Roseau's
FEATURED EVENTS
Imagine the crisp Minnesota air nipping at your cheeks as you sip steaming hot cocoa at Nights of Lights, the scent of elephant ears wafting through the air at the Roseau County Fair, or the infectious laughter of children enjoying Fall Harvest Fest. This is the magic of Roseau, a town where annual events aren’t just calendar markings, but vibrant experiences that paint the year with laughter, community spirit, and a genuine love for good times.
Located in the most northern part of Minnesota along the Canadian border, Roseau comes alive annually with events people travel hundreds of miles to attend.
Roseau Fall Harvest Festival
Roseau Fall Harvest Festival is a cherished annual event that brings locals and visitors together for a weekend filled with laughter, joy, and a celebration of the season. October is a great time for taking in the fall colors on a road trip north as the farmers finish up their harvest.
This small-town event has something for everyone. Fall Harvest Fest is always the first weekend in October. We welcome you to participate in these community-minded events:
- Live music, entertainment, and arts
- Pie-eating
- MN hotdish cook-off
- Classic car show
- Kids’ games, bouncy houses, and hayrides
- ATV rides
- Street vendors
- Food trucks
- Polaris Pink Ribbon Riders Scavengar Hunt
- Football and hockey
- Microbrew festival
- Pet costume contest
- Straw minions on Main
- Farmer’s market
- 5K Harvest Hustle
- Studio 218 Fall Photography Expo
The pie-eating contest is a sweet start to the festivities
The aroma of freshly baked pies is in the air as the festival kicks off with the highly anticipated contest. Participants of all ages gather to showcase their pie-devouring skills, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Laughter and cheers resonate as faces get covered in whipped cream and fruit filling, embodying the spirit of good-natured competition that defines this tight-knit community. To our amazement, an entire pie can be eaten in under ten minutes without the use of hands.
You betcha, we know how to cook a mouth-watering hot dish in Roseau
The MN Hotdish Cook-off brings the start of comfort food season with recipes passed down from generations. Contestants can win $100 and bragging rights to the Best Hotdish in Roseau. You might call them casseroles, but in Roseau, it’s “Hotdish” and the competition is fierce.
A journey through time at the classic car show
A display of nostalgia makes Pioneer Farm and Village the perfect host site. The classic car show features vintage models that evoke nostalgia and admiration. Visitors stroll among the polished chrome and vibrant colors, appreciating the craftsmanship and stories behind each vehicle. The proud owners tell of their restoration. After admiring the cars, stroll the village boardwalk or relax under the golden oaks and listen to live music. Food trucks bring a mix of modernness to the vintage charm. It’s a great meet and mingle moment.
Calling all kiddos for Fall FUN!
Fall Fest is non-stop family fun. Families with children can delight in the array of kids’ games, pet farms, horse-drawn carriage/ tractor rides, and fall-themed activities scattered throughout the festival grounds. From pumpkin decorating, to sack races and face painting, the festival caters to the younger crowd, creating lasting memories. All events are FREE and run by community volunteers. It’s part of the small-town charm.
Pucks and Pints Octo-beer-fest
Roseau is known for legendary hockey, and at Fall Fest we merge the love for hockey and the art of microbrewing. Pucks and Pints Octo-beer-fest showcases the best local breweries, offering a diverse selection of craft beers. Festival-goers can unwind and sample unique flavors, savoring the artistry behind each brew at one of the oldest hockey arenas in the state. Who knows, you might bump into some Olympic and NHL players with Roseau roots.
The Roseau Fall Harvest Festival is a testament to the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines small-town America. It’s a place where old friends and new friends meet. The annual festival is the first weekend in October. Come celebrate with us!
Here are some of our favorite moments:
Nights of lights
…a Free Holiday Light Tour
“The moment you leave your car, you feel as if you entered a Hallmark Movie set. We hope it becomes an annual tradition for your family for years to come.”
There is something about the twinkle of Christmas lights that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Nights of Lights is a holiday light show at Pioneer Farm and Village on select nights in December. The old settlers’ village is light with the spirit of Christmas. From the old church to the shops and barns, the entire village comes alive.
2024 Dates
In December 2024 you may visit Friday – Sunday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Stop by for some treats and hot cocoa; our sponsors will greet you with a smile and holiday good cheer. It’s with their generous donations that this event can be FREE of charge. Thanks to our founding sponsors: Polaris, LifeCare, Citizen’s Bank, BorderBank, Marvin Windows, and Karl Manufacturing. New this year is an ice skating rink sponsored by Northern Resources/Cenex.
Come out for a night of family fun, take a hayride, visit with Santa, browse the village, and join in caroling. Leave your mark by building a snowman and warm up by the fire. Be on the lookout for the Grinch. There are so many fun and festive times to be had. Join us as we bring Joy to the World!
Click here to view lodging options, or GO ROSEAU at the top of this page to view itineraries and things to do while visiting.
Here are some of our favorite moments:
Before you leave town…
Roseau is the birthplace of the Polaris Snowmobile and the home of Polaris Industries, a Fortune 500 company. Polaris says, “Think outside” and hit the trails on a guided ride. You can also tour the Polaris Experience Center sharing the history of the company or tour the manufacturing facilities.
