The Ultimate Guide to Arts, Culture, and Entertainment in Northfield, MN
Take one stroll through Northfield, Minnesota, with its many sculptures and sidewalks engraved with poetry, and you’ll know you’re in a place where the arts take center stage. Whether you’re inclined toward cultural museums and fine art galleries, upbeat music and live theater, or simply discovering the innovative creations of true craftspeople, Northfield has it and can’t wait to share it with you.
These are our top picks for music, museums, theater, dance, and more.
St. Olaf College
Located at St. Olaf College, Flaten Art Museum’s collection is comprised of more than 4,000 objects spanning many cultures and centuries. The collection includes paintings, fine art prints, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, graphic arts, and textiles from all around the world. If performing arts are more your style, catch a show at St. Olaf’s Kelsey and Haugen Theaters, or a concert put on by the college’s music department at the Christiansen Hall of Music.
Carleton College
Carleton College’s arts calendar is nothing short of exceptional, featuring a wide array of concerts, film screenings, and theater productions. Also, be sure to check out Carleton’s Perlman Teaching Museum, which emphasizes the role that art plays in posing questions about life. The museum offers two impressive galleries and fully equipped support spaces.
Northfield Arts Guild
No trip to Northfield is complete without a visit to the Northfield Arts Guild, which was founded in 1959 and owns and operates out of two buildings: the historic theater at 411 West 3rd Street and the Center for the Arts at 304 Division Street, downtown Northfield. Stroll through the many art galleries, then take in a show at the theater!
Sidewalk Poetry
When walking around Northfield, don’t forget to look down or you might miss the city’s famed sidewalk poetry! The Arts and Culture Commission launched the Sidewalk Poetry Project in 2011. Each February, a competition is held whereby local residents may submit up to two short poems for consideration. Beginning in May, the winning poems are installed in sidewalks throughout the community, followed by a celebratory Capstone Event held the third Thursday of August in Northfield’s downtown Bridge Square.
Northfield Sculptures
When you’re not looking down at Northfield’s sidewalk poetry, simply look around and you’re bound to see the many beautiful sculptures placed around town. This interactive map shows you exactly where to find each sculpture in Northfield–see if you can spot them all!
Local Venues with Live Music
Live music can be found almost every day of the week in downtown Northfield. From Irish, jazz, and bluegrass jam sessions to piano balladeers and original indie rock, there’s something for everyone. Head to the Contented Cow to catch performances at their indoor or outdoor stage nearly every evening. You’ll find the Tavern Lounge, Froggy Bottoms, and the Rueb & Stein rocking most weekend nights. Check out this calendar of events for listings.
Ready to start planning your trip to Northfield, Minnesota? Visit our website to learn more!