Events
2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
This group shares and critiques their writing. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. This is a community-member-led group.
3rd Thursdays @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
All types of sewing projects are welcome. Bring your projects, cutting tools and sewing machine. Several irons and boards will be provided. Meets the third Thursday of each month. This is a community-member-led group.
Live Music. Breathtaking dance. Pure Irish Charm.
From stars of Off-Broadway and London's West End, Lord of the Dance and Riverdance comes the internationally acclaimed 'A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation' , a celebration of Irish culture like no other.
Every note, every step, and every beat is performed live - from jawdropping tap battles to reimagined favorites like Danny Boyand Tell Me Ma. It's a night of craic, laughter, and sheer talent that's been delighting audiences across the USA and beyond.
Dates: June 4 – August 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Creation Shop
A small-group pottery experience where youth learn wheel throwing, sculpting, carving, and finishing techniques while creating their own artwork in a supportive environment.
Two session options:
• Ages 12–16: Thursdays, June 4 – August 20
• Ages 6–11: Tuesdays, June 9 – August 18
Participants will explore clay techniques and Minnesota-inspired projects with local artist Blayze Buseth. Classes are limited to 8 students to allow for personalized instruction and creative exploration.
10 workshop sessions. All materials included. Snacks are welcome.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Behind the Kirkbride, Fergus Falls, MN
Kick off summer at KIDCHELLA, a family-friendly festival filled with music, movement, creativity, and community fun for all ages.
This lively afternoon event features live performances, interactive entertainment, food, playful activities, and hands-on fun throughout the museum grounds. Families are encouraged to bring camp chairs, sunscreen, and dancing shoes for an afternoon celebrating play and summer joy.
Featured entertainment includes performances by local artists and groups, including the Fergus Falls School of Dance, Thad’s Amazing Magic comedy magic show, and a high-energy interactive concert experience with The Dollipops. Guests can also enjoy treats from The Cotton Candy Co. and food from Don Pablo’s Food Truck, with options for both kids and adults.
Additional activities throughout the afternoon include a hula hoop contest, playful games, and a Candyland-themed walk experience.
Event Schedule:
1:00 PM – Festival Begins
1:15 – 2:15 PM – Local Performances & Activities
2:30 – 3:10 PM – Thad’s Amazing Magic
3:15 – 4:00 PM – Local Performances & Activities
4:00 – 4:45 PM – The Dollipops
5:00 PM – Event Ends
Thanks to generous support from the Inga M. Johnson Fund through West Central Initiative, admission to this event is free. Free will donations are welcomed and appreciated in support of Otter Cove Children’s Museum.
FEE: Sliding Scale Fee $30-$45
Father's Day LEGO Sculpture and Card Workshop
Ages 5-10
Celebrate the special dad or father figure in your life with creativity and color!
Using a wooden base, bright LEGO shapes, and lots of imagination, each child will build a one-of-a-kind gift that dads and grandpas will cherish for years to come!
Saturday, June 6, 2026
1:00pm - 3:00pm
All materials provided, just bring your love for Dad!
June 10 – June 13, 2026 | Kennedy School Auditorium, Fergus Falls, MN
Celebrate the end of the dance season with the Fergus Falls School of Dance Spring Concert, featuring performances by dancers of all ages and levels in a showcase of movement, creativity, and dedication.
Audiences can expect an exciting variety of performances highlighting the work students have developed throughout the year across multiple dance styles and disciplines. This annual spring concert celebrates the talent, growth, and artistry of the Fergus Falls School of Dance community.
Tickets are available online at:
ffsdance.short.gy/Spring2026
Dates: June 22–26 & July 27–31, 2026
Location: Kaddatz Galleries (and Creation Shop)
Kaddatz Galleries presents Summer Arts Academy 2026, offering two weeks of creative, hands-on art experiences for youth entering grades K–4 and 5–8. Classes are led by experienced teaching artists and explore a variety of mediums including mixed media, painting, pottery, and sculpture. All supplies are included.
Grades K–4 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Mixed Media Puppets & Painting (Jona Brown)
Students will create imaginative puppets and props using everyday materials, along with painted backdrops that bring their creations to life.
