9 Festivals and Events in Williston, ND, to Check Out
From holiday magic to a fruit-inspired festival, Williston, ND, offers plenty of entertaining events for residents and visitors to enjoy. Be sure to mark your calendars so you can attend these fantastic gatherings that have become local favorites over the years.
In This Article
1. Summer Nights on Main
Capture those perfect summer vibes at Summer Nights on Main, a free concert series that takes place on Main Street downtown. Presented by the Williston Downtowners Association, this weekly summertime event in Williston, ND, has become a local favorite. Families and friends gather to listen to good music, eat great food and take advantage of kids’ activities, a beer garden and the city’s general sense of community.
2. Holiday Stroll
Experience a surplus of holiday cheer at Williston’s annual Holiday Stroll, where downtown turns into a winter wonderland with fun for the whole family. With horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, carolers, Santa and twinkle lights, holiday magic is in the air. Plus, you can knock out some of your holiday shopping along the way, as downtown businesses open their doors to holiday strollers.
3. Art & Wine Walk
It’s no secret that art and wine go hand in hand. The Art & Wine Walk event in Williston, ND, invites art enthusiasts, wine lovers and even artists to participate in a multi-location experience, walking to assorted galleries and studios to take in the different offerings. Wine is offered at each location, along with some snacks to keep you going on your artistic trek.
4. Crazy Days
This one-day event in Williston, ND, has sales so good they’re actually crazy. On Crazy Days, downtown businesses, pop-up shops and vendors slash prices and invite shoppers to go to town. There are even food vendors and kids’ activities that are set up as part of the event, making sure everyone is well-fed and entertained.
5. Main Street Market
Summer and fall in Williston just wouldn’t be the same without Main Street Market, which has become a local favorite. Located on Main Street, the market is a great way to connect with local businesses that are selling their locally grown food, homemade goods and more, all with a backdrop of local music. It really is the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.
6. Trail of Treats
Each Halloween, downtown businesses band together to put on the Trail of Treats – a fun, safe experience for kids looking to trick-or-treat. Many families flock to downtown to participate, and it’s fun to see the different costumes and the children’s excitement as they get treats from each participating location.
7. Upper Missouri Valley Fair
Taking place at the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds in Williston, ND, this annual event has everything you could ask for in a fair: rides, concessions, inflatables, a petting zoo, magic shows and tons of musical performances. There are also food competitions, like the pie baking contest and rib cookoff event, not to mention the 4-H exhibitions and livestock shows. The Upper Missouri Valley Fair takes place over five days at the end of June, and it’s always a good time.
8. North Dakota Chokecherry Festival
Each August, the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival draws a great crowd to Davidson Park, where folks gather for a day that’s chock-full of fun activities. Grab a free burger or pancake, participate in the 5K fun run and don’t forget to get a jar of chokecherry jam, of course. It’s the most fun way to honor and indulge in North Dakota’s official fruit.
9. Band Day
It takes a lot of effort and dedication to be in a marching band, so why not have a day that celebrates that? Band Day, a Williston, ND, staple event since the 1920s, unites local and regional marching bands as they perform in a parade for excited onlookers and supporters. It’s a loud, proud event that exudes energy and excitement. Afterward, everyone gathers for food, fun and camaraderie.