The Fargo-Moorhead Parents’ Guide Fall & Winter Event Calendar
From Boo at the Zoo to Christkindlmarkt, Frostival and planetarium shows, here’s a month-by-month guide to family events in Fargo-Moorhead from October through March.
There is almost always something happening for families in Fargo-Moorhead, you just have to know where to look.
From pumpkin patches and holiday celebrations to planetarium shows, winter festivals, performances, markets and other seasonal events, this calendar is designed to help parents plan family fun throughout the fall and winter months.
Confirmed dates are listed when available. Events marked Date TBD are established annual or seasonal events expected to return but whose 2026–27 details had not yet been announced when this guide was prepared. Because schedules can change, families should always check with the organizer before heading out.
October in Fargo-Moorhead
Moorhead Youth Open Gym
Saturdays, October–March, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Ellen Hopkins Elementary | Ages 17 and under | Free
When colder weather makes outdoor play less reliable, Moorhead Youth Open Gym provides a dependable place for children to move. The season runs through March, although families should watch for holiday weekends when sessions are not offered.
Spooky Space
October 10–11 | MSUM Planetarium | Ages 6+ | Ticketed
For kids who prefer planets to haunted houses, Spooky Space offers a gentler October adventure. The educational show adds seasonal fun without relying heavily on frightening imagery.
Folkways Night Bazaar: Spook
October 15, 5–9 p.m. | Brewhalla Market | All ages
Vendors, food, and creative Halloween energy fill Brewhalla during this special Folkways market. Families with younger children may want to visit toward the beginning of the evening.
Boo at the Zoo
October 10, October 17, and October 24 | Red River Zoo | Toddlers–grade school | Ticketed
The Red River Zoo’s popular Halloween tradition combines costumes, animals, and kid-friendly seasonal fun. Watch for official dates, ticket information, and scheduled activity times as October approaches.
Trick or Treat Wish Walk
October 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Downtown Fargo | All ages | Suggested $5 donation per child
Costumed families can make their way through Downtown Fargo while collecting treats and supporting a charitable cause. Dress for the weather and consider costumes that are comfortable enough for walking several blocks.
November
Pangea: Cultivate Our Cultures
November 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Hjemkomst Center | All ages | Free
Pangea celebrates the many cultures represented throughout the region with food, music, dance, art, and storytelling. Families can stay for an hour or spend much of the day exploring performances and activities.
Moorhead Holiday Kickoff
Date TBD | Moorhead | All ages | Typically free
Moorhead’s annual holiday celebration traditionally includes community gathering, lights, music, and seasonal treats. Watch for an official date, location, and weather plan.
Artistic Universe
November 15, 3–4 p.m. | MSUM Planetarium | All ages | Ticketed
Art, music, and astronomy come together in this STEAM-focused planetarium show. It is also an excellent indoor option when November weather makes outdoor plans less appealing.
Christkindlmarkt
November 20–22 and 27–29 | Fargo Civic Center | All ages | Adults $10; ages 17 and under free
Holiday food, gifts, music, and festive décor turn the Fargo Civic Center into a European-inspired seasonal market. Earlier daytime hours may be more comfortable for families with young children.
Santa Village Opening Weekend
November 28–29, 1–6 p.m. | December 5–6, 12–13 and 17–22 | Rheault Farm | All ages | Free
Rheault Farm officially begins its holiday season with Santa visits and festive activities. Families who want to avoid December’s busiest weekends may find opening weekend especially appealing.
December
LASER Holidays
December 4, 11 and 18, 6:30 p.m. | MSUM Planetarium | Older children and teens | Ticketed
Holiday music gets a laser-show makeover during these Friday-night performances. Because the show uses intense flashing effects, families should review the photosensitivity warning before attending.
Skate with Santa
Date TBD | Moorhead | All ages | Typically free
Santa and Mrs. Claus trade the sleigh for skates during this active holiday outing. Watch for the rink location, skate-rental information, and helmet recommendations.
Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade
December 5, 6:30 p.m. | Downtown Fargo | All ages | Free
Illuminated floats brighten downtown during one of the region’s most recognizable holiday traditions. Check road closures beforehand, arrive early, and identify a nearby indoor location where children can warm up if needed.
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Rental Season
Winter weekends | Hjemkomst Center and Viking Ship Park | All ages | Rental fee
Families interested in trying winter recreation can rent equipment rather than investing in their own gear. Availability depends heavily on snowfall and trail conditions, so always check for a same-day update.
Season of Light
December 13 and 20, 3 p.m. | MSUM Planetarium | All ages | Ticketed
This planetarium program explores the astronomy, lights, and traditions associated with winter celebrations around the world. It offers a thoughtful holiday experience that goes beyond the traditional Santa visit.
The Classic Nutcracker
December 18–20 | NDSU Festival Concert Hall | All ages | Ticketed
Live dance, music, and pre-show activities turn the traditional holiday production into a complete family experience. Parents of younger children may want to check the running time and lap-child policy before purchasing seats.
January
Winter Youth Sports Sampler
Begins January 5 | Fargo Parks Sports Center | Young children | Registration required
Children can experiment with multiple sports in a low-pressure environment before families commit to an entire season or league. Check age divisions and session information when registration opens.
Pint Size Explorers: A Skink’s Story
January 8 | Red River Zoo | Ages 4–6 | $15 members; $20 nonmembers
This preschool program uses hands-on learning to introduce children to skinks and animal adaptations. Session sizes may be limited, so advance registration is a good idea.
