Festivals in New Ulm, MN.
Craft Shows, Marketplace Expos
The Lakes Bluegrass Festival
August 26 - 30, 2026
lakesbluegrassfestival.com
(218) 821-0342
Lakes Music and Events Park - Backus, MN
This year is THE 20th Anniversary of The Lakes Bluegrass Festival and we are celebrating with a stellar lineup including Rhonda Vincent, Blue Highway, The Malpass Brothers, The Kody Norris Show, Kenny and Amanda Smith, The Purple Hulls, The Bluegrass Express and many more. In addition to 3 big days of bluegrass on the main stage, we also have bluegrass and country music under the pavilion, plus camping, jamming, workshops, food, dancing, plus FREE parking, FREE WiFi and FREE showers. Wednesday is Community Appreciation day with FREE ADMISSION and country music going all day under the pavilion. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Excelsior Apple Days
September 18 - 20, 2026
(952) 686-6046
Downtown - Excelsior, MN
Since 1935, Excelsior Apple Days has been a cherished lakeside tradition celebrating the best of our community. Join us on the shores of Lake Minnetonka for a weekend filled with local artists and vendors, live music, family activities, delicious food, apple traditions, and small-town charm. From the street market and the Kids Corner to apple pie contests, history tours, a lively beer and wine garden, and entertainment from local favorites and renowned bands, Apple Days offers something for everyone.
Events in New Ulm, MN — upcoming
November 7, 2026
New Ulm Women's Expo and Craft Fair
Jefferson Elementary School, New Ulm, MN
Status: Updated 5/12/2026
This Minnesota Marketplace Expo will have commercial/retail, corp./information, crafts, fine art and fine craft exhibitors, and 5 food booths. This event will also include part of the citywide new ulm shopping opener.
November 2026 (dates not updated)
Gnomemade Artisan & Vintage Market
15 Historic Locations and Artisan Homes, New Ulm, MN
Status: Updated 11/3/2025
This Minnesota Vintage will have antique/collectibles, crafts, fine art, fine craft and homegrown products exhibitors, and no food booths.
July 2027 (dates not updated)
Bavarian Blast
Brown County Fairgrounds, New Ulm, MN
Status: Updated 7/13/2026
This Minnesota Ethnic Music Festival will have commercial/retail and crafts exhibitors, and 3 food booths. There will be 3 stages with Regional and Local talent and the hours will be Thu 11am-1am; Fri 10:30am-1am; Sat 11am-12 midnight; Sun 11am-8pm. Admission tickets are $13 - $35.
August 2027 (dates not updated)
Brown County Free Fair
Brown County Fairgrounds, New Ulm, MN
Status: Updated 1/18/2026
This Minnesota State Fair will have commercial/retail, corp./information and crafts exhibitors, and 24 food booths. There will be 1 stage with National, Regional and Local talent and the hours will be Wed 5pm-11:30pm; Thu 10am-11:30pm; Fri 10am-12:30am; Sat 11am-12:30am; Sun 10am-4pm. This event will also include: livestock shows, exhibits, kids day activities, senior day activities.
