Last week, when I looked at my calendar and scrolled through my mental list of what’s happening, I immediately felt overwhelmed. Everyone talks about how fast summer goes, but no one really mentions how quickly September flies.
For me, August is a paradox. It’s both a rush to cram in the last bits of summer before school starts—and a lull when summer activities have ended, friends spend every spare minute at the lake, and everything seems to hold its breath until the academic year begins. Then, in what feels like a snap, school is back in session, extracurriculars are happening, sports are scheduled, and programs that paused for the summer are starting up again. In short, the machine of daily life whirs back to life.
It’s not just school-related activities. September ushers in a new wave of entertainment and special events that stretches across the city and is available to everyone, regardless of age. By Labor Day, the calendar is filling up. And by the second week of the month, it’s obvious: there are more fun things happening than there are days to enjoy them all.
September is unassuming in the best way. At first, it feels like a downer—officially announcing the end of summer, which around here can sound like a proclamation: WINTER IS COMING! But then it softens the blow by being one of the most delightful months of the year in North Dakota—especially in Minot. If you’re bored or find yourself complaining there’s nothing to do this month, I’m sorry, but you’re doing something wrong.
Luckily, I’m here to help. Here are a few highlights of what September has to offer:
• Library programs are back. After a pause between summer reading and school starting, Minot Public Library has resumed programming for every age: story time for preschoolers, LEGO Club and Pokémon Club for kids, teen events, and craft meetups and book clubs for adults. September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month. There’s no better time to get your card (you can get one at Minot Public Library, Ward County Library, Minot AFB Library—if you’re military affiliated—and MSU’s Gordon B. Olson Library, which requires an annual fee).
• Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch opens for the season. More than just pumpkins, it’s acres of fall fun: a corn maze, obstacle courses, eccentric heirloom gourds, endless photo opps, and family activities of every kind.
• Festivals fill the calendar. September weekends are packed with special events taking advantage of perfect weather. A sampling includes Angelic Gardens Fall Festival, Festival on Main, MSU Homecoming festivities (parade, tailgating, and game), Boots Under the Big Sky line dancing downtown, farmers markets, Caesar Fest, Norsk Høstfest, Logger Fest, Fall Fun Day at the Magic City Discovery Center, NOTSTOCK at MSU—a hands-on weekend of art for the whole community, and the opening performance from Mouse River Players. And that’s just the short list.
• Outdoor adventures. If structured events aren’t your thing, this is an ideal time to enjoy the changing season. The Bison Plant Trail and Denbigh Experimental Forest are two of my favorite trails to walk, soak in the fall colors, and breathe in the crisp air. And instead of bemoaning the windy days, take advantage of this prime kite-flying weather at places like Radio City Park or Polaris Park, both with wide-open spaces perfect for catching a breeze.
• Seasonal menus. From wine and beer to coffee and tea, shops across town are rolling out cozy fall menus. For me, there’s no better way to usher in a new season than to taste it—and fall brings an abundance of flavors.
That’s the beauty of September. It sneaks in quietly—almost disguised as the beginning of the end. But really, it’s one of the best-kept secrets of North Dakota life. The weather is forgiving, the landscape begins to glow, and the community calendar brims with opportunities.
There’s no lack of fun to embrace as we leave summer behind and step into fall. For me, this time of year is less about dreading the winter ahead and more about leaning into the delights of the present.
Every time the calendar flips, we’re given a reminder: each season brings its own kind of joy. And this month? September joy is everywhere—ripe for the picking.
Join me next week as I share about staying well during the shifting season and how Cornerstone Chiropractic is helping me do just that. For more on everyday mindset shifts and North Dakota life, join me at amyallender.com or follow @HeyMinot.