Grades 5–8 (1:00–4:00 PM)
Inspired by Minnesota: Pottery & Sculpture Adventure (Blayze Buseth)
A hands-on clay workshop exploring Minnesota’s landscapes and artistic traditions through techniques such as pinch, coil, slab, carving, and sculptural building.
Grades K–4 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Inspired by Minnesota: Pottery & Sculpture Adventure (Blayze Buseth)
Young artists will explore storytelling through clay while learning foundational pottery and sculpture techniques.
Grades 5–8 (1:00–4:00 PM)
Mixed Media Explorations (Naomi RaMona Schliesman)
Students will experiment with a wide range of materials and processes including painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, and sculpture while building creative confidence and skills.
Cost:
$125 (K–4 sessions) | $150 (5–8 sessions)
Scholarships:
Partial and full scholarships are available based on need.
June 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM
June 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Step into a world of song, dance, and imagination with Pure Imagination: Broadway Jr. Revue! This brand-new musical revue features favorite songs from a wide variety of Broadway Junior® productions, including Seussical, Shrek The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and more.
Designed as a fun and engaging introduction to musical theatre, Pure Imagination showcases the talents of local youth performers while celebrating some of Broadway’s most beloved stories and characters. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this energetic collection of music and performances.
Presented by AC4TA Youth Theatre and directed by Charlee Ugstad.
Saturday, June 27 5:00pm
Sunday, June 28 2:00pm
Raise Your Voice is a brand-new revue featuring songs from across a wide array of Broadway Junior musicals based on classic titles like Guys and Dolls and Oliver! to beloved Disney shows like The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins, Raise Your Voice offers a fun introduction to musical revues!
An AC4TA Youth Theatre Production. Directed by Michael Burgraff
Friday, July 10, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM | Spies Riverfront Park & Market Pavilion, Fergus Falls, MN
Enjoy an evening of live big band jazz with the FM Kicks Band as part of the Summer Park Concert Series at Spies Riverfront Park and Market Pavilion.
Known for their high-powered instrumental and vocal performances, the FM Kicks Band performs a wide variety of jazz and swing favorites inspired by artists including Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, Maynard Ferguson, and Count Basie. Audiences are invited to relax, dance, and enjoy an energetic evening of live music along the riverfront.
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Edward Christianson, the FM Kicks Band was created to provide local musicians opportunities to perform classic big band literature, strengthen improvisational jazz skills, and connect with fellow music lovers. Today, as a nonprofit organization, the group also works with local schools to help promote and preserve America’s original musical art form through music education and outreach.
This activity is funded in part through an operating support grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a Minnesota State legislative appropriation. Additional support is provided by The Arts Partnership, Fargo.
Sunday, July 12, 6pm
Joyann Parker's (you saw her in The Music of Patsy Cline!) "Classic Ladies of Country" is a captivating musical journey that pays homage to the timeless and iconic female voices that have shaped the country music genre. With her powerful and versatile vocals, Parker masterfully channels the spirit and emotion of legendary artists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton, among others.
The small details of your life hold the beginnings of the universe.
In this two-day generative writing workshop, participants will transform personal memory into metaphor and story using a “Where I’m From” poem template as a starting point for crafting poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
Through literary examples, guided writing prompts, and conversation, writers of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to develop drafts of their own origin stories in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Sunday, July 19, 6pm
Take a musical and visual road trip back to the 80's, when bands rocked your world and kicked some butt on stage, too! Performing the biggest hits from MOTLEY CRUE, DEF LEPPARD, POISON, BON JOVI, and AEROSMITH, The HYPE! Present five epic concerts packed into an electrifying, high energy, 80's Glamtastic, Bombastic Rock Show!
Thursday, July 23 7pm
Friday, July 24 7pm
Saturday, July 25 2pm
It’s just a flesh wound! MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people—Oh, and did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls?
Bursting with unforgettable songs, absurd humor, and zany characters, this musical is a rollicking celebration of all things Monty Python.
