UPCOMING EVENTS

St. Cloud is a thriving Mississippi River city blessed year-round with a wide range of cultural, social and recreational activities. Historic theatres, renowned international gardens and regional shopping are just a sample of what awaits you, so much of it happening in Downtown St. Cloud! 

The following is a list from 2006; generally speaking, these events are held annually and will be updated once the 2007 dates are known. 

April 10, 2008                                Downtown Council’s Annual Celebration
This Annual event has since evolved into an evening that, simply put, is just "a whole lot of fun".  It’s a mixture of mingling and socializing, networking, a side of delectable foods, a silent auction, keynote speaker and awards presentation.

This event provides an opportunity for all of our members and supporters of Downtown, with a common goal, to come together.  We also recognize a person or business for their extraordinary contributions to Downtown.  All Downtown Council members, Downtown employees, residents and supporters are welcome to join us for this wonderful event. 

Sponsorship opportunities offered. To register for any DTC event or to obtain additional information, contact email erica@stclouddowntown.com.  

April 18-19, 2008                                    9th Annual Earth Day ½ Marathon
St. Cloud State Campus and Downtown St. Cloud.  The Earthday ½ Marathon will be run along the Mississippi River, beginning and ending on the SCSU campus. 

Join us in St. Cloud this April for Minnesota's Premier Half Marathon Event which is a unique festival to include a half marathon with up to 2,000 runners, a 5K run along the scenic Mississippi River, a 1K Junior Run, a Fitness Expo with over 3,500 spectators, an entertainment stage with various performers and speakers, a Kids Korner with creative activities for the entire family, a Pasta Feed and Downtown St. Cloud entertainment. The Half Marathon will include a Relay Division that will give even more people an opportunity to take part in the Earth Day experience!

If interested or to receive a brochure, please call the St. Cloud State Rec. Dept. for more information (320) 255-3325 or earthdayhalfmarathon.org. 

June 13, Sept 19, Nov 21, 2008                                                     Art Crawls
Mingle up and down the street of St. Germain and peruse fine art and craft, enjoy beverages and snacks, watch artist demonstrations, be entertained by musicians, and have a chance to meet the featured artists from across the reason. Up to 15 participating businesses/galleries offer up a sense of community, light-hearted enjoyment and simply great art. These Art Crawls are fast becoming a staple in Downtown activity.

Summer 2008 dates not set                                  Downtown Historic Tour
Welcome to the historic downtown St. Cloud walking tour.  The tour usually coincides with the annual Historic Home Tour. 

June 26, 2008                                                                Annual Golf Scramble
This fun-filled, relaxing 18-hole (best ball) tournament begins with a shot-gun start at 1:00pm.  The cost is $90 per golfer, which includes golf, dinner and prizes.  Sponsors at each hole have the opportunity to advertise their business while having some fun with the golfers participating.  

To register for any Downtown Council event or to obtain additional information, contact Pegg via email or by phone at (320) 257-8600.   

4th of July                                                              Freedom Fest & Fireworks
The American Legion is hosting this family-friendly party on Veteran's Bridge (near the Civic Center).  There will be food vendors, beer and wine coolers, bands, pull-tabs and other activities from 5:00 pm - Midnight.  Fireworks begin around 10:00 pm.

Wilson Park and Hester Park have children's activity areas from 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm.

July 2008                                                                                     Bike Criterium With the booming interest in bicycle racing, we anticipate as many as 200-300 racers from all over the Midwest participating in this Downtown event. Teams from MN, IA, WI, MI as well as national competitors will be competing for cash and prizes. The team association   to the Minnesota Cycling Federation, Grandstay and Out N About Gear will be hosting the  “St Cloud Criterium" this year.  For more information, call (320) 260-2117.

The race format is what is called a “Criterium”; it is the most exciting, spectator friendly type of bicycle race. The course is usually less than a mile in length, with 4 to 7 corners. As with all bike racing, there are different categories that group “like” rider’s skill and experience. Each category then races for a pre-determined length of time, with 1 hour being the maximum. Upon completion of that time, a lap counter counts the riders down from 5 laps to go. On the last lap, a bell is rung indicating to the riders that this is now a race to the finish line. The first one across the line wins! The other dynamic and unpredictable facet of criterium racing is the race for the “Primes” also known as the prize lap. On any given lap the bell can be rung announcing a “Prime” lap. The first racer over the finish line wins the prize, which can amount to cash or prizes up to 100$. The race for these “Primes”, can, in many cases, break up a race. If the main field allows a group of riders to get away from them and create a gap, they may very well be able to stay away until the finish. Whether it is a pack finish or a solo breakaway this format of racing provides the spectators with at very exciting view of bicycle racing.

We will also be holding a Kids Race designed for kids of all ages. There will be prizes and giveaways for all youth participants.

September 6, 2008                                   St. Mary's Cathedral Block Party
The annual block party features outstanding musical groups, games for kids, a food court and a raffle.  For more information, call (320)251-1840. 

September 2008                                       Paramount's Opening Night Gala
Don't miss this Gala celebration. 

For more information, call (320)259-5463.

September 14, 2008                                                                 Wedding Expo

The Expo is held at the St. Cloud Civic Center.  For more information, call (320)291-7201..

October 4, 2008                                                            Kids' & Parents' Expo

Held at the St. Cloud Civic Center. For more information, call (320)257-3976 or check out www.kidsandparentsexpo.com

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October 11, 2008                                      16th Annual Women's Showcase

The Showcase features celebrity speakers, food court, fashion shows, stages and 250 exhibits.  For more information, call (320)259-7108.

November 15-16, 2008                                                    Annual Craft Show

The St. Cloud Civic Center is host to this annual event, just before the Holidays.  For more information, call (651)457-8980.

December 5-7, 2008                                                                        Dog Show

The Annual Dog Show is held at the St. Cloud Civic Center.  For more information, call (320)764-7555 or go to www.granitecitykennelclub.com.

December 5, 2008                     6th Annual Winter Nights & Lights Parade

As the first event in the Downtown is Holiday Towne series, the Winter Nights and Lights Parade will ignite the holiday spirit on the Friday following Thanksgiving, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade route is along St. Germain Street.  Bring your hot chocolate, lawn chairs and Holiday shopping mood.

Call to be part of the parade    257-8600, or email to request a registration form. 

Downtown is coming alive with lights and décor like never before. There will be more than Santa to make you smile.  Experience the excitement in the air during the Holiday Season.  Bring the whole family for special activities, photo opportunities with Santa, and best of all, join in the lighted holiday parade guaranteed to put even the Grinch into the Holiday Spirit. 

Get dinner for yourself and the kids from your favorite Downtown restaurant, then sweeten up with some cookies and hot cocoa found a several Downtown stores and businesses. When your belly is full, look for Santa -- he will be waiting to get his picture taken with you. All the while be entertained by live holiday music and colorful street entertainers.
 

Rekindle your sense of wonder and amazement in Downtown St. Cloud. 

The Civic Center offers a wide range of events each year that you might find of interest.  For additional information and directions, contact the staff at (320) 255-7272 or (800) 450-7272.

Check out the Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar or call (320) 251-4170 or (800) 264-2940.

Get Involved

If you are interested in serving on the Promotions & Events Committee, contact Pegg A.K. Gustafson at (320) 257-8600, or Lori Popp, Committee Chair at (320) 229-5253.

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