The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items for publication online and, space permitting, in our Wednesday e-paper and Saturday print edition. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either dltribune@dlnewspapers.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com. Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, and where to go for more information (phone, email and/or website). Also include whether the event is free or paid admission, and how much it costs when applicable.
Saturday, March 8
Open Chess Play: The Becker County Chess Club will host an afternoon of open chess play at the Becker County Museum, 714 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 1-4 p.m. Open to all area chess enthusiasts.
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Detroit Mountain Spring Jam: All ages and skill levels are welcome for the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area's annual Spring Jam, which gets underway at noon. Cost is just $10 to test your skills in the rail and jump competitions, and there will also be music, food and prizes. Open to the public.
Frazee Sportsman's Club Raffle: The Frazee Sportsman's Club will host a raffle in the Frazee Event Center from 5-9 p.m. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $10 each; games and side raffles will also be available for purchase and there will be attendance prizes for those who register with their attendance stub at the door. (Main raffle ticket holders need not be present to win the top prizes.) Food will also be available for purchase at $10 per plate. Open to the public.
Cold Cases, Cocktails and Charcuterie: The Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes is hosting a special event, "Cold Cases, Cocktails and Charcuterie," from 6-9 p.m. Come alone, gather a friend or group of friends and work together in groups of 4-6 people to delve into some unsolved mysteries from the past. Participants will be invited to examine evidence, review witness statements, and even engage in hands-on investigative exercises to uncover new clues and potentially crack a case that has remained cold for years. Tickets are $30 for members, $33 for nonmembers, and may be purchased by phone at 218-847-7469, online at beckercountyhistory.org/store or in person at the museum, 714 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes (gift shop/box office is shared with the adjacent Historic Holmes Theatre).
Native American Comedy: Native American comedian Jim Ruel will be performing at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen from 6-7:30 p.m. Open to the public.
Live Music: Mike Morse at Al's Bar and Grill/Audubon Liquor Store in Audubon, 7-10 p.m.; Chloe Rae at Cormorant Pub and Boathouse in Cormorant, 7-10 p.m.; Terry Mackner at The Roadhosue in Cormorant, 8-11 p.m.; Chad Edwards at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Wayne McArthur at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday, March 9
VFW Auxiliary Breakfast: Come support the local VFW Auxiliary and their veterans programs by attending their monthly breakfast fundraiser at VFW Post 1676, 500 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes. Menu is pancakes, sausage and eggs or biscuits and sausage gravy, with a choice of juice or coffee, all for a donation of $7. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Callaway Lions Breakfast: The Callaway Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Callaway Community Center. All are welcome.
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Monday, March 10
Frazee-Vergas High School Blood Drive: The Frazee-Vergas chapter of the Minnesota Honor Society will host a community blood drive for Vitalant from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Frazee High School Commons. Visit the website at donors.vitalant.org or call Taylor Drewes at 218-334-3181, Ext. 5334 to book your appointment to give blood. A total of 34 donors is needed.
Brain Health Presentation: Progressive Care Therapy's Trisa Hutchinson will share practical strategies to support memory, focus and overall brain function in a 12 p.m. presentation at the Holmes Art Cellar, 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes (basement of the Holmes Theatre). This free presentation is being hosted by the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center's Engage group, and is open to the public.
Medicare Webinar: Essentia Health is making it easier for people approaching the age of 65 to learn about EssentiaCare, which is a Medicare Advantage plan from Essentia Health and UCare, with a free 10 a.m. webinar that will explore Essentia's available insurance options. If you have questions or want to learn more, please visit www.UCare.org/EssentiaCare or speak with an EssentiaCare Medicare specialist at 218-722-4783. You can also register online for the webinar.
Genealogy for Beginners: Discover your roots with a little help from the Detroit Lakes Public Library at this 1 p.m. beginner workshop, which will introduce attendees to the free genealogy databases available at the library. No cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. Sign up online at larl.org/events, call 218-847-2168 or stop by the library at 1000 Washington Ave. to reserve your spot.
Conquering the ACT: Students and caregivers are invited to join the Detroit Lakes Public Library staff for a 7 p.m. workshop sharing "Strategies and Tools to Conquer the ACT," including effective test-taking strategies, how the test is structured, and more. Long-time Detroit Lakes educator Mike Labine will help students feel more confident on test day. This workshop is offered free of charge to any high school student preparing to take the ACT test, but registration is required. Sign up online at larl.org/events, call 218-847-2168 or stop by the library at 1000 Washington Ave. to reserve your spot.
