Greater Mankato

Shining the Light
2026-02-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | JUX Music Comedy Events, 12 Civic Center Plaza #1700, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
We are celebrating Black History Month by hosting Shining the Light. An evening gala on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1700, from 7 pm – 10 pm. We will have guest speakers. Artists will perform dance routines, present art, and the DJ will play jazz and blues in a speakeasy atmosphere. The cost is free from 7-10 pm.

Line Dancing at Kato Ballroom
2026-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Come join us as Mary Zielund teaches everyone how to line dance!! She has been hosting lessons in the Minneapolis Area and is now bringing her expertise to Mankato!
No experience needed. Just put on your dancing shoes and come on down to the Kato Ballroom.
Lessons 7-9pm
Open Dancing 9-10pm
$20 cash at the door

Shining the Light
2026-02-27 19:00 - 23:30 | MN
An evening dedicated to honoring resilience, leadership, and achievement within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
Featuring guest speakers, artistic performances, and meaningful dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion. ALL ARE WELCOME!
📅 Feb 27, 7-11:30pm
JD’s Hideaway, 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1700, Mankato
🎟 $5
#DEI #CommunityLeadership #BIPOCExcellence

Baby & Kids Expo
2026-02-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Join us for our 17th annual Baby & Kids Expo! A FUN event for the entire family!
FREE ADMISSION!
Enjoy a fun, family day out during the doldrums of winter! Visit with many exhibitors and learn more from our health providers, local businesses and organizations, and enjoy activities for everyone!
Make sure to visit our Event Sponsor: Mankato Clinic for one of their great children’s activities. Check out the Kids Zone featuring a number of activities!
​​Grab the kids and neighbors and join us at this FREE event!

Maple Pancake Brunch and Learn at the Arboretum
2026-02-28 10:00 | Gustavus Arboretum, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Maple Pancake Brunch at the Arboretum, Saturday, February 28th, 10:00am, Gustavus Arboretum Lind Interpretive Center
Enjoy a full pancake brunch buffet, then learn how to make maple syrup in your own backyard. Space is limited. Reservations required. Reserve your space before Feb 26th at: gustavus.edu/arb (scroll down near bottom). Free-will donations appreciated (sugg. $10/person). Menu will include: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, syrup, fruit, juice, etc. For more information, contact: arboretum@gustavus.edu

Western Blue Earth County Hybrid Program
2026-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Blue Earth County Historical Society, 424 Warren St, Mankato, Minnesota, 56001
Returning in 2026, many of the sit-down, history programs will be hybrid!
In February, we will be taking a virtual tour of Western Blue Earth County. Towns included are South Bend, Judson, Cambria, Lake Crystal, Garden City, Vernon Center, Amboy, Serling Center, Good Thunder, and Rapidan.
Attend in person at the History Center or join us via Zoom from anywhere! Can’t make the live recording? Register for the Zoom recording and get it sent to you to be able to view for up to a week after the program.
In-person admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors, and free for BECHS Members.
Online registration is $10/household and must happen in advance. Registration opens two weeks before the program and closes at 10 a.m. Central Time the day of the program.

Military Monday
2026-03-02 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

Diabetes Prevention Program Info Session
2026-03-02 18:00 - 19:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Monday, March 2
6 – 7 pm
Free & open to the public
Learn about VINE’s Diabetes Prevention Program and ask questions with the instructor. Call Jen to determine your eligibility and sign up for the info session at (507) 386-5588.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
2026-03-03 10:00 - 2026-03-19 16:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Without support, caregiving can be difficult and isolating. Gain insights and encouragement from others with one of these monthly Caregiver Support Groups at VINE.
VINE is supporting a growing number of caregivers. Since all groups are limited to 10 participants, we invite you to select one support group each month. Pre-registration is required. Call (507) 387-1666 or email vine@vinevolunteers.org.
If you can’t attend a support group for which you’ve registered, please call to cancel as no-shows prevent other caregivers from getting the support they need.
Should you need more support in a given month, we encourage you to request Caregiver Consulting. Thank you.
Mankato Support Groups
VINE Adult Community Center
1st Tuesday of the month
March 3, 10 – 11 am
2nd Wednesday of the month
March 11, 1 – 2:30 pm
3rd Wednesday of the month
March 18, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
3rd Thursday of the month
March 19, 3 – 4 pm

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (DPP)
2026-03-03 15:00 - 16:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Tuesdays starting March 3 – 4 pm
Free & open to the public
This program offers a proactive approach to empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with group support. This program is for people who are prediabetic or at risk of becoming diabetic.

MANKATO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (MSO) PREVIEW
2026-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Friday, March 6
12 – 1 pm
August Jeske, MSO Artistic Director & Musicians
Free & open to the public
Explore the beautiful and fantastical corners of classical music featuring the works of one of the most imaginative composers of the 19th century: Hector Berlioz and his inimitable “Symphonie fantastique.”

Pinot & Paint
2026-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Carnegie Art Center, 120 S Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Join teaching artist Geoffrey Tollefson for a fun evening of painting and complementary wine! This laidback class is for everyone, seasoned artist or beginner. Grab a friend, a date, or fly solo with this exciting painting class. No experience necessary, and all materials provided for $25/participant.
​

Maple Syrup: Sap to Syrup
2026-03-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, MN, 56044, United States
Ever wondered if you could make your own syrup? Join us for an immersive tour of Ney Nature Center’s maple syrup operation, where you’ll discover the journey from tree to table! This experience takes you through our syrup process to learn about traditional and modern maple syrup and sugaring methods, as well as the science behind it all. To conclude, indulge in a tasting session and see if you can guess which syrup is ours and which is store-bought. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the process—and enjoy some delicious maple syrup!
This program spends time outside – please dress for the weather and ground conditions (mud, snow, cold, etc)
Each registration is for one individual, all ages welcome, geared towards those aged 6 and up. Children 2 and under attend for free. Pre-registration required. Register here: https://ney-nature-center.square.site/

Cloudscapes Demo + Workshop | Beatrice Winter
2026-03-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Carnegie Art Center, 120 S Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Join us for an afternoon of playful creativity and exploration with exhibiting artist Beatrice Winter. This workshop will be a basic introduction to drawing and painting happy little clouds! Students will learn basic techniques through a demonstration and will be given step-by-step instructions to complete their own set of cloudscapes using acrylic paint. This workshop is designed for all skill levels. All materials and equipment will be provided.
This event is free and open to the public with a suggested $15 donation.

Steak and Shrimp Fry
2026-03-07 16:30 - 19:00 | St Peter American Legion, 229 W Nassau, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Come out for dinner and have the St Peter American Legion Family cook for you.

Ian Munsick at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
2026-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Country music is arguably one of the best genres ever created. There have been many dazzling musicians to be called the best but not one of them could get to the same level as Ian Munsick. We are pleased to announce that Ian Munsick is making a highly anticipated live show in Mankato, Minnesota! This is going to be one of the best shows you’ll ever witness.
This spring, drive to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center for a night of great music and great vibes as Ian Munsick sings all the songs you’ve been waiting to hear! Catch all of their hottest tracks live and jam along to all your favorite country classics. Are you ready to immerse yourselves in the hottest country show of the season? If so, ring your friends and gather up the rodeo because you’re all coming to see Ian Munsick very soon! The show will commence on Saturday 7th March 2026!

Ian Munsick
2026-03-07 19:00 - 22:30 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Ian Munsick
With special guests Jake Worthington & Tyler Nance
Tickets are on sale beginning on Friday, October 10 at 10:00 AM at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Ticket Office & Ticketmaster.com.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
2026-03-08 13:00 - 14:30 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Without support, caregiving can be difficult and isolating. Gain insights and encouragement from others with one of these monthly Caregiver Support Groups at VINE.
Groups are limited to 10 participants. Please choose one support group each month. Pre-registration is required. Call (507) 387-1666 or email vine@vinevolunteers.org.
Mankato Support Groups
VINE Adult Community Center
1st Tuesday of the month April 7, 10 – 11 am
2nd Wednesday of the month April 8, 1 – 2:30 pm
3rd Wednesday of the month April 15, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
3rd Thursday of the month April 16, 3 – 4 pm

Greater Mankato Restaurant Week
2026-03-09 - 2026-03-15 | MN
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Greater Mankato Restaurant Week! From March 9-15, 2026, discover a world of flavors as participating restaurants showcase their unique talents with special breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visiting traveler, this is your chance to savor the best of Mankato’s dining scene. Participating restaurants have curated special menus just for Greater Mankato Restaurant Week. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Grand Opening: Blue Earth County Public Works Facility
2026-03-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Blue Earth County Public Works Facility, 19505 Stoltzman Road, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Please join us for an open house of our new facility which will include self-guided tours, staff availability, and light refreshments.

