3rd Annual Small Town Burger Battle!!!
2026-05-20 08:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-21 08:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-22 08:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | MN

Red Cross Blood Drive-Marshall
2026-05-21 09:00 - 15:00 | St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1301 S Fourth St, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
St. Stephen Lutheran

1301 South Fourth Street
Marshall, MN 56258

Sponsor: St. Stephen Lutheran Church

05/21/2026 | 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Note: Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

Memorial Day and Memorial Weekend Events in Southwest Minnesota
2026-05-24 - 2026-05-25 | MN
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Redwood Falls — Memorial Weekend program Sunday with music at 1:30 p.m. and the main program at 2 p.m.
Marshall — Memorial Day cemetery observances begin Monday at Lynd Cemetery (8 a.m.), Green Valley Cemetery (8:45 a.m.), Marshall Cemetery (9:15 a.m.) and Calvary Cemetery (9:45 a.m.). A main Memorial Day program will be held at Liberty Park at 1 p.m. featuring guest speaker Patrick Nelson of Wood Lake.
Canby — Memorial Day program at 10 a.m. Monday in Central Park or Canby High School if weather forces relocation. Gold Star mother Pat Timmerman will speak. Free lunch for veterans and spouses from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heroes.
Cottonwood — Memorial Day program at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Cottonwood Community Center. National Guard member Jaden Hoffman will deliver the keynote address and Kayla Daniels will provide music.
Currie — Cemetery and memorial observances begin Monday morning with stops at Willow Lake Cemetery, End-O-Line Park, Pioneer Cemetery and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Cemetery. A wreath-laying at the bridge in Currie is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The main program starts at 11 a.m. at the Currie Fire Hall followed by lunch.
Echo — Memorial Day program at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Echo Community Center, followed by cemetery observances and a potluck meal.
Granite Falls — Memorial Day program at noon Monday at Veterans Plaza. Lunch will follow at the American Legion with a free-will donation.
Hanley Falls — Memorial Day program at 9 a.m. Monday at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church with cemetery observances at 9:45 a.m.
Hendricks — Memorial Day program at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Hendricks Public School.
Ivanhoe — Memorial Day service at 9 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial site. Retired Maj. Ryan Boom will speak. Additional outdoor services will take place at Ivanhoe, Wilno and Arco cemeteries.
Lake Benton — Memorial Day program at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Lake Benton Opera House featuring Rev. Brendan Rolling. Rifle volley and refreshments will follow at the American Legion.
Minneota — Memorial Day program at 10 a.m. Monday at the American Legion hall. Steve Kjorness will be the guest speaker, with the program concluding at Veterans Park.
Slayton/Avoca — Cemetery observances begin Monday morning at several area cemeteries, along with a wreath placement in the river and observances at the Murray County Veteran’s Memorial. A joint Slayton-Avoca Memorial Day program starts at 11 a.m. at Murray County Central School, followed by lunch at the Murray County Fairgrounds 4-H building.
Tracy — Memorial Day program at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Caboose in Tracy.
Walnut Grove — Memorial Day program at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Westbrook-Walnut Grove Elementary.
Westbrook — Memorial Day program at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School gymnasium.

Red Cross Blood Drive-Sacred Heart
2026-05-26 13:00 - 19:00 | Sacred Heart, MN
Community Center

309 First Avenue
Sacred Heart, MN 56285

Sponsor: Sacred Heart Community

05/26/2026 | 01:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Note: Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

U of MN Strategic Farming: Field Notes! Live Discussions
2026-05-27 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-03 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-10 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-17 08:00 - 08:30 | MN
Crop producers and agricultural professionals face a host of
challenges, especially in these economically challenging times, including pest issues, agronomic
concerns, and soil fertility questions. The U of MN Extension Strategic Farming program
addresses your crop-related concerns through information-packed, research-based, informal
discussions with specialists in the field. It’s also your chance to ask questions directly to
Extension experts.
Strategic Farming: Field Notes features live weekly online interactive discussions on cropping
issues as they arise throughout the growing season. The 2026 season kicks-off Wednesday, May
13, and will continue through August on Wednesday mornings from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Topics will
be announced each week based on needs throughout the season, and will include issues related to
soil fertility, agronomics, pest management, cover crops, equipment, and more.
You need to register only once for the season at z.umn.edu/FN2026. You can attend any or all of
the sessions.
Can’t make a live session? No problem. Each session will be recorded and posted shortly after
the live program https://strategicfarming.transistor.fm. You can also listen to the session through
your favorite podcast-streaming service. Recordings and resources from the winter’s Strategic
Farming: Let’s Talk Crops Series are also available at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.
There is no cost to join the Strategic Farming series thanks to generous support from the
Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Corn Research and
Promotion Council.
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For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact
Extension Communications at extdigest@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension
is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Red Cross Blood Drive-Balaton
2026-05-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Balaton Community Center, 134 3rd St, Balaton, MN, 56115, United States
Community Center

134 3rd Street
Balaton, MN 56115

Sponsor: Balaton Community

05/27/2026 | 12:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Note: Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

