How Folkways Transforms Neighborhoods

A thriving neighborhood isn’t defined by its homes and surrounding buildings— it’s the people who bring it to life. Folkways, a Fargo-based community nonprofit, creates connection and vibrancy through seasonal programming like the Red River Market, Night Bazaar, and Christkindlmarkt.

These events aren’t just weekend gatherings—they’re living examples of what makes a neighborhood feel alive. At the heart of Folkways’ mission is the belief that a community’s culture is shaped by those who live in it: the local shop owner down the street, the muralist brightening a blank brick wall, the barista who knows your order, the running group that jogs past every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. sharp. Folkways curates spaces where people feel like they belong.

As someone who has lived downtown for six years—and attended Folkways events even longer—I’ve seen firsthand how Broadway Square and other corners of Fargo are transformed each month. Art, local food, music, and friendship intersect in ways that remind us what being a neighbor truly means.

Vibrancy Doesn’t Happen by Accident

The founders of Folkways didn’t wait for a more connected Fargo—they built it. By activating forgotten spaces and curating experiences that bring people together across generations, cultures, and zip codes, they’ve reshaped what community feels like. In 2024 alone, Folkways welcomed over 110,000 visitors to their events, with dozens of vendors, performers, and workshops adding to the city’s vibrancy.

Neighborhood transformation doesn’t belong to organizations alone—it belongs to all of us. You don’t need a large-scale event to spark change. Community-building can start small. Here are five lessons I’ve learned from Folkways that you can use to build connections where you live—no permits or stages required.

1. Start With an Invitation —ev

Connection takes practice, and it’s okay to begin small. Folkways reminds us that shared experiences create belonging. Invite a neighbor to something simple—a bonfire, a board game night, or a walk around the block. Inspired by the s’mores bar at Christkindlmarkt, my next bonfire will have a mix of cookies and chocolate to elevate the get-together.

If hosting feels out of reach, let the gathering come to you. Last winter, a friend set out a table of free hot cocoa in her front yard with a few chairs. Families stopped by, conversations flowed, and neighbors became friends. All it took was a handwritten sign and a warm drink.

2. Share Food, Share Connection

Drop off fresh vegetables from your garden. Bake banana bread for a new neighbor. Or revive a nearly lost tradition: knocking on a neighbor’s door to borrow an egg. These simple exchanges carry more meaning than we realize—they build trust, spark conversation, and remind us that we’re not alone.

Folkways shows us that connection often begins with something as simple as a shared bite, a warm drink, or a taste of the local harvest.

3. Use Your Gifts to Build Community

At every Folkways event, people show up with their talents—spinning records, painting faces, selling handmade goods. Your gifts don’t need to be flashy to matter.

Maybe you’re handy—offer tools to a student or help a neighbor clean their gutters. Into birding? Lead a neighborhood birdwatching walk. These simple acts build trust, and trust builds community.

Upcoming Folkways Events:

Night Bazaar
June 26 – Renaissance
July 24 – Circus
Aug 7 – Sunset @ Moorhead
Sep 18 – Red River Market

4. Activate Underused Spa

Folkways started by transforming Roberts Alley into a vibrant hub of music and art. Today, they activate Broadway Square, and even the rarely used Civic Center becomes a winter wonderland during Christkindlmarkt.

What overlooked spaces are in your neighborhood? A quiet alley? An underused park shelter? Your own front yard? I once rode my bike through a neighborhood where the street was blocked off for a grill-out and kids were learning to ride their bikes. Streets, yards, and alleys can all become gathering spaces with a little imagination.

Many spaces are overlooked due to perceived importance. Challenge yourself to think outside the box and utilize the spaces tucked away in your community to practice the art of gathering.

5. Support and Celebrate Local Busi

Folkways centers small businesses at every event—and you can too. Get to know the people at your local coffee shop or bookstore. Say yes to the lemonade stand down the street. These interactions are more than transactions—they’re the gentle chitchat that makes a place feel like home.

Although it’s not all about money, the dollars still matter: Local businesses recirculate four times more money into the local economy than national chains. Spending $100 at a local shop keeps $48 in the community— versus just $14 at a big-box store. Shopping locally is about connection and supporting one another.

Being a Neighbor is a Practice

Folkways has taught me that community doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built one invitation, one gesture, one conversation at a time.

This summer, I encourage you to attend a Folkways event. But more importantly, I invite you to take what you experience there— connection, creativity, curiosity— and bring it back to your own neighborhood. You can start small: host a sidewalk potluck, leave a chalk message on the sidewalk, or say yes to a neighborhood event. Your front porch might be the next gathering space. All it takes is a little intention.

If you’re not sure where to begin, just show up. Because showing up—for a neighbor, for a conversation, for a shared experience—is where community begins.

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