This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Minnesota which include contra dancing. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Schedule note:
As of January 1, 2021, the dance listings should be fairly up to date including whether dances are canceled although I am behind in keeping up to date with festivals, weekends, etc.. At this point, my assumption is that all dances and events are canceled unless they are virtual/on-line. Since we've entered the 2020-2021 "season" for many series and they never posted dates, information about evening/afternoon dances is getting "thin". Also note that some dance weekends, etc. are already postponing events from winter/spring of 2021 to similar dates in 2022.
Conversations and cancelations are happening every day in connection with dances as part of regular series and also weekends, festivals, etc. I'll try to keep current as much as possible, but please check the individual web sites, Facebook groups/pages, e-mail lists, etc. for the most up-to-date information about a dance or other event that you may want to attend.
Bemidji - Music Workshop and Dance: Series of workshops and dances. Musicians' workshops from 3pm to 5pm at Headwaters Music and Arts, 519 Minnesota Avenue, Bemidji, MN and community contra dance at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad Street, SW. Cost: Free-Will donation ($5-$10). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Bemidji-Contra-Dance-1379157248787652/.
Bemidji - Rail River Folk School: Dances at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad St. SW, Bemidji, MN from 7pm to 10pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Bemidji-Contra-Dance-1379157248787652/.
Brimson - New Year's Eve: Annual New Year's Eve Dance Party with a 5:30 PM Potluck Dinner and a 7:00 PM New England Town Hall Dance at Petrell Hall on County Road 353. Web site: http://www.friendsontherange.com/htmls/schedule.html.
Bristol: A contra dance is one of the events during this weekend celebration at a number of venues, dates, and times. Web site: http://www.minnesotabluegrass.org/.
Britt: Home On The Range has sponsored Community Dances and House Dances in the northern Minnesota communities of Ely, Tower, Cook, Virginia, International Falls, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Aurora since 1998. Dancers of all ages are welcome at Home On The Range dances. No experience is necessary. All dances are taught. Admission at the door is $8 per adult for regularly scheduled dances and $10 per adult for Special Events. Children accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge to all Home On The Range dances. Web site: http://www.danceontherange.org/.
Climax: Dance as part of the Climax Small Town from 8:00 to 10:00 at the Climax Community Center, 105 W. Broadway. This event is free. Other events during the day including a tractor pull earlier in the day and a pork dinner put on by the Firemen from 5 to 7:00 pm. Squares, circles and reels, as well as a few waltzes and polkas. Web site: None.
Cook: The White Eagle Resort hosts free monthly Barn Dances in the winter and weekly dances in the summer with music and calling. Dances include group and couple dances, circle dances, New England contras, Irish jigs, Waltzes and polkas. All dances are taught, no experience is needed and all are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dancing begins at 7pm. Web site: http://www.whiteeagleresort.com/activity-calendar.html.
Dalton: In honor of Otter Tail County's 150th birthday we will be holding four old-time music events. The first is at the old town hall in Star Lake. The Red Herring String band will be playing old time music and we hope that people will come on out to listen and dance. We'll be calling some squares, and playing for couples dances: waltzes, polkas and schottisches. We'll be doing some brief teaching, before each dance, so bring your grandma, bring your sweetheart, bring your grandchildren, no prior experience is necessary. It's just a fun time for the whole family. July 7th we'll be in New York Mills, September 8th at the Dalton Opera House, and October 6th at the Fergus Falls Eagles Club. All dances start at 7 PM, except for Dalton which starts at 2:30 PM after the parade. Web site: http://www.fergusfalls.com/events/details/old-time-music-and-dance-48915.
Dawson - VFW: Dance at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 712 Oak St, Dawson, MN 56232 from 7pm to 10pm. Web site: None.
Detroit Lakes - MooseJaw: Music and dance weekend with a wide range of workshops and activities, including old-time, international, clogging, squares, contras, calling and more. Enjoy miles of beautiful cross country skiing, the sauna and hot tub, and of course, the bottomless cookie jar. This annual event occurs at the Maplelag Resort in mid-March. http://wildgoosechasecloggers.org/wordpress/.
