Something for Everyone in Fillmore and Houston Counties

In the far southeast corner of Minnesota, there are two events that are sure to please everyone, Trout Days in Preston and SEMBA (Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association) Bluegrass Festival in Houston. Both events take place May 15 through May 17.

At Trout Days, the first thing to know is that attendees will not go hungry. There is so much to select from that there is a separate flyer to list all the options. From the chicken BBQ to food trucks to local restaurants, there is something to please everyone’s palate.

Highlights of the 2026 Trout Days festival include the grand opening of The Depot Museum and Riverfront Center on Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Show and Shine Car Show in on Main Street. The Grand Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday with fireworks on Saturday at dusk. On Sunday at 9 a.m. is the 5th annual Dave Collett Memorial Tractor Pull at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds.

If you are looking for plants, include a stop at the plant sale on Saturday, May 16, from 8-11 a.m. at the Fillmore County DNR Building.

Imagine camping, jamming, and listening to bluegrass while enjoying the breathtaking scenic landscape along the Root River at the 34th SEMBA Bluegrass Festival.

The bands scheduled for this memorable weekend are The Waddington Brothers of North Dakota on Friday and Saturday; The Finley River Boys of Missouri on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters of Florida on Saturday and Sunday; The Salt River Band of Missouri on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and The Rosie Daze Band of Minnesota on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is noted that the event goes on rain or shine in the concert building.

Friday performances run from 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturday performances are from 1-4:45 p.m. and 6:30-10:15 p.m.; and Sunday Gospel runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Camping is available on site at Cushon’s Peak Campground. Attendees are encouraged to bring their instrument as there will be jamming going on throughout the campground.

May Events

•Syttende Mai Celebration, Spring Grove, May 13-17

•Root River Triathlon, Houston, May 16

•Spring Valley Gravel Bike Race, Spring Valley, May 16

•State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, Preston, May 24

Do not forget to pick up your free copy of Visit Bluff County at one of more than 1,000 locations across 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Visit Bluff Country magazine is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout the scenic Bluff Country.

For festival updates, travel ideas, and recommendations on where to eat, play, and sleep, visit us online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region. 

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.