Red Cross Blood Drive-Ivanhoe
2026-05-28 12:00 - 18:00 | Bethany Elim Lutheran, 102 S Highway 5, Ivanhoe, MN, 56142, United States
Bethany Elim Lutheran

102 S Hwy 5
Ivanhoe, MN 56142

Sponsor: Ivanhoe Community

05/28/2026 | 12:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Note: Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

Red Cross Blood Drive-Marshall
2026-05-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Marshall Fire Department, 201 E Saratoga Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Marshall Fire Department

201 Saratoga St
Marshall, MN 56258

05/29/2026 | 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Note: Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

One Room Schoolhouse in Session!-Pipestone
2026-06-04 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 | District 3 Schoolhouse Pipestone, 1401 7th St SW, pipestone, MN, 56164, United States

Russel Bandwagon Days
2026-06-05 - 2026-06-07 | MN

New Ulm’s 11th Annual Poker Walk
2026-06-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-11 09:00 - 17:00 | MN

SMAC Features the Photography of JOHN SALGADO MALDONADO "Willmar, What comes to your mind?"-Marshall
2026-06-11 17:30 | SMAC Gallery, 509 West Main Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Southwest Minnesota Arts Council announces
Gallery Exhibit & Two Artist Receptions
featuring
the photography of

JOHN SALGADO MALDONADO
“Willmar, What comes to your mind?”
Exhibit runs May 7 – June 26, 2026
Check out this exhibit either in-person or virtually*
The SMAC GALLERY is located at 509 West Main Street, Marshall
Regular office hours: Monday – Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Willmar, What comes to your mind?! This exhibition is a critical view to our society, to our way of thinking about variety, and diversity, a sort of awareness of what we have been taught to value and what’s not. This exhibition calls out the viewer to a self reflection through a “cognitive dissonance”.

Willmar, ¡¿Qué se te viene a la mente?! Esta exposición es una mirada crítica a nuestra sociedad, a nuestra forma de pensar sobre la variedad y la diversidad, una especie de toma de conciencia sobre lo que nos han enseñado a valorar y lo que no. Esta exposición llama al espectador a una autorreflexión a través de una «disonancia cognitiva».

Gallery /Galería
How important is it to have different options, perspectives, and experiences as a human being? Have you thought about how much you value diversity or variety in your daily life?
Truth is we do value diversity in different measures, on a daily basis, and it seems that we enjoy life like this; the more diverse, the richer experiences we have.

¿Hasta qué punto es importante tener diferentes opciones, perspectivas y experiencias como ser humano? ¿Has pensado cuánto valoras la diversidad o la variedad en tu vida cotidiana?
La verdad es que valoramos la diversidad en diferentes medidas, a diario, y parece que disfrutamos así de la vida; cuanto más diversos, más ricas son nuestras experiencias.

When we look at gardens, creativity gives way to diversity and vice versa. When we experiences on our bodies and skin the nature and all seasons, when in simple activities, like going to the grocery store, finding colors and shapes (options) in most of the items, we experience diversity…and we appreciate it.
So the question – reflection comes to the mind…Why is so hard with human beings? To embrace the otherness? Not just tolerating, or accepting, but even furthermore, seeking it, because as we experience in our daily life, this is richer in that way. And therein lies the cognitive dissonance.

Cuando vemos los jardines, la creatividad da paso a la diversidad y viceversa. Cuando experimentamos en nuestros cuerpos y piel la naturaleza y todas las estaciones, cuando en actividades sencillas, como ir al supermercado, encontramos colores y formas (opciones) en la mayoría de los artículos, experimentamos la diversidad… y la apreciamos.
Así que la pregunta – reflexión viene a la mente… ¿Por qué es tan difícil con los seres humanos? ¿Aceptar la alteridad? No sólo tolerarla, o aceptarla, sino más aún, buscarla, porque asi como experimentamos en nuestra vida cotidiana, ésta es más rica de ese modo. Y ahí radica la disonancia cognitiva.

Join an IN-PERSON artist reception on
Thursday, May 7, 2026
from 5-7pm
at the SMAC Gallery, 509 West Main Street, Marshall

*Enjoy community drumming led by
PURPOSE ARTISANS
during this reception*
Join a VIRTUAL artist talk via Zoom on
Thursday, June 11 2026
at 5:30 pm.

