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September 9–13, 2026

Events Calendar

Events

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  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Friday 6pm

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Friday 7pm

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • PRCA Professional Rodeo – Friday

    Jesse James Arena - Rodeo Grounds Highway 3 South, Northfield, MN, United States

    Tribute to First Responders Night. Same day tickets available at Rodeo grounds two hours prior to performance. Presale tickets available. More details »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Saturday 11am

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Saturday 1pm

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • PRCA Professional Rodeo – Saturday 2pm

    Jesse James Arena - Rodeo Grounds Highway 3 South, Northfield, MN, United States

    Free cowboy hat to first 400 paid kids admissions from Edina Realty. Same day tickets available at Rodeo grounds two hours prior to performance. Presale tickets available. More details »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Saturday 3pm

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Saturday 5pm

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • PRCA Professional Rodeo Saturday Night

    Jesse James Arena - Rodeo Grounds Highway 3 South, Northfield, MN, United States

    "Give Cancer the Boot" Night. Same day tickets available at Rodeo grounds two hours prior to performance. Presale tickets available. More details »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Sunday 11am

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

  • Bank Raid Reenactments – Sunday 12:30pm (Limited Seating)

    Division Street 400 Block 408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States

    Join us for a thrilling 30-minute re-enactment of the infamous James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield on September 7th, 1876. The event begins with a historical narrative, promptly followed by the gang's dramatic appearance as the live action unfolds. Watch history come alive as we demonstrate how the heroic citizens of Northfield bravely stood their ground to defeat the notorious outlaws. More information »

Ambassador Coronation

Ambassador Coronation

September 13. 5:00 pm
Northfield Middle School2200 Division St S, Northfield, MN, United States
The Ambassador Scholarship Program is designed to promote growth and educational experiences for young adults through the promotion of the Defeat of Jesse James Days. More information »
Ambassador Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Ambassador Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

August 16. 8:30 am
VFW518 Division St. S, Northfield, MN, United States
Join us for a delicious community morning at the Ambassador Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! Stop by the VFW, located at 518 Division St. S., anytime between 8:30 AM and NOON Sunday Aug 16th to enjoy a hot meal while supporting a great cause. Admission is just $10 for adults and free for children under age 5.
Ambassador Reception

Ambassador Reception

September 13. 9:30 am
Northfield Middle School2200 Division St S, Northfield, MN, United States
All visiting Royalty/Ambassadors & chaperones are invited to spend a fun day with us in Northfield on Sunday.
Antique Tractor Pull

Antique Tractor Pull

September 13. 7:00 am
Jesse James Arena – Rodeo GroundsHighway 3 South, Northfield, MN, United States
Antique Tractor and Truck Pull. Registration at 7am. Pulls start at 9am. More information »
Bingo On Bridge Square – Friday

Bingo On Bridge Square – Friday

September 11. 6:00 pm
Bridge Square408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Get ready to shout "Bingo!" down on Bridge Square during this exciting, multi-day community event! The games kick off Friday from 6 pm to midnight. Proceeds benefit first responders at the Northfield Fire and Rescue.
Bingo On Bridge Square – Saturday

Bingo On Bridge Square – Saturday

September 12. 12:00 pm
Bridge Square408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Get ready to shout "Bingo!" down on Bridge Square during this exciting, multi-day community event! The games kick off Saturday from noon to midnight. Proceeds benefit first responders at the Northfield Fire and Rescue.
Bingo On Bridge Square – Sunday

Bingo On Bridge Square – Sunday

September 13. 12:00 pm
Bridge Square408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Get ready to shout "Bingo!" down on Bridge Square during this exciting, multi-day community event! The games kick off Sunday from noon to 8 pm. Proceeds benefit first responders at the Northfield Fire and Rescue.
Bingo On Bridge Square – Thursday

Bingo On Bridge Square – Thursday

September 10. 6:00 pm
Bridge Square408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Get ready to shout "Bingo!" down on Bridge Square during this exciting, multi-day community event! The games kick off Thursday from 6pm to midnight. Proceeds benefit first responders at the Northfield Fire and Rescue.
Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra presents “Immigrant Memories”

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra presents “Immigrant Memories”

September 12. 7:00 pm
St Johns Lutheran Church500 3rd Street W, Northfield, MN, United States
The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra invites you to “Immigrant Memories” at 7:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church (500 3rd St. W.). Admission is $10 (A Button Event). Highlighting historic figures like Nicholas Gustafson—a Swedish victim of the 1876 Jesse James bank raid—and town founder John North, an eastern U.S. immigrant, this concert celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Swedes, Norwegians, Bohemians, Germans, and Latinos who shape our vibrant community.
Carnival Rides – Friday