Duluth: The Tamarack Dance Association sponsors dances on various Saturday nights at various locations but generally at the Avalon Educatinal Institute 404 W Superior St. Dances generally begin at 7:30pm. Beginners, singles and couples welcome. Smoke and alcohol free. All dances taught by the caller! Contras, reels, circles, jigs and squares. Bring clean shoes and a water bottle. For more information about Tamarack Dances, contact Terrence Smith at 218-728-1438. $8 Adults, $5 Members, $2 Children. Annual Membership $15 individual, $25 family. Reduced rates available for groups over 7. Web site: http://tamarackdance.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/TamarackDanceAssociation/.
Duluth - Contra Dance Workshop: Spend three Wednesdays contra dancing while enjoying live old-time music. Class will be gauged to support the absolute beginner on the first week and graduate to complicated figures at the end. All dances taught by the caller. Coming with a partner is not necessary. Location: Avalon Educational Institute, 404 W. Superior Street. Workshops are from 6pm to 8pm with a cost of $20 per person ($15 with TDA membership) if postmarked by March 1. $30 at the door, ($25 with TDA membership). Minimum registration is 12 people or workshop will be canceled. Daycare available. Info: tombrandy@clearwire.net or Tom at 464-3808. Web site: http://tamarackdance.org.
Duluth - Squares: Dances at the All American Club, 1931 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55806-2134. Drinks at 7pm, dancing from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Suggested donation: $5. Web site: http://allamericanclub.org/.
Duluth - Waltz: Last Fog City Waltz series: $8 adults, no tamarack member discount. All Dances begin at 7:30 pm at Avalon Educatinal Institute 404 W Superior St. Beginner-friendly dances more likely to occur early. Web site: http://tamarackdance.com/
Duluth - Minnesota Bluegrass Cabin Fever: Music weekend with dances on Friday and Saturday nights. Workshops, classes, performances, concerts, etc. Central location is Radisson Harborview Hotel. Web site: http://www.minnesotabluegrass.org/cabin-fever.html.
Duluth - Spirit of the Lake Community School Benefit: Event from 6pm to 9pm at Clyde Iron Works 2920 W Michigan St, Duluth, Minnesota 55806. Food, drinks, and music and bid on unique and exciting locally-made silent and live auction items and a folk dance! You don't need to bring a partner or know how to dance...Just be prepared to have fun! Tickets are $25 (door/online) and include drinks, dinner, dessert, and FUN! https://slcs.yapsody.com/ - Web site: http://slcsduluth.org/.
Duluth - Family: Family dance at the Duluth Folk School, 1917 W Superior St, Duluth, Minnesota 55806 from 1pm to 2:30pm. Come on down and join the fun! We’ll be doing traditional dances to live music, and all ages are welcome! The dancing is free, but freewill donations are gratefully accepted. Co-sponsored by Tamarack Dance Association and A Time to Dance. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/TamarackDanceAssociation/.
Duluth - 1st Wednesday: Series of monthly dances with various themes from 6pm – 8pm at the Duluth Folk School, 1917 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806. Free admission. Web site: http://tamarackdance.com/.
East Grand Forks: Dances (and sometimes concerts and dances) at the East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Drive, SE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. There is no admission fee, but donations at the door are encouraged. The dances are supported in part by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. All dances will be taught, including squares, contras, reels, circle and round dances. No previous experience is needed for the dance,and all are welcome! Web site: http://northcountrydance.org.
Ely: Home On The Range has sponsored Community Dances and House Dances in the northern Minnesota communities of Ely, Tower, Cook, Virginia, International Falls, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Aurora since 1998. Dancers of all ages are welcome at Home On The Range dances. No experience is necessary. All dances are taught. Admission at the door is $8 per adult for regularly scheduled dances and $10 per adult for Special Events. Children accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge to all Home On The Range dances. Web site: http://www.danceontherange.org/.
Ely - House Dance: 6:00 PM Potluck Dinner; 7:00 PM House Dance. Public Welcome - Donations At The Door. Hill Residence. 2164 Bear Island River Road. Web site: http://www.friendsontherange.com.
