MINOT--Hello Hot Dishers! If you are in Minot, or within driving distance and you aren’t having fun this weekend, you’re doing it wrong. Actually, for the rest of the month, if you stay home and claim there’s nothing to do—you’re doing it wrong. There is so much going on, and just not enough time to do it all.
So, let’s dive in. Although there are lots of activities going on in Minot, I’ll start with a Big Idea—something that requires a bit of investment,either time getting there, or cost to experience.
The Big Idea—This week’s big idea is to take a drive to one of North Dakota’s zoos. Yes, we are very fortunate to have Roosevelt Park Zoo right here in town, but there are three other zoos in the state. With cooler weather here, this is a perfect time to visit a new zoo before winter sets in.
· DAKOTA ZOO -- Bismarck, approximately two hours from Minot.
· RED RIVER ZOO -- Fargo, approximately four hours from Minot.
· CHAHINKAPA ZOO -- Wahpeton, approximately five hours from Minot.
Pro Tip: All of the zoos in the state are part of the national “reciprocal admission program”. This means if you are an annual member at Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo, your pass will get you free admission to any of these others! But there’s more—if you are traveling, check out the Association of Zoos and Aquariums website to find a full list of locations across the country that will accept your Minot zoo pass for free or discounted admission.
Minot Happenings
Here are a few ideas for fun in Minot. Find more at visitminot.org.
NOTSTOCK 2022—Thursday, September 22-Saturday, September 24. NOTSTOCK is a hands on celebration of the arts hosted by Minot State University. Throughout the festival, there will be demonstrations by artists in everything from pottery to improv. Visitors will also have an opportunity to try for themselves—this means if you’ve wanted to try throwing pottery on the wheel, screen printing, or “Who’s Line” style improve, this is your chance. Find a full daily schedule at msunotstock.blogspot.com.
The Wizard of Oz at Make a Scene Kids Theater—Thursday, September 22-Sunday, September 25. Minot’s children’s theater will offer five performances during the show run.
MASK Theater is part of STEAM ND, a nonprofit dedicated to offering cultural enrichment, and creative play to children in Minot. They offer music, theater, and art classes, sports leagues, coding clubs, and lots of other STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) centered opportunities. Find details and purchase tickets at steamnd.org.
Y’s Men’s PBR—Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 24 at 7 p.m. The Professional Bull Riders will be in Minot this weekend for the first time since before the pandemic in 2019. This event has always been a big deal, but now it’s bigger than ever because the Y’s Men’s PBR is part of the “King of the North Showdown.” The Showdown is a 12-event series across four states, drawing the world’s best bull riders. The winner will receive a $100,000 pay out—and the series is concluding here in Minot! Get tickets and details at minotpbr.com.
Mouse River Players Performance—Thursday, September 22-Sunday, September 25. Mouse River Players is performing their second weekend of Church Basement Ladies: A Second Helping. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Sensory Friendly Movie at Oak Park Theater—Saturday September 24 at noon. Oak Park Theater has partnered with Fountain Behavioral Services to offer “sensory friendly” movies. This means lights will be turned up a bit, and volume with be down. This relaxed atmosphere without the expectation of sitting completely still or being completely quiet, is the perfect opportunity for little ones, and those with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the theater experience. Showing: DC League of Super Pets. Tickets are $5, and concessions are available. More info at oakparktheater.net/sensory-movies
Minot Symphony Orchestra—Saturday, September 24, 7 p.m. The MSO has its season opener on Saturday. I cannot say enough good things about our symphony. If you’ve never been to a show—you need to, and this is a great performance to start with. They’re set to feature music from West Side Story and Gershwin, so you’re sure to recognize a few songs. Get tickets at minotsymphony.com
Have fun this weekend, and don’t forget to join me on Instagram (@amy_allender) and Facebook (@amyallenderblog) for more Hot Dish Life inspiration, and positive living tips.
