Outdoors
& RECREATION
IT’S all in our dna!
From softball to biking and splashing, great outdoor adventures await you in North Mankato. We are home to Caswell Sports which features world class softball fields, a growing soccer complex plus sand volleyball courts. Our hiking and biking trails and beautiful parks offer a variety of amenities and opportunities to relax and enjoy our Darn Nice Area.
arts
& culture
BEAUTY. IT’S all in our dna!
With lots of art on the go and fun events, North Mankato has a unique flavor of fun all year long. We are filled with outdoor concerts, fairs and and public art. Our North Mankato Taylor Library is filled inside and out with literacy and learning adventures for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find lots of opportunities to gather, learn, grow and create in our Darn Nice Area.
ANNuAL Events
They’re in our dna!
Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Tournament
Annually in January | Spring Lake Park
In the State of Hockey, taking it outdoors and playing on a frozen lake is the ultimate grass roots experience that needs to be included in your hockey schedule this year. The AF99 Pond Hockey Classic is an annual tradition that will create memories of a lifetime. The event is free to the public and includes viewing from the pier, a sledding hill for kids, hospitality area serving food and refreshments including beer and wine, warming houses and plenty of parking. Teams of all levels are welcome.
Bookin on Belgrade
Annually in May
A nearly 5K Family Fun Run & walk. Bookin’ On Belgrade is in it’s 4th year running. This event is a nearly 5K Family Fun Run and “walk” brought to you by The Business on Belgrade Association and MedExpress Urgent Care of Mankato. Register by May 1st to guarantee a free shirt and goodie bag. Registered kids also get a free book!! There will be a small charge for this event.
ArtSplash Art Fair
Annually in June | South Centeral College
North Mankato’s annual art fair features arts and crafts, live music, food, drink, kid’s activities, and more. Local artisans and craft vendors offer original photography, paintings, cards, jewelry, handmade items, yard art, and more!
North Mankato Fun Days
Wednesday, July 6 – Sunday, July 10, 2022 | Wheeler Park (402 Page Ave.)
The North Mankato Fun Days 2022 Celebration is brought to you by the North Mankato Activities & Business Association, supported by the City of North Mankato.
Music in the Park
Thursdays in July & September, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Wheeler Park
Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a fun community night with local musical talent at North Mankato’s annual summer music series. Join us in Wheeler Park (off Garfield Ave) for music, a food stand, and more!
Blues on Belgrade
Saturday, July 30, 2022 , 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Blues on Belgrade concert began in 2009 as the Belgrade Ave Blues and Jazz Festival on a small gravel parking lot, behind the Circle Inn, which is now the site of the Marigold building. This was the first event by Business on Belgrade and has become the biggest to date. The stage has since moved to the intersection of Range Street and Belgrade Avenue. Blues continues to grow in size year after year. This is a free event to the community and is a day full of blues music from local and national bands, food, vendors, sunshine (usually) and fun
Bier on Belgrade
–
Bier on Belgrade is North Mankato’s version an Oktoberfest and German heritage fun. You will have a day of activities, food vendors, live music, Bier samplings from local and world renown brewery’s, ceremonial first beer with City Officials, bean bag toss and kegs. This is a free event! Must be 21 years of age to attend. Seasonal beers will be available for sampling and will be listed closer to the event.
Bells on Belgrade
This is a fun holiday event for the entire family and brought to you FREE of charge by the Business on Belgrade Association, the City of North Mankato and MedExpress Urgent Care of Mankato. Enjoy trolley rides along Belgrade Avenue, a medallion hunt in North Mankato the week leading up to the event, carolers, reindeer games, make and take crafts and so much more! You can also visit Santa and receive a free goodie bag and Golden Ticket to redeem for a free book. Stay and see the Winter Wonderland Parade, which starts at 6:30pm, along Belgrade Avenue!
Letting’ our happy show.
IT’S OUR Way Of Living!
In North Mankato, our citizens and leadership are passionate about creating a community where you’ll want to spend your lifetime. It’s a Darn Nice Area and we don’t mind letting our happy show!
CHECK IT OUT!
REgional Visitor Attractions & Partners
A DARN NICE AREA!
