Douglas County Community Calendar

Events for the Alexandria/Douglas County area

Summer

Music in the Gardens: Pert Near Sandstone

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As longtime stewards of the modern string band revival, Pert Near has a songcraft informed by the American folk tradition in a delivery of acoustic instrumentation. The songs themselves tell a different tale, lightly veiled as bluegrass while sneakily appeasing their inner desire for a more modern musical timbre.

Gates open at 6:00 and the music starts at 6:30! Adult beverages will be available for sale (cash or credit), along with pop and water.

Grasslands tickets (first come, first serve seating, bring your own chair or blanket)-$15 (museum members $10)

Gar Wood tickets (chair provided, seating closest to the stage)-$25 (museum members $20)

Tickets are also available in person at the museum and the night of the concert at the gate (cash or credit). Online ticket sales end at 4:00 pm the night of the concert and will only be available at the gate (cash or credit accepted). Refunds on tickets purchased online are only available until 5:00 pm on July 11, 2024.

Photo: Tony Nelson Photography

Music in the Gardens: The Soul of Daryl & John

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Mick Sterling Presents: The Soul of Daryl and John-The Songs of Hall & Oates

The Soul of Daryl and John is a multi-singer celebration of the most successful duo in Rock & Roll and Soul history, Hall and Oates. A night of grooves and soul and incredible vocals will be experienced as this group of incredible musicians and singers honor Daryl Hall and John Oates.

Gates open at 6:00 and the music starts at 6:30! Adult beverages will be available for sale (cash or credit), along with pop and water. The Depot Smokehouse and Tavern will be on site with food for purchase.

Grasslands tickets (first come, first serve seating, bring your own chair or blanket)-$15 (museum members $10)

Gar Wood tickets (chair provided, seating closest to the stage)-$25 (museum members $20)

Tickets are also available in person at the museum and the night of the concert at the gate (cash or credit). Online ticket sales end at 4:00 pm the night of the concert and will only be available at the gate (cash or credit accepted). Refunds on tickets purchased online are only available until 5:00 pm on August 1, 2024.

Music in the Gardens: Belfast Cowboys

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A nine-piece, horn-driven band from Minneapolis that specializes in the music of Van Morrison, mixing rock, blues, roots and soul sounds. They have flourished in the renowned Minnesota music scene, and have consistently packed houses and wowed crowds since 2002 – even opening for Son Volt and Chicago.

Gates open at 6:00 and the music starts at 6:30! Adult beverages will be available for sale (cash or credit), along with pop and water.

Grasslands tickets (first come, first serve seating, bring your own chair or blanket)-$15 (museum members $10)

Gar Wood tickets (chair provided, seating closest to the stage)-$25 (museum members $20)

Tickets are also available in person at the museum and the night of the concert at the gate (cash or credit). Online ticket sales end at 4:00 pm the night of the concert and will only be available at the gate (cash or credit accepted). Refunds on tickets purchased online are only available until 5:00 pm on July 25, 2024.

Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show

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Join the Legacy of the Lakes Museum for their annual Diamond Classic Boat Show at The Lure Lakebar on Lake Le Homme Dieu. Come take in vintage and classic boats displayed on land and water, get a free ride in a vintage boat, enjoy pop up exhibits from the museum, and more! This event is free and open to the public, so bring the whole family!

Sponsored by Diamond Buick GMC of Alexandria.

Music in the Gardens: Women on the Moon

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Women on the Moon is a tribute concert event that showcases the music from our favorite artists from the 1960s such as: Mama Cass, Tina Turner, Aretha, Cher, Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Dionne Warwick, Mavis Staples, Joan Baez, Cher, Ella, Shirley Bassey, Laura Nyro, Diana Ross, Barbra, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Nancy Sinatra, and the great Nina Simone. Presented by Lori Dokken and featuring some of your favorite Minnesota performers!

Gates open at 6:00 and the music starts at 6:30! Adult beverages will be available for sale (cash or credit), along with pop and water. Sorny B’s Food Truck will be on site with food for purchase.

Grasslands tickets (first come, first serve seating, bring your own chair or blanket)-$15 (museum members $10)

Gar Wood tickets (chair provided, seating closest to the stage)-$25 (museum members $20)

Tickets are also available in person at the museum and the night of the concert at the gate. Online ticket sales end at 4:00 pm the night of the concert and will only be available at the gate (cash or credit accepted). Refunds on tickets purchased online are only available until 5:00 pm on June 13, 2024.

2023 Big Ole Paddlefest

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The Big Ole PaddleFest is a charitable, adventure paddle on Alexandria’s Chain of Lakes and the Long Prairie River.  On Fri., July 14th, stand up paddleboarders, kayakers & canoeists paddle scenic lake-to-lake courses of 5, 10 or 17 miles.  On Sat., July 15th, the Long Prairie River Cruise is a gorgeous, family-friendly trip down a MN State Water Trail.  The Big Ole PaddleFest (BOP) welcomes paddlers of all crafts, skill levels, and children 12+.  We donate all profits to our local United Way, and raised $12,214 in 2022!

The BOP kicks off at 8A on Friday, July 14th with our signature event – the 17 mi Big Ole!  The 10 mi SVEN begins at 10A, and the 5 mi LENA starts at 12P.  Friday’s courses are well-supported by volunteers with snacks & water, and guide boats are used on larger lakes.  Medals are awarded to the 3 fastest men’s and women’s paddleboarders and kayakers of each event, and all finishers of the Big Ole!  Our top fundraisers & volunteers are also recognized at the Post-Paddle Party at Arrowwood Marina.  The Long Prairie River Cruise (LPRC) is on Saturday, July 15th. The 8 mi LPRC starts at 9A at the Hwy 29 LPR Access in Carlos and ends at the Belle River bridge.

PADDLER SAFETY
Safety must be everyone’s highest priority to sustain the Big Ole PaddleFest.  Paddlers should read the rules & regulations, advice and safety tips, and register for the course that best suits their abilities.  The BOS is insured and regulated through the US Canoe Association and permitted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?
An Alexandria Area Adventure through the Chain of Lakes, or down the Long Prairie River! Paddlers receive a safety whistle, can coozie, water & snacks.

Friday’s Chain of Lakes Courses – 5 mi LENA – $49, $29/kids 12-17;   10 mi SVEN – $69; $49/kids 12-17;  17 mi Big Ole  – $89, $69/kids 12-17

Saturday’s Long Prairie River Cruise – 8 mi LPRC – $39/adults, $19/kids 12-17

P.S. Safety is always our #1 concern, so we would like to remind our beloved SUPers that safety leashes are required.

Friday, July 14th, 2023 – Chain of Lakes Courses

8 AM          17 mi BIG OLE (<– Google Maps of courses)

10 AM          10 mi SVEN

12 PM            5 mi LENA

1- 3 PM          Post-Paddle Party @ Arrowwood Marina (2100 Arrowwood Ln)

3- 4 PM          Post-Paddle Award Show @ AW

 

 

Saturday, July 15th, 2023 – Long Prairie River Cruise

  9 AM            8 mile LPRC

 

2023 Event Info & Registration   fb – bo.paddlefest   ig – bo_paddlefest