Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

Please join us for our Annual Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, October 25th at The Ripple Center Opera House! 

Social Hour: 5pm

Dinner & Entertainment: 6pm

Live Auction: 7:30pm

Tickets are $75 each or $550 for table of 8 until October 11th. After October 11th, tickets will be $80 each or $600 for a table of 8.

Join us at the Aitkin Public Library for our monthly Book Club! We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month at 1pm. Copies of the book in review are available to pick up at the desk or to request from our Catalog.
Questions? Contact the library at (218) 927-2339.

This book club is recommended for adults (18+). No registration necessary.

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

Prepare for an evening of suspense and intrigue as The Ripple Center in downtown Aitkin hosts "The Wineglass Murders", an interactive murder mystery dinner on Friday, October 17th. This unique event features professional actors, a delicious meal from Block North, and an unforgettable mystery for guests to solve.

The evening begins with a celebratory engagement party hosted by two of the most prominent ladies in the Wineglass Moms League. However, the joyous occasion quickly turns sinister when a murder is uncorked. Attendees will be immersed in the plot, putting their detective skills to the test to uncover the killer before the night's final toast.

"This is more than just a dinner; it’s a chance to step into a different world and become part of the story," says Christine Bright of The Ripple Center. "The combination of live theater, a fantastic meal, and the excitement of solving a crime makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience."

Event Details:

• What: "The Wineglass Murders," an interactive murder mystery dinner.

• When: Friday, October 17th, 2025. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the event begins at 7:00 PM.

• Where: The Ripple Center, downtown Aitkin, MN.

• Cost: Tickets are $90 per person and include the mystery theater event and a full dinner.

• Menu: The meal, catered by Block North, features an Oktoberfest theme with creamy spinach and tomato and cucumber salad, mustard-crusted pork loin with dumplings and sautéed cabbage, and apple strudel.

Traditional German food and entertainment all weekend. A Ruttger's classic!

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

Savor the Local Flavor at Taste of Aitkin! Early bird tickets are now live! Be one of the first 50 to get $10 off your ticket price. Join us for a mouthwatering celebration of Aitkin’s local food scene. From savory bites to sweet treats, this event highlights the best our community has to offer, all in one delicious day! What to Expect: • Local restaurants, bakers & producers • Unique samples from each restaurant • Community spirit, small-town charm • Voting for your favorites to give them bragging rights 2024 Savory Winner Rustic Trail with their Smoked Waygu Chuck Roast on a pretzel bun with beer cheese drizzle 2024 Sweet Winner The Beanery with their White Chocolate Raspberry Scone topped with cheesecake frosting.

Meet new friends, sip crafted teas, and sway to the finest tunes by @Big Shiv Productions. Free dance lessons and so much fun. Dress up for a chance to win free Town Sage services & Products! This month's theme is "AUTUMN LEAVES: BIG BAND & CROONER VIBES"Event is free for those over 60, 10 all others!All Are Welcome!

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

Wanted Gal - Live at Sampaguita

Bruce Archer - Live at Sampaguita

A BIG Concert is coming to Aitkin Wednesday October 1stCatch Big Shiv's Bar Starz live in concert at Sampaguita Live Music Venue in Aitkin MN. Headlining will be Tornado Da Kang all the way from Georgia for the release of his new album, "K. A. N. G. ",Veez Riddlez /AMG and Breezy2Fresh from the Twin Cities, Vageeda Brown from New York, and Xhoixe Thunderson from North Carolina;with performances by The Great Wiggz, Stash Stacks, Vonnie 500, The Freegods, & Huncho Quan, Hosted by BMoney of NBF Records, with music by Big Shiv Productions #bigshivonthabeat Experience a concert like no other in the North Woods: Minnesota's finest Hip-Hop & R&B talent with guest appearance by Georgia's own Tornado Da Kang and celebrating his son Ty's Birthday, and the birthday of Aurora Baer this is bound to be a night you won't forget! Held at the eclectic and beloved Sampaguita Live Music Venue in Downtown Aitkin Minnesota (204 Minnesota Ave N, Aitkin Mn 56431) Doors open at 6pm w/ a suggested donation of 10/person. Big Shiv's Bar Starz are a group of extremely talented artists of many genres, and from many places, with one thing in common, Big Shiv Productions is their Music Producer. With music styles ranging from hip-hop & rap to R&B, afrobeat, and more, Big Shiv's Bar Starz are a diverse and passionate family of musicians dedicated to their art & message.

