Concerts and Live Music
Let the (live) music move you
Music moves people in more ways than just tapping your toes and dancing, it boosts your mood, gives you energy and can lift your spirits. North Dakota’s amazing venues, casinos, state and local fairs, outdoor music festivals, and indoor and outdoor theaters serve up exciting year-round concerts, musicals, and entertainment. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family outing, or a friend’s night out, North Dakota’s music scene promises to provide lasting memories for everyone. If quaint, smaller venues are more your style, drop in at some of the many local bars and restaurants and small-town pubs to hear some of North Dakota’s very own local talent.
Concert and Music Venues
North Dakota features a vibrant mix of concert venues across the state:
Together, these venues bring big‑name performers, local talent, and unforgettable live‑music experiences to every corner of the state.
- In Fargo, major shows take place at the Fargodome and Scheels Arena along with other year-round concerts at The Aquarium.
- Grand Forks is home to major event destinations including the Alerus Center, Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, and the Empire Arts Center.
- Central North Dakota shines with the Bismarck Event Center, and the elegant Belle Mehus Auditorium.
- In Minot, concerts fill the North Dakota State Fair Center, and Citizens Alley’s Levitt AMP Music Series.
- The Great Northern Event Center in Williston is a premier event venue located in the historic Ford Building.
Enjoy live shows, gaming, dining, and overnight stays—all under one roof at these North Dakota casinos
- Prairie Knights Casino & Resort in Fort Yates features The Pavilion, a modern, intimate venue with a full line‑up of national touring acts, tribute bands and more.
- 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town boasts an 85,000 sq ft event center that hosts a variety of shows—ranging from rock and country concerts, bands and more.
- Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel in Hankinson features live concerts and tribute performances featuring everything from classic rock to country stars.
- Spirit Lake Casino & Resort in St. Michael operates as a full entertainment destination with live music and more.
Annual Music Events
Some prominent annual North Dakota music events include:
- The Medora Musical, dubbed the Greatest Show in the West, is dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands and to the Spirit of the Old West. The show is performed live and outside every night each summer from June through September at the open-air Burning Hills Amphitheater in Medora.
- ND Country Fest is a world-class, professionally produced, multi-day, country music and camping festival in July in New Salem that showcases Nashville’s finest modern and traditional country stars, along with the region’s most talented artists.
- The North Dakota State Fair is North Dakota’s largest annual event - nine days of thrilling rides, delicious food, and unforgettable fun each July! Featuring big-name country and rock entertainment, auto events, NPRA bull riding, ranch rodeos, the state’s largest carnival, shopping, and exhibits!
- The Red River Valley Fair hosts beloved traditions, including agricultural exhibitions, a wide variety of carnival rides and games, and live music performances every year.
