "New Moon" will make a special appearance. 701-824-2605
MizzJam Missouri Valley Fairgrounds, Bismarck August 22
Outdoor music festival at the Missouri Valley Fairgrounds features a variety of country, classic rock and new music along with regional and local bands. Free camping, food and merchandise vendors on site. www.mizzjam.com; 701-400-9939
Blues on the Red Town Square, Grand Forks August 22
Enjoy an evening of great blues music in the heart of Grand Forks. National musicians provide free entertainment, while you enjoy the three Bs - barbecue, burgers and beverages. 701-772-8404
Beach Party Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison August 22
hings heat up in Garrison at this event which includes live bands and entertainment playing 50s, 60s and 70s music, fun games and food. www.garrison.com; 701-463-2345 or 800-799-4242
Grape Festival and Stomp Red Trail Vineyard, Buffalo August 22
A stomping good time will be had by all at Red Trail Vineyard's grape stomp festival. The event includes a wine and beer garden, vendors and exhibits, wagon rides through the vineyard, walking tours and musical entertainment all afternoon. Monroe Crossing's bluegrass performance will take place at 6:30 p.m. www.redtrailvineyard.com; 701-238-3337
Tintmaster Perfect 10 Car Show Fargodome, Fargo August 22
From old school hot rods to new age tuner cars, motorcycles, trucks and SUVs, Perfect 10 showcases them all. You will be amazed by the selection of rides, crazy lighting displays and gorgeous models. www.perfect10show.com; 701-241-9100
Fargo AirSho Hector Airport, Fargo August 22-23
This aviation spectacular has it all: stunt pilots, U.S. and Canadian air demo teams, interactive airplane displays, Warbird flyover and skydiving. Tour historic aircrafts like the Super Corsair, P-51 Mustang, TBM Avenger, Corsair and Duggy, "The Smile in the Sky" airplane. www.fargoairsho.com; 701-293-8043
International Metis/Mechif Rendezvous International Peace Garden, Dunseith August 28-30
"Where the Fiddle and the Mountain Unite." You won't want to miss these three days of fun-filled fiddling and jigging, great food, vendors and more. www.peacegarden.com; 701-263-4390 or 800-432-6733
Badlands Trail Run Tjaden Terrace, Medora August 29
Kick up your heel in a different way in Medora. Run or walk through the breathtaking Badlands on portions of the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Choose either 5-K or 10-K events. www.medora.com; 701-623-4444 or 800-623-6721
Bluegrass Festival Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown August 30
Local bluegrass and country bands perform in the true folk tradition. Featured bands will include Spiritwood Creek, Smokehouse and Buffalo Station. 701-252-4208
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in late August. For more information, go to NDtourism.com or phone 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663.
North Dakota received two legendary designations in 2008 – most affordable (AAA) and friendliest (Cambridge University).
