19 Summer Festivals in Otter Tail County

By Your Inner Otter

There are plenty of reasons to visit Otter Tail County, MN in the summer. Lots of folks enjoy spending time on one of our 1,048 lakes, golfing, biking, hiking, paddling, etc. Some visitors like to plan their trip around one (or more) of the unique summer festivals. Here is a look at 19 summer festivals in Otter Tail County to put on your calendar.

June

Summerfest, Fergus Falls, June 9-10

Fergus Falls SummerFest started nearly 50 years ago as The Scandinavian Heritage Festival. It has grown in size, activities, and entertainment. There is all sorts of food, music, arts, crafts and games for the kids. This year’s music lineup includes Minnesota favorite Johnny Holm. The festival takes place on the historic Kirkbride grounds. Make sure to stick around for the fireworks and the grand parade. The festival is organized by volunteer members of the local community. You can learn more here.

June Jubilee, Wadena, June 9-10

While this event doesn’t technically take place in Otter Tail County, parts of Wadena, MN are in Otter Tail County and this celebration is a great reason to visit our neighbors to the east. This year’s event will include one of our favorite musical acts, Aaron Lee Simons. He will be performing Friday, June 9th at BN Park, Over the 2-day event there will be live music, a talent show, art vendors kiddie carnival and a grand parade (Saturday, June 10). Visit wadenachamber.com to learn more.

Perham Turtle Fest, June 14-18

Every June people gather in Perham, Mn to embrace summer with a week long event celebrating turtles. The festivities begin on Wednesday, June 14th and go through Sunday, June 18th. Highlights include; turtle races, trolley rides, main street craft and food venders, Rib Fest, Grand Parade (Friday evening), live music and fireworks (Saturday night). For a complete list of happenings, visit the Perham Chamber of Commerce website.

Deer Trail Days, Deer Creek, June 23-24

Deer Trail Days in Deer Creek is a classic summer celebration. Festivities begin Friday night with a town team baseball game with fireworks to follow. Saturday’s lineup of activities begin at 8:00am with a pancake breakfast. The parade starts at 11:00am and the fun goes well into the night with food, games, music and more. To see a complete list of activities visit their website here.

Friendship Festival, Pelican Rapids, June 24

Pelican Rapids is one of the most diverse communities in Otter Tail County. Every year they celebrate multiple cultures with the International Friendship Festival. This is an open-air festival with fun for all! including food trucks, cultural music, dance, artisan exhibits, vendor booths as well as children’s games & crafts. All while enjoying nature in beautiful Sherin Park along the river in Pelican Rapids, MN. Walk across the famous footbridge while you are here. Entry is free.

July

Pelican Fest, Pelican Rapids, July 7-8

For over 50 years, the Pelican Rapids community has come together to celebrate Pelican Fest- previously named Turkey Days. Come together as our unique multicultural community to have an awesome parade, turkey feed, and events around the town.

Henning Festival, July 7-9

Parade, queen coronation, movie in the park, demo derby, kiddie tractor pull, car show, and fireworks

New York Mills Summer Celebration, July 7-8

The summer celebration in New York Mills is one of the most Minnesotan events you can attend. They celebrate Lund Boats with a Lundmania fishing tournament on Otter Tail Lake and the Boatville Drag races. The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center also hosts a fish house festival that celebrates the art of the sport of spearing. There is a decoy show at the gallery and artists create custom dark houses in the street. There is food, music and a parade too.

Phelps Mill Festival, July 8-9

The Phelps Mill Festival is held every year on the 2nd weekend in July. The area’s  largest art and craft event of the summer. Two full days of art, food, entertainment, & kids’ activities fill the Phelps Mill County Park which provides a beautiful setting for this annual event. We bring you high quality artists in a variety of work. In addition to shopping, we provide great entertainment appearing on the main stage and around the grounds. Nonprofits provide a variety of ethnic and American foods throughout both days

West Otter Tail Co. Fair, Fergus Falls, July 19-22

Plan to attend the 2023 West Otter Tail County Fair, July 19th-22nd, 2023! Each year, we promise fun for the entire family. From Grandstand events like: Touch a Truck, Rodeo Night, Concerts, Demo Derby, and to a host of carnival rides provided by the Mighty Thomas Carnival, there is something for everyone! The West Otter Tail County Fair also offers plenty of free entertainment each day and lots of things to see from our 4-H’ers. Browse the Children’s Barn, see our 4-H exhibits, and get the kids entered in our annual Pedal Pull

East Otter Tail Co. Fair, Perham, July 21-24

Welcome to the East Otter Tail County Fair! We bring clean family fun with the small town feel. Join us at the Carnival, walk through the Exhibits, enjoy the Evening Events and check out the Showmanship Livestock. There’s lots to do at the County Fair!

Wenonga Days, Battle Lake, July 21-23

The 2023 Wenonga Days weekend in Battle Lake, MN will be from Friday, July 21st to Sunday, July 23rd. There will be a craft and vendor market, food, fun and a big parade on Saturday, July 22nd. The craft & vendor fair will be at Railroad Park, located at MN HWY 78 & Co. RD 83. Lakes Area Community Center is organizing this years event. You can get updates on their website.

August

Fall Festival, Parkers Prairie, August 4-6

Enjoy fun activities all weekend in Parkers Prairie, MN! Fire Water Wars, Kids Games, Kids Tractor Pull, Miss Parkers Prairie Pageant, Food, Parade Sunday at Noon!

Looney Days, Vergas, August 11-13

Bring the entire family to the village of Vergas for three days of fun, music, food and shopping. Past events have featured a water ski show on Long Lake, wiener dog races, street dance, parade & more.

Ottertail Chamber Otter Fest, August 12

The City of Ottertail has something going on all year round. They have music in the park every other Tuesday in June, July & August. Join them for special event on August 12th as they present the Red Letter Band.

Vining Watermelon Day, August 19

Who doesn’t love watermelon? Especially FREE Watermelon! Every August, folks gather in Vining, MN for a day of celebrating this delicious summer treat. The self proclaimed “Biggest small town celebration in Otter Tail County” has featured a car show, 5k run/walk, ton’s of food vendors, live music, crafts and vendors. Don’t miss this one day event that always falls on the third Saturday in August. You can get updates here.

Perham Pioneer Days, August 13-14

Harken back to the days of old at Pioneer Village in Perham, MN.

Finn Creek Summer Festival, New York Mills, August 18-19

Come for the food and stay for the music, demonstrations and exhibits. Featuring ethnic music, food and folk arts. The site includes an original Finnish farmstead from 1900, log barns, Savu Sauna, and steam engine powered sawmill. There are activities and entertainment for everyone! There is also a corn feed and puppet pageant in New York Mills in August

Dent Corn Daze, August 19

Celebrate the end of summer in Dent, MN.