Calendar of Events

Origami Hearts

Jamie Jokela will teach you how to transform a plain sheet of paper into a heart. You can make some to give away for Valentine’s Day in this class fro 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 3. Fee is $16. To register call 218-237-6600.

Snow Sculpture Event

Celebrate the magic of winter at a Snow Sculpture Event Saturday, Feb. 14 in Depot Park, Park Rapids. Hosted by the City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, this event invites up to eight teams to each transform a single large block of snow into a unique, creative sculpture. Whether you're experienced or just looking for a fun winter challenge, this is your chance to showcase your creativity.

The first eight teams to register will be selected, with two alternates as backups. So, don’t wait to sign up! Entry forms with some rules are available at City Hall. The deadline to enter is noon Friday, Feb. 6. Snow blocks will be ready for carving but plan to do a sculpture that can be completed in four hours or less. Judging will be at 2 p.m. with awards presented shortly after 2. Teams can consist of individuals or groups, including families, businesses, nonprofits or school organizations.

Depot Park is located at 210 3rd Street East, east of Hugo’s Family Marketplace.

Urban Landscape Workshop in Watercolor

Darcy Brambrink, a member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society and American Watercolor Society, will instruct this workshop for those who have wanted to capture the energy of a city street or a charming cafe scene in your sketchbook or learn perspective on a scene. This workshop is designed for aspiring artists with little to no watercolor experience. Instruction will focus on simplifying complex cityscapes into beautiful, expressive watercolor paintings. It will cover the essential techniques needed to get started, from basic washes and color mixing to creating light and shadow. Participants will receive all artist quality supplies needed to complete a finished 9”x12” piece. Class will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, February 16. Fee is $75. To register call 218-237-6600.

Book Bingo for Kids

Celebrate I Love to Read Month with Book Bingo for Kids from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Prizes will be picture books, juvenile fiction and juvenile non-fiction.

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, February 19 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Share your talents by calling 218-237-3722 and setting up a 10-minute time slot. Doors open at 6 p.m. Open Mic Nights are free to the public, but $5 donations are encouraged and welcome. Beverages are available at the AA&EC concession window.

Hardwood Groove

Hardwood Groove will play live Saturday, February 21 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. The doors will open at 6; show starts at 7 p.m. Hardwood Groove is known for original, improvisational music blending bluegrass, folk, jazz and rock. They are rooted in Detroit Lakes with members in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Their sound is energetic and genre-bending, featuring guitar, bass, drums and saxophone. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.

Berry Basket Weaving

Join master basket maker Shannon Lucas Westrum for a hands-on basket weaving workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 22 at the Studios @ the Armory. This workshop includes weaving a round base, adding upright accent spokes, lashing with cord, and cutting and riveting your own leather handle. The finished basket will measure 7 inches across the base, 6 1/4 inches across the top and 5 inches high (not including the handle). Cost is $30. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Berry Basket Weaving

The Park Rapids Area High School Choir featuring Grades 7-12 will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, February 23 at the Area High School Auditorium.

Knit-Flicks "La La Land"

Bring your knitting to the movies to see “La La Land” (2016) at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 28 and work on your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other non-messy craft projects (no glue or glitter) in a relaxed theater setting. The house lights will be bright enough to see and polite chit-chat will be allowed. Tickets are free, thanks to sponsor Jennifer Christie Photo & Video, but pre-booking at www.parktheater.mn is recommended.

Felted Birds Workshop

In this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop with Cheryl Bannes, discover one of the world’s oldest textile traditions while creating a small felted bird inspired by nature and folklore. All materials and tools will be provided. Leave with a finished felted bird and the skills to keep felting at home. The workshop will be give from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 28 at the Studios @ the Armory. Cost is $25. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Deadline for Talking Stick submissions

The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc is accepting submissions for Talking Stick Volume 35 until Sunday, March 1. The annual publication includes short poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction work by writers from Minnesota or having some connection to the Park Rapids area. Find the guidelines at https://www.jackpinewriters.com/submit/.

March Madness: An Evening of Comedy with Eric Slivoskey

Come join Eric Slivoskey for some good times and laughter from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1 at Park Theater. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some great concessions and a night of stand-up comedy you won't want to miss! Eric is a writer, former teacher, military vet, ex college and pro football coach, and stand-up comedian who splits his time between North Dakota and Utah. Eric has performed several times in Minnesota and across the country. His comedy focuses on pop culture, family dynamics, current events and life in these United States. His shows are intended for audiences 18 and older. Eric's passion for travel and adventure has led him to 53 countries and all 50 states including Florida, where he auditioned for America's Got Talent back in 2020. While his tryout didn't lead him to fame and fortune, he admits the audition did help him find Covid! Tickets may be purchased in advance HERE or at Park Theater on the night of the event. Doors will open at 6:15.

Pottery Painting: Stoneware Mug

Karen Moyer of Leaf River Pottery will lead a series of Park Rapids Community Education pottery painting classes. The class to paint a stoneware mug will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. All the pottery, glazes and general supplies are included. After class, projects return with the instructor to be fired and seven to 10 days later the y are individually bagged and returned to Community Ed. Makers are notified by email when their pieces have arrived so they can pick them up. Fee for this class will be $80. To register call 218-237-6600.