Tuesday, March 11
Tuesday Tunes: The Corner Collective Bistro in Frazee will be hosting weekly jam sessions with local musicians Damian Anderson and Kyler Hanson every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Whether you like to sing, play an instrument, or would like to learn, come hang out with these musicians as they rock the Corner Collective stage. The bistro is located in the upper level of the CornerStone Youth and Community Center at 192 W. Birch Ave., Frazee. All are welcome.
Wednesday, March 12
Traveling Art Pub: Billy's Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas will host a 6 p.m. visit from the Traveling Art Pub's Hat Bar. Attendees will design a one-of-a-kind felt hat that reflects their personality in this three-hour guided art experience. Open to all age 16 and up; pre-registration is required. Cost is $60 per person, which includes all art supplies and instruction. Sign up online at thetravelingartpub.com to reserve your spot, as space is limited.
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Thursday, March 13
Charlie Chaplin Movie Screening and Discussion: Join the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center's Engage group in the Historic Holmes Theatre for a 10 a.m. screening of the classic Charlie Chaplin film, "The Great Dictator," which will include a discussion with Dr. Roy Hammerling. Free and open to the public.
Friday, March 14
Perham Health Blood Drive: Perham Health will host a community blood drive for Vitalant from 10 a.m.-3 p.min the St. James A and B conference rooms. Visit the website at donors.vitalant.org to book your appointment to give blood. A total of 34 donors are needed.
Spring Break Puppet Palooza: The Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes will host a morning of crafting and creating your own puppets and marionettes from 10 a.m. to noon. Instructions will be available for those needing a little creative start. Partner with others and put on a performance. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers, which includes museum admission, so make time to play in the Science Center, visit the local history exhibit hall and work some of that cabin fever out. An adult helper must be present for the puppet-making session. Call 218-847-2938 for more information.
Stained Glass Workshop: Come to the Holmes Art Studio in the basement of the Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, for a 5:30 p.m. stained glass workshop with Studio Renaissance and learn how to make some beautiful glass artwork featuring spring flowers. Cost is $100 per student, which includes all materials and instruction. This workshop is intended for those age 16 and up. Sign up online at dlccc.org/artcellar to reserve your spot, as class size is limited.
Square Dancing: The Park Rapids Friendly Squares will host a dance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Century School, 501 Helton Ave., Park Rapids. Tom Allen will be calling. Potluck after the dance. Spectators are welcome. For more information contact Karen at 218-252-3853.
Gin Blossoms Concert: The Event Center at Mahnomen's Shooting Star Casino will host an 8 p.m. concert by alternative rock band The Gin Blossoms. Don't miss the opportunity to hear jangle pop hits like "Hey Jealousy," "Found Out About You" and "Follow You Down," performed by the band that made them famous. Go to the website at starcasino.com to reserve your seats.
Live Music: Rachael Ianiro in the Aces Wild Saloon at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes, 6:30-9 p.m.; St. Patrick's Karaoke with the Baity Boys Get Loud at Eagles Aerie 2342, 112 Holmes St. West, Detroit Lakes, 8 p.m.-midnight; Stimulus Package at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
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Saturday, March 15
Permit to Carry Class: The Sandbar II Sports Bar and Cafe in Detroit Lakes will host a Minnesota Permit to Carry class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., taught by Red Bull Firearms Training. This class will cover the basic fundamentals of marksmanship, including how to load/unload your firearm, malfunction clearing, weapon retention and more. Cost is $80 for new students, $70 for renewals; lunch is included in the registration fee. Handgun rentals will also be available for $20. Call 218-234-7145 to register.
All Ages Hobby-Coloring: Come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and experience a relaxing hobby that you can enjoy with the whole family. Choose from a variety of simple to detailed coloring pages. Crayons, pencils, markers, alcohol ink markers and paint markers will be available to help you bring the designs you choose to life. Free and open to the public.
Quilts of Valor Fundraiser: The Dent Community Center will host a fundraiser for the Quilts of Valor program from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served, for a free will offering ($10 per plate recommended), and there will also be basket raffles held throughout the event.
Puzzles, Pizza and Pints-St. Patrick's Day Edition: The Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn will host a St. Patrick's Day-themed evening of "Puzzles, Pizza and Pints" starting at 5 p.m., with registration opening at 4:30 p.m. Gather your team and sign up ASAP; only 10 spots are available. Forms are available online at the Holiday Inn Bar's Facebook event page.
HSL Irish Fundraiser: The Humane Society of the Lakes will host its 18th Annual Irish Fundraiser at VFW Post 1676, 500 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 5:30-9 p.m. There will be live music by Jamie Holt from 6-9 pm. along with a silent auction, games of chance, Irish stew and beer specials throughout the evening. Proceeds will benefit the HSL and its shelter in Detroit Lakes.