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

Prize winner of international competitions, Polish cellist Magdalena Sas performs across Europe, Asia and the Americas, and appeared in renowned concert halls such as Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, BOZAR in Brussels, Witold Lutoslawski Studio in Warsaw, NCPA in Mumbai. She is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and Paul Collins Wisconsin Distinguished Fellowship, and a graduate of music conservatories in Poland, Belgium, and Austria. In 2011-12 she was a member of the acclaimed European Chamber Music Academy (ECMA) in Vienna, she is also a recent graduate of the prestigious Global Leaders Program, an Ivy League curated Executive Education program for impact-focused Art Entrepreneurs.  

Dr. Ryan Loken, Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Minnesota Duluth, is recognized throughout the region for his expertise as an educator and multi-disciplinary collaborator. Recent solo performances have featured works by Francisco Perez, John Luther Adams, Emma O’Halloran, and other contemporary composers. Loken performs regularly with regional orchestras, including the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Itasca Symphony Orchestra, and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, he was a guest artist at the Oregon Fringe Festival in Ashland, Oregon, where his ensemble, MinusOne Percussion, performed John Luther Adams’s “Strange and Sacred Noise,” creating immersive musical experiences alongside fellow artists.

Saturday, September 27th - Marc Severin Live at Sampaguita. We are excited for Marc to come perform a solo show and look forward to having you join us for a night of great songs and stories.

Justice For Stringbean is a progressive bluegrass band based in Fargo, North Dakota, dedicated to delivering high-energy performances that blend traditional bluegrass with modern influences.

Tickets:
Aitkin County Friends of the Arts $15 members
$20 non-members

Doors open at 6pm

Your purchase toward any Aitkin County Friends of the Arts concert directly sustains & supports the future of performing arts in Aitkin County. Your purchase matters! Thank you! 

How do I become a member? Click here for more info. Trust us - it's quick & painless. Please join us in supporting performing arts in Aitkin County! 

This is an All Ages Show. Bring your ID if you want to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Friday, September 26th, We are proud to present Yuya Mix Live! With special thanks to Aitkin County Economic Development. Singer/Songwriter Yuya Mix is a one-man band out of Duluth, MN providing a modern folk vibe featuring his ukulele/guitar combo with a suitcase drum and tambourine.

Join us at the Aitkin Public Library for our monthly Book Club! We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month at 1pm. The selection for September is The Little Old Lady who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg. Copies are available to pick up at the desk or to request from our Catalog.
Questions? Contact the library at (218) 927-2339.

This book club is recommended for adults (18+). No registration necessary.

Join us for Craft 'n' Chat in the Library's Community Room on the 4th Tuesday of each month, where everyone of all ages is welcome to enjoy an evening of crafting. This month, we will focus on upcycling discarded book pages and paper scraps into unique bookmarks. Participants can either bring their own projects or join in on the guided craft. The event is free, requires no registration, and offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow crafters and share your creativity!

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE Register at longlakecc.org/starapalooza, or by calling us at 218-768-4653.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
5 p.m. ASTRONOMY PRESENTATIONS Long Lake’s staff, along with members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society will share information about the fascinating world of stargazing. ​

7:30 p.m. CAMPFIRE WITH S’MORES​

​8 p.m. GUIDED STARGAZING​ See the planets, constellations, moon and other interstellar objects.

The event is in association with the Bell Museum's Statewide Star Party. Long Lake is one of 24 participating sites. This year’s theme, Aurora Voyage: Chasing the Northern Lights, is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of Minnesota’s northern skies and learn more about this beloved phenomena. Every star party will celebrate their own interpretation of this theme in unique, fun and exciting ways!

Brendan & Leane Flynn are a husband & wife duo based in Brainerd, MN. Brendan has played extensively throughout the Brainerd Lakes region for the past 15 years. 

Tickets
This is a free event, though we welcome donations to offset costs. Donation boxes will be available at the venue. 