Ely - Folk School: Dance from 7pm to 10pm at the Ely Folk School, 209 E Sheridan St, Ely, Minnesota 55731. Frequently called a Barn Dance or Country Dance - the music is toe tapping, hand clapping, fiddle music, and often other string instruments. Cost: $10 adults, $8 members, FREE for kids. All dances are taught, a partner is not needed, though you will dance in a pair. All ages are welcome. It will lighten your spirit and put a smile on your face! If you can walk you can Contra Dance! A bottle of water and comfortable shoes are suggested. Web site: http://www.elyfolkschool.org.
Fergus Falls: In honor of Otter Tail County's 150th birthday we will be holding four old-time music events. The first is at the old town hall in Star Lake. The Red Herring String band will be playing old time music and we hope that people will come on out to listen and dance. We'll be calling some squares, and playing for couples dances: waltzes, polkas and schottisches. We'll be doing some brief teaching, before each dance, so bring your grandma, bring your sweetheart, bring your grandchildren, no prior experience is necessary. It's just a fun time for the whole family. July 7th we'll be in New York Mills, September 8th at the Dalton Opera House, and October 6th at the Fergus Falls Eagles Club. All dances start at 7 PM, except for Dalton which starts at 2:30 PM after the parade. Web site: http://www.fergusfalls.com/events/details/old-time-music-and-dance-48915.
Finland - Woolsock: Weekend winter camp and old-time music weekend at the Finland Community Center, Cramer Road, Finland, MN 55603. Either come for the weekend or specific workshops. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/TamarackDanceAssociation/.
Floodwood: Dance at the Savannah Portage Rendezvous re-enactment at the county fairgrounds on highway 73 in Floodwood. Step into the recreated world of 1804 amidst the period costumes of a bygone era. All dances are taught beforehand, no experience (or costume!) is necessary, all ages are welcome. The dancing starts at 6:30 pm. For more information, call: (218) 476-3070. Web site: http://www.duckfortheoyster.com.
Goodview - Spring Fling Barn Dance: The Spring Fling Barn Dance is from from 6:30-9 p.m. at Goodview Elementary School, 5100 West Ninth Street, Goodview, MN. It is sponsored by Strings in Motion and the Winona Senior High School Orchestra. All dances will be taught; no partner is necessary. Children are welcome with adult participation. It is said if you can walk and know your right and left hand, you can learn these dances, which are fun for all ages! Adults and teens cost $8; 12 and under are $3; the cost will be no more than $20 per family. Money raised from this event will provide help with bus costs for students to attend concerts and music festivals, sponsorship of the Winona Fiddlers, and assistance with the junior/senior spring orchestra trip to New York City. Web site: None.
Grand Marais - Wooden Boat Show: North House Folk School invites you to its campus for the biggest celebration of the year (held in mid-June). Try your hand at a workshop or course. Be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers, and plan you next adventure. Meet the artisans and craftspeople who teach and see their work in action. A fun, family-oriented educational event. Curiosity welcome. Member-supported and volunteer-hosted. Generally, a contra dance is included as part of the programming. Web site: http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/woodenboatshow.htm.
Grand Marais - Squares - North House Folk School: Square Dance at the North House Folk School, 500 Highway 61 West at 7:30pm. $10 at door. No experience or partner necessary! Dances will be taught. Web site: http://www.northhouse.org.
Hibbing - Tamarack Dance Association Dance Weekend: At Mesaba Park. Web site: http://www.tamarackdance.org/.
Lanesboro: Dances are held at the Sons of Norway Hall, Parkway Avenue in Lanesboro (except the May dance) through the spring and summer months, always with live music and calling (including teaching). Dances generally start at 8pm. It's air-conditioned, too! Dancers need not have prior experience, nor do they need to come with a partner. Admission is generally $7 or $8. Web site: http://www.boveeheil.com/lanesboro-barn-dance.htm.
