Make-A-Wish Minnesota Hosts Annual Walk for Wishes®&nbsp;
Celebration to Benefit Local Children Facing Critical Illnesses

WHAT:		Walk for Wishes® Minnesota.&nbsp;
Make-A-Wish® Minnesota invites the community to step up and help grant life-changing wishes for local children facing critical illnesses. Walk for Wishes is a family-friendly community celebration honoring the more than 6,500 local wishes that have been granted across the state. Families, friends, corporate teams, volunteers, and local organizations are invited to walk, jog, or roll together to raise crucial funds to bring hope, strength, and joy to local wish kids and their families. In addition to the walk, the event features kid-friendly games, face painting, balloon art, photo booths, local cosplay characters, therapy dogs, first responder vehicle tours, and interactive activity stations.&nbsp;
WHEN:			Saturday, September 12, 2026
			8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:		Viking Lakes
	2685 Vikings Circle&nbsp;&nbsp;
		Eagan, MN 55121&nbsp;

DETAILS/REGISTRATION:	<a href="https://wish.org/minnesota/walk-wishes-0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://wish.org/minnesota/walk-wishes-0</a>




About Make-A-Wish® Minnesota
Make-A-Wish® Minnesota creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1982, the Minnesota chapter has granted more than 6,500 wishes to local children across the state, aiming to bring hope and joy when it is needed most.

Local Event: Walk for Wishes® Minnesota

Hennepin County

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Walk for Wishes® Minnesota

Make-A-Wish Minnesota Hosts Annual Walk for Wishes® 
Celebration to Benefit Local Children Facing Critical...

ERX Motor Park

Loud &amp; Clear: #LIVIN Music Festival Returns Music and Community Combine to Break the Stigma Around Mental Health
Celebrate 8 Years of #LIVIN with Live Music, BBQ, Family Activities, Camping and Camaraderie&nbsp;

WHAT: 		8th Annual #LIVIN Music Festival in Elk River

Join us for the 8th Annual #LIVIN Music Festival, a two-day event to benefit the #LIVIN Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent suicide by creating quality connections through&nbsp;everyday conversations about mental health, by way of programs and partnerships.&nbsp;

Funds from #LIVIN Music Festival are used to directly support the mission of LIVIN Foundation in preventing suicide through various programs like camps and retreats for families and individuals who lost a loved one to suicide, LIVIN Community Fund Financial grant program, suicide prevention training and education, and the mental health resource platform called LivinConnected.&nbsp;

Paul Thomas (PT) helped found the organization after losing his father to suicide in 2013. PT decided that instead of focusing on how his father died, he wanted to embrace the way he lived. “I needed to encourage others to TALK about depression and suicide instead of hiding it due to embarrassment. This way we could reduce the stigma associated with depression and other mental illness and maybe, just maybe, save a life in the process.”
Not only is the #LIVIN Music Festival an opportunity for connection, but PT says it’s a great value with the ability to see seven bands for less than $10 per band. “It’s the best band for your buck!” Join us for the most eclectic country music festival around and help us Start The Conversation, Listen with Intent and Get Busy #LIVIN! Remember it is ALWAYS a great day to be alive!
WHEN: 	September 18th &amp; 19th
		Camping check-in 2pm Friday

WHERE:	ERX Motor Park
		21591 US-169
Elk River, MN 55330

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES:
<ul><li>Live Music</li><li>Camping</li><li>Food Trucks</li><li>Beverages</li><li>BBQ Competition</li><li>Cornhole Tournament</li></ul>
<ul><li>Kids Daytime Play Zone</li><li>Powerful &amp; Inspirational Program</li><li>#LIVIN Merchandise and Swag</li></ul>
			
MUSIC SCHEDULE:

<h3>FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH</h3>

MAIN STAGE
<a href="https://www.katperkinsmusic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kat Perkins and the Country Roads Tribute Show</a>
This all-star cast and band pay tribute to your favorite country artists like Shania Twain, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Chrost Stapleton, Garth Brooks and a whole lot more!&nbsp;

