2025 Mankato Area International Festival
2025-11-16 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Centennial Student Un, Mankato, MN 56001, United States, Centennial Student Union, MNSU, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Experience the World in One Day! Step into a vibrant celebration of global cultures at the Mankato Area International Festival — where Minnesota meets the world! 🎉
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
Live performances, dazzling traditional attire, and music from across the globe
Authentic international cuisine that’ll take your taste buds on a world tour
Interactive cultural exhibits and activities for all ages
Family-friendly fun with free admission (food available for purchase) and parking — bring everyone!

Holiday Craft and Gift Show
2025-11-21 10:00 - 2025-11-23 18:00 | River Hills Mall, 1850 Adams Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
🎄🛍️ Holiday Craft and Gift Show – River Hills Mall, Mankato! 🛍️🎄
📅 November 21–23, 2025
📍 River Hills Mall – Mankato, MN
1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001
Mall Hours!
Get ready for a festive 3-day shopping experience filled with handmade gifts, local vendors, and holiday cheer! 🎁✨ Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this event is your one-stop shop for all things creative and unique.
🎟️ FREE Admission!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun all weekend long!
🛒 What You’ll Find:
• Handcrafted goods
• Unique holiday gifts
• Jewelry, décor, and more
• Local businesses & artisans
🎉 Bring your holiday spirit and support small businesses right in your community!
📢 Vendor Openings Available!
Want to be part of the show? Sign up today at 👉 www.RoseCraftShows.com
Spots are filling fast!
#RoseCraftShows #RiverHillsMall #HolidayShopping #MankatoMN #ShopLocal #CraftShow #SupportSmallBusiness #FamilyFun #MNCraftShows #HolidayBazaar #GiftShopping

Cornhole for Veterans
2025-11-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Eagle Lake American Legion Post 617, 100 North 3rd Street, Eagle Lake, MN, 56024
Stop by and participate in a cornhole tournament with proceeds going to South Central Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Participate Friday night and get tickets included to come back on Saturday for Chilifest!

Chilifest
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Eagle Lake American Legion Post 617, 100 North 3rd Street, Eagle Lake, MN, 56024
Come and sample a variety of chilis all for a good cause, for our Veterans, Servicemembers and their families.

Mankato Symphony Orchestra: Whispers Through Time
2025-11-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Trinity Chapel, Bethany Luthern College, 730 Luther Drive, Mankato, Minnesota
Join us for our fantastic Music on the Hill series: Passages – Music Across Time
Delight in captivating recitals featuring works by iconic composers like John Corigliano, Florence Price, Dmitri Shostakovich, Cesar Franck, Amy Beach, and many more. Discover the rich, emotional depth and expressive power of chamber music in an unforgettable setting.

Holiday Art-on-the-Cart
2025-11-24 09:30 - 2025-12-13 13:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Holiday Art-on-the-Cart
Shop local and support creativity with Holiday Art on the Cart! Open November 24–26 and December 1–12, Monday–Friday: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm and Saturday, December 6 & 13, 9:30 am – 1 pm.
Browse and purchase unique, handmade items crafted by VINE members, perfect for holiday giving.
VINE Adult Community Center
Free & open to the public
Learn more at vinevolunteers.org

Let it Glow, Kato!
2025-11-28 - 2025-12-14 | MN
Participating Downtown Kato businesses, from retail to hospitality to professional services and more have decorated their windows with festive holiday displays for all to enjoy. Be sure to head to the downtown districts to check out the displays and vote for your favorite between Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, December 14. People’s Choice for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be announced on Downtown Kato social media and website on Monday, December 15.
ℹ️ Learn More: letitglowkato.com

Holiday Craft and Gift Show
2025-11-28 10:00 - 2025-11-30 18:00 | River Hills Mall, 1850 Adams Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
🎄🛍️ Holiday Craft and Gift Show – River Hills Mall, Mankato! 🛍️🎄
📅 November 28–30, 2025
📍 River Hills Mall – Mankato, MN
1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001
Mall Hours!
Get ready for a festive 3-day shopping experience filled with handmade gifts, local vendors, and holiday cheer! 🎁✨ Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this event is your one-stop shop for all things creative and unique.
🎟️ FREE Admission!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun all weekend long!
🛒 What You’ll Find:
• Handcrafted goods
• Unique holiday gifts
• Jewelry, décor, and more
• Local businesses & artisans
🎉 Bring your holiday spirit and support small businesses right in your community!
📢 Vendor Openings Available!
Want to be part of the show? Sign up today at 👉 www.RoseCraftShows.com
Spots are filling fast!
#RoseCraftShows #RiverHillsMall #HolidayShopping #MankatoMN #ShopLocal #CraftShow #SupportSmallBusiness #FamilyFun #MNCraftShows #HolidayBazaar #GiftShopping

2025 Kiwanis Holiday Lights
2025-11-28 17:00 - 2025-12-31 21:00 | Sibley Park, 900 Mound Ave., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
This celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area and region builds on past traditions and promotes the communities we serve, while raising non-perishable food donations for those in need. Admission is free for everyone. Non-perishable food and cash donations are accepted and appreciated. Click HERE to view a live stream of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights.
www.kiwanisholidaylights.com
Hours:
Sundays – Thursdays 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Fridays & Saturdays 5:00 – 10:00 pm

See Live Reindeer at the Sibley Farm
Visit with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 21
Opening Night Parade: November 28 at 6 pm

Kiwanis Holiday Lights is a project of the Mankato Kiwanis Club.
To learn more about our service club visit www.mankatokiwanis.org.