Lanesboro - Bluff Country Gathering: The Bluff Country Gathering, held in late-mid May is a four-day event presenting traditional American music, dance and singing styles. Workshops, conducted by a staff of nationally acclaimed musicians, singers, dancers and folklorists, are designed to pass along the traditions of old-time music to participants at all levels of experience. Web site: http://www.boveeheil.com/bluff-country-gathering.htm.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center: New England-style Contra Dances on Saturdays from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Cost: $12 general admission /$10 for Tapestry members / $8 students / Free to ages 8 and under (accompanied by a paying adult). Basics are taught at 7:30pm, and all dances are called to live music starting at 8pm. These dances are lively social, easy to learn, and because each dance may last 5min, they can be aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn't necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in "long-way sets" (partners facing in long lines down the hall). New dancers should arrive promptly at 7:30pm to learn the basics! Dance is in the large dance hall, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: https://www.tapestrydance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Barn Dance: Come out for an old-fashioned Barn Dance! Folk dancing events are often also referred to as "barn dances" despite being held in locations other than barns. The term "barn dance" is usually associated with family-oriented, community-oriented events. OK so we don't have a barn-but we do have the best sprung hardwood floors around! Join us from 7:30 to 11:00pm. You're sure to have a good ol' time Admission: $10 general, $8 members, $7 students, free admission to kids 13 and under New dancers should arrive promptly at 7:30pm to learn the basics! Dance is in the large dance hall, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Challenge Dances: New England-style Contra Dances on 3rd Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Dances are intricate and a strong familiarity with Contra Dancing is recommended. These dances are lively, social, and because each dance may last 5min, they can be aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn't necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in "long-way sets" (partners facing in long lines down the hall). Cost: $9 / $7. Dance is in the large dance hall, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Dance Center - New Year's Eve: Bring in the New Year at Tapestry! There will be a Contra Dance with live music as well as an International Dance in the small studio. Both groups will meet up at the end of the night to count down to 2016. Come join us! Price: Contra+International: $15 general, $12 members. If you attend only International dance, then $8 general, $6 members, $5 students. No passes. Location: Tapestry Folkdance Center - 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Web site: https://www.tapestrydance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Benefit Dance: An evening of Swing, Cajun, International, Contra, Scandinavian, Latin, Waltz (lessons, too) and more including a silent auction to benefit the Tapestry Center. Time: 6:30pm to 12 midnight. Location: 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Waltz: Dance one of the world's most popular dances. Learn one of the world's most accessible couple dances. Move with grace to some astonishingly beautiful music. Enjoy the subtle but blissful pleasures that the waltz has to offer. Indulge your inner romantic. Embrace both elegance and edginess. Socialize with like-minded people. Eschew Lethargy. Have fun. Get down and dirty...if you must! If any of the above appeal to you then get dressed up (or not) and join us for an afternoon of waltz dancing to some of the best waltz music ever recorded. 4th Sunday of the month from 4pm to 6pm. Beginning waltz lesson offered, from 3:30 to 4:00pm. Cost: $5 Location: 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: https://www.tapestrydance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Halloween: Special dance (near or on Halloween) of New England-style Contra Dances from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. Cost: $9 / $7. Basics are taught at 7:30pm, and all dances are called to live music starting at 8pm. These dances are lively social, easy to learn, and because each dance may last 5min, they can be aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn't necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in "long-way sets" (partners facing in long lines down the hall). New dancers should arrive promptly at 7:30pm to learn the basics! Dance is in the large dance hall, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Call of the Loon: Weekend of contra dances and workshops plus a variety of workshops and dances in others forms. Events are held in the large dance hall, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: http://calloftheloon.org.
Minneapolis - Squares: On 1st and 3rd Mondays at the Eagles Club at 2507 E. 25th St. in south Minneapolis (25th Ave. S. and 25th St., half way between Franklin Ave. and Lake St.) from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Excellent dance floor and smoke-free. No partner or experience needed. Questions? Call Lee at 715-386-7790, send email to guthriel {at} spacestar.com or just show up. Web site: http://www.minneapoliseagles34.org/events-entertainment.html or https://www.facebook.com/MondayNightSquareDance/.