An AC4TA Youth Theatre Production. Directed by Kaele Peterson
Sunday, July 26, 6pm
Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, bassist and drummer for the band Heart during the 1970s and early 1980s, are now touring as Heart By Heart. “Our mission is to perform the classic Heart music as faithfully as we can”, Fossen says. Fossen and Derosier are the powerful driving engine behind Heart’s iconic hits like “Barracuda”, “Straight On”, “Crazy On You”, “Magic Man”, “Even It Up”, “Kick It Out”, and more. The two were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the original Heart lineup in 2013. Featuring vocalist Somar Macek, Heart By Heart presents a powerful, dynamic show that includes all the favorite Heart hits as well as deep album cuts that fans will love.
Sunday, August 2 6pm
“Wild Angels – The Women of Rock, Pop & Country” features 3 of Minnesota’s most beloved singers – Pamela McNeill, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame recipient Mary Jane Alm and Aimée Lee performing hits by some of the greatest Female Divas the music world has ever known. Hear songs by Adele, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Heart, The Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, TLC, Pat Benatar, Pink, Tina Turner, Miranda Lambert and many, many others. A phenomenal 7 piece A-list band, “The Handsome Devils” bring these powerful songs to life and will have you on your feet cheering! See promo video below!
Lisa Stauffer received her Master’s in Design (University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis) and studied Illustration at Parson’s School of Design (NYC). She continues her education by taking workshops from nationally recognized painters whose work inspires her. She has worked and taught in a wide variety of media, now primarily painting in soft pastel with a special focus on painting en plein air to indulge her fascination with light and color in Minnesota’s beautiful north shore landscape.
Lisa was just awarded Eminent Pastelist by the International Association Of Pastel Societies, she earned Master Circle status in 2009. She was awarded the H.K. Holbein Award at the Pastel Society Of America Show at the National Arts Club in New York City, September 2010 and the Pastel Painters Of Cape Cod Award in 2012. Each of these years her painting was one of those chosen by the Director of the Butler Institute Of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, to travel to the exhibit American Pastels in the museum. Lisa was juried into the Pastel Society Of America and awarded Signature status in 2012, she was awarded Master status in 2025. Her work has been featured in articles in PleinAir Magazine, Pastel Journal, Stephen Doherty's book, The Art Of Plein Air Painting, and in two PBS specials on painting.
Artist’s Statement:
I am fascinated by the interplay of light and color that I see in the beauty surrounding me and I work to capture the mood of those special moments in my paintings. I choose to paint with soft pastel for the incredible richness and intensity of the color possibilities and textures I can create with them. I am primarily an outdoor painter and pastel’s direct application allows for the immediacy demanded in plein air work. I often use a watercolor underpainting as a setup for the pastel layers in my work, which adds the interplay of transparent and opaque mediums to the visual quality of the final piece. I can be found painting all around town and far beyond.
Thursday, August 13 7:30pm
Friday, August 14 7:30pm
Saturday, August 15 2:00pm
Based on Louisa May Alcott's American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time.
An AC4TA Community Theatre production!
Sunday, August 16, 6pm
Back by popular demand, Matt Vee & the Killer Vees celebrate the music of Neil Diamond. With songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," and "Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond sold over 100 million records worldwide with music that became the soundtrack to one generation after another with hits spanning five decades. As a Tin Pan Alley songwriter in the mid-60s, he penned songs recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Deep Purple and, of course, the Monkee’s classic, “I’m A Believer.”
Sunday, August 23, 6pm
FOREVER SIMON & GARFUNKEL celebrates the bestselling duo in rock’n’roll history, featuring the epic hits “The Sound Of Silence”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “I Am A Rock”, “The Boxer”, “Homeward Bound”, “Cecilia”, “Hazy Shade Of Winter”, “Feeling Groovy”, “Me & Julio”, “Kodachrome”, and many more! With humor, soaring energy, storytelling, and laser precise harmonies, award-winning entertainers Sean Altman (Rockapella founder, Carmen Sandiego theme songwriter) & Jack Skuller (Songwriters Hall Of Fame’s Buddy Holly Prize) lead the audience on a concert journey from the group’s early success as a folk act to their global dominance as hit-makers.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 2pm
When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship before it even starts.
