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
Bold & Cold
January 19 – 27, 2019
A week-long winter celebration with events and activities and activities that are designed to highlight the Minnesota psyche of “cold noses and warm heart!”
Website: www.boldcoldowatonna.com
Around the World: Food & Brewfest
February 15, 2019
A multicultural celebration of food, beer, and coffee. Guests will take a trip around the culinary world.
North American Farm and Power Show
March 14-16, 2019
Held in at the Four Seasons in Owatonna for the past 16 years, this is a great show for farmers and families alike.
Website: www.tradexpos.com
KOWZ & KRUE Home & Recreation Show
March 22-24, 2019
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.
Website: View Facebook
Tuesday Summer Market
Tuesday’s during the summer, 4-7pm
The North Market, Owatonna’s newest Farmers Market, meets at the Grace Baptist parking lot offering locally grown produces, food and farm products.
Website: View Facebook
Corky’s Early Bird Softball Tournament
May 2-5, 2019
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.
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11@7 Concert Series
Thursdays May 30-Aug 8, 2019
Enjoy the wide variety of musical groups that perform throughout the summer on Thursdays at 7pm in Central Park.
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Downtown Thursdays
June 6th, July 11th, August 1st, 2019
The night market is returning to historic Downtown Owatonna with music, food, shopping and art.
Website: www.owatonna.org/downtown-thursdays
Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival
May 31-June 2, 2019
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 15, 2019
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
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 25-27, 2019
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!
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Art on the Hills
July 27-28, 2019
Stroll the beautiful Owatonna Arts Center grounds and enjoy live entertainment, art demonstrations, and fine art by regional artists.
Website: oacarts.org
Steele County Free Fair
August 13-18, 2019
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
Spooktacular Festivities
October 25- 31, 2019
Owatonna goes big for Halloween with several large events geared towards families this week.
Website: visitowatonna.org
The Hunt is On
November 1-3, 2019
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.
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Lighted Holiday Parade
December 5, 2019
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 29 – Dec 1, 2019
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
Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays in the winter, 8am-2pm
Shop locally made and sourced goods during the winter months at the Owatonna Izaak Walton League on certain Saturday’s.
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