Minneapolis - Scandinavian - 2nd Sunday: Join the fun! The glorious dance and music of the Scandinavian countries will be celebrated each 2nd Sunday of the month. Dances will cost $5. We will dance the whole range of Scandinavian dances to include the vals, polka, schottis, hambo, snoa, mazurka, polska, springar, and more. The music is awesomely beautiful and the dances are both wonderful and accessible. Beginning lessons will enable all levels of dancers access to this beautiful and fun dance form. Gammaldans Lesson 5:30pm – 6:00pm. Dancing 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Regional Dance Lesson 7:30pm – 8:00pm. Dancing 8:00pm – 9:00pm. Web site: http://tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Scandinavian - Annual Nordic Celebration and Marketplace: Location: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest. Nordic Marketplace from 3pm to 6pm, Gala Dinner at 6pm, Dance with Scandinavian-American dance band Foot-Nots at 8pm. $10 at the door for the Foot-Notes dance. $60 for the marketplace, dinner and dance (reservations required). Bring the whole family! For info, contact Stephanie Johnson at snjohnson@vesterheim.org, or 563-382-9681, ext. 103, or check vesterheim.org. Proceeds benefit Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Web site: http://www.vesterheim.org.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Waltz - Workshop: Weekend of waltz workshops. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Hambo Series: Series of hambo workshops from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on various Saturdays. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Family: Bring the whole family to the Tapestry Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South, every 2nd Saturday for an afternoon of dance fun. A caller will teach dances from the British Isles and America including group circle and longways dances and play-party (singing) games. All ages welcome! The focus will be on simple and easy-to-learn dances that everyone can enjoy. Live music every month. Breaks will feature snacks and kid-friendly activities. Time: 3pm to 5pm. Price: $10 per family ($5 if attending individually). Web site: https://www.tapestrydance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry Center - Techno Contra: Dances on 2nd Fridays from 7:00-10:00pm with a Beginning Lesson from 7:00-7:30pm. Cost: $8 general, $6 members, $5 students. What is Techno Contra? It is described as "glow-stick fueled, high-energy Contra with a twist" and "Traditional American dancing to club music". Techno Contra is the catch phrase for high energy Contra dancing to modern music accompanied by special effects lighting. Tapestry has newly been exploring the world of Techno Contra, with enthusiastic response from groups of young dancers showing up not only from the metro area but all the way from Rochester and Ames. The Tapestry Techno crew is listening to the dancers’ suggestions, and this new adventure is rolling! Come and check it out. BYOE (Bring Your Own Ear plugs), Glow necklaces provided ($0.75 suggested donation). Location: 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406 United States. Web site: http://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/.
Minneapolis - Tapestry - Open Streets: One-hour dance sessions as part of the larger Open Streets event this day. We will have Contra at 1pm, variety folkdances at 2pm, and then Bollywood at 3:30pm. All are welcomed, including beginners, and partners aren't required. The best part, it's totally FREE! Web site: http://tapestryfolkdance.org.
Minneapolis - Squares - KFAI Benefit: Square dance at 7:30pm as part of a two-day music (number of genres) benefit for radio station KFAI at the Eagles Club 34, 2507 E 25th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406. Web site: http://www.kfai.org.
Minneapolis - Falling Leaf Dance Weekend: Two-day dance weekend at the Tapestry Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue South. Web site: https://www.tapestrydance.org/.
Minneapolis/St. Paul - Midwest Morris Ale: The 2016 edition of this event will be centered around the YMCA Camp St. Croix. near Hudson, WI in late May. Many times the event includes a contra dance but it does have an emphasis on Morris dancing. Web site: http://www.midwestmorrisale.org.
Morris: Community Barn Dance at the University Student Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN. $2 per person. 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Web site: http://northcountrydance.org.
Mountain Iron - Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championship: Along with the main event on Saturday, there will be a free dance workshop on Friday from 5-8 pm at Merritt School. Friends on the Range will be presenting a workshop on how to play your fiddle tunes in a more dance like style and tempo, how to perform the dance steps and how to call dance moves. All stringed instruments are welcome at the workshop. Our workshop schedule is 5-6 Workshop, 6-7 Dinner, 7-8 Dance. The dance is free and open to the public. Web site: http://www.mesabisymphonyorchestra.org/FiddleContest/.
