Events and Things to Do in Fillmore County Minnesota in March 2026
March in Fillmore County, Minnesota brings the promise of early spring across the rolling bluffs and river valleys of the Driftless Area. From professional live theatre and live music to cave tours and community gatherings, there’s something happening in nearly every corner of the county. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend outing or a visitor exploring Bluff Country for the first time, this guide has you covered with verified, real events happening across the region this March.
Chatfield
Chatfield — “Where Bluff Country Starts” along US Highway 52 — punches well above its weight when it comes to arts and entertainment, anchored by the outstanding Chatfield Center for the Arts at 405 Main Street South.
March 6, 2026 — Chosen Bean Listening Room Series Featuring Leslie Mendelson
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main Street South, Chatfield
Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson brings her evocative folk-rock, pop-Americana sound to the intimate Chosen Bean Listening Room Series. Known for her timeless melodies and deeply moving songwriting — with praise from the likes of Jackson Browne — this is an evening not to be missed for music lovers across the region. Tickets available at chatfieldarts.org.
March 10, 17 & 24, 2026 — Brain Health, Aging & Dementia: A 3-Part Series
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Each Session | Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main Street South, Chatfield
A community education series covering brain health, aging, and dementia — three sessions running March 10, March 17, and March 24. A valuable resource for families, caregivers, and anyone looking to learn more about healthy aging. Contact the Chatfield Center for the Arts for registration information at chatfieldarts.org.
March 14, 2026 — THAT Arena Rock Show
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main Street South, Chatfield
THAT Arena Rock Show delivers a high-energy tribute to classic rock anthems of the ’70s and ’80s, featuring the legendary sounds of Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, and more. A great night out for anyone who loves the golden era of rock. Tickets at chatfieldarts.org.
March 26, 2026 — Spring Concert: Grades 4–6
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main Street South, Chatfield
Chatfield Public Schools presents the spring concert featuring students in grades 4 through 6. A wonderful community event celebrating student musicians. Free and open to the public — check with Chatfield Public Schools for details at chatfieldschools.com.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro is one of Minnesota’s most celebrated small towns — a vibrant arts hub nestled in the Root River valley with live theatre, galleries, trails, and more. March kicks off the performing arts season in a big way.
Now Through March 28, 2026 — “The Shape of What Remains” Exhibition at Lanesboro Arts
Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery, 103 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro | Wed–Sat 10 AM–5 PM
The Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery presents “The Shape of What Remains,” a sculpture exhibition featuring the work of artist Zachary Leonard. The show runs February 7 through March 28. Gallery admission is free. Visit lanesboroarts.org for gallery hours and information.
March 14, 2026 — Open Mic at the St. Mane Theatre
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro
Lanesboro Arts hosts an open mic night at the beautiful St. Mane Theatre. Whether you want to perform or just listen, it’s a welcoming community evening for musicians, poets, storytellers, and fans. Details and information at lanesboroarts.org.
March 2026 — Commonweal Theatre Company 2026 Season Opening
Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro | Thu–Sun performances
Southeast Minnesota’s premier professional live theatre company kicks off its 38th season in March. The 2026 season features five productions in rotating repertory, including No Wake, Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, The Spitfire Grill, Eelpout, and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley. The rotating schedule lets visitors see two different shows over a weekend stay. Performances run Thursday through Sunday. Visit commonwealtheatre.org or call 800-657-7025 for the March schedule and tickets.
Preston
Preston is the Fillmore County seat and a gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular natural attractions. The Root River flows right through town, making it a popular hub for outdoor recreation even as winter begins to loosen its grip in March.
March 2026 — Mystery Cave Weekend Tours at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County Road 118, Preston (southeast of Preston)
One of Minnesota’s most beloved natural wonders, Mystery Cave is the state’s longest cave at over 13 miles. Park naturalists lead guided tours on weekends in the spring, with the cave maintaining a constant 48°F temperature year-round — perfect for a cool-weather adventure. Tours include the Scenic Tour (accessible, 3/4 mile) and the Geology Tour (more adventurous). A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required. Reservations recommended — visit the Minnesota DNR website or call 507-352-5111 for spring tour availability and hours.
Year-Round — Fillmore County Historical Society
Fillmore County Historical Society, 202 County Road 8, Fountain (just north of Preston)
Explore the history of Fillmore County at the county’s historical society museum and library. Learn about the Norwegian immigrant heritage, local rural history, and the county’s role in early Minnesota settlement. Contact them at 507-268-4449 or visit fillmorecountyhistory.org for current hours and programming.
Harmony
Harmony calls itself “The Biggest Little Town in Southeast Minnesota” and for good reason. It’s the heart of Minnesota’s Amish country and home to unique attractions that draw visitors from across the Midwest.
Year-Round in March — Amish Tours of Harmony
Harmony Visitor Center, Harmony MN | Visit amish-tours.com
The Amish community in the Harmony area has been established since 1974 and is one of the largest in Minnesota. Guided Amish Tours of Harmony operate throughout the year and are a fascinating way to learn about Amish culture, craftsmanship, and way of life. Tours depart from Harmony — check the website for March scheduling and reservations.
