Summer in Grand Forks 101: How to Make Your Summer Cooler

Hailing from the sandy spreads of Rajasthan, India (literally the desert), I had all but given up on summer. I would just wanna stay indoors, not wanting to leave the AC, and just be more lazy compared to other seasons. That was until I packed my bags and somehow ended up in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Before I knew it summer rolled around, and in what can only be described as a classic love affair, I fell in love with summer in Grand Forks, and now I’m here to make you fall in love with it too… and so here is this class as a labor of my love!

Biking In and Around the Forks and the GF Parks District

What I can describe only as my favorite way of seeing Grand Forks, or arguably the ONLY way to really see the whole of Grand Forks is to bike around the various trails in the city. Don’t have a bike? Don’t you worry, the Grand Rides bikeshare program allows everyone to have a bike anytime they want Conveniently laid out in accessible locations across the city, just pick up your bike and explore so many hidden trails all around town. Or just trace the Greenway, a favorite among townies in the summer. There are parts full of people if you wanna keep running into your friends on every corner or there’s more quiet and quaint parts with very few people around. The Greenway connects different parks along the Red River on both sides with picturesque views and more green then you can ask for.

 

Fireworks at Sertoma and July 4th

July 4th is a very festive deal in Grand Forks. Festivities and events begin bright and early with a host of food trucks and other fun activities in Sertoma Park followed by a dazzling fireworks display at the south end of town. Don’t forget to bring some sheets and blankets to huddle into, some bug spray, and a cooler full of snacks., and trust me you wanna be able to stick around till the very end, so go prepared!! If you’re feeling lucky, don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets through the Sertoma Club ahead of time. Proceeds support the Sertoma Club and various charitable organizations around the Grand Forks region—plus their prizes are OUT OF THIS WORLD with Grand Prizes ranging anywhere from $10,000 cash to a new car!

Keep up with the Sertoma Club and details about their 4^th of July celebration here.

 

Kayaking and Catfish days

In the summer, the Red River is in its full flow, which means it’s time to bring out the kayaks! Don’t own one? Just rent one to get it on all the fun! You can snag a kayak rental at two different places in Grand Forks. The first is the Outpost, located on the UND campus at the Wellness Center. They offer single day prices for as low as $15 for everything you could need for a river adventure. If you’re looking for a long adventure, their 3-ay and weel long rentals are also insanely affordable. Boathouse on the Red, which is located right in downtown Grand Forks along the Red River. Their convenient location means that you have direct access to the water and won’t be hauling any equipment across town

If kayaking is not for you, the river still offers so much more. Catfish Days is a three-day fishing frenzy on the Red River, with a grand prize of almost $10,000. With prime real estate along the Red River, your chances look good in Grand Forks, your ultimate catch ’em all stop!

 

Camping at the Red River State Recreation Area

To take your outdoors to the ultimate level you have to bring all your gear out and go camping in the Red River State Recreation Area in East Grand Forks.  At this campsite, you get the best of both worlds. Imagine how peaceful and quiet the area becomes by night time with the sound of the river flowing gently in the background. When you don’t feel like roughing it, you are only a couple minute walk away from the movie theatre, a selection of restaurants, and downtown boutiques! Make sure to check it out, a perfect getaway with friends, family or just a solo trip.

 

Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland

The Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland, stands out as a prime summer destination in Grand Forks, particularly for nature enthusiasts. Tailored to entice multiple butterfly species, this locale, located on the south end of East Grand Forks by Central Middle School, also boasts a 30-acre expanse of indigenous prairie grassland, showcasing diverse wildflowers and grasses. It offers ideal conditions for birdwatching and leisurely afternoons. Visitors can even schedule guided tours by contacting them in advance.

 

Garage Sales

Last on my list of outdoor summer activities is my very, very favorite thing to do in the summer in Grand Forks–going to garage sales. While they are a great way to find cheap treasures in and around the city, it is also an amazing way to get involved with the community and to meet people, be it fellow shoppers or organizers. Or if you decide to host one yourself, GF has an active Facebook community of avid shoppers who would love to come check it out. You know they didn’t say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” for nothing.

Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park is organized by the Grand Forks Parks District. Their movie selection is always ICONIC. I look forward to cozying up in my little blanket and watching movies under the stars… and the best part is it’s all FREE, just don’t forget to bring your own chairs and blankets. Movies in the park is a great way to explore the various parks the city has. This year’s showings begin from June and go on until August. I’ll see you all in your pink attire at the Barbie showing!

 

Downtown Farmers Market

A weekly staple of Grand Forks summer, the downtown farmers market has it all: prime location in the town square, live music and entertainers, and plenty of shopping including custom art, organic skincare,  homemade pickles and jams and obviously the fresh produce. The trick is to go early to be able to lay your hands on all the best stuff before it runs out–and believe me it does. Take a walk around the block in downtown, grab a delicious bite to eat from the many available food vendors, and perhaps take a picnic by the river and make it a full day outing.

 

Summer Concerts

For all the live music lovers there is good news, the live music scene in gf is … pretty lively (get it, ‘cuz live?!) You can find everything from casual open mics at   at Urban Stampede, Half Brothers, or Ely’s Ivy, or attend signature events like Concerts in the Garden at the Dakota Museum of Art, Hot Valley Nights, and  Blues on the Red, which takes place right outside the Blue Moose in East Grand Forks.

Find more details in this piece dedicated to live music. 

