New Brighton, Minnesota, boasts a dynamic arts and culture scene that reflects the community’s rich heritage and creative spirit. Throughout the year, residents and visitors can participate in a variety of events that celebrate local talent and traditions.
Annual Festivals
Stockyard Days
Each August, New Brighton hosts Stockyard Days, a festival that honors the city’s historical roots. The event features live entertainment, a parade, an antique car run, and a fireworks display. Families can enjoy activities such as giant bubbles, lawn games, rock painting, inflatables, fishing demonstrations, face painting, and a petting zoo. The festival takes place at Long Lake Regional Park, providing a picturesque setting for the festivities.
Salem Covenant Church Arts and Crafts Fair
In November, the Salem Covenant Church organizes an Arts and Crafts Fair, showcasing over 100 artists and crafters. Attendees can browse a diverse selection of handmade goods, participate in a bake sale, and enjoy concessions. This event serves as an excellent opportunity to start holiday shopping while supporting local artisans. Proceeds from the fair benefit the church’s youth ministries.
Community Workshops and Events
Tile-Stamping Workshop
In March, the New Brighton Community Center hosts a tile-stamping workshop led by Treehaus Studio. Participants can create ceramic tiles using various stamps and tools. The tiles produced during the workshop are incorporated into a public art installation promoting an ADA-accessible quiet space in the shape of a giant wood duck, scheduled for installation at Hansen Park. These family-friendly workshops are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities.
Gnome Hunts
Seasonal events like the Gnomesgiving Gnome Search offer families a fun outdoor activity. Held in the newly reconstructed Silver Oaks Park, participants search for 15 hidden gnomes throughout the park. This scavenger hunt encourages exploration and engagement with the local environment.
New Brighton’s commitment to arts and culture is evident in these events, which foster community engagement and celebrate local creativity. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.