New York Mills: In honor of Otter Tail County's 150th birthday we will be holding four old-time music events. The first is at the old town hall in Star Lake. The Red Herring String band will be playing old time music and we hope that people will come on out to listen and dance. We'll be calling some squares, and playing for couples dances: waltzes, polkas and schottisches. We'll be doing some brief teaching, before each dance, so bring your grandma, bring your sweetheart, bring your grandchildren, no prior experience is necessary. It's just a fun time for the whole family. July 7th we'll be in New York Mills, September 8th at the Dalton Opera House, and October 6th at the Fergus Falls Eagles Club. All dances start at 7 PM, except for Dalton which starts at 2:30 PM after the parade. Web site: http://www.fergusfalls.com/events/details/old-time-music-and-dance-48915.
Northfield - Winter Stomp:Everyone is invited to the Northfield Winter Stomp contra dance. The event will take place at Carleton Great Hall, 1 North College Street, Northfield, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and going to 10:30 p.m. This event is free Comfortable shoes are recommended. No prior dance experience is required to participate (and no partner is needed). For more information about this dance contact northfieldcontradance@gmail.com. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143597728428/.
Northfield - Warmup for Winter Stomp: Come warm-up for the Winter Stomp with community contra dance lessons from 7-9pm at the Carleton Weitz Center for the Arts, 213 Union Street (and 3rd Street East) in Northfield) Come to one or both: these informal dance evenings will offer a great chance to learn how to contra dance, or to brush up your dance skills for the upcoming Stomp!. All are welcome. These lesson nights are free and open to everyone, thanks to a generous underwriting grant from the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (HCI). (Free Winter Stomp admission will be offered to the first 15 high school students who attend one or more of these dance evenings). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143597728428/.
Northfield - Warmup for Winter Stomp - Arcadia Charter School: Come warm-up for the Winter Stomp with community contra dance lessons from 7-8:30pm at the Arcadia Charter School Gymnasium, 1719 Cannon Road (behind Perkins Restaurant off of Highway 3). Enter through the double doors in the back of the school. This informal dance evening will offer a great chance to learn how to contra dance, or to brush up your dance skills for the upcoming Stomp!. All are welcome. This lesson night is free and open to everyone, thanks to a generous underwriting grant from the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (HCI). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143597728428/.
Northfield - Harvest Stomp: Held at the Northfield Ballroom, 1055 Highway 3, Northfield, MN in October. How much: $9 adults, $6 students; Family Cap $25. Free admission to this Harvest dance will be provided to all Northfield-area farmers and small scale producers of food, in appreciation for their contribution the health of our community! Free admission for Stolaf students, courtesy of Stolaf SAC (and free admission is also in the works for Carls – decision pending this week) No contra dance experience needed: dance lesson provided from 7:00 - 7:30, and dance instructions are called throughout each dance. Dances are easy to learn and a great deal of fun ... if you can walk fast to music, you can contra dance. No dance partner required. Contra dances sweep everyone into the one great dance of community. All are welcome, but participation in the dance is recommended for Ages 10 and older. For more information about this dance contact northfieldcontradance@gmail.com. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/NorthfieldContraDance.
Northfield - Earth Day: Held at the Cowling Gymnasium, Carleton College (enter campus at corner of Maple and First Street East, and bear right). Admission: $9 adults; $6 students 12 years and older; free for kids under 12 ($25 cap per family) Free for Carleton students courtesy of CSA! Newly accepted students especially welcome. To preserve the (excellent) wood floor in West Gym, please dance this dance in your bare feet or bring along a pair of soft-soled, non-marking shoes or sneakers (no street shoes allowed in the gym). Festive Spring attire (swing skirts!) also encouraged.. No contra dance experience needed: dance lesson provided from 7:00 - 7:30, dancing from 7:30pm to 10:30pm and dance instructions are called throughout each dance. Dances are easy to learn and a great deal of fun ... if you can walk fast to music, you can contra dance. No dance partner required. Contra dances sweep everyone into the one great dance of community. All are welcome, but participation in the dance is recommended for Ages 10 and older. For more information about this dance contact northfieldcontradance@gmail.com. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/NorthfieldContraDance or http://northfield.org/ (search listings).