Two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the joyous, heart-warming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II, and the results are anything but expected. Produced by Lakes Area Theatre.
Helen Hayes Award Winner! 2020 Best New Play!
Saturday, October 3, 2026 7:30pm
Hailed as one of the most successful and talented female pop artists, Carole King has carved out an iconic place in music history. Singer Tina Naponelli has captured the true essence of Carole King and brings to you a unique and unforgettable tribute experience. Tina’s powerful voice and soulful dedication pay homage to the iconic Queen of Pop. Together, with her bold 5-piece band, they create impressive renditions of “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Chains,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and many more Carole King favorites.
Sunday, October 11, 2pm
We all grew up with Bugs Bunny. Now we get to relive all the amazing classical pieces Bugs brought to life for us when we were kids. Enjoy music from Classical Looney Tunes and the comical PDQ Bach/Prof Peter Schickele.
Saturday, October 31, 7:30pm
Mirth, music and myth that will surprise and delight. Halloween comes to life in this original theatre production with tales of Banshees, Goblins, Gnomes, a Haunted Circus, Gypsy legends and much more! A show made for the kid in you - come if you dare!
Narrated by an Irish drummer from Belfast with an ensemble of cello, violin, guitar, keyboard & vocalists, you'll be guided through ghost stories & legends all interwoven with 300 year old Celtic songs and original works ranging from sweet love songs to dark rock ballads.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:30pm
Tuesdays with Morrie is the acclaimed play by Mitch Albom & Jeffrey Hatcher adapted from Mitch’s best-selling book. The true story of a man reunited after 16 years with a collage professor who changed his life. And then, through the journey of the professor’s impending death, changes it again in even more profound ways. “A touching, life-affirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous does of humor.” – New York Daily News
Saturday, November 21, 7:30pm
Taiko: the Japanese word for drum, refers to the modern style of playing these amazing drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming. Think of it as a high energy performance art that combines music, dance, martial arts, athletics, and culture.
Monday, November 23, 7:30pm
Featuring Christmas songs of the pillars and heroes of traditional Country legends at The Grand Ole Opry in a unique holiday performance. Highlighting the lead vocals of Twin Cities favorites Mick Sterling, Cate Fierro and Shalo Lee, they perform songs from Cash, Orbison, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Glen Campbell along with traditional spiritual songs in this moving holiday experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7:30pm
Step into the world of Rock 'n' Roll royalty as Anthony Shore brings Elvis Presley's legendary performance to life in a one-of-a-kind holiday show. Accompanied by a talented 10-14 piece band that includes a string and horn section, this show promises a thrilling homage to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, offering an unforgettable evening of nostalgia while capturing the essence of Elvis's legendary performances.
Tuesday, December 15, 7:30pm
Can you hear those sleigh bells ringing?
The 2026 tour schedule is here, and we’re excited to start ringing the bells all the way to your town.
We can’t wait to meet you for another season of spectacular performances and holiday magic!
This award winning show has proven to be a popular Christmas tradition for thousands of people across the region. The tour includes communities in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Friday, December 18, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 19, 2:00pm
Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soiree is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday original musical comedy, featuring a live band and packed with festive fun. This brand-new production takes a playful look at the quirks of our favorite December traditions – because let’s face it, it’s not all fun and reindeer games! With treasured seasonal songs, holiday cheer, and plenty of festive fashion, it’s an event full of music and merriment the whole family will love!
An AC4TA Community Theatre Production!
Wednesday, December 31, 8 PM
New Year's Eve!
Do you love the idea of celebrating New Year's Eve but hate the thought of having to stay out until midnight? Well, have we got the event for you!
Toast at Ten allows you to go out on the town with a nice dinner & a concert (featuring the music of Buddy Holly and The Beatles) and Toast in the New Year all by 10pm! Plenty of time to get home and into your jammies before the ball drops at Time Square!
The VIP ticket (limited to 60) includes a 6:30 Wine & Dine Dinner at The Gathering Place (202 W Lincoln Ave), 8pm Concert at AC4TA complete with 10pm Champagne toast.