SPECIAL GUEST
<a href="https://www.aaronsimmonsmusic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aaron Simmons</a>
Midwest CMO male vocalist of the year in town from Nashville with his full band!&nbsp;

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
*Main Gates Open at 5 pm

Noon- 4 pm <a href="https://www.theloneoaks.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Russ Parrish &amp; Lone Oaks</a>
4 pm: Inspirational Program and Dove Release


MAIN STAGE
<a href="https://www.maygenandthebirdwatcher.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maygen &amp; The Birdwatcher</a>
From this Midwest CMO Americana Artist and former Entertainer of the Year, expect incredible vocal harmonies and some boot-stompin’ rhythms will be in full effect when they take the stage
 <a href="https://www.zachthomaslive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Zach Thomas</a>
Raspy and powerful vocals are a mix between Luke Combs and newcomer Josh Ross.

VIP STAGE
<a href="https://www.moniquesmaz.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Monique Smaz</a>
Midwest CMO Female Vocalist of the Year Nominee who delivers a mix of country and soul

HEADLINER
<a href="https://www.blackhawklive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Blackhawk</a>
One of the most requested acts for the festival! Blackhawk delivers vocal harmonies for days and a bunch of songs that will take you back to the first time you heard them AND keep you dancing all night long

TICKETS:	<a href="https://www.universe.com/events/8th-annual-livin-music-festival-tickets-%09%09%098059X6" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.universe.com/events/8th-annual-livin-music-festival-tickets-			8059X6</a>

MORE&nbsp;INFO:		<a href="https://www.livinmusicfestival.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.livinmusicfestival.com</a>

Local Event: 8th Annual #LIVIN Music Festival in Elk River

8th Annual #LIVIN Music Festival in Elk River

Loud & Clear: #LIVIN Music Festival Returns  Music and Community Combine to Break the Stigma Around Mental Health
Celebrate 8...

Lakewood Cemetery

Lakewood Cemetery’s Beloved Lantern Lighting Ceremony Returns!&nbsp;
All Are Invited to Memorialize and Remember Loved Ones
Lanterns Decorated to Remember Loved Ones Create a Breathtaking Moment of Serenity, Commemoration and Connection

	Annual Lantern Lighting Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery

Lakewood Cemetery invites the public to its annual Lantern Lighting Celebration on the weekend of September 18-19, 2026. The event offers an opportunity for people to remember loved ones and celebrate their lives by decorating and then releasing floating, candlelit lanterns onto Lakewood’s onsite lake. This event is open to the public.&nbsp;

At the event, people can decorate a paper lantern sleeve with favorite pictures, messages, personal sayings, poems, and other symbols of remembrance. At dusk, in a beautiful ceremony, attendees gather to release their lanterns onto Lakewood’s ten-acre lake, as the names of loved ones are read aloud accompanied by the stirring sound of bagpipes. The effect of the candlelit lanterns floating on the lake is breathtaking and magical, connecting people to their loved ones and to others who are remembering and grieving.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Throughout the event, guests can enjoy live music, food and refreshments from local food trucks, and the beauty of Lakewood’s scenic grounds. Self-guided tour brochures of the cemetery will also be available.&nbsp;

WHERE:	Lakewood Cemetery&nbsp;
3600 Hennepin Avenue 
Minneapolis, MN 55408 

WHEN:		September 18-19
		5:00 – 8:30 p.m. each night*

*Attendees have the option of choosing one of two evenings to honor their loved ones – Friday, September 18th or Saturday, September 19th.

COST: 	Admission is free, but there is a fee per lantern: Lanterns are $10 advance / $15 day of.&nbsp;

 MORE INFO: <a href="https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/lantern-lighting-celebration/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/lantern-lighting-celebration/</a>

Visit YouTube to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d2AppHJ53E" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">watch a short video from a previous year’s event</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvor-U7OE8I" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">watch this longer video</a> to hear attendees speak about their experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;


About Lakewood: A Place to Remember
Lakewood is a serene haven in the heart of Minneapolis’s renowned Chain of Lakes—a place to come together to honor, remember, and reflect. Since 1871, Lakewood’s 250 acres of urban memorial parkland have served as a community gathering place and a chronicle of our region’s traditions, cultures, and people. Home to more than 4,000 trees representing over 150 species, Lakewood is also an accredited Level II Arboretum, reflecting its commitment to stewardship, preservation, and the natural beauty that defines the landscape. A history keeper and a thought leader, Lakewood honors its roots as a landmark cemetery while reimagining its role in modern life through thoughtfully designed events, experiences, and spaces.