Northfield - Earth Day: Held at The Pause at St. Olaf from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission free courtesy of St. Olaf SGA. All welcome, no partner needed, no experience necessary. For more information about this dance contact northfieldcontradance@gmail.com. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/NorthfieldContraDance
Northfield - Dancing on Bridge Square: Dance as part of the Taste of Northfield Festival from 8:00pm to 10:00pm in mid-June. Admission is free. Web site: http://nddc.org/.
Northfield - Daly Barn: Barn dance beginning at 7:30pm at the Daly Barn, 10163 Cates Avenue, just outside of Northfield. Web site: None.
Pine City: Dance at the annual Rendezvous re-enactment at the Northwest Company Fur Post, 12551 Voyageur Lane, Pine City, MN 55063. Step into the recreated world of 1804 amidst the bright fall colors, and period costumes. All dances are taught beforehand, no experience (or costume!) is necessary, all ages are welcome. The dancing starts at 6:30 pm. For more information, call: 320-629-6356. Web site: http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/nwcfp/index.htm.
Plymouth - Winter Bluegrass Festival: A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music and Dance. held in early March. The Showcase of Bands features over forty groups running continuously on two stages; the Old-Time Music & Dance Hall is host to old-time concerts and dances; a national band is featured in two Saturday night Headline Concerts. Plus workshops, vendors, the Gathering Place, jam sessions, and more. Held at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Plymouth. Web site: http://minnesotabluegrass.org/.
Port Wing - Doughnut Fry: Annual Doughnut Fry dance at the Port Wing Town Hall on the south shore of Lake Superior. Here's a chance to kick up your heels and shake off the winter blues with music, dancing, food, good folks, and of course the magical restorative wheel of fried dough. 5:30 – 6:45pm: Potluck Supper; 7-10pm: Old-Time Dance. $5/person or $10/family. All Ages, Smoke and Alcohol Free. To volunteer, contact: Dean Talbott – 218-269-2717 or dtalbott@charter.net - Web site: None.
Prior Lake: Dances as part of the Danceteria series. Danceteria is a partnership between the Scott County Library System and the City of Prior Lake/Club Prior, and is free and open to the public. Dances are from 7pm to 9pm. Dances are held on the inviting hardwood dance floor of Club Prior (adjacent to the Prior Lake Library) 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. SE., Prior Lake. Library phone: 952.447.3375 - Note: Additional parking lots are located north of the library on Dakota Street. Web site: http://www.scott.lib.mn.us/.
Rhinelander - White Pine Jamboree: Annual White Pine Jamboree in early February. Doors open at 3pm for an open jam session - all acoustic musicians are welcome to join in! Then, fiddlers of all ages compete for cash prizes in the fiddle contest, beginning at 5pm. After the contest, join us for a dance with The Mastodon String Band. They will call and teach each dance - no experience is necessary to join in! Tickets are available at the door; for more information, call WXPR at 715-362-6000. Where: Taj Mahall. Starts at 3:00pm. Ticket Info: Adults $15, Kids $5: Available at the door. Contact Person: Jessie Dick. Info by e-mail: jessie@wxpr.org. Web site: http://www.wxpr.org.
Richmond - Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival: There will be over thirty-five hours of concerts along with dance and entertainment events, special talent showcases, real hands-on workshops, family friendly shows and activities and plenty of good food and fun in the Marketplace. Held in mid-August at the El Rancho Manana. Web site: http://www.minnesotabluegrass.org/.
Scandia - Gammelgarden Museum: Square and line dancing as part of the Boots, Bites and Brews—Barn Dance FUNdraiser. Web site: http://www.gammelgardenmuseum.org.
Shafer - Franconia Sculpture Gardens: Bring a blanket, grab a bite or beverage from onsite vendors, and enjoy the afternoon of song, dance, and sculpture in the idyllic Earthen Amphitheater. Franconia's annual music series will feature a wide variety of musicians and make sure to participate in a guided tour during band breaks to meet artists-in-residence to learn about works in progress. All events are family and dog friendly, please pick-up after your furry friends. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Event is from 1pm to 7pm. Web site: http://www.franconia.org.