Mankato Opry Jamboree
2025-11-28 19:00, 2025-11-29 19:00, 2025-11-30 14:00 | Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Your favorite country tunes, plus 50’s & 60’s rock, and a few classic Christmas songs too!
Friday, November 28th – 7:00 P.M.
Saturday, November 29th – 7:00 P.M.
Sunday, November 30th – 2:00 P.M.

Tickets ($30) available at:
Waseca Music Co.
Rhapsody Music
Kato Ballroom
Janesville Service Center
Add a buffet dinner before the show – $22.50

Shop Downtown: Local Looks Good on You!
2025-11-29 | MN
Local looks good on you! Join us as we celebrate Small Business Saturday this November in Downtown Kato. Visit multiple participating businesses for a chance to win!
ℹ️ Learn More: shopsmallkato.com
How do I participate in the event?
Plan on shopping in Downtown Mankato & North Mankato on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025! Start your day by being one of the first 15 shoppers at each participating business to collect a reusable shopping bag. Keep it going by collecting a stamp at each participating business you visit. Once you have reached 9 stamps, you are eligible to enter the giveaway!
How do I enter the giveaway?
Pick up a passport at your first stop on Saturday, November 29. Collect 9+ stamps from participating businesses and turn in your completed passport at any participating business. Filled passports will be placed into a drawing for numerous prizes valued between $50-$100. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted and announced on Downtown Kato social media and the Shop Downtown webpage following the event.
Participating Businesses:
Arch + Cable
Becky’s Floral
Bonita! by Baubles & Bobbies
Bumbelou
Divine Echoes Esoterica
Ember Wellness Studio
Encore Consignment & Riverfront Bridal
Hazelkin & Co.
Hotel Alexander
Julee’s Jewelry
Lakota Made
Lucky Trading Co.
Mommy + Me Co.
NaKato Bar & Grill
Nicollet Bike & Ski
Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar
Old Town Vintage
Pagliai’s Pizza
Pond Road Market
Pulp Comics & Games
River City Quilts
River Rock Coffee & Tea
River Valley Running
Salvage Sisters Mercantile
Tandem Bagels
The Dork Den
Tune Town
Twin Rivers Arts Festival
Whimsy & Weathered
Wild Sparrow Co.
Wooden Spoon

Twin Rivers Arts Festival
2025-11-29 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
The Twin Rivers Arts Festival (formerly the GSR Fine Arts Festival) celebrates the fine arts in the greater Mankato area. We’re committed to creating an outlet for professional artists to connect with the community. 70+ visual artists, authors and musicians present their work at a live show traditionally held on the weekend after Thanksgiving. You can also connect year-round at ShopART Midwest—our online gallery.

Military Monday
2025-12-01 17:15 - 18:00 | FXB Mankato, 1170 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Former and Current Military Members join FXB Mankato the first Monday of every month for a Free Kickboxing Class at 5:15pm.
1170 South Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
2025-12-03 13:30 - 2025-12-18 18:30 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
Without support, caregiving can be difficult and isolating. Gain insights and encouragement from others with one of these monthly Caregiver Support Groups at VINE.
All support groups are limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration is required. Call (507) 387-1666 or email vine@vinevolunteers.org. Free and open to the public.
Mankato Support Groups
VINE Adult Community Center
1st Wednesday of the month
Dec. 3, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
2nd Wednesday of the month
Dec. 10, 1:30 – 3 pm
3rd Wednesday of the month Dec. 17, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
3rd Thursday of the month
If you can’t attend a support group you’ve registered for, please let us know. No-shows may prevent another caregiver from getting the support they need. Thank you for helping us make space for everyone.

Holiday Craft and Gift Show
2025-12-05 10:00 - 2025-12-07 18:00 | River Hills Mall, 1850 Adams Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
🎄🛍️ Holiday Craft and Gift Show – River Hills Mall, Mankato! 🛍️🎄
📅 December 5–7, 2025
📍 River Hills Mall – Mankato, MN
1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001
Mall Hours!
Get ready for a festive 3-day shopping experience filled with handmade gifts, local vendors, and holiday cheer! 🎁✨ Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this event is your one-stop shop for all things creative and unique.
🎟️ FREE Admission!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun all weekend long!
🛒 What You’ll Find:
• Handcrafted goods
• Unique holiday gifts
• Jewelry, décor, and more
• Local businesses & artisans
🎉 Bring your holiday spirit and support small businesses right in your community!
📢 Vendor Openings Available!
Want to be part of the show? Sign up today at 👉 www.RoseCraftShows.com
Spots are filling fast!
#RoseCraftShows #RiverHillsMall #HolidayShopping #MankatoMN #ShopLocal #CraftShow #SupportSmallBusiness #FamilyFun #MNCraftShows #HolidayBazaar #GiftShopping

Steak and Shrimp Fry
2025-12-06 17:00 - 19:00 | St Peter American Legion, 229 W Nassau, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Stop by for a delish grilled steak or shrimp and support your local American Legion.