Today, Lakewood is making memorialization more relevant, accessible and inviting for new audiences and generations—with more creativity and choices.&nbsp;As a nonprofit organization governed by a board of trustees,&nbsp;Lakewood is committed to preserving and enhancing its grounds and architectural treasures and uses proceeds generated from activities and events for that purpose. Lakewood invites the public to explore all that it has to offer. Learn more at <a href="https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org</a>

Local Event: Lantern Lighting Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery

Lantern Lighting Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery

Lakewood Cemetery’s Beloved Lantern Lighting Ceremony Returns! 
All Are Invited to Memorialize and Remember Loved Ones
Lanterns...

City Square Park

65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day Returns to Downtown Waconia
Iconic local festival debuts youth entrepreneurs market&nbsp;
WHAT:		65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day&nbsp;
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce invites media and the public to attend the landmark 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day presented by Destination Waconia. Originally founded in 1961 as a sidewalk bargain sale where items were sold for a nickel, the community tradition has grown into Waconia’s largest town celebration and premier annual fundraiser. Derived from a German word for "bartering," Nickle Dickle Day continues to celebrate local commerce, community spirit, and family fun.
New This Year: Youth Entrepreneurs Market
To support the next generation of business leaders, Nickle Dickle Day is launching its inaugural Youth Entrepreneurs Market. Kids and teens ages 5–17 will get real-world business experience selling their products, with proceeds benefiting local community needs.

By the Numbers

<ul><li>$1.9 Million spent locally at Waconia shops, restaurants, and bars (source: PredictHQ.com)</li><li>30,000+ attendees expected throughout the day</li><li>1,100 runners participating in the ISD 110 Community Education Races</li><li>450 classic cars at the annual Car &amp; Truck Show</li><li>390 basketball players competing in the St. Joe’s 3-on-3 Tournament</li><li>150 craft and food vendors packed into City Square Park</li><li>80 rubber ducks racing in the Rotary Duck Races</li><li>32nd Year of the traditional Medallion Hunt (with clues published in the Waconia Patriot)</li><li>3 Live Bands &amp; 1 DJ providing entertainment across downtown</li><li>Thousands of books sold at the Friends of the Waconia Public Library sale</li></ul>
WHEN:		September 19
		8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE:	City Square Park &amp; Downtown Waconia&nbsp;
MORE INFO:	<a href="https://www.destinationwaconia.org/nickledickleday" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.destinationwaconia.org/nickledickleday</a>

Local Event: 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia

65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia

65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day Returns to Downtown Waconia
Iconic local festival debuts youth entrepreneurs market 
WHAT:		65th...

Big Rock Creek

The sprawling and stunning property of Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls is the backdrop for this 3rd Annual event centered around the incredibly popular show Yellowstone. This gripping Emmy-nominated television series follows the powerful Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Montana's largest contiguous ranch. Set against the stunning backdrop of Yellowstone National Park, the show explores the intense conflicts surrounding land ownership, politics, and the clash between traditional ranching and modern development. With complex characters, intricate family dynamics, and a palpable sense of danger, Yellowstone delivers a captivating blend of drama, Western aesthetics, and rugged storytelling that keeps viewers hooked from the first episode. Since the final season debuted, more fans are binge-watching the series and are curious about the ranch lifestyle.


