41st Annual Buffalo Bill Days
Date and Time
Friday Aug 1, 2025 Sunday Aug 3, 2025
Contact Information
Darla Tylor @ (507) 467-3722
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Description
Buffalo Bill Cody, the legendary showman and frontiersman, left an indelible mark on Lanesboro. In the late 1880s, Buffalo Bill—whose real name was William F. Cody—visited Lanesboro to spend time with his friend, a local medical practitioner named Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell. As legend has it, together they hatched an exciting plan: to create a Wild West show based on William Cody's exploits and adventures.
Legend has it that with the assistance of the local Winnebago Native American tribe, Buffalo Bill and Dr. Powell organized their very first Wild West show right here in Lanesboro. The inaugural performance took place indoors at Nelson Hall. Imagine the thrill as cowboys, sharpshooters, and Native American performers showcased their skills—the spirit of the frontier coming alive in our picturesque town.
Although Dr. Powell eventually returned to Lanesboro after a limited tour, Buffalo Bill continued his journey to worldwide fame. His legacy lives on, and every year, Lanesboro celebrates this remarkable chapter in its history during Buffalo Bill Days. This three-day festival features golf, softball, volleyball tournaments, plays at the Commonweal Theatre, beer and brat tents, barbecue chicken, live music, bingo, dancing, karaoke, and plenty of family-friendly kids activities. On Saturday night, fireworks light up the bluffs, and Sunday afternoon brings the grand parade for the whole family.
So, next time you stroll through Lanesboro’s charming streets, remember that you’re treading on the same ground where Buffalo Bill once left his mark—a testament to the enduring spirit of the Wild West in this delightful corner of Minnesota! 🤠🌟
Thursday, July 31:
Bonus addition to buffalo bill days!
8:30 pm: Family Movie Night in the Park “The Wild Robot”
Friday, August 1:
12 pm: 2-person Best Shot Golf Tournament (golf anytime through Sunday @ 3 pm)
4 pm: Beer & Brat Tent opens
4 - 7 pm :Car Cruise In - Community Center parking lot reserved for cars
5 pm: Youth Volleyball Tournament
at Sand Courts
5 - 8 pm: Live music in Beer & Brat Tent with Robert Petzer Duo
7 pm: Men's softball Tournament - Softball Field
8:30 pm - 12:30 am: Firemen’s Street Dance with Red Dirt Road
Saturday, August 2:
8 am: Co-Ed Volleyball Tourney @ Beer & Brat Tent
8 am: 12 pm Youth Fishing Tournament | Based at sheltered picnic area by Sylvan Park Pond
8:30 am: Buffalo Roam - 5k | 1 mile | Family Fun
Walk/Run (Trailhead Location | Visitors Center)
9 am - 12 pm: Farmers’ Market - Sylvan Park
9 am: Men's Softball Tourney - Softball Field
10 am: Beer & Brat Tent opens with DJ Shine
10 am: Marketplace @ Sylvan Park Opens
10 am - 5 pm: FREE Kids Activities: Bouncy houses, jumbo yard games, waterslide / city-wide scavenger hunt
1-4 pm: Charlie Warner at the Gazebo
4-5:30 pm: Live music in Gazebo with Mack McElree
2 pm: Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro - History Porch Talks on Museum Porch
2 - 6 pm: Bingo - Hosted by the Lanesboro Golf Course @ Beer & Brat Tent
5:30 pm: - 7:30 pm Dead Amsterdam on the main stage by Beer & Brat Tent
8:30 pm: – 12 am FREE Concert with Coconut Tiger on Main Stage by Beer & Brat Tent
DUSK - Fireworks from the football field (In case of rain, same time/location Sunday)
Sunday, August 3:
8 am:Co-Ed Volleyball Tourney @ Beer & Brat Tent
9 am: Men's Softball Tournament - Softball Field
10 am: Beer & Brat Tent opens with DJ Shine
10 am: Marketplace @ Sylvan Park Opens
10 am: Pedal Pull @ Basketball Courts
10 am - 4 pm: FREE Kids Activities: Bouncy houses, jumbo yard games, waterslide & city-wide scavenger hunt
10:30 am - 1:30 pm: Paul Schmidt at the Gazebo
12 pm: Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro - History Porch Talks on Museum Porch
1:30 pm: Grand Parade
2:30 pm: Balloons by Kevin, Touch a Truck
3 – 6 pm: Matt Cherokee @ beer & brat tent
5 pm: Duck Races @ Sylvan Park Pond
6 pm: Raffle ticket | duck races & OTHER EVENT winners announced at Beer & Brat Tent
Need more information?
Visit our information booth by the beer tent!
Register for various events by clicking here.
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