This weekend, Mankato Pridefest 2026 celebrates 25 years at Civic Center Plaza due to Riverfront Park construction, with events like Pride Bingo and Queeroke.
In St. Peter, the 35th Rock Bend Folk Festival offers concerts at Minnesota Square Park.
Lisa Kaye interviewed Mankato City Manager Susan Arntz on Sept.
9 to review planned projects including the Kern Bridge installation, updates at Sibley Park, improvements to the Land of Memories playground, new pickleball courts, and Veterans Bridge enhancements. The conversation outlined the city's commitment to upgrading local spaces.
The Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention will be held Sept.
27 at St. Peter’s Minnesota Square Park at noon, where participants support mental health awareness. Organizers aim to raise $20,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (pre-registration is available).
Mankato Area Public Schools superintendent Paul Peterson outlined four main priorities on Tuesday, including a redesign of middle and high school education, building the district’s financial health, strengthening community connections, and integrating new technology.
The school board will receive progress updates through fall and winter.
Mankato Area Public Schools called over 400 local families to understand why enrollment is falling, noting issues with experiences, trust, size, and faith (factors steering some parents to private schools).
The district will soon create plans to address funding concerns tied to lower student numbers.
Rounders Sports Bar and Grill won Mankato’s inaugural Downtown Burger Battle in August after diners rated its Maui Wowi burger among custom creations from 13 local restaurants.
The contest, organized by the Downtown Partnership, boosted foot traffic downtown and celebrated local culinary talent.
Local gardeners are urged to plant fall bulbs like tulips and daffodils by digging proper holes and grouping bulbs for spring blooms—correct depth helps protect them.
The outdoor Farmer’s Market opens Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon at the Best Buy lot on Adams Street with nearly 50 vendors.
Picklebarn is hosting a fall market on Sept.
19 at The Picklebarn on North Victory Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring around 18 local vendors, food trucks, and a pickleball tournament with free 30-minute lesson vouchers (supporting families and local businesses) rain or shine.
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