Youth Ice Fishing Derby
January 9, 2–3 p.m. | Woodhaven South Fishing Pond | Ages 15 and under | Free
Pre-drilled holes, bait, and s’mores help make this an approachable introduction to ice fishing. Families should bring their own rods and tackle and dress for rapidly changing winter conditions.
Tot Art Studio and Little Art Studio
Tot Art Studio: five-week session beginning January 11 | Little Art Studio: five-week session beginning January 12, ages 6–8 | Fargo | Registration required
Preschoolers can spend part of the winter experimenting with creativity in a structured art environment. Check whether caregivers stay for the class when registering. The Little Art Studio is designed for early elementary artists; this multiweek program gives children a regular creative outlet during the heart of winter. Space and supplies may be limited.
ZOOcation: Snow School
January 15, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Red River Zoo | Grades 1–5 | $35–$40
This full-day school-break program combines snow, ice, wildlife, and conservation learning. Parents should check lunch requirements, outdoor clothing recommendations, and drop-off procedures.
Solar System Explorers: Tour 1
January 23–24 | MSUM Planetarium | Ages 3+ | Ticketed
The first installment in a four-part planetarium series invites children to begin a Solar System Explorers passport. Saturday programming is geared toward ages 3–6, with Sunday designed for ages 7 and older.
Youth Pond Hockey Day
January 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Lindenwood Park | 6U–10U teams
Young hockey players take the game outdoors during this community pond hockey event. Spectating siblings and parents should plan for cold temperatures and check warming options before arriving.
Frostival
Date TBD | Metro-wide | All ages | Many activities free
Frostival embraces exactly what makes winter in Fargo-Moorhead unique. Expect outdoor recreation, creative competitions, family activities, and the popular Frozen Fortress when the full 2027 schedule is released.
Cardboard Sled Race
Date TBD | Fargo | All ages | Free
Families build their own cardboard creations before sending them down the hill during this Frostival favorite. Wait for the official construction rules before breaking out the tape and boxes.
February
Fargo Pond Hockey Classic
February 6–7 | Lindenwood Park | Hockey families | Free to watch
Outdoor hockey takes center stage during a full weekend of games at Lindenwood Park. Spectators should check parking, concession, and warming-area information before heading out.
Pint Size Explorers: What’cha Takin About?
February 12 | Red River Zoo | Ages 4–6 | $15–$20
Young animal lovers will meet the zoo’s takin while learning about the adaptations animals need to survive in mountainous environments.
ZOOcation: Predator and Prey Day
February 16, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Red River Zoo | Grades 1–5 | $35–$40
Games, wildlife, and animal science fill this full-day school-break program. Check what children need to pack and whether the date aligns with your school calendar.
Nerf Wars
February 17 | Metro Recreation Center | School-age children | Registration required
Indoor Nerf battles provide a high-energy solution to winter cabin fever. Review age-specific session times as well as eye-protection and equipment rules before registering.
Butterfly Ball
Date TBD | Avalon Event Center | Ages 4–12 with a special adult | Ticketed
Children can dress up and enjoy a memorable evening with an important adult in their lives. The event is designed to welcome many types of family relationships, not just traditional parent-child pairings.
Solar System Explorers: Tour 2
February 20–21 | MSUM Planetarium | Ages 3+ | Ticketed
The second stop in the planetarium passport series focuses on the rocky planets. Families can still join even if they missed the January program.
The Joys of Painting with Bob Ross
February 20, 2–4 p.m. | Yunker Farm | Families and older children | $10
Happy little trees and family creativity meet in this playful painting event. Check whether supplies are included and whether each participating family member needs a ticket.
Red River Valley Home & Garden Show
February 26–28 | Fargodome | All ages | Ticketed
Although primarily a home and garden event, kid-friendly features such as a treasure hunt can make it enjoyable for the whole family. Watch for admission promotions and children’s programming details.
The Cat in the Hat: No Place Like Space
February 27–28 | MSUM Planetarium | Young children | Ticketed
Dr. Seuss helps introduce young children to space through a story many already know and love. It is an especially easy indoor outing for preschool and early elementary families.
March
Pint Size Explorers: Otter Fun
March 12 | Red River Zoo | Ages 4–6 | $15–$20
Play-centered activities introduce preschoolers to otters and their behaviors. Advance registration is recommended for these small-group zoo programs.
Solar System Explorers: Tour 3
March 20–21 | MSUM Planetarium | Ages 3+ | Ticketed
The third stop on the Solar System Explorers journey heads toward the gas giants. Children completing three of the four programs can qualify for a series badge and certificate.
Celtic Festival
Date TBD | Hjemkomst Center | All ages
Music, dancing, heritage activities, and food make the Celtic Festival flexible enough for families to visit for an hour or stay much longer. It pairs naturally with the St. Patrick’s weekend festivities.
Bunny Hop Bash
Date TBD | Courts Plus Community Fitness | Ages 1–11 | Ticketed
Egg hunts, crafts, inflatables, and photos bring spring indoors regardless of the weather. Space can be limited, making this one to register for early.
Fargo-Moorhead St. Patrick’s Parade
Date TBD | Downtown Fargo-Moorhead | All ages | Free
Bands, dancers, horses, floats, and plenty of green make this one of the metro’s biggest early-spring gatherings. Verify the route before attending because it has changed in recent years.
ZOOcation: What’s the Scoop?
March 30, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Red River Zoo | Grades 1–5 | $35–$40
Yes, this program is about poop, and that is exactly why children may love it. Campers use scat, diet, and tracking clues to learn about animal health and behavior.
Published October 20, 2026
