Community Calendar

Dakota West Arts Council (DWAC) presents Summer Songs Concert Series at General Sibley Park and Campground in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District.
- FREE and all ages welcome
- General Sibley Park amphitheater, 5001 S. Washington St., Bismarck
- All concerts are from 7:00-9:00pm.
- If there is poor weather, we will move to shelter #1.

The Joel Land Jazztet is a collective of the best local jazz musicians, assembled for moments that require elevated live jazz music. This group focuses on improvisation within a large repertoire of jazz styles: swing, Latin, funk, ballads and more. On May 21st, the group takes on the form of a quartet with Jim Anderson on drums, Darren King on bass, Fr. Nick Schneider on guitar, and Joel Land on saxophones.

The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The free event is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
The weekend centers on the site’s annual flag raising, a tradition marking the start of the tourism season and honoring soldiers who served on the northern Plains.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 6th Infantry Regimental Association is moving its traditional July encampment to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base for the U.S. Army during the 1876 campaign season.
“This program allows us to place Fort Buford in its proper historical context during the Little Bighorn Campaign, one of the most significant military campaigns in Western history,” said 6th Infantry Board Member Brandon Delvo.

Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for the frontier campaign, including packing supplies, organizing equipment, and issuing rations and gear. Interpretive talks will highlight the logistics that supported military operations across the northern Plains.
“This event brings Fort Buford’s history to life in a real, tangible way,” said Site Supervisor Cheyenne Teal. “Helping visitors see the fort’s role in the larger military story fosters a meaningful connection to the people who lived and served here.”

Event Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, May 23
• 9 a.m. – Roll Call and Morning Parade
• 11 a.m. – Marching and Rifle Drill
• Noon – Flag Raising
• 1:30 p.m. – Barracks Inspection
• 2 p.m. – Campaign Supply & Equipment Demonstration
• 2:30 p.m. – Army Laundress Demonstration
• 4 p.m. – Mail Call
Sunday, May 24
• 9 a.m. – Morning Colors and Morning Parade
• Noon – Flag Raising

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Fort Buford State Historic Site was one of several military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. It operated from 1866 to 1895 and is probably best known as the place where Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull relinquished his rifle to the U.S. government in 1881.
Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed Sunday-Monday. Fort Buford is closed for the season. Summer hours begin May 1, with both locations open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Kusnierek, shsbuford@nd.gov or 701.572.9034. All times listed are Central time. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

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Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo will open Saturday, May 23, with free, family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience historical military activities and learn about the fort from 1858 to 1877.

Join the 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Company D reenactment unit as they portray the soldiers serving at the fort during the battles and siege of Fort Abercrombie in 1862. Participate in military drills throughout the day, and attend special programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meet author Candace Simar and pick up a signed copy of one of her books from the “Abercrombie Trail” series from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the interpretive center. Watch a presentation by Michael and Allen Quade on the craft of blacksmithing in early America from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the gallery and Museum Store. Take an educational guided tour of the site until 4 p.m.

Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is located at 935 Broadway North, Abercrombie. Summer hours are daily May 23 through Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours available until 4 p.m. For more information or to arrange a group tour, contact Site Supervisor Lenny Krueger, shsaber@nd.gov or 701.553.8513. Find additional upcoming educational programs sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events or call 701.328.2666.

The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The free event is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
The weekend centers on the site’s annual flag raising, a tradition marking the start of the tourism season and honoring soldiers who served on the northern Plains.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 6th Infantry Regimental Association is moving its traditional July encampment to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base for the U.S. Army during the 1876 campaign season.
“This program allows us to place Fort Buford in its proper historical context during the Little Bighorn Campaign, one of the most significant military campaigns in Western history,” said 6th Infantry Board Member Brandon Delvo.

Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for the frontier campaign, including packing supplies, organizing equipment, and issuing rations and gear. Interpretive talks will highlight the logistics that supported military operations across the northern Plains.
“This event brings Fort Buford’s history to life in a real, tangible way,” said Site Supervisor Cheyenne Teal. “Helping visitors see the fort’s role in the larger military story fosters a meaningful connection to the people who lived and served here.”

