Books & Benches Storytime

Presented by Stillwater Public Library at Pioneer Park

Aug 09, 2021

Gather at the Art Bench in Pioneer Park, listen to a monarch butterfly story, and take home a free book. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for your family to sit on, and plan to social distance and wear masks as per current guidelines for young children. "Books & Benches" is a project of the Somerset Elementary Family Book Drive in partnership with The Phipps and local libraries to increase summer reading and expose young readers to community art in the St. Croix River Valley. The Art Bench Trail is a program of The Phipps Center for the Arts in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Foundation and the National Park Service. Go to ArtBenchTrail.org for directions and information.

Lift and Loop Celebration

at Downtown Stillwater

Aug 14, 2021

Join us for a historic Community Celebration as we officially open the Loop Trail- a newly constructed 4.7 loop trail system that connects the historic Lift Bridge with the St. Croix River Crossing Bridge. The event will kick off with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, with dignitaries from both the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin to celebrate the re-opening of the Lift Bridge and shared loop trail between two states, two historic bridges and the beautiful St. Croix River. The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Celebrations continue throughout the day! -AUGUST 14th SCHEDULE OF EVENTS- 10:00 a.m. – Beer Garden Opens, Sponsored by the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Park exhibits – Lowell Park, Stillwater                       …

Bridge the Valley - Bike Rally

Presented by Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club at Chestnut Plaza

Aug 15, 2021

Come RIDE the BRIDGES & MAKE MEMORIES THIS SUMMER! Traverse our picturesque St. Croix river on epic rides crossing bridges connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. All routes start and finish in historic downtown Stillwater, MN. Scenic, bike-friendly, blacktopped routes for all ages and skill-levels. Choose from 5, 10, 25, 40, 60, or 80 mile loops. 80 mile route has gravel sections – or combine the 40 and 60 mile routes for a century ride. Tap into the innovative Ride With GPS app to enhance your experience. Finish the ride in beautiful downtown Stillwater. Meet up with your family and friends on roof tops, patios or inside our list of unique restaurants. Enjoy an amazing variety of savory cuisine, craft beer and drink specials from our partnering downtown businesses. Top off your day with live entertainment along the St. Croix river. This event is a PART OF STILLWATER’S LIFT BRIDGE & LOOP…

Valley Concert Winds: "The Elements"

Presented by Valley Concert Winds at Stillwater Public Library

Aug 19, 2021

Join your local community band for this free, family-friendly outdoor concert! Performing excellent wind ensemble repertoire that appeals to all ages and musical backgrounds, the Valley Concert Winds strive to build a lifelong appreciation of music right here in Stillwater. VCW's “The Elements” program includes a variety of pieces that evoke some elemental themes. Learn as you listen, and let the band be your soundtrack for this classic rivertown evening—from the rooftops of the city itself. Concert changes due to weather will be announced on the Valley Concert Winds website.

Upper Midwest Region Grand Classic Car Show

at Lowell Park - North

Aug 21, 2021

Our Grand Classics are exciting and fun events to participate in for the collector and the whole family. You do not have to own a Classic Car to participate in Grand Classic activities. The Grand Classics are the premier National shows for participants and observers! Join us in Lowell Park and be a judge yourself! The field is open to the public to participate in the judging from 12:00 - 4:00.

2021 Members Show Gallery Exhibition

Presented by ArtReach St. Croix at ArtReach St. Croix

Jul 08 - Aug 21, 2021

Each year, the gallery at ArtReach St. Croix fills with paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and more from over 50 member artists. This year, two cash awards will be announced at the opening reception: Best in Show Award sponsored by the Visual Arts Committee and the Michaela Mahady Memorial Award. During the show, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite artwork. The Audience Award, sponsored by Cummins & Bonestroo Law Office, will be announced at the closing party. Opening Reception: Thursday, July 8 at 6-8pm Closing Party: Saturday, August 21 at 2-4pm In order to safely enjoy the show, we ask visitors to wear a mask while in the gallery.

