ANNUAL EVENTS
ALL YEAR-ROUND
Owatonna is known for fun events year-round. The Steele County Free Fair is the largest county fair in Minnesota, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the fairgrounds each August. Smokin’ in Steele BBQ and Blues Festival offers the perfect combination of barbeque tastings and blues music. The Extravaganza at Village of Yesteryear will take you back in time with reenactments and demonstrations. Check out our calendar of events for the most up-to-date information.
TOP ANNUAL EVENTS
Winter Weekend Out
January 26 – 28, 2018
Embrace the cold weather and enjoy sledding, bocce ball, ice fishing and a polar plunge this weekend.
Website: ci.owatonna.mn.us/parksrecreation
Around the World: Food & Brewfest
February 16, 2018
A multicultural celebration of food, beer and coffee. Guests will take a trip around the culinary world.
Website: www.culturfest.org
North American Farm and Power Show
March 15-17, 2018
Held in at the Four Seasons in Owatonna for the past 15 years, this is a great show for farmers and families alike.
Website: www.tradexpos.com
KOWZ & KRUE Home & Recreation Show
March 23-25, 2018
Stop by the Four Seasons for all of your home and recreation needs!
Website: www.kowzfm.com
Farmers’ Market in Central Park
Saturdays May-October, 7am-12pm
Stop by Central Park every Saturday during the summer to pick up fresh vegetables, flowers and fun hand-crafted items from more than 80 vendors.
Corky’s Early Bird Softball Tournament
May 3-6, 2018
This slow-pitch softball tournament is one of the largest and most competitive men’s softball tournaments in the country. Held at the Steele County Fairgrounds Softball Complex and various fields throughout Owatonna and Faribault.
Website: www.corkysearlybird.com
11@7 Concert Series
Thursdays May 31-Aug 9, 2018
Enjoy the wide variety of musical groups that perform througout the summer on Thursdays at 7pm in Central Park.
Website: www.owatonnabusinesspartnership.com
Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival
June 1-3, 2018
A smokin’ good time! Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Competition and live blues music at this one-of-a-kind event.
Website: www.smokininsteele.com
Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival
June 16, 2018
This festival showcases competitive high school marching bands and pays homage to the vision and work of the founder of Wenger Co., Harry Wenger.
Website: www.owatonnabandfestival.com
Extravaganza at the Village of Yesteryear
July 15, 2018
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of music, food, historic demonstrations, antique tractor show and more during this family day of historically related fun! All Village of Yesteryear buildings are open to enjoy.
Website: www.steelehistorymuseum.org
Crazy Days in Downtown Owatonna
July 26 – 28, 2018
Join us for this fun summer-time event! Ice Cream Social & Old Car Cruise-In, Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, Kiddie Parade, Food Vendors, Music, and more!
Website: www.owatonnabusinesspartnership.com
Art on the Hills
July 28-29, 2018
Stroll the beautiful Owatonna Arts Center grounds and enjoy live entertainment, art demonstrations, and fine art by regional artists.
Website: oacarts.org
Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival
August 11-12, 2018
This is the second year the Pirate Festival will be held in Minnesota! Grab your eye patch and head down to Morehouse Park for entertainment, activities and vendors.
Website: www.iowaminnesotapiratefest.com
Steele County Free Fair
August 14-19, 2018
Don’t miss Owatonna’s signature event – the largest county fair in the state of Minnesota! The fair offers a wide variety of events and attractions, and admission is free!
Website: www.scff.org
Orphanage Museum’s Annual Celebration
The Orphanage Museum’s annual event is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the children who lived at the State School. Enjoy outdoor music, historic tours, food and family fun. Keep an eye on their website for details.
Website: www.orphanagemuseum.com
CulturFest
September 22, 2018
Culturfest is a free multicultural event. Be sure to come out for this incredible day of music and dance talents, ethnic foods, authentic merchandise and activities for all ages.
Website: www.culturfest.org
Spooktacular Festivities
October 26 – 31, 2018
Owatonna goes big for Halloween with several large events geared towards families this week.
Website: visitowatonna.org
The Hunt is On
November 1-3, 2018
Craft shows, bazaars and store specials are in full swing for Deer Opener weekend. Come get early holiday shopping done and enjoy your own getaway while your other half is out hunting.
Website: www.owatonnabusinesspartnership.com
Lighted Holiday Parade
November 29, 2018
Bundle up and head to downtown Owatonna for the Lighted Holiday Parade starting at 6pm. Parade vehicles will be decked out in their finest holiday lights. The parade ends with carolers and cider in Central Park.
Website: www.visitowatonna.org
Hometown Holiday Weekend
November 30 – Dec 2, 2018
This weekend is full of special events and music, plus plenty of opportunities to shop local. Stop by Christmas in the Village, the Historical Holiday House Tour, and more.
Website: www.visitowatonna.org
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