Event Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, May 23
• 9 a.m. – Roll Call and Morning Parade
• 11 a.m. – Marching and Rifle Drill
• Noon – Flag Raising
• 1:30 p.m. – Barracks Inspection
• 2 p.m. – Campaign Supply & Equipment Demonstration
• 2:30 p.m. – Army Laundress Demonstration
• 4 p.m. – Mail Call
Sunday, May 24
• 9 a.m. – Morning Colors and Morning Parade
• Noon – Flag Raising

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Fort Buford State Historic Site was one of several military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. It operated from 1866 to 1895 and is probably best known as the place where Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull relinquished his rifle to the U.S. government in 1881.
Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed Sunday-Monday. Fort Buford is closed for the season. Summer hours begin May 1, with both locations open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Kusnierek, shsbuford@nd.gov or 701.572.9034. All times listed are Central time. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

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The Walcott community will hold a Memorial Day Service and the Dedication of the new Walcott Area Veterans Memorial, which has been 5 years in the making. The ceremony will feature an aerial tribute (weather permitting), the National Anthem performed by Becca Fiesel, a keynote address by Roger Jordheim, and the presentation of the Merrill’s Marauders Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Orin “Bud” Nelson. The Hagen Helgeson American Legion Honor Guard will render military honors, including the rifle salute (or volley) and Taps.
Parking and seating are limited; early arrival and lawn chairs are encouraged. Shuttle service will be available. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
All are invited to attend this community tribute honoring local veterans.

Our Prairie Walks Series is held on the last Tuesday of each month from May through August. Each walk features a new local landscape to explore with guided walks and hands-on STEMzone stations that bring North Dakota’s native grasslands to life.

In collaboration with the Society for Range Management and Pheasants Forever
Free Program | May 26th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sleepy Hollow LP, Bismarck, ND 58501

A weekly seminar for divorced, widowed or separated participants to learn to rebuild their lives after the loss of a love relationship. It discusses rebuilding blocks related to the loss and help to provide an understanding of the past relationship and moving forward in a healthy way. Based on a study guide by Dr. Bruce Fisher

Enjoy free interactive learning programs for all ages at Camp Hancock State Historic Site in Bismarck. Day cares and summer camps are encouraged to attend. Groups are asked to contact the site supervisor in advance of their planned visit to ensure the best possible experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cookies and lemonade will be served.

May 27, Grass Heads, 1-3 p.m. Create a whimsical grass head character using simple materials. Learn how grass seeds sprout and grow into “hair” that can be trimmed or styled as it grows.

June 3, Slime, 1-3 p.m. Make your own slime with non-toxic ingredients. Stretch, squish, and explore creativity while making a sensory-friendly creation to take home.

June 10, Sun Prints, 1-3 p.m. Design beautiful prints by placing plants on light-sensitive paper and exposing them to sunlight. During this hands-on cyanotype craft, experiment with shapes, shadows, and nature to produce a one-of-a-kind artwork.

June 24, God’s Eye Craft, 1-3 p.m. Fashion this simple art piece by wrapping colorful yarn around two sticks to form a diamond-shaped design. First made in Mexico as symbol of protection and good wishes, its popularity spread throughout the continent starting in the 16th century.

For more information, contact Johnathan Campbell, shsfgm@nd.gov or 701.328.9528. Camp Hancock State Historic Site, 101 E. Main Ave. in Bismarck, is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The site grounds with outdoor interpretive signs are open year-round. Buildings are open by appointment. Find upcoming State Historical Society events at history.nd.gov/events.

Shop unique and one-of-a-kind products from local small businesses all in one location, including shabby chic home decor, rustic furniture, jewelry, boutique clothing, bath and body products, gourmet food, candles, vintage items, and antiques.

Junkin’ Market Days Shopping Events are all about making it fun and easy to find unique items for your home. We handpick top small business owners from across the area to showcase their products, creating a one-stop shop for unique furnishings, seasonal items, women’s and children’s clothing, gift items, and one-of-a-kind finds.

The event will be held at the Bismarck Event Center on Friday, May 29 from 4–7 PM and Saturday, May 30 from 9 AM–4 PM. Admission is $5. Use the discount code BOGO for buy one, get one free admission tickets.

Enjoy live music under the shade of the cottonwood trees at General Sibley Park in Bismarck this summer. Thursday, May 29th The SwenTones will perform at the amphitheater from 7 to 9 pm. This family friendly event is hosted by the Dakota West Arts Council and the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. Games are available for kids, and refreshments are available for purchase from Laughing Sun Brewery.