Watermark Art Festival (Bemidji)

The Watermark Art Festival, formerly known as Art in the Park, is a vibrant and longstanding event that has been a summer highlight for Northern Minnesotan residents and tourists since 1967. This two-day festival, now in its 57th year, takes place on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025, in the heart of Downtown Bemidji.

The festival is a treasure trove for a diverse array of attendees, including families, art enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies. It attracts thousands of visitors who come to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and artistic offerings. Families with children are particularly drawn to the FREE Creative Zone, where free art activities and demonstrations provide endless entertainment and educational opportunities. Music enthusiasts can enjoy the performances on two live music stages, featuring a variety of local and regional artists.

The event occurs on the third weekend of July, with the festival running from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. This schedule allows ample time for attendees to explore the extensive range of activities and exhibits. There are no special happenings like fireworks or parades, but the consistent flow of live music, artist demonstrations, and interactive art activities ensures a dynamic atmosphere throughout the festival.

The Watermark Art Festival is held at the Watermark Art Center and the historic Library Park, located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN 56601. This venue is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. For those traveling from further afield, Bemidji is served by the Bemidji Regional Airport, and major highways such as US-2 and US-71 provide convenient road access. The setting is particularly charming, with the festival area expanded to include both the Watermark Art Center grounds and the beautiful, tree-lined Library Park across the street.

The festival’s unique appeal lies in its comprehensive and diverse offerings. Over 100 artists and organizations are represented, showcasing a wide variety of hand-crafted items including woodwork, ceramics, jewelry, photography, metalworking, greeting cards, homemade preserves, soaps, stained glass, original paintings, and garden art. The food court and covered picnic area provide a delightful space for attendees to enjoy local cuisine while taking a break from the art and music.

One of the standout features of the festival is the integration of the Watermark Art Center itself. The center’s galleries, including the retail gallery SHOP 505, are open to the public during the festival, offering a chance to view and purchase art from local and regional artists. The Creative Zone, with its free art activities and demonstrations, adds an interactive layer to the event, making it accessible and engaging for all ages.

The live music on two stages is another major draw, featuring local bands and musicians who bring a lively energy to the festival grounds. The absence of admission fees makes the event inclusive and accessible to everyone, ensuring that all can enjoy the art, music, and community spirit that define the Watermark Art Festival.