March 2026 — JEM Movie Theatre
JEM Movie Theatre, Harmony MN
Harmony’s beloved single-screen, family-owned JEM Movie Theatre is one of those rare small-town gems. Check their current listings for March showings of first-run films. A great affordable night out for families and couples alike. Contact the theatre directly for current show times.
Note: Niagara Cave opens for the 2026 season on weekends in April (closed Easter Sunday, April 5). If you’re planning a visit to Harmony in late March and want to see Niagara Cave, plan to return in April when the cave reopens. Visit niagaracave.com for 2026 season details.
Spring Valley
Spring Valley is a welcoming community in the heart of Fillmore County with a rich history and strong community spirit. The community is home to a active library and local historical society.
Year-Round — Spring Valley Community Historical Society
220 W Courtland Street, Spring Valley MN 55975 | Phone: 507-346-7659
The Spring Valley Community Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of the area. Stop in during your visit to Spring Valley to explore local exhibits and learn about the community’s past. Contact them for current March hours and any special programming.
March 2026 — Spring Valley Public Library Programs
Spring Valley Public Library, 121 W Jefferson Street, Spring Valley MN 55975
The Spring Valley Public Library offers community programming throughout the year. Check with the library directly for March 2026 events, book clubs, children’s programs, and community gatherings. Call or visit to get the current schedule.
Rushford
Rushford sits in the beautiful Root River valley along the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway (State Highway 16). It’s a popular stop along the Root River State Bike Trail system and a charming town year-round.
Year-Round — Root River State Bike Trail Access
Rushford, MN — along State Highway 16
While March can still be chilly, the Root River State Trail corridor through Rushford and the surrounding valley offers scenic views of the awakening landscape. The trail connects communities throughout the region and is one of the Midwest’s most celebrated multi-use recreational trails. Check trail conditions with the Minnesota DNR before heading out in early spring.
Year-Round — Rushford Area Historical Depot Museum
401 S Elm Street, Rushford MN 55971 | 507-864-7560
The Rushford Area Historical Society operates the Depot Museum, preserving the heritage of the Rushford community and the history of the Root River valley. Contact them for current hours and any March community events.
Mabel
Mabel is a small but spirited community in the southern part of Fillmore County, close to the Iowa border. It’s perhaps best known for its beloved annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days each summer, but there’s community life happening year-round.
March 2026 — Mabel Public Library Community Programming
Mabel Public Library, 110 E Newburg, Mabel MN 55954 | 507-493-5336
The Mabel Public Library is a community hub year-round. Check with the library for March 2026 programming including story times, community events, and other local activities. Contact them directly at the number above for the current schedule.
Wykoff
Wykoff is one of Fillmore County’s most unique small towns, best known as home to the famous Jail Haus Bed & Breakfast — a quirky and beloved lodging experience set in the town’s original 1913 jail building. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to stay while exploring Fillmore County in March, Wykoff delivers.
Year-Round — Jail Haus Bed & Breakfast
Wykoff, MN
Spend a night “behind bars” at the historic Jail Haus Bed & Breakfast in downtown Wykoff. This unique lodging is a great home base for exploring southern Fillmore County. Contact them for March availability and reservations.
Fountain & the Fillmore County History Center
Fountain is a small community just north of Preston along the Root River State Trail corridor. It’s home to the Fillmore County Historical Society and History Center — a must-visit for anyone interested in the deep history of the region.
March 2026 — Fillmore County History Center
202 County Road 8, Fountain MN 55935 | 507-268-4449 | fillmorecountyhistory.org
The Fillmore County History Center tells the story of the county from its earliest settlement through the present day. Exhibits cover Norwegian immigrant heritage, rural farm life, county history, and more. Check with the museum for March hours and any special programming or events.
Peterson & Whalan
Peterson and Whalan are two charming small communities along the Root River valley that serve as scenic stops along the Root River State Trail. Whalan is home to the legendary Aroma Pie Shop, a destination for pie lovers from across the region. Both communities are best experienced in the warmer months, but are scenic stops even on a March drive through the bluffs.
Check petersonmn.com for any March 2026 community events closer to the date.
Canton
Canton is a small incorporated city in the southwestern part of Fillmore County. Community events in Canton are best found by checking in with the city directly or visiting local community boards. Contact the City of Canton for any March 2026 events happening in town.
Plan Your Fillmore County March Visit
March is a transitional month in Fillmore County — the bluffs are starting to wake up, the rivers are running, and the arts and community calendar is in full swing. Here are a few tips for planning your visit:
Where to start: The Fillmore County Journal (fillmorecountyjournal.com) and Visit Bluff Country (visitbluffcountry.com) are excellent ongoing resources for community events across the county.
Trail note: Be aware that a 2.5-mile section of the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail northwest of Harmony (between 305th Avenue and 4th Street NW) is closed January through July 2026 for construction. Plan trail activities accordingly.
Cave tours: Mystery Cave weekend tours run in spring — confirm dates and times with the Minnesota DNR at 507-352-5111. Niagara Cave opens for the season on weekends in April 2026.
Fillmore County is a region that rewards exploration. Whether you’re coming for live theatre in Lanesboro, a rock concert in Chatfield, a cave tour near Preston, or an Amish country drive through Harmony, March has something for you.
© 2026 — Content verified to the best of our ability. Always confirm event details directly with venues before attending, as schedules can change.