Rock'n St. Patrick's Celebration: Shorewood Pub in Detroit Lakes will host a "Rock'n St. Patrick's Celebration" from 7-11 p.m., with live music from the Fat Cats, Irish cuisine and plenty of libations on tap.
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: Eleven bars and pubs in the Detroit Lakes community, including VFW Post 1676, Northside Bar and Grill, Brygge Taps and Tastes, Roasted, Bucks Mill Brewing, Eagles Aerie 2342, Hub 41, Lakeside Tavern, Zorbaz, American Legion Post 15 and the Holiday Inn, will host a St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl throughout the day. Pick up a passport at any of the participating pubs and show up by 11 p.m. at Hub 41 to enter your completed passport into the prize drawing — one lucky winner will take home $500 cash.
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Live Music: Brianna Helbling at Hub 41 in Detroit Lakes, 7-10 p.m.; Dan Brekke (acoustic) at Al's Bar and Grill/Audubon Liquor Store in Audubon, 7:30-11 p.m.; Stimulus Package at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Wayne McArthur at The Roadhouse in Cormorant, 8-11 p.m.; Martin Drive at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday, March 16
Color Guard Fundraiser Breakfast: The Lake Region Veterans Color Guard will be hosting a breakfast fundraiser from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the American Legion Club, 810 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes. Suggested minimum donation is $8 for a meal including scrambled eggs; pancakes or French toast; sausage or bacon; and coffee or orange juice. All are welcome.
Monday, March 17
Acrylic Landscape Painting Class: Join artist Val Voigt in the Holmes Art Cellar, at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes (in the basement of the Holmes Theatre) for a 5 p.m. acrylic painting class. Cost is $45 per person, which includes all instruction and materials to create an 11x14-inch acrylic painting of a winter scene that depicts a sunrise over the river, reflecting into the water. Sign up at dlccc.org/artcellar to reserve your spot.
Tuesday, March 18
Tuesday Afternoon Book Club: Come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library's main meeting room at 1000 Washington Ave. for a 3 p.m. gathering of its Tuesday Afternoon Book Club. This month's book is "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver, which is a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic novel "David Copperfield" that follows the boy Demon as he grows up in poverty and the grit he displays. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.
Multi-day and Recurring Events
Crimes of the Heart: The local Holmes Community Theatre group will present three performances of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Crimes of the Heart," on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m., on the stage of the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for students. Call 218-844-7469, stop by the box office at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, or visit the website at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre to reserve your seats.
Lenten Fish Fry Dinners: The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a fish fry every Friday during the Lenten season, on March 21 and April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church Parish Center in Detroit Lakes, and March 14, March 28 and April 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. The menu will include fish, potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, bun and dessert as well as a beverage.
Grace Cafe: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be serving lunch every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The lunch is open to all in the Detroit Lakes area; admission is a free-will donation.
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Grace Food Pantry: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be operating a food pantry during its regular office hours, 9 a.m.- noon Monday through Friday. Anyone in need can come in and pick up some food. Donations will also be accepted.
Coffee Club: David-Donehower Funeral Home hosts a monthly Coffee Club in the community room at the Detroit Lakes Police Department (106 E. Holmes St.) on the third Tuesday of every month, starting at 10 a.m. Learn how intentional planning of your final wishes and setting funds aside today, will protect your loved ones in the future. Anna Schmitz from Edward Jones will also lead a relaxed, informal discussion on current events, the economy and investing. Plus, the coffee's on us! Free and open to the public.
GED/Adult Diploma Instruction: If one of your “life happens” moments resulted in not finishing high school, Lakes Area Adult Education is ready to help you complete that process with a GED or an Adult Diploma. Orientation sessions take place twice a month, so get in touch and get started now! Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.
Free ESL Instruction: Free English as a Second Language instruction is offered for adults in the Detroit Lakes area, every Monday through Thursday (holidays excepted) at Lakes Area Adult Education. The schedule is flexible and individualized. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.
Minnesota Driver's License Exam Preparation: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers virtual classes that are designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with vocabulary, signs and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion of the Minnesota Driver’s License Exam. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.
Food Production Manager Certification: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers SERVSAFE classes twice a year for those needing state-certified food protection manager certification or re-certification; additional classes may be scheduled to fit your needs (for six or more participants). Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.
American Adventure Exhibit: The Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes will be hosting the traveling exhibit, "American Adventure," through May 24, 2025. This 3,000-square-foot, interactive history exhibit will be located on the museum's basement level and consists of a realistic, "choose-your-adventure" maze where visitors can learn about one of America's earliest pioneer settlements, Jamestown, Virginia, and see if they have what it takes to survive under the conditions that the settlers experienced back in 1607. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids (museum members receive a 50% discount). There are also group rates and pre-visit lesson plans available for student tours. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact the museum at 218-847-2938 or visit the exhibit's Facebook event page for more information.