Carnival Rides – Friday

September 11. 5:00 pm
Ames Park300 5th Street W, Northfield, MN, United States
Enjoy Carnival Rides at Ames Park, on the corner of 5th and Hwy 3! The Carnival is open Friday from 5pm until close. More information »
Carnival Rides – Saturday

Carnival Rides – Saturday

September 12. 11:00 am
Ames Park300 5th Street W, Northfield, MN, United States
Enjoy Carnival Rides at Ames Park, on the corner of 5th and Hwy 3! The Carnival is open Saturday from 11am until close. More information »
Carnival Rides – Sunday

Carnival Rides – Sunday

September 13. 12:00 pm
Ames Park300 5th Street W, Northfield, MN, United States
Enjoy Carnival Rides at Ames Park, on the corner of 5th and Hwy 3! The Carnival is open Sunday from noon until 6pm. More information »
Carnival Rides – Thursday

Carnival Rides – Thursday

September 10. 5:00 pm
Ames Park300 5th Street W, Northfield, MN, United States
Enjoy Carnival Rides at Ames Park, on the corner of 5th and Hwy 3! Rides begin on Thursday with the carnival grounds opening at 5pm, featuring wristband night for rides from 6pm to 10pm. More information »
Classic Car Cruise

Classic Car Cruise

September 10. 5:00 pm
Division Street 400 Block408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
5pm line up on Division St. between 2nd and 4th streets 6:00pm 1-hour cruise begins. Free-will donation welcome.
Cornhole Tournament

Cornhole Tournament

September 12. 11:00 am
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Must pre-register through Scoreholio. Competitive and social brackets available. (Teams limited.) Proceeds benefit Give Cancer the Boot. More information »
Defeat of Jesse James Days Car Show

Defeat of Jesse James Days Car Show

September 12. 9:00 am
Riverside Park710 Poplar Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Button event. Admission: $2.00 plus button, kids 15 and under free with paid adult. Sponsored by Sundowners Car Club. More information »
DJJD 5K and 15K Run

DJJD 5K and 15K Run

September 13. 8:00 am
5K and 15K Run Starting Point201 E 4th St, Northfield, MN, United States
Join us for the DJJD 5K and 15K, formerly known as the Outlaw Run, a longtime Northfield tradition that brings runners, walkers, families, and community supporters together during one of the city’s most celebrated weekends. Registration and location information »
DJJD Beard Contest

DJJD Beard Contest

September 12. 6:00 pm
Division Street 400 Block408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Earn bragging rights for the Best full Beard grown! Button event. $10 entry fee. More information »
Entertainment Center – Friday

Entertainment Center – Friday

September 11. 4:00 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Children are welcome until 7pm. Live Music at 8:30 p.m.: Legacy of the Loud. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Entertainment Center – Saturday

Entertainment Center – Saturday

September 12. 12:00 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Children are welcome until 7pm. Live Music at 8:30 p.m.: Smokescreen. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Entertainment Center – Sunday

Entertainment Center – Sunday

September 13. 12:00 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Children are welcome all day. Special appearance after the Grand Parade by the Minnesota Pipes & Drums. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Entertainment Center – Thursday “The Original DJJD Townie Night”

Entertainment Center – Thursday “The Original DJJD Townie Night”

September 10. 5:00 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Children are welcome until 7pm. 5-8 p.m.: beer pouring by Past DJJD General Chairs and Past DJJD Ambassadors. Live Music at 8 p.m.: Russ Franek & The Biscuits Tribute Show with special guests Chad Johnson and Mark Joseph. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Golf Tournament at Willinger’s Golf Course

Golf Tournament at Willinger’s Golf Course

August 31. 8:00 am
Willinger’s Golf Course6797 Canby Trail, Northfield, MN, United States
Join us at Willinger’s Golf Course for our annual Golf Tournament! This year’s event features a 2-person Best Shot format, with tee times available throughout the day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Golfers can register to compete in either the Open Division or the Senior Division (open to teams where both players are over age 60). More information »
Grand Parade

Grand Parade

September 13. 2:00 pm
Division Street1400 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Enjoy a unique parade through the heart of Northfield. Entertainment abounds from the Raiders and Townsfolks to Shriners and a Marching Choir! More info and route information »
Horseshoe Hunt

Horseshoe Hunt

September 2
Northfield and Dundas Public Property408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
You don't need to be an expert to play. Just jump in and read the clues. Our goal is to get people outside to enjoy our great city, the public areas and to be with friends, family and neighbors. We hope you learn something about our City and world-renowned history. Dig into this page to find out more (was that a clue??)
Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Banquet

Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award Banquet

September 9. 5:00 pm
Northfield Ballroom1055 MN-3, Northfield, MN, United States
The event celebrates the recipient of the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award, which is given to a Northfield citizen who exemplifies the commitment to public service which Joseph Lee Heywood lived and died for. Tickets are $30. RSVP by calling, emailing or check. Payment can be paid at the door.
Joseph Lee Heywood Graveside Memorial Service

Joseph Lee Heywood Graveside Memorial Service

September 9. 12:00 pm
Northfield Cemetery1425 Division Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
A tribute to the two brave men who died for their town and our future – Joseph Lee Heywood and Nicolaus Gustafson.
Kiddie Parade

Kiddie Parade

September 12. 9:30 am
Family Fare Kiddie Parade Line up601 Division St S, Northfield, MN, United States
Join the parade! Any child (ages infant to 12) who is wearing a costume and wants to have fun in a parade is welcome to participate! More information on costumes and route »
Live Music: Legacy of the Loud

Live Music: Legacy of the Loud

September 11. 8:30 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Live Music: Legacy of the Loud. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Live Music: Russ Franek & The Biscuits Tribute Show

Live Music: Russ Franek & The Biscuits Tribute Show

September 10. 8:00 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Live Music: Russ Franek & The Biscuits Tribute Show with special guests Chad Johnson and Mark Joseph. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Live Music: Smokescreen

Live Music: Smokescreen

September 12. 8:30 pm
Entertainment Center – Water Street Tent500 Water Street S., Northfield, MN, United States
Button event and valid ID required. Live Music: Smokescreen. Tickets for beer, wine and pop are available for purchase.
Meet the Candidates Forum

Meet the Candidates Forum

August 7. 5:00 pm
United Methodist Church1401 Maple Street, Northfield, MN, United States
Join us on Friday, August 7, at 5:00 PM for the Meet the Candidates Program. A Button Event.
Northfield Fire and Rescue Duck Race

Northfield Fire and Rescue Duck Race

September 13. 4:00 pm
Cannon River Bridge408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Tickets are $5 each (Must be 18 to purchase) sold by Fire and Rescue volunteers through out the weekend or at the Bingo stand.
Northfield History Center Townie Night Reception

Northfield History Center Townie Night Reception

September 10. 4:00 pm
Northfield Historical Society408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Free museum entry and tours, local history tent featuring Maggie Lee’s local community resident files, Northfield Middle & High School yearbooks and free refreshments.
Northfield Rotary Bike Tour

Northfield Rotary Bike Tour

September 12. 7:00 am
Memorial Park Field Duds Dukes214 1st Street S, Dundas, MN, United States
Multiple route lengths, paved and gravel and family fun ride. Food and beverages served at the end of ride. Fully supported rest areas and SAG drivers. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Registration info »
Pedal Tractor Pull

Pedal Tractor Pull

September 10. 5:30 pm
Division Street 400 Block408 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
This Kiddie Tractor Pull offers fun, family entertainment, where children ages 4-11 test their skills to earn prizes and qualify for the State Pedal Tractor Pull.
Raider Derby Car Races

Raider Derby Car Races

September 12. 7:30 am
Third and Plum Street500 Third Street West, Northfield, MN, United States
All races check-in and weigh in at 7:30 a.m. All race/driver meeting 8:30 a.m. sharp. Youth race immediately follows. More information »
Thursday Night Thunder

Thursday Night Thunder

September 10. 6:00 pm
Division Street1400 Division Street S, Northfield, MN, United States
Meet local motorsport racing teams, family fun with autographs and games.

Celebrating the heroes

The celebration is held to honor the townspeople who defeated the James-Younger gang. Up to this historical day on September 7th, 1876, no one had even stood up to these brutal outlaws.

Historical Account

Joseph Lee Heywood

In addition to the gunfight outside the bank, on the street, the head cashier, Joseph Lee Heywood would not open the safe during the robbery. While the safe was unlocked, and the door closed, Heywood told the bandits it was locked and could not be opened because of the new “Time Lock” system that had been installed in the bank. In frustration, Frank James shot him in the head before fleeing.

Joseph Lee Heywood

The Townspeople

It was the Northfield townspeople that stopped the James-Younger gang. We celebrate Joseph Lee Heywood and the locals in the streets who would “defeat” them. The chase would continue for several days when eventually four of the six are captured or killed near Medelia, Minnesota by a posse of seven on September 21st. The James brothers successfully retreated to Missouri, but would never again join up with the Younger Brothers. The three Younger brothers were sentenced to life in prison in Stillwater, Minnesota.

The Northfield Posse