Full Moon SUP

Presented by Washington County Parks at Square Lake Park

Jun 24 - Aug 22, 2021

At dusk, we launch right into the setting sun soaking in the time of day where light turns to dark. Upon reaching the opposite side of the lake, we are able to watch the full moon rise and have ample time to sit or lay on the board and take in the night sky. Lanterns are included. This program is a 2-hour experience. A Washington County vehicle permit is required. Space is limited. Advance registration required.

Live Music at The Velveteen

at The Velveteen

Jun 03 - Aug 26, 2021

This crew is legendary and are at The Velveteen Thursday nights starting at 6pm. Miss Myra and The Moonshiners ; Nathan Berry on Brass and vocals, Sam Skavnak, aka ‘Silky Sam’ on Reeds, Matt Blake on Upright Bass and Beth Varela on Drums. This gang is just too cool for school and what a gift it is to have their talent, humor and time entertaining our patrons at The V. The music is free to you, but tips are always welcome. Outdoors if weather permits, otherwise they will be inside.  

Walking Tour

Presented by RiverTown Tours at Downtown Stillwater - Pedestrian Plaza

May 01 - Aug 28, 2021

Explore downtown Stillwater with this original 1 hour history based tour. You'll learn how Stillwater came to be during the lumber industry and how it remains a thriving small town today.  Often heard is "If it's not true, it ought to be". Our local guides deliver authentic experiences that will leave you with a deeper connection to  our beautiful river town. They add their own flavor by sharing stories and anecdotes, that are designed for locals and travelers alike. No matter your motivation for visiting, the Main Street tour is the perfect small group experience.

Beer Garden in the Pines at the Gasthaus

Presented by Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter

Jun 05 - Aug 29, 2021

Beer Gardens are open in the pines at the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter! Come join us every Saturday and Sunday during the summer.

Waldfest Labor Day Annual Celebration

Presented by Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter

Sep 06, 2021

Spend time at the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter just minutes from downtown Stillwater. Polka in the pine forest from 1:00-5:00pm. Free Admission. Brats and beer available in the forest, the Gasthaus will serve full menu 11:00 am-8:00pm.

Autumn in the Valley Gala

Presented by Carpenter Nature Center at Carpenter Nature Center

Sep 12, 2021

Funds raised at the Autumn in the Valley Gala keep Carpenter Nature Center open and free to the public, while protecting wildlife habitat in both MN and WI, and supporting our naturalists as they work to provide safe educational opportunities to the community. This year you can attend the Gala virtually or in-person. Fee: Tickets for the onsite event and dinner start at $110. FREE to attend virtually. Sponsorships available. For more information and to register, please visit the event webpage.

Cruisin' On The Croix - Hot Rod & Vintage Car Show

Presented by Cruisin' On The Croix at Downtown Stillwater

Jun 09 - Sep 15, 2021

Cruisin' on the Croix invites owners and car lovers to exhibit and view vintage, classic, street and hot rod automobiles in a beautiful river town stetting of Stillwater, Minnesota. We have dashboard plaques for the first 100 cars and a terrific crew to welcome owners into the show. From genuine antique cars to sublime '50s roadsters, visitors can see it all! 2021 Cruisin' on the Croix Schedule : June 9 (4PM - 8PM) June 23 (4PM - 8PM July 7 (4PM - 8PM) July 21 (4PM - 8PM) August 4 (4PM - 8PM) August 18 (4PM - 8PM) September 1 (4PM - 8PM) September 15 (4PM - 8PM)  

Raptor Release

Presented by Carpenter Nature Center at Carpenter Nature Center

Sep 25, 2021

Join us in September as the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center releases rehabilitated raptors to the water, prairie and forest of the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for further details.