 

Races at River Cities Speedway

The River Cities Speedway brings the speed and the thrill to your Grand Forks summer with its amazing lineup of racing events throughout the summer. Expect to get your blood pumping every Friday night from May to September at the racetrack whether you’re cheering on stock cars, sprint cars, or even the go kart leagues! The two most exciting nights at the track happen with World of Outlaws, the most exciting sprint car race in the region. World of Outlaws usually occurs twice per summer around June and August.  The best part? Tickets are free for kids and discounted for presale, military, and students making it a must do item on my summer list… and now yours.

Find the schedule and ticket information here.

 

Car Shows

The city becomes bright and shiny when any of the annual car shows come around. You can expect to find tons of opportunities to discover awe inspiring feats of creativity and mechanical engineering ranging from classic to modern displays. One event you won’t want to miss is the Rydell Annual Charity Benefit Car & Bike Show, where each year, Rydell employees vote on a local charity that will receive 100% of all the proceeds. In it’s almost 20 years, the benefit has raised over 1 million dollars for local charities and causes.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for local car club events, too, like those put on by Prime Steel Car Club, Northern Cruz Club, East Side Rides, and Red River Valley Motorcyclists.

 

Longest Table

The event that embodies the spirit of Grand Forks is the Longest Table, held usually in September (still summer if you ask me). You get to enjoy a free meal and get to give your input on how to improve Grand Forks as a city. The Longest Table takes meeting townies to the next level as you are able to make a personal connection who just might come in clutch! In 2023, Longest Table featured a single table spanning over 1,200 feet long and welcomed over 850 residents. Even further, participants are invited to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding with the goal of setting new community ideas into motion. A great way to settle in as well if you are new to the town, or feel more connected even if you’ve lived here your whole life!

 

Artfest

ArtFest is set to light up University Park in Grand Forks, ND every June! This lively, free event brings together nearly 100 artists, musicians, and food vendors, making it a perfect weekend outing for art enthusiasts and families alike. With a mix of unique crafts, captivating live music, and tasty food options, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include, Chalk Art competitions, dozens of musical artists, and tons of hands on opportunities to make and buy local art. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of local talent and creativity.

 

Downtown Street Fair

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Downtown Street Fair, which is usually held in August. Since 2016, this lively festival has transformed downtown into a hub of food, live music, and family fun. Enjoy delicious treats from food trucks, browse unique creations from local artists and craft vendors, and discover young entrepreneurs in the Kidpreneur Program. With free art activities, a scavenger hunt, and a diverse lineup of live music, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this exciting two-day event that brings the community together for a weekend of entertainment and creativity!

 

Grand Forks Fair

Experience the Greater Grand Forks Fair every year in June! This family-friendly event offers a variety of entertainment and activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From live bands and racing events, to a petting zoo, the fairgrounds are packed with fun. Enjoy delicious fair food, thrilling carnival rides by Crabtree Amusement, and free attractions like the Kid Zone and weekend wagon rides. Gate fees are $10 for ages 15 and up, $5 for ages 7-14, and free for children 6 and under. Don’t miss their honorary events on Heroes Dayand Senior Day, too. Join us for an unforgettable time at the Greater Grand Forks Fair!

 

Fireworks at Sertoma and July 4th

July 4th is a very festive deal in Grand Forks. Festivities and events begin bright and early with a host of food trucks and other fun activities in Sertoma Park followed by a dazzling fireworks display at the south end of town. Don’t forget to bring some sheets and blankets to huddle into, some bug spray, and a cooler full of snacks., and trust me you wanna be able to stick around till the very end, so go prepared!! If you’re feeling lucky, don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets through the Sertoma Club ahead of time. Proceeds support the Sertoma Club and various charitable organizations around the Grand Forks region—plus their prizes are OUT OF THIS WORLD with Grand Prizes ranging anywhere from $10,000 cash to a new car!

Keep up with the Sertoma Club and details about their 4^th of July celebration here.

 

Longest Table

The event that embodies the spirit of Grand Forks is the Longest Table, held usually in September (still summer if you ask me). You get to enjoy a free meal and get to give your input on how to improve Grand Forks as a city. The Longest Table takes meeting townies to the next level as you are able to make a personal connection who just might come in clutch! In 2023, Longest Table featured a single table spanning over 1,200 feet long and welcomed over 850 residents. Even further, participants are invited to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding with the goal of setting new community ideas into motion. A great way to settle in as well if you are new to the town, or feel more connected even if you’ve lived here your whole life!

 

Potato Bowl French Fry Feed

On September 24, 1966, the very first Potato Bowl football game was played at Memorial Stadium and was billed as a battle between two of the largest potato growing regions in the United States (Idaho and the Red River Valley).  And since then, the Potato Bowl has become a longstanding and beloved tradition in the Grand Forks region.  Everyone in the Grand Forks region is invited to University Park to enjoy live music, bouncy houses and games for the kids, socialize with other town folk and most importantly, enjoy free french fries to your heart’s desire. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even shoot your shot at the french fry eating contest! Recognized as the world’s largest french fry feed and breaking records with over 8,000 lbs of French fries served, an event like this one is something you simply CAN NOT MISS!

These assignments add just a touch of extra to your Grand Forks summer, ‘cuz why not? The activities here aren’t necessarily summer only activities but they can be a cherry on top of your summer in GF!

• Go to a UND/Highschool sports event
• Go museum hopping at the North Dakota Museum of Art, The Myra Museum, or any of the Artwise exhibits
• Check out the theatre scene at the Empire Arts Center, the Fire Hall Theatre, or UND.
• Attend an open mic night at Archives Coffee House, or the Empire Arts Center.

Congratulations you have made it to the end of GF Summer 101! Now there is only the final exam: while you do all of the events you’ve learned about today, share your memories with the Cooler team in your social media posts, tag us (@gfiscooler), and we will repost all of our A+ students. Until then, happy summer!