Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Cinco de Mayo: Festival Latinos
Saturday, May 18th from 11am-7pm
at the Willmar Middle School

Cinco de Mayo: Festival Latinos is coming back to Willmar!
Join us on Saturday, May 18th for a day filled with live music, food, vendors, dancing and kids activities.

Free family entertainment and contests, with food and crafts for sale.
5 Lucha Libre matches, starting at 1 PM.

Entretenimiento familiar y concursos gratis, con venta de comida y artesanías.
5 batallas de Lucha Libre, a partir de la 1 PM.

Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is an eight-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He has made his mark, from jazz to R&B, pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, becoming a luminary, a living legend. He is joined by four rising young master instrumentalists. Saxophonist Nicole Glover, guitarist Ely Perlman, pianist Mike King, and drummer Savannah Harris play alongside him.

C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco. Raised in this indigenous American culture with its own distinctive language, cuisine and music, C.J. delivers soulful vocals along with jaw-dropping masterful accordion-driven rock, Zydeco and blues.

The Brontide

Beatrice is an independent film producer running a boutique studio. She’s plunged into legal limbo when she runs afoul of a tech CEO bent on controlling the very fabric of storytelling - not just the movies, music, and books, but the creation of stories themselves.

Battle of the "BEST" Short Films

It's a short film competition like no other. The audience can yell "GONG" if they want a film to be cut short. People can also yell "LET IT PLAY!". Majority rules and crowd applause determines the winner. Expect an evening filled with strange mascots, comedy, and music during segments between films. Typically, this show happens first Fridays at the Parkway Theater, but this upcoming event at the Fitz is special. Only the best films of 2023 will compete for title of "BEST" and a huge cash prize.

Baseball & That Ain't All Tour

Hop the trolley at the historic Hamm's Site and explore the quirky side of sports around Saint Paul! There's baseball and so much more! Fun stories and history hosted by two baseball guys! Includes exclusive access to CHS Field, the Baseball Museum and a stadium craft beer! Plus, a BOGO from Saint Paul Brewing!

Art Exhibition: Nick Gadbois "Midwest Americana"

Nick Gadbois "Midwest Americana"

• Opening Reception: Thursday, May 16, 6 - 8 pm

Contemporary painter Nick Gadbois’ landscape work examines the offbeat, quirky, and playful side of the American spirit. He paints scenes from real life that appear surreal, amplifying the drama with a bold, saturated palette. Through his chosen subjects in this series, what he calls ‘American oddities’, Gadbois celebrates a uniquely American creative inventiveness and a Heartland to which he is deeply attracted.

Art Exhibition: Dennis Kalow & Kathy Snow Stratton "Unexpected Ends"

Dennis Kalow & Kathy Snow Stratton "Unexpected Ends"

• Opening reception: Thursday, May 16, 6-8pm

Each of sculptor Dennis Kalow’s works is a message in itself, its own story, independent of literal or historic reference. While his subject matter generally evolves from an experience, it is, first and foremost, form, line, color, and texture juxtaposed in novel ways. Kalow seeks results that intrigue, fascinate, or exemplify beauty in ways that are relative to his life.

Art Exhibition: Catherine Lange & Michael L. Ruth "Same Location, Multiple Perspectives"

Catherine Lange & Michael L. Ruth "Same Location, Multiple Perspectives"

Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair

The Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair is one of the largest outdoor art and craft events in the Twin Cities. All are welcome to come to historic downtown Anoka. The event will be held from 9 am to 5 pm. Free to attend and free parking! Over 160 artists and crafters will have their handcrafted items for sale! There will be live music and two food courts as well!