Sophisticated Arts Scene Makes Community Proud

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra performs over three seasons, featuring talented local musicians and visiting virtuosos. Bemidji State University choral and instrumental music students regularly perform in concerts and recitals and also produce a biannual opera.

Bemidji is famous for the whimsy and intrigue of its outdoor Sculpture Walk, and the new Watermark Art Center transforming a downtown building into multiple galleries. Bemidji State, with its own campus galleries and collections, is a partner.

Artists team up for the autumn Studio Cruise, which invites lovers and learners to witness the creative process. The Art in the Park festival each July attracts dozens of artists and craftspeople to the grassy lakefront behind the Carnegie Library.

Two theater companies stage ambitious schedules of comedy, drama and musicals in Bemidji’s Historic Chief Theatre: Paul Bunyan Playhouse and Bemidji Community Theater.

On the literary side, the Bemidji Public Library holds an annual book festival that features readings and lectures, and BSU presents its Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference every June.

These efforts, and more, are strengthened by loyal volunteers and patrons, as well as the Region 2 Arts Council, whose large service area encompasses the native nations of Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth.

Minnesota’s Emerging Regional Center

Our community has all the regional center amenities to support your business and workforce,
while maintaining the small town beauty and character that make this place home.