MANKATO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (MSO) PREVIEW
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
MANKATO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (MSO) PREVIEW
Friday, Dec. 12
12 – 1 pm
August Jeske, MSO Artistic Director & Musicians
Free & open to the public
MSO’s string quartet welcomes in the season with holiday favorites alongside Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The familiar melody—bright, noble and timeless—resonates through the glow of candles and twinkling lights, blending classical grandeur with the gentle spirit of the season. This musical holiday treat evokes joy and hope, capturing both Beethoven’s vision of universal brotherhood and the heartfelt togetherness that defines Christmastime.

FrUiTCaKeS
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-12-14 14:30 - 17:00 | Lincoln Community Center, Mankato, MN, 110 Fulton St, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer. Into this world comes Jamie, a kid who has run away from home and come as far as his money will take him. At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate and adore this nutty little town. A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, FrUiTCaKeS provides audiences with a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.

Family Day At The History Center
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Blue Earth County Historical Society, 424 Warren St, Mankato, Minnesota, 56001
Join us for family fun at the Blue Earth County History Center! Each month, enjoy free admission, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a hands-on history workshop for all ages! Workshops will be short 20-30 minute sessions held at 10:30 am and 2 pm. (most months)
Visit our website at BlueEarthCountyHistory.com/Events for monthly details.
Free and open to the public.

Army/Navy Football Game
2025-12-13 12:00 - 18:00 | St Peter American Legion, 229 W Nassau, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Stop by the St Peter American Legion and root for your favorite team!

Christmas with Musicorum
2025-12-13 18:30 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S. 2nd St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Musicorum, greater Mankato’s premiere chamber choral ensemble (Dr. Elisabeth Cherland, music director), will present a holiday-themed concert featuring various choral music styles. We will perform choral works by Renaissance composers Tomas Luis de Victoria, Richard Dering and Michael Praetorius, 20th-century composers Herbert Howells and John Tavener, and arrangers Alice Parker and Carolyn Jennings. Our program will include works from American, English, Spanish, and Swedish traditions. The concert will include a longstanding Musicorum tradition – audience carols, accompanied by organ. Dr. David Fienen will provide piano and organ accompaniment.

Mankato Area Youth Choirs Winter Concert
2025-12-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W College Ave., Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
The five choirs of MAYC will present their gift of song to celebrate the season. Singers in first grade through high school will share seasonal songs in the beautiful space of Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.

Open House – Tour the First PCLT Homes of St. Peter
2025-12-16 16:00 - 18:00 | MN
Join #SWMHP for an Open House in St. Peter! 🏡
📅 Tuesday, December 16
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 2103 Lunden Street, St. Peter, MN
Tour the first Partnership Community Land Trust (PCLT) homes in St. Peter—affordable living, beautifully built. These homes offer quality and long-term stability for income-qualified buyers.
Located in the growing Traverse Green neighborhood, these 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes feature open-concept living, a private primary suite, attached 2-stall garages, and all major appliances included.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• 4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2-Stall Garage
• 1,488 sq ft of accessible, slab-on-grade living
• $217,000*—as low as $201,000 based on income
• Up to $15,000 in down payment assistance available
• Own the home, lease the land affordably through PCLT
Whether you’re starting your homeownership journey or looking for a high-quality, affordable place to call home, we’re here to help. A Homeownership Advisor will be available to answer questions and discuss eligibility.
Learn about our programs & contact our Homeownership Team today: https://tinyurl.com/v4hw82wb

World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series Switzerland vs. Minnesota State
2025-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
The 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship will take place Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the leadup to the tournament, teams from around the world will compete in the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series, presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota, hosted by four Minnesota communities representing the State of Hockey: Mankato, Duluth, Bemidji and Rochester.
As a part of this series, Mankato will host Team Denmark’s official pre-tournament camp at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center and will host a pair of highly anticipated games; one between Switzerland and Mankato’s very own Minnesota State University, Mavericks, and another between Denmark and Canada.
Switzerland vs. Minnesota State University
Tuesday, December 16 – 7:00 p.m. CT at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Tickets available here.

FREE MEMORY SCREENINGS
2025-12-18 09:00 - 11:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
FREE MEMORY SCREENINGS
Thursday, Dec. 18
9 – 11 am
Are you concerned about your memory? VINE’s Caregiver Coaches are offering free 15-minute memory screening appointments. These are a great tool for anyone worried about memory loss or those who want to establish a baseline. Call (507) 387-1666 to schedule an appointment at VINE.