Please email SMAC staff [info@swmnarts.org] for the ZOOM link to join this Artist Talk.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Funding provided by the McKnight Foundation. Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive. The McKnight Foundation supports working artists to create and contribute to vibrant communities.
Southwest Minnesota Arts Council
509 West Main Street,
Marshall, MN 56258
507-537-1471

Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival
2026-06-12 11:00 - 2026-06-13 21:30 | sailboard beach worthington mn, Sailboard Beach, Worthington, MN, 56187

Red Cross Blood Drive-Marshall
2026-06-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Marshall MERIT Center, 1001 Erie Rd, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
MERIT Center

1001 Erie Rd
Marshall, MN 56258

Sponsor: Marshall Community

06/12/2026 | 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Note: Make summer shine for patients in need. Come to give blood June 1-28 for a $15 e-gift card!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

Lucan Pretzel Days
2026-06-12 17:30 - 2026-06-13 18:00 | MN

Kickin' Cancer-Tracy
2026-06-13 12:00 | breezy barn tracy mn, 52 Tepeeotah Rd, Tracy, MN, 56175, United States

"Written in Stone" Cemetery Tours-Pipestone
2026-06-13 14:00 | MN

New Ulm Downtown Car & Bike Roll-In Series-New Ulm
2026-06-13 15:30 - 20:00 | MN
New Ulm Downtown Car & Bike Roll-In Series Returns June 13

New Ulm, MN – The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the New Ulm Downtown Car & Bike Roll-In series, kicking off on Saturday, June 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in historic downtown New Ulm.

Back for its third year, the Roll-In series invites car and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages to display and admire a wide range of classic vehicles – no registration required. Minnesota Street, from 3rd North to 1st South, will be closed to traffic and open for guests to stroll through and enjoy the vehicles and community atmosphere. Vehicle owners may also pick up a registration card upon arrival to display in their window and enter for a chance to win prizes.

In addition to the showcase of vehicles, attendees can enjoy live DJ music outdoors during the event, with music continuing indoors until 11:00 p.m. The June 13 Roll-In will also feature two food trucks offering a variety of delicious options: Simply Made Right and Sleepy Bison Grill. Visitors are encouraged to explore downtown shops, dine at local restaurants, and enjoy beverages from participating establishments. Alcoholic beverages purchased from downtown bars and restaurants may be consumed on the street within the designated event area; however, glass containers are not allowed.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. The 2026 Roll-In series will continue on the second Saturday of the month through September: July 11, August 8, and September 12, each promising a unique mix of vehicles, food, music, and small-town charm.

“The Roll-Ins are a great example of what makes New Ulm special – community pride, small-town charm, and a whole lot of fun,” said Sarah Warmka, President & CEO of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. “We love seeing our downtown filled with people connecting, exploring local businesses, and enjoying these unique vehicles.”

The Downtown New Ulm Car & Bike Roll-Ins are hosted by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for the support of our volunteers and generous sponsors, whose contributions help make these events possible: AutoFest, B&L Bar, Christensen Group Insurance, Jensen Motors, Les Schwab Tire, Nuvera, River View Sanitation, Sarah Garza with LuxRally Travel, and True Real Estate – Jeff Dittrich.
For more information and a full schedule, visit www.newulm.com or contact the Chamber at 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com.

Marketing Lunch & Learn-New Ulm
2026-06-16 11:30 - 13:00 | Schell’s Bierhalle new ulm, 1860 Schell's Rd, new ulm, MN, 56073, United States
Hot Topics: The Local Edge – Marketing Lunch & Learn

Practical Marketing Strategies for Today’s Changing Media Landscape

New Ulm, MN — The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the next installment of its Hot Topics Hot Lunch series, “The Local Edge – Marketing Lunch & Learn,” on Tuesday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Schell’s Bierhalle in New Ulm.

Presented in partnership with Gray Digital Media (GDM) Mankato, this educational seminar is designed specifically for New Ulm area businesses looking to grow, connect, and stand out in today’s evolving marketing landscape. Attendees will gain practical, easy-to-understand insights into modern marketing tools, smart strategy, artificial intelligence, and effective ways to reach customers through both digital and traditional media channels. This session is focused on education, networking, and local business growth—not a sales presentation.

Participants will learn how marketing trends continue to evolve and discover practical approaches for increasing visibility, strengthening customer connections, and maximizing their marketing efforts. Whether attending on behalf of a small business, nonprofit organization, or larger company, participants will leave with actionable ideas that can be implemented immediately.

This Hot Topics seminar is open to the public and includes lunch. Registration is required, as space is limited. Please RSVP by Friday, June 12. Admission is free for Chamber Members and $10 for non-members. Register online at newulm.com, or contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-233-4300 or chamber@newulm.com.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce has a membership of nearly 400 businesses, including New Ulm’s largest employers, retailers, professional services, and interested individuals. The Chamber’s mission is to encourage economic growth in our community by supporting members through business development, networking, education, advocacy, and access to resources. Through the Hot Topics series and other educational programming, the Chamber continues to provide opportunities for businesses and community members to learn about emerging trends, develop new skills, and stay informed on issues impacting the local business community.

Red Cross Blood Drive-Ruthton
2026-06-16 12:30 - 18:30 | Ruthton Community Center, 501 Smith Ave, Ruthton, MN, 56170, United States
Community Center

501 Smith Avenue
Ruthton, MN 56170

Sponsor: Ruthton Community

06/16/2026 | 12:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Note: Make summer shine for patients in need. Come to give blood June 1-28 for a $15 e-gift card!

If you are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds you’re eligible to give.
Make your appointment to donate by heading to www.redcrossblood.org or give them a call @1-800-RED CROSS.

Hill Street Place is Right
2026-06-17 13:30 - 18:00 | MN