Your purchase toward any Terrace or Aitkin County Friends of the Arts concert directly sustains & supports the future of performing arts in Aitkin County. Your purchase matters! Thank you! 

Get ready to explore the ultimate shopping experience! Join the market every week for a unique selection of vendors that showcase a vast array of goods, from handmade crafts to artisanal foods, and everything in between! Check out what our talented vendors have in store for you, from limited-edition items, you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to discover new favorites and shop local! ️

Folksinger/songwriter Kelley Smith is a hopeless romantic who fancies old poetry and grandpa sweaters. All at once whimsical and haunting, Smith delivers deeply affecting lyrics with wry charm and a time traveler's voice. Prone to melancholy and daydreaming, Kelley spent her childhood roaming the woods of Minnesota and singing to forest animals. To this day, her longing for that landscape runs deep and seems to find its way into her songs in one way or another.

Raised by musicians, Smith always had music in her bones, but it wasn't until she was 40 and a mother of four that her first record, Moon Child (2022), came to be. As an insomniac, she wrote this first batch of songs by moonlight. They evoke a sense of belonging, juxtaposed with escapism, as she croons about long-term love, grief, and her draw to the night sky. 

Since 2022, Kelley has had the honor of sharing stages with folks such as Charlie Parr, Kelly Hunt, Wild Horses, Dave Simonett, Alan Sparhawk, Stephen Wilson Jr., and many others. Most often performing solo or as a duo, Smith interprets old folk songs on guitar and banjo, in addition to her original music. 

”In its truest form, folk music requires us to slow down, listen closely, and let ourselves be absorbed by stories that take us to another place and time. And there might be no better example of that in the Minnesota music scene than Kelley Smith. These organic and unvarnished songs reflect life experiences that could as easily come from past lives as they could from Kelley’s soul.” - David Dennison, Rieder Homestead Concerts

”...armed only with her guitar and a spine-tingling voice, you couldn’t tell she’s only been at this a couple years. Smith transported the room into a realm of enchantment both beautiful and sorrowful. With deeply affecting lyrics and haunting melodies, Smith shared stories we could all relate to. Her solo acoustic set created an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability, allowing the audience to connect on a deep and personal level..” - Carol Roth, Adventures in Americana

Tickets
Aitkin County Friends of the Arts Members: $15
Non-Members: $20

The Terrace is Aitkin's newest venue. It's a non-profit, outdoor performance venue operated by Aitkin County Friends of the Arts. The space is also a place for community gatherings. When there are no scheduled events, The Terrace is a welcoming place for the community to gather, share meals and stories, play card games, or just relax. 

Your purchase toward any Terrace or Aitkin County Friends of the Arts concert directly sustains & supports the future of performing arts in Aitkin County. Your purchase matters! Thank you! 

How do I become a member? Click here for more info. Trust us - it's quick & painless. Please join us in supporting performing arts in Aitkin County! 

Join us for Preschool Storytime at the Aitkin Public Library! Starting September 2 and running through December 16, we will gather in the Library's Community Room every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs, and enjoy fun activities together. Designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (siblings are welcome), this event encourages creativity and bonding. After storytime, feel free to stay for craft-making! Please note, there will be no Storytime on November 4 due to voting. No registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Aitkin Public Library.

It’s that time of year again! Grab your shotgun, your best shot (or your best excuse), and join us for the Annual Clay Shoot Tournament! Whether you’re a seasoned sharpshooter or just here for the food, beer, and laughs, this event is always a blast. Come compete, connect, and maybe even take home a prize (or at least some great stories). September 12th at Wealthwood Rod & Gun Club Registration is required and there are limited spaces so make sure to register soon! Let’s see who really has the best aim in town! Tag your team, share with your hunting buddies, and let’s make this another unforgettable shoot! Shoutout to two of our amazing sponsors! Presenting Sponsor: Kodiak Custom Lettering Hospitality Sponsor: Timberlakes Septic Services Want to be a sponsor? Just follow the link or email info@aitkin.com!

Annual wild rice pancake breakfast. Check out the airplanes on the flight line, antique cars and more.

Come meet with other reading enthusiasts in the Library's Community Room every 1st Wednesday of the month!

Share what you’re reading, what’s on your TBR (to-be-read list), or other book related things.

No registratin needed. 

Doors open at 6pm