Defeat of Jesse James Days

About Us

DEFEAT OF JESSE JAMES DAYS - September 6 -10, 2023

This festival is an annual heritage event which began in 1948 as the “Fall Festival” with Saturday’s theme being “Jesse James Day”. It is held the weekend after Labor Day and is among the largest outdoor celebrations in Minnesota and is organized and managed by a true all-volunteer organization. Thousands of visitors witness reenactments of the robbery, which is staged on Division street, outside of the First National Bank of Northfield.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE:
- Championship Rodeo
- Carnival
- Car Show
- Grand Parade with the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales
- Horseshoe Hunt
- Arts and Crafts Expositions
- Fine Arts Riverfront Festival
- Food Stations are set up in Bridge Square

LIVE MUSIC EVERY EVENING
Come and check out our Entertainment Center on Water Street for live music every evening:
- Street Talk
- Dirty Little Secret
- Crimson Roots
- Russ Franek and the Biscuits

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS AND FEATURES INCLUDE:
- Giddy-up Horse Races
- Classic Car Cruise
- Thursday Night Thunder
- Pedal Tractor Pull
- Bingo on Bridge Square
- Northfield Rotary Bike Tour
- Raider Soapbox Derby
- Co-ed 4S Grass Volleyball Tournament
- Kiddy Parade
- Outlaw Escape Motorcycle Ride
- Cornhole Tournament
- DJJD Beard Contest
- Outlaw Run/Walk
- Antique Tractor & Truck Pull
- Rescue Squad Duck Race
- Ambassador Coronation