Heart O'Lakes Harmony: The Heart O'Lakes Harmony men's barbershop-style a capella choral group is looking for new members. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to come join their weekly practices, every Monday at 7 p.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, 423 S. Broadway, Pelican Rapids (located across the street from the high school). For more information please contact Harlan Hoff at 701-306-8976.
TOPS Meeting: The local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets weekly on Thursday mornings at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1401 Madison Ave., Detroit Lakes. Weigh-in begins at 8:20 a.m., meeting at 9 a.m. Contact Carol at 218-841-0226 or Coleen at 218-841-2877 for more information. All are welcome; first session is free.
Library Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library offers weekly Preschool Storytime sessions every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers/families are invited to join library staff for stories, flannel boards, finger plays, songs and more. This early literacy experience explores a different theme each week and is a way to encourage young children to enjoy reading. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.
Celebrate Recovery: The Celebrate Recovery group meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 28048 Meadow Drive, Detroit Lakes, to take the next steps on the "Road to Recovery: Eight Principles Based on the Beatitudes, Twelve Steps and their Biblical Comparison." Many struggle with alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, codependency, domestic violence, drug addiction, food and gambling addictions. Celebrate Recovery is a tried and proven format to help you walk through life's struggles. Men and women meet in a large group format, then break off into smaller discussion groups; men with men, women with women. Come as you are. No cost. We are here to help. Unfortunately, no childcare is available at this time. For more information, check out the website at celebraterecovery.com or call us at 218-234-2496.
Caring Cup Grief Support: The Caring Cup, a gathering of community members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, will meet at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on the second Wednesday of every month; the Furey Funeral Home in Frazee on every third Wednesday, and West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on every fourth Wednesday. All meetings take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and offer a relaxed time to face the challenges of life after loss, together. For more information, call Mary Swenson at 218-847-4147.
Trivia Nights: Detroit Lakes' Lakeside Tavern hosts a Trivia Night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. in its upstairs space; and Bucks Mill Brewing hosts Trivia Mafia every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. Lakeside is located at 200 West Lake Drive, while Bucks Mill Brewing is located at 824 Washington Ave. in downtown Detroit Lakes.
Meat Raffle/Horse Races: The Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn will host meat raffles and electronic horse racing every Friday night starting at 5:30 p.m., through March 28.
DL Cloggers: The DL Cloggers meet to dance and socialize every Tuesday (excluding holidays) at 1 p.m. in the basement of Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676. No prior dance experience is necessary. For more information, call Ruby at 218-847-7741.
HR Connect: The Detroit Lakes Chamber is hosting an opportunity for human resources professionals, business owners and managers to connect, every first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office at 700 Summit Ave. Discuss human resource topics, share best practices and review data to help attract, retain and grow the workforce for the lakes region. The event is free for Chamber members, $10 for non-members.
Baby Bounce: Songs, stories, and action poems for infants, toddlers and their caregivers are offered every Monday at the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 10:30 a.m. The program runs about a half hour including playtime and chatting with other caregivers. For ages 0-18 months. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Detroit Lakes' Alano Club meets at 827 Summit Ave. on the following days and times: Sundays at 1 p.m., 12x12 open meeting; Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Big Book open meeting; Wednesdays at noon, Grapevine open meeting; Wednesdays at 6 p.m., women's open meeting; Thursdays at 7 p.m., Intro to AA open meeting; Saturdays at 7 a.m., men's open meeting; Saturdays at 9 a.m., Women's Big Book closed meeting; Saturdays at 8 p.m., open topic meeting. There are no dues or fees for meetings. For more information, call 218-844-9970 or the District 3 AA Helpline at 877-833-2327.
Holy Rosary Al-Anon Meeting: There will be an Al-Anon meeting every Thursday, starting at noon, inside Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes. There is also an Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Alano Club at 827 Summit Ave. in Detroit Lakes.
Overeaters Anonymous: A 12-step program for those who struggle in their relationship with food, Overeaters Anonymous continues to meet at noon every Tuesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. There is no charge to attend. Contact Debbie C. at 218-234-3071. Another group also meets on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This is a change of venue as of Oct. 9. Please call Sharon R. at 1-701-388-7585 or Hailee S. at 1-701-212-7904 for information if you plan to join the Zoom meeting. There is no charge to participate.
Compiled by Vicki Gerdes for the Detroit Lakes Tribune.