The Show Only Ticket includes the 8pm concert with 10pm champagne toast.
VIP Dinner options: Chicken Alfredo or Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy. Gluten Free (Pot Roast & Mashed Potatoes - no gravy) & Vegetarian (Penne Pasta with a red sauce and sauted vegetables) options available upon request. Meals served with Green Bean w/sliced almonds, a petite french roll, and dessert cupcake. Table wine and water are also included.
Regular and Nonalcoholic champagne will be available for the 10pm toast.
Saturday, January 23, 2027, 7:30pm
Church of Cash honors the timeless music of Johnny Cash, capturing the spirit and sound of the Man in Black through faithful renditions of his greatest hits. Fans of country and rock will enjoy this nostalgic journey through one of music’s most legendary careers. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to his music, the show offers a powerful tribute to an American icon.
Saturday, February 20, 7:30pm
You’ve seen them. Little wooden shanties sitting on lake ice. Puffs of smoke rising from chimney pipes. On a quiet day, maybe the static of a tinny radio filters through plywood walls, across the frozen tundra, back to shore. In a cold world, on a cold day, on a frozen lake, these little signs of life are all most people know of a secret culture that thrives right here amongst us. Guys on Ice spends a day in the life of Marvin and Lloyd — fishing buddies and home-grown philosophers – a somewhat twisted take on the secret world of ice fisherman. . With musical numbers like, “The Wishing Hole,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit,” “Fish is the Miracle Food” and “The One That Got Away,” Guys on Ice works not only as a serious anthropological study but as a musical comedy as well.
Friday, February 26, 7:30pm
The Sound of Julie is America’s first-ever national tribute show dedicated to the music of beloved icon Julie Andrews. Created to celebrate Dame Julie Andrews’ 90th birthday, The Sound of Julie stars British vocalist Hayley Renee, known for her angelic sound and girl-next-door charm. She’ll take you through the biggest songs from Julie Andrews’ most iconic roles as well as Broadway hits from friends and contemporaries. Most of all, “The Sound of Julie” is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved entertainment personalities of the 20th century.
Sunday, March 14, 2pm
Accompanied by Theatre Organist: Elliot Sander. Movie Title TBD
Movie will be preceeded by an old fashioned Sing-a-long and short concert featuring members of the Red River Theatre Organ Society.
Following the movie, there will be a Q&A and tour of the theatre organ chambers.
Saturday, April 17, 7:30pm
The country's number one Denver tribute artist, Ted Vigil embodies the late great music icon in look as well as voice with an unforgettable performance. Denver's own lead guitarist, Steve Weisberg, has described Vigil's act as "uncanny". Expect to hear Denver's most beloved hits, including 'Take Me Home, Country Roads', 'Leaving on a Jet Plane', 'Annie's Song', 'Rocky Mountain High', 'Calypso', 'Thank God I'm a Country Boy', 'Sunshine on My Shoulders', and many more in this exquisite tribute to the sorely missed artist.
Saturday, April 24, 7:30pm
The Looney Lutherans are a trio of wacky gals who use music, comedy, and maybe a little help from the audience to share their age-old wisdom for living a long and lively life - the Lutheran way. Comedic and family friendly with fan favorites, the Menopause Medley and Lutheran Yoga, you don’t have to be Lutheran to love‘it!
Sunday, May 2, 2:00pm
An exciting afternoon of orchestral music focusing on local musicians & traditions.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Monday, June 1, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
A Center for the Arts, Fergus Falls, MN
A Center for the Arts invites community members to audition for Little Women: The Broadway Musical. Auditions will be held using an open audition format, and participants are encouraged to stay for as much of their selected audition time as possible.
Those auditioning should prepare a 16–32 measure cut of a song that best showcases their voice and bring sheet music for the accompanist provided on site. Auditionees will also be asked to complete a vocal range check and read short selections from the script.
Additional materials, including detailed audition notes from the director, a fillable audition form, a show synopsis, and a full character list, are available through the event registration page and linked comments. If the audition form cannot be submitted digitally, participants may email it to info@fergusarts.org or print and bring it to auditions.
Register for an audition time here:
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class=acfta