Dutton Days at Big Rock Creek is an event designed to help guests live out their Yellowstone fantasy. It brings together families, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers for a fun-filled weekend surrounded by the beauty of nature. Guests enjoy a wide range of engaging activities suitable for all ages, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Activities include:

<ul><li>Live Music and Barn Dance (7–10 p.m.) with <a href="https://www.tfdcountry.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Farmer’s Daughters</a></li></ul>
$10 ticket includes a line dancing lesson starting at 6 p.m.
<ul><li>Dutton Dinner, a ticketed dining experience on the patio. Sit at a stunningly styled long table while 20 oz. bone-in ribeye steaks are cooked and served with fire-charred baby potatoes, scallions and shishito peppers, finished with a bright tomato dressing and a rich au jus seasoned with fresh chimichurri flavors. Plus, take part in an old-fashioned tradition by&nbsp;hand-churning homemade ice cream&nbsp;to enjoy for dessert.</li><li>Bring your own horse for trail riding! 30- and 60-minute guided trail riding opportunities with Limitless Ranch or pony rides for the kids. Purchase tickets online.&nbsp;</li><li>Fall Porch Pot Making Class</li><li>Best Dressed Contest</li><li>Hat Bar with Gypsy Brim&nbsp;</li><li>Pop-up tattoos and chair massages from Cracked Skull Collaborative</li><li>Farm animals for the kids to pet, including visits with mini cows</li><li>Kids’ gold rush activity</li><li>Fire dancer performances</li><li>Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides</li><li>Woodfire Cooking and Pizza Barn</li><li>Western-Themed Vendors</li><li>Pie Social&nbsp;</li><li>Corn pit, Bouncy Houses, and other fun for the kids</li><li>Face Painter</li><li>and more!</li></ul>

&nbsp;WHEN: 	September 26th
		2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

WHERE: 	Big Rock Creek&nbsp;
1674 State Highway 87
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

TICKETS: 	Adults $15
		Kids (3-11) $10&nbsp;
		Infants (2 and under) are Free!

PURCHASE: 	<a href="https://tickets.bigrockcreekwi.com/duttondays/en-us/home" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://tickets.bigrockcreekwi.com/duttondays/en-us/home</a>

CAMPING, GLAMPING AND CABINS FOR RENT
Enjoy the entire Dutton Days from the comfort of the accommodations at Big Rock Creek. Choose from 3 cabins, 7 glamping tents or a geodesic dome, all complete with power, WIFI, comfy beds and plush bedding, among other accommodations. Guests also receive FREE access to kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, swim raft and canoes!&nbsp;Learn more about rental properties <a href="https://www.bigrocklodging.com/properties" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE.</a> On-site camping is also available. Each back-in site comes with a fire pit, picnic table, parking WIFI and pets welcome! Rent one of the 12 sites for your tent or RV <a href="https://bigrockcreekwi.com/camping/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

MORE INFO UPDATES:	<a href="https://www.bigrockcreekwi.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.bigrockcreekwi.com</a>


About Big Rock Creek
Big Rock Creek is a historic venue in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. The stunning property offers nearly 1,000 acres of extraordinary panoramic views of the countryside. The main building on the property is the barn which boasts 200 year-old timbers made from old railroad ties and trestles from a railroad bridge in downtown Boston. Today the barn is focal point for guests and events which include weddings, reunions, retreats, hunting/fishing excursions, parties, holiday festivals and seasonal events. Big Rock Creek also offers a clubhouse and lodging cabins, all of which are updated with modern amenities, but still feature preserved details like original wood burning fireplaces, timbers and historic detail. Big Rock Creek is a place that will touch your heart and nourish your soul leaving fond memories and a constant urge to return.

Local Event: 3rd Annual Dutton Days at Big Rock Creek

3rd Annual Dutton Days at Big Rock Creek

The sprawling and stunning property of Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls is the backdrop for this 3rd Annual event centered...