St. Paul: First Friday New England Contra Dance at The Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Avenue, St. Paul. Instruction begins at 6:30pm and the dance begins at 7pm. Admission is $7, $6 for seniors. Web site: http://www.thecelticjunction.com/.
St. Paul - Minnesota Country Dance Weekend: The Minnesota Country Dance Weekend features workshops and three big dances at beautiful Sokol hall in St.Paul. Kick up your heels at a contra dance on Friday night, a gala English country dance on Saturday night and a community dance on Sunday morning. Gain English country dance skill and technique at two Saturday workshops. All dances feature live music. Held in early October. Web site: http://mcd-coop.weebly.com/minnesota-country-dance-weekend.html.
St. Paul - Squares - Midway: Family square dances from 6 to 8:30 pm at Hamline United Methodist Church in Midway area, St. Paul. All ages welcome, no experience necessary. Held Saturdays Feb. 16 and March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 in the midway neighborhood at the Hamline Church, United Methodist, at 1514 Englewood Drive (alley entrance), St. Paul, MN 55104. Cost is $5 individual; $15 family. A pay-what-you-will dinner is offered from 6 to 6:30 at the same location. Web site: None.
St. Paul - Squares - Mill City Ballroom: Dance at the Mill City Ballroom, 2382 Hampden Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114 from 7pm to 10pm. Suggested donation is $10. Web site: http://www.millcityballroom.com/.
St. Paul - NFO Pourparler Conference: The 2019 Pourparler Conference will be held in mid-October. Pourparler is a yearly gathering of dance and music educators from North America who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/traditional dance in schools and/or community events. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nfo-usa.org/.
Star Lake: In honor of Otter Tail County's 150th birthday we will be holding four old-time music events. The first is at the old town hall in Star Lake. The Red Herring String band will be playing old time music and we hope that people will come on out to listen and dance. We'll be calling some squares, and playing for couples dances: waltzes, polkas and schottisches. We'll be doing some brief teaching, before each dance, so bring your grandma, bring your sweetheart, bring your grandchildren, no prior experience is necessary. It's just a fun time for the whole family. July 7th we'll be in New York Mills, September 8th at the Dalton Opera House, and October 6th at the Fergus Falls Eagles Club. All dances start at 7 PM, except for Dalton which starts at 2:30 PM after the parade. Web site: http://www.fergusfalls.com/events/details/old-time-music-and-dance-48915.
Stillwater - Fiddle Pal Camp: Four day fiddle (and other instruments) camp in June at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 5th St., Stillwater, MN. Register in advance. Camp includes some evening dances. Ages 9 and up. Web site: https://americanfiddlemethod.com.
Virginia - Kaleva Hall: Dance at Kaleva Hall, 2nd Ave. and 3rd St. N. All dances are taught and no experience is necessary. Admission: $5, Children under 12 free. Web site: http://www.lyriccenteronline.org.
Winona: Dance at the Goodview Elementary School gym with fun with circle and reel dances for the whole family from 6:30-7:30 p.m. followed by contra and square dance for teens and adults from 7:45-9 p.m. Families are invited and string students are encouraged to come down to the barn dance. No experience is necessary; all dances will be taught. Students at Winona Area Public Schools have the opportunity to explore strings from the violin, cello, bass and more. The barn dance allows students to participate in and experience traditional fiddle music and dance along with family and friends. Tickets for this event are $8 for adults and teens and $3 for those age 12 and under. No previous dance experience is required to attend this event. All proceeds go to Winona Area Public Schools’ orchestra programs. Web site: None.
Wrenshall - Barn Dance Weekend: Gathering of old-time music and dance including workshops, performances, dances, farm tour. Web site: http://tamarackdance.org/WBDW.html.
Wykoff: Dances at Dreamacres Farm, 17289 County Rd. 8, Wykoff, MN at 8pm. Come early to get an organic, vegetarian, wood-fired pizza. Web site: http://www.boveeheil.com/lanesboro-barn-dance.htm.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.
**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.