There are plenty of fun things to do in Fargo-Moorhead this summer.
Summer is a time to get outside and experience all the great things Fargo-Moorhead has to offer.
We love to stay active by playing sports, walking, running, hiking, kayaking and biking. And there is nothing better than lounging by the water under a cloudless, sunny, blue sky.
We also have access to great concerts, fairs, markets, food, sports and entertainment to keep our days and nights filled with memorable experiences.
Check out 12 fun things to do this summer:
1. DOWNTOWN STREET FAIR
The streets of downtown Fargo are filled with art, crafts and food for three days in July. Vendors from all over the country provide entertainment for more than 150,000 visitors during North Dakota’s largest outdoor event. Head downtown for some live music, shopping, local art and good food July 18-20.
2. RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR
The fair features food, carnival rides, concerts and agriculture exhibits during three weekends in July. This year’s events are held on June 28 through 30, July 4 through 7, and July 11 through 14. RRVF will feature concerts from the Goo Goo Dolls, Sublime with Rome, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Young Gravy with Taylor Holder, Ludacris, Skillet with Colton Dixon, Disney Princess- The Concert, Blake Shelton, Breaking Benjamin and Riley Green with Josh Ross.
3. RIBFEST
Happy Harry’s Ribfest is an annual summer event held in the Fargodome parking lot June 5 through 8. It brings together barbeque, family fun and music. Award-winning food vendors come from Texas, Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This year’s concerts include BlackHawk, Chayce Beckham, eve6, and Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses.
4. THE LIGHTS
The Lights in West Fargo offers a mix of activities to do year around for people of all ages. It is an outside venue that puts on events weekly, many of them free to the public. This summer, check out their pro bull riding, splash pad, outdoor movies, concerts and yoga on the lawn. If you get hungry, check out their various food vendors such as Bardown, Tati’s, Moxie Java and Lundy's Ice cream.
5. FRIDAY NIGHT RACING
Check out Red River Speedways 54th season of racing this summer. Racing starts at 7 p.m. each Friday. Each night of racing has a variety of car classes. The upbeat atmosphere will make you want to come back.
6. BUTTERFLY AND BOTANIC GARDENS
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society is one of the many hidden gems in Fargo. There are various beautiful gardens to see, an edible forest and butterflies. They offer tours, sell plants and host events. Enjoy a serene experience that’s free to the public.
7. PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks is an independent baseball team that plays on campus at Newman Outdoor Field. RedHawks games are a popular choice for Fargo residents who want to soak up the sun.
8. FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
The Fargo Food Truck Festival comes to the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in August. Twenty trucks bring a variety of cuisine, including barbeque, tacos, traditional Italian and pastry desserts. Corgi races, eating challenges and kid’s inflatables make it a fun event for all.
9. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND PARKS
Fargo is an active community that loves the outdoors. The Fargo Park District has 175 public parks, including hiking and biking trails, golf courses and athletic facilities. This includes softball fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts and disc golf courses. You also can rent equipment. Lindenwood Park rents bikes and kayaks for an unforgettably fun experience.
10. OUTDOOR CONCERTS
The 3,000-seat Bluestem Amphitheater hosts several summer concerts throughout the summer near the banks of the Red River in Moorhead. Headliners this summer include Stray Cats Summer Tour, Dwight Yoakam, Lamb of God & Mastodon, The Head And The Heart, Thrivefest and Billy Currington.
Broadway Square in downtown Fargo hosts music every Tuesday evening in the summer through September. Stop by Silver Lining Creamery for some ice cream and enjoy local artists each week.
11. RED RIVER MARKET
Red River Market runs from July through October every Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It hosts locally sourced produce, baked goods, pantry items, hot food, beverages and art. The market’s new location is located right in the heart of downtown in Broadway Square.
12. GOLF
Fargo is home to five public golf courses, and there is a course for every level of play. For an easier round, give Prairiewood, Osgood or El Zagal a try. If you’re looking for something more challenging, head to Rose Creek or Edgewood. El Zagal also offers the only footgolf course in the area.
Golf simulators have gotten very popular among Fargo natives. Check out Golf Addiction, Gimmies, Dogleg North, The ClubHouse and Evolve Golf. Another popular spot is Suite Shots. The venue offers indoor golf simulators, outdoor bays, fun events and food.
Photos courtesy of Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau
