Best events in
Mankato

Events and things to do in Mankato, MN blend small-town charm with a full calendar of community activities. The local scene adapts to the seasons, with outdoor festivals and concerts at venues like Vetter Stone Amphitheater filling the warmer months. From the historic, artsy feel of Old Town to the bustling nightlife of the City Center, different areas provide unique atmospheres for entertainment.

Wander through historic Old Town to discover silo art and boutique shops before finding live music at a neighborhood spot like the Oleander Saloon.
Experience major concerts and Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks hockey games at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in the City Center.
Enjoy North Mankato's distinct community feel with annual street festivals along Belgrade Avenue, such as the summer's Blues on Belgrade and the fall's Bier on Belgrade.

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Popular in Mankato

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Wine & Candy: A Grown Up Halloween Tasting

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

301 N Riverfront Dr

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Table 4 Tonight: Mankato | Dinner with New Friends small town edition

Sun, Nov 8 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Landlord Law Seminar

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM

Mankato Public Safety Center

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A Mankato ROCK@BILLY CHRISTMAS with David K + Band

Mon, Nov 16 • 10:00 AM

OLD MAIN VILLAGE

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World According to Garth

Sat, Dec 5 • 8:00 PM

The Venue

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Holiday on the Hill: Wonder & Whimsy

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM

170 Good Counsel Dr

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Vision Studios Presents: The Spooklights @ JUX

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

12 Civic Center Plaza

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Wine & Candy: A Grown Up Halloween Tasting

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

301 N Riverfront Dr

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Table 4 Tonight: Mankato | Dinner with New Friends small town edition

Sun, Nov 8 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Landlord Law Seminar

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM

Mankato Public Safety Center

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A Mankato ROCK@BILLY CHRISTMAS with David K + Band

Mon, Nov 16 • 10:00 AM

OLD MAIN VILLAGE

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World According to Garth

Sat, Dec 5 • 8:00 PM

The Venue

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Holiday on the Hill: Wonder & Whimsy

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM

170 Good Counsel Dr

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Vision Studios Presents: The Spooklights @ JUX

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

12 Civic Center Plaza

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Online Events

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Today • 11:30 AM EDT

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Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Today • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Turn Your Ideas Into Income

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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This Weekend

Mankato Downtown Discovery Quest

Friday • 4:00 PM + 8 more

10 Civic Center Plaza

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Foodies + New Friends: Mankato | Restaurant of the Week

Friday • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Mankato, MN Roadshow – A Free, Five-Day-Only Buying Event

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mankato Hotel and Conference Center, MN

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Mankato Downtown Discovery Quest

Friday • 4:00 PM + 8 more

10 Civic Center Plaza

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Foodies + New Friends: Mankato | Restaurant of the Week

Friday • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Mankato, MN Roadshow – A Free, Five-Day-Only Buying Event

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mankato Hotel and Conference Center, MN

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Business & Professional events

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Own the Shift Leadership Tour: Leading with Confidence Through Change

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Maverick Innovation Gateway

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Landlord Law Seminar

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM

Mankato Public Safety Center

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Rural Forum

Thu, Dec 3 • 4:30 PM

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

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Own the Shift Leadership Tour: Leading with Confidence Through Change

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Maverick Innovation Gateway

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Landlord Law Seminar

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM

Mankato Public Safety Center

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Rural Forum

Thu, Dec 3 • 4:30 PM

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

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Points of Interest near Mankato

Rasmussen Woods

Childrens Museum Of Southern Minnesota

Carnegie Art Center

Sibley Park

Blue Earth County Historical Society

Mount Kato Ski Area

Hubbard House

Land Of Memories Campground

Kato Escape

Frequently asked questions about Mankato

Are there free events to attend in Mankato, MN?

Yes, Mankato offers several free community events to enjoy. The CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour is a year-long public art display, while summer brings the Songs on the Lawn concert series and Music in the Park events.

Where can I find live music events in Mankato?

Several venues in Mankato regularly host live music events. The historic Kato Ballroom features various acts, while the Oleander Saloon in Old Town is a go-to spot for a 21+ crowd and diverse music genres.

What are some family-friendly events in Mankato?

North Mankato is known for its family-friendly street festivals. The series of events on Belgrade Avenue offers fun for all ages, as do the weekly Mankato Farmers' Markets that run from spring through fall.

What is the nightlife like in Mankato's City Center?

Mankato's City Center is the hub for local nightlife, especially on weekends. The area features gastropubs like Pub 500 with trivia and bingo nights, alongside other bars and restaurants that attract a lively college crowd.

What kind of outdoor events happen in Mankato?

Mankato's outdoor event calendar is especially active in the summer. Vetter Stone Amphitheater hosts large concerts and the annual Ribfest, while various parks host free music series and community gatherings.

How can I experience the local art scene in Mankato?

The local art scene is very accessible in Mankato. The Carnegie Art Center hosts monthly exhibits showcasing local talent, and the year-long CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour transforms the City Center into an outdoor gallery.

What's the difference between things to do in Old Town and City Center?

Old Town offers a historic, artsy vibe with boutiques and intimate venues. City Center provides a more modern nightlife experience and is home to the large-scale concerts and sporting events at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.

Are there food and drink festivals in Mankato?

Yes, Mankato hosts several popular food and drink-focused events. The annual Ribfest at Vetter Stone Amphitheater is a major highlight, and North Mankato's Bier on Belgrade is a popular fall celebration.