Camphill Village

Annie Welck will describe Camphill Village for the first spring Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program Tuesday, March 10. Camphill Village is a 45-year-old community in Minnesota that provides a home with hands-on work for individuals with and without disabilities from diverse cultures and backgrounds. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 900 1st St. East. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

The She Gees

Get ready to groove to the timeless tunes of one of the most legendary bands of all time with The She Gees! They will perform for the Heartland Concert Association’s concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium. This electrifying female-led tribute to the Bee Gees will have you dancing and singing along to all of your favorite hits. From “Stayin’ Alive” to “Night Fever,” they capture the essence of the Bee Gees’ sound and energy, making you feel like you’re experiencing the real thing. Individual concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $25 (or if accompanied by a member $15).

Gel Plate Printmaking

Samantha Workman will lead a Gel Plate Printmaking workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14 at the Studios @ the Armory. Discover the magic of gel plate printing as you experiment with color, texture and unexpected effects. Every print is a surprise and no two are alike. This workshop is perfect for beginners and curious creatives. All supplies will be included. Cost is $10. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Memory Lab Days - Preserve Your History

NEW at the library! Here’s a chance to convert your cherished documents and photographs to digital files at the Park Rapids Area Library using a large format scanner. You can even digitize slides and negatives making the images easy to share with family and friends. Hours March 16-21 will be 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Reserve your 45-minute session by calling 218-732-4966.

Biking for a Cause

Katy and Scott Freitag will take us inside an 11,000-mile bike ride to support awareness and funding for prostate cancer research for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program Tuesday, March 17. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 900 1st St. East. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Share your talents by calling 218-237-3722 and setting up a 10-minute time slot. Doors open at 6 p.m. Open Mic Nights are free to the public, but $5 donations are encouraged and welcome. Beverages are available at the AA&EC concession window.

Mae Simpson Music

Mae Simpson Music will play live Saturday, March 21 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. The doors will open at 6; show starts at 7 p.m. Mae Simpson has played at 2nd Street Stage and now fans can come to hear her at the Armory. She has been shaking up the Minneapolis music scene since 2018, growing a base of loyal fans across the Midwest. Led by her powerful vocals, the six-piece band brings audiences to their feet. As a singer songwriter, Mae weaves elements of funk, soul, pop, rock and country into her sound. Her broad and soulful voice and deep well of creative energy are complemented by the musicianship and passion of the band. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Felted Flatwork Workshop

Flat felted textiles have long been part of everyday folk life - used for rugs, mats and household objects meant to protect, warm and endure. Join Cheryl Bannes in a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21 at the Studios @ the Armory to learn to use needle felting as a contemporary way to create functional pieces that echo the beauty and purpose of historic felt work. Patterns and symbols in traditional pieces were often simple and repeated, carrying meanings did to home, place and care.Cost is $25. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Memory Lab Days - Preserve Your History

NEW at the library! Here’s a chance to convert your cherished documents and photographs to digital files at the Park Rapids Area Library using a large format scanner. You can even digitize slides and negatives making the images easy to share with family and friends. Hours March 23-28 will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Reserve your 45-minute session by calling 218-732-4966.

Dr. Delbert Dumas: Guilty or Not?

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program Tuesday, March 24 will feature Cecelia McKeig on the intriguing case of northern Minnesota's own Jekyll and Hyde character. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 900 1st St. East. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

You Can Draw

Learn to quiet your mind through line drawing in a Community Education class with Jody Ziemann. This relaxing practice requires no prior experience. The class will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Fee is $16. To register call 218-237-6600.

Beginning Jewelry Workshop

Learn the basics of jewelry making with Shannon Lucas Westrum while creating a custom bracelet of your own in a workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Studios @ the Armory. This hands-on class covers essential tools and techniques using wire, head pins, eye pins, jump rings, clasps and chain. Choose your length, colors and beads from a wide selection of 6 mm semiprecious and glass beads. By the end, you’ll have the skills to make or repair simple jewelry pieces. Tools and lamps are provided. Hand dexterity required - reading glasses recommended. Cost is $30. Register by calling 218-237-3722.

Northern Light Opera Company Auditions

Auditions for the 2026 summer production of Cabaret are planned Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 in Studio 1 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Go to https://www.northernlightopera.org/ to complete an audition form and find audition times. Rehearsals start June 22 and performance dates will be July 31-August 8.

Stroke Recognition and Prevention: What You Need to Know

Molly Murch, MSN, stroke program educator at Essentia Health, Fargo, will give the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program Tuesday, March 31. She will talk about what we need to know about stroke recognition and prevention. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 900 1st St. East. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Line and Wash Watercolor

Capture the art of Line and Wash Watercolor in a Community Ed class with Lily Hadrava. Participants will learn essential watercolor and ink techniques step-by-step to create a beautiful finished piece of a Lady’s Slipper. This class is for beginners and watercolor enthusiasts and will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. Fee is $40. To register call 218-237-6600.