Prairie Days celebrates community in the heart of Long Prairie

Over the past nine years, Prairie Days has evolved into a cherished community tradition in Long Prairie, Minnesota. An event launched in 2017 as an effort to bring the town’s summer celebrations back into the heart of downtown has blossomed into a week-long festival bringing together residents of all ages across several blocks of Central Avenue – from First Street to Fourth Street. Each year features an assortment of activities highlighting what makes Long Prairie special. In 2025, Prairie Days attracted several thousand people across all events.

Prairie Days takes center stage

While Prairie Days culminates with a packed day of activities on Saturdays, the entire week includes celebrations of everyday Long Prairie life. Regular events like bingo at the American Legion, burger nights, and raffles are folded into the robust official schedule alongside an arts and craft show and car show.

“Not everybody knows about these events, so we put them on our official calendar and celebrate all that we do in Long Prairie,” Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst, director of the Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, explained. 

When Saturday, June 7, rolled around this year, affordability and accessibility remained key goals of the entire festival. Organizers strive to keep prices for activities at $5 per wristband and free for children 5 and under. Also central to affordability is capping prices at $20 per family

Inclusive pricing extends to other attractions. Professional services, such as face painting and henna painting, are typically available at a reduced rate and many games are locked in at a $1 price tag. Careful management of festival-related pricing ensures everyone has an opportunity to celebrate the community, and directs more discretionary spending to local food vendors and businesses. For families on a limited budget, it’s possible to enjoy all aspects of the event without breaking the bank. 

Long Prairie gives back

Local sponsorships of Prairie Days totaled over $30,000 in 2025 and contributed to a vibrant, dynamic event. These investments in the community help support new inflatables each year, fun games like mega Jenga and Connect Four, a caricature artist, hula hoops, and a dunk tank. New event additions for 2025 included a soccer tournament, pickleball competition, and a 5K Run.. 

Thomas-Brunkhorst said Prairie Days would be impossible without the conscientious volunteers who give their time and energy prior to the event and on the day of to create a successful and inclusive celebration – from drafting promotional materials in both English and Spanish to staffing ticket booths and cleaning up. The Long Prairie Lions Club is a huge supporter of the event, starting with the organization of the Prairie Days parade and culminating with a beer garden staffed with volunteers throughout the day. 

A work-based learning volunteer Katelyn Jones and others from the Long Prairie Grey-Eagle secondary school also contribute crucial setup, teardown, and game monitoring services while Daniela Chavez, the Chamber’s marketing assistant provides essential marketing efforts and manages the webpage and official countdown.

Speaking of official countdowns – check out the 2026 Prairie Days countdown here, review photos from 2025, and start planning today!