16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fairgrounds&nbsp;

Don’t miss this chance to&nbsp;hoist a great Minnesota beer and cheer "Prost!" Plus, taste&nbsp;delicious German staples&nbsp;and local fare&nbsp;while enjoying entertaining&nbsp;bands&nbsp;and a traditional&nbsp;German dancing troupe <a href="https://sites.google.com/sgedelweiss.org/s-g-edelweiss-st-paul/home." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">SG Edelweiss</a> that’ll get you grabbing a partner for polka! Twin Cities Oktoberfest was voted 4th Best Oktoberfest in the country by Tasting Table!
This year’s event is bubbling over with more than 20 beers and ciders on tap from <a href="https://utepilsbrewing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Utepils Brewing</a>, <a href="https://www.pryesbrewing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pryes&nbsp;Brewing Company</a>, <a href="https://minneapoliscider.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Minneapolis Cider Company,</a> and NEW this year, <a href="https://dangerousmanbrewing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dangerous Man Brewing</a> and <a href="https://haggardbarrel.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Haggard Barrel Brewing Company</a>. Indulge in all the delicious food offerings, including classic German fare from Gerhard's Brats and Aki's Pretzels as well as award-winning bites from Big Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse, Sara’s Tipsy Pies, and cinnamon-roasted nuts from Luther Foods.&nbsp;
Don’t forget to try your hand (or rather your entire arm) at the Stein Holding Competition&nbsp;for&nbsp;charity! Throw with Nice Axe and pound away with Hammer and Nail.
Mark your calendar and meet us at Twin Cities Oktoberfest 2026!&nbsp;

ENTERTAINMENT*
*More being added regularly!

Mainstage
<a href="https://www.musikmeisters.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bavarian Musikmeisters</a>
<a href="https://www.reeseglovermusic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Reese Glover Music</a>
<a href="https://elkrivergermanband.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Elk River German Band</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ipolkaband/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The ipolka Band</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/standupsband" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Stand Ups</a>

Tent Stage
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cornellpowerservice/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cornell Power Service</a>
<a href="https://www.gonzos-planet.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gonzo's Planet</a>

WHEN:		October 9-10, 2026
		Friday: 5pm- 11pm
		Saturday: Noon – 10pm

WHERE:	MN State Fairgrounds
Progress Center Building (aka Eco Experience)
		1621 Randall Ave.
		St. Paul, MN 55108
MORE DETAILS: 	<a href="https://tcoktoberfest.com/event-info" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://tcoktoberfest.com/event-info</a>

Local Event: 16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fairgrounds

16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN...

16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fairgrounds 

Don’t miss this chance to hoist a great Minnesota beer and...

16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fairgrounds

Kristi Strang

Minneapolis Metropolitan Area

Southwest Minneapolis

Golden Valley

St. Louis Park

Ramsey County

Roseville

Richfield

Anoka County

Fridley

Edina

Hopkins

Saint Paul

Dakota County

Mendota Heights

Ramsey County Library - Roseville

🎨 Join us for a FREE Paint &amp; Pray! 
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of painting, faith, fellowship, and encouragement through God’s Word. No painting experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
✨ All ages welcome 🎨 Free to attend 💛 Bring a friend!

Local Event: Paint and Pray

Paint and Pray

🎨 Join us for a FREE Paint & Pray! 
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of painting, faith, fellowship, and encouragement through God’s...

Von Maur

Join Wacoal for Fit for the Cure®, a special in-person event that combines expert bra fittings with meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Receive a complimentary bra fitting. For every guest who gets fit and purchases a regular-price Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra at the event, Wacoal will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen®, supporting breast cancer research, patient services, and critical education programs.
Whether you’re overdue for a fitting, refreshing your top drawer, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is an easy way to do something good for yourself and your community.
Bring your daughters, friends, sisters, and neighbors. Make it a girls’ day with purpose!
The event runs all day; check your location for availability. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, and the event is open to all.

Local Event: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer...

Join Wacoal for Fit for the Cure®, a special in-person event that combines expert bra fittings with meaningful impact in the...

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Kristi Strang, Neighbor

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Walk for Wishes® Minnesota

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2685 Vikings Cir, Eagan, MN

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3rd Annual Dutton Days at Big Rock Creek

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Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St Croix Falls, WI

16th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MN State Fairgrounds

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1621 Randall Ave, Falcon Heights, MN

Paint and Pray

Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness