Welcoming Week Invites the Community to Celebrate Connection and Belonging
September 12–19, 2026
What makes a community feel like home? It’s more than streets and buildings—it’s the people who welcome one another, share their stories, and build relationships across neighborhoods, cultures, and generations.
That’s the spirit behind Welcoming Week, a community-wide celebration taking place September 12–19 in Thief River Falls. Hosted by Advance Thief River, Welcoming Week invites everyone to come together to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and connections that make our community stronger.
Whether you’ve lived here your entire life, recently moved to the area, or are considering making Thief River Falls your home, everyone is welcome.
Kick Off the Week on Saturday, September 12
Welcoming Week begins with two special events that celebrate community and culture.
At 10:30 a.m., the Thief River Falls Public Library will host Youth Voices: Sharing Culture & Tradition, where local students will share stories highlighting the cultures and traditions represented in our community. Their stories offer a unique opportunity to learn from the next generation while celebrating the diversity that enriches Thief River Falls.
We’re currently looking for students who would like to participate in Youth Voices. Students are invited to share a personal story, family tradition, cultural experience, or reflection on what makes our community special. To recognize the time and effort involved, five $100 stipends will be awarded to participating youth. Students or parents interested in learning more should contact brolf@advancethiefriver.com.
Then at 12:30 p.m., head to Floyd B. Olson Park for a free concert by The WoodPicks, a regional bluegrass and Americana band known for lively acoustic music and rich harmonies. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of music along the Red Lake River.
While you’re at the park, be sure to explore Everybody’s Market, taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring local vendors, handmade goods, fresh produce, and more.
Welcoming Week Belongs to Everyone
While the kickoff events are a great way to begin the celebration, Welcoming Week is much more than a series of scheduled activities. It is an opportunity for the entire community to demonstrate what it means to be welcoming.
We encourage businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, neighborhoods, civic groups, and employers to host their own welcoming activities throughout the week. Your event doesn’t have to be large or elaborate. Invite people to coffee, host an open house, share food from different cultures, recognize new employees, organize a neighborhood gathering, or simply create opportunities for people to connect.
Every conversation, every invitation, and every act of hospitality helps build a stronger, more connected community.
Industry Tours
Local businesses will also have opportunities to showcase the careers and industries that make Thief River Falls thrive through Industry Tours during Welcoming Week. Participating businesses and tour schedules will be announced on the Advance Thief River website as details are finalized.
Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in Welcoming Week:
- Attend the kickoff events on September 12.
- Host a welcoming activity at your business, organization, church, school, or neighborhood.
- Invite someone new to join you at an event.
- Volunteer to help welcome participants.
- Share your event and photos on social media using #JoinUsThiefRiver.
Together, we can create a community where every person feels seen, valued, and connected.
For the latest schedule, industry tour information, and to register your Welcoming Week event, visit:
Youth Voices: Sharing Culture & Tradition
Calling Local Students!
Do you have a story to tell about your family, culture, traditions, or what makes Thief River Falls feel like home? We invite students to participate in Yourh Voices: Sharing Culture & Tradition during Welcoming Week on Saturday, September 12 at the Thief River Falls Public Library.
Participants will have the opportunity to share a 5-7 minute story or reading that celebrates culture, heritage, belonging, or community. Five students will receive a $100 stipend in appreciation of their participation.
Interested? Contact Brittany Severson at brolf@advancethiefriver.com to learn more or sign up.
Help us celebrate the stories that bring our community together!
Register Your Event
Welcoming Week belongs to everyone and everyone has a role to play in making our community welcoming. Businesses, organizations, civic groups, and nonprofits are encouraged to host their own welcoming activities during Welcoming Week.