In the Gallery: Sarah Lilja

Presented by Stillwater Public Library at Stillwater Public Library

Aug 03 - Sep 30, 2021

In August and September, the gallery at Stillwater Public Library will feature the exhibit "Water, White Pines, and Wildflowers" by photographer Sarah Lilja. The vibrant works are from Sarah's recent three-week residency at Pine Needles, the historic James Taylor Dunn Cabin, on the banks of the St. Croix River. This competitive residency program, sponsored by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, focuses on the complex connection between art, the natural world, and the sciences. Sarah's work captures new spring growth as it unfurled from the cold leaf-littered ground after a long Minnesota winter. She also explores the quality of light across the land at Pine Needles. Shooting from dawn to dusk, she was able to take photographs of the same subject multiple times over many days. She studied how different qualities of light and composition dramatically changed the way the subject looked across changing conditions. Two images in this exhibition, Wild…

Rivertown Fall Art Festival

Presented by Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Discover Stillwater at Lowell Park - North

Oct 02 - Oct 03, 2021

Rivertown Fall Art Festival October 2 & 3, 2021 Saturday, October 2rd-10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 3rd-11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Rivertown Fall Art Festival has been part of the beautiful and historic Stillwater riverfront for over 30 years. This event will feature high-end artwork ranging from custom made jewelry, hand-thrown pottery & hand-blown glass, to gorgeous paintings, photographs, lovely fiber work, wood and more. This event is a juried event. Our festival has been a popular and well attended event attracting more than 10,000 people from across the Midwest. Relax on the grass and listen to live music, shop, enjoy some adult beverages and wonderful food. We are pleased to share our riverfront with you in Lowell Park, the heart of Stillwater, Minnesota. Enjoy the view and welcome to the valley!

Bird Hike at Big Marine Park Reserve

Presented by Washington County Parks at Big Marine Park Reserve

Oct 09, 2021

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, these hikes are a great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with your guide. The surveys collected will assist our Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. Remember to dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars and a water bottle. Other recommended items include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, hiking or tennis shoes, bug spray and snacks. For all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All bird hikes occur 9 - 10:30 a.m. Space is limited and reservations are required.

HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater Farmer's Market

Presented by HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater at HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater

Jun 15 - Oct 12, 2021

It’s not hard to eat your five-a-day when you’ve visited the HealthPartners Clinic weekly Farmers’ Market, packed with fresh, locally grown veggies, fruits and other produce. Other items available may include eggs, honey, bees wax products, pickled foods, canned goods, plants, baked goods (savory & sweet), gluten-free and dairy-free baking mixes and various whole grains (wild rice, popcorn, oats, etc.).

Tim Sigler Sundays at Ziggy's

at Ziggy's on Main

May 16 - Oct 17, 2021

Join us for Sunday Funday with Tiim Sigler every Sunday at Ziggy's!

Friday Italian Sunset Dinner Cruise

Presented by Afton House Inn/St. Croix River Cruises at Hudson City Docks

May 07 - Oct 22, 2021

Menu: Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce Housemade Meat Lasagna Mostaccioli with Red Sauce Chef's Seasonal Vegetable Tomato, Cucumber, and Fresh Mozzarella Salad Caesar Salad Italian Cold Pasta Italian Bean Salad Garlic Bread Chef's Choice Dessert Coffee (Menu subject to change) Call 651-436-8883 for reservations or go to stcroixrivercruises.com

Stillwater Fall Craft & Gift Show

Presented by RSG Development at Stillwater Area High School

Oct 23, 2021

140 CRAFTERS AND VENDORS! We have something for everyone at our popular Stillwater High School Craft Show - Halloween, fall decor, Christmas decor and gifts, beautiful clothing, jewelry, home decor, sweets and treats, candles, heath & beauty, essential oils, ceramics, baby, toddler, children’s, quilts, gourmet dips, fused glass, kitchen, art work, paintings, wood turnings, signs, hand-crafted gifts - and so on and so on!! See you there - bring a friend and start your holiday shopping. Crafters call or email for vendor sign up information.