WALK WITH A DOC
2026-03-10 17:30 - 18:30 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Tuesday, March 10
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Free & open to the public
Take a walk with a Mayo Clinic doctor on the 2nd Tuesday of the month on our indoor walking track.

Weaving Sound: Guided Meditation & Sound Experience
2026-03-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Carnegie Art Center, 120 S Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
With a beautiful set of Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls and Koshi Chimes, teaching artist Melinda Kjarum invites you to a truly unique “Right Here, Right Now” wellness experience. Session elements include: Breath, Intention, Self-Healing, Activation, Chakra Balancing, Guided Meditation, ‘Surround Sound’ Total Relaxation! You can relax and be renewed, while surrounded by incredible artwork. 2nd Tuesdays, from 6:30-8pm. Bring a yoga mat and a friend! No registration required.

SCAMS & FRAUD
2026-03-12 11:00 - 12:00 | VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St., Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Thursday, March 12
11 am – 12 pm
Emily Mathiowetz, Mankato Public Safety Fraud Investigator
Scams targeting older adults are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but knowledge is your best defense. Join us for an eye-opening presentation on how to recognize, prevent and report fraud, financial exploitation and other common scams. With 13 years of experience, Emily brings real-world insight into how these crimes occur and practical tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Mankato Home Show
2026-03-13 15:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
The organizers of the Mankato Home Show are excited to announce the dates and sponsors of the Mankato Home Show for 2026. Radio Mankato is excited to have Blinds & More and Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union.
The 2026 Mankato Home Show is scheduled for March 13-15 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in downtown Mankato.

Fantastique
2026-03-14 07:00 - 20:30 | st peter high school, 2121 Broadway Ave, St. Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Breathtaking Brilliance! Prepare for an evening of breathtaking brilliance with Fantastique! Experience the passion and power of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, featuring the Grand Prize winner of our Young Artist Competition—an extraordinary talent poised to dazzle. Then, journey into the dramatic world of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a spellbinding symphonic tale of love, obsession, and dreams. This concert is a celebration of youthful brilliance and the awe-inspiring scope of orchestral music. Don’t miss the unforgettable musical adventure!

Community Comfort feast
2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | First Congregational UCC Mankato, 150 Stadium Court, Mankato, 150 Stadium Court, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Traditional home-cooked Mexican comfort food will be served Saturday, March 14, 4:30 at First Congregational UCC, Mankato to raise rent money for our immigrant neighbors. Free will donation and live music. Contact pastorneilellingson@mankatoucc for questions.

Family Day at the History Center
2026-03-14 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 kids admission with paid adult/seniors admission, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a hands-on history workshop for all ages!
March’s topic is Women’s History. Learn more about women in Blue Earth County and the Nation! Special Program at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors, free for kids under 18 (with paid adult), and for BECHS Members.

Shop Small at the Mall - Craft and Vendor Events
2026-03-14 10:00 - 20:00 | River Hills Mall, 1850 Adams Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States
Shop Small at the Mall hosted by Midwest Makers Mercantile & Kato Promotions! Midwest Makers Mercantile is located near Target and will be the hub for these exciting events!
This event highlights over 50 small businesses! Midwest Makers Mercantile (over 30 small businesses in store), Signature Ink3D, Long Dog Apparel, Atuk Crafts, The Ex, Renaissance Glass and more…PLUS during this event you will find the halls lined with pop up vendors – makers and bakers that come from all over Southern MN!
Find your next favorite little something for yourself or someone special! There will be something for everyone and for everything life throws at us!
Makers and Bakers are welcome to rent a space (assigned at least 3 days before the event and will be a minimum of 8’x10′ in a main corridor of the mall)
Vendor applications can be completed online at https://pci.jotform.com/form/253626688218064, this application is also via our website ➡️ www.midwestmakersmercantile.com or in person at the store – these are the ONLY 2 ways to register for the event! Please do not go through any other individual for these events!
Special happenings such as activities, contest and vendor spotlights will be posted in the Facebook event and community groups throughout the week leading up to the event as details are finalized.
Food and beverages will be available! In addition to vendors in the halls that may be selling salsas, breads, rolls, treats and more…we have some delicious options in our food court! It’s mini but mighty! Grab some substance from Taqueria Doña Tere or Ichiddo Ramen, then a sweet treat from Berry Blends or Mochi Mochi!
Ample free parking is available at the mall with easy accessibility!