Stillwater Farmer's Market

Presented by Stillwater Farmer's Market at Stillwater Veteran's Memorial

Jun 12 - Oct 30, 2021

Saturday Mornings! Located at 3rd & Pine Street, Riverview Parking Lot of the Stillwater Veterans Memorial, across from the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater. Call to find out about its assortment of organic food, vegetables, crafts, fruits and local specialties. We have several new vendors that you will enjoy meeting and trying their products. Follow us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stillwater-Minnesota-Farmers-Market/104646769583889?fref=ts

Storytime Trolley

Presented by Valley Bookseller and Stillwater Trolley Co. at Valley Bookseller

Jun 05 - Oct 30, 2021

Stories come alive for children when they are read to aloud.  Stillwater Trolley is again partnering with Valley Bookseller to bring back StoryTime Trolley. Dolly the trolley will pick riders up at Valley Bookseller at 10:30 am. When you check in, you will receive a token. The token serves as your ticket to board the trolley and is good for a snack (from Candyland!) and 20% off a children’s book when your adventure is over. The trolley will take you up to Pioneer Park where a storyteller will read several stories. When story time is over, you will be treated to a trolley ride around Stillwater, then it’s back to the bookstore for that snack.

Warden's House Museum Tours

Presented by Washington County Historical Society at Historic Warden's House

Jul 08 - Oct 31, 2021

The Warden’s House Museum was built in 1853 as the residence of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden. Over the next six decades, there were thirteen wardens that lived in the house until 1914 when the prison moved to its present site in Bayport. After 1914 a Deputy Warden or Superintendent of the prison used the old Warden’s House. In 1941 the State of Minnesota sold the house to the Washington County Historical Society and it was opened as the second house museum in the state in June 1941. The museum consists of 14 rooms decorated in the late 19th and early 20th century style. Many rooms are like that of a upper middle class household while other rooms house exhibits showcasing Washington County history such as the lumber industry, the 1965 St. Croix Valley Flood, and of course, the Old Stillwater Prison.    

Bird Hike at Pine Point Regional Park

Presented by Washington County Parks at Pine Point Regional Park

Nov 13, 2021

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, these hikes are a great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with your guide. The surveys collected will assist our Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. Remember to dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars and a water bottle. Other recommended items include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, hiking or tennis shoes, bug spray and snacks. For all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All bird hikes occur 9 - 10:30 a.m. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Bird Hike at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

Presented by Washington County Parks at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

Dec 11, 2021

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, these hikes are a great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with your guide. The surveys collected will assist our Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. Remember to dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars and a water bottle. Other recommended items include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, hiking or tennis shoes, bug spray and snacks. For all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All bird hikes occur 9 - 10:30 a.m. Space is limited and reservations are required.

World Snow Sculpting Championships

Presented by Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and City of Stillwater at Lowell Park - North

Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2022

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Stillwater, will bring the World Snow Sculpting Championship to Stillwater, Minnesota in January! Spectators can come to watch the entire process and visit with the teams. On Saturday, January 22, they can vote for their favorite team. The team with the most votes will win “The People’s Choice Award.” Stay tuned for more details and information as the event planning begins!

The Life of an Object: Stories, Meanings & Moments

Presented by Washington County Parks at Washington County Historic Courthouse

Jun 05 - Dec 31, 2021

Join Washington County Parks to explore how an object may communicate ideas, values, and meaning with the exhibition “The Life of an Object: Stories, Meanings & Moments” opening at the Washington County Historic Courthouse in June 2021. Learn how the artifacts in the Historic Courthouse archives that have been preserved and collected through the years tell not only the story of the building itself, but are also a reflection of a time, people, and community. Curated by Dr. Megan Arney Johnston. Interactives include object discovery tables, a virtual tour and mystery object game,  and more! A special thanks to Amaya Nordos and Bayport Printing House.