Association of the French of the North

Old Crossing Festival of Performance, Demonstrations and Participation in the Arts takes place at Old Crossing Treaty Park in Red Lake County next to the village of Huot along the Red Lake River. Artists at Old Crossing Festival perform music, tell stories, demonstrate artistic crafts, and invite attendees to participate in a variety of artistic activities during this two-day event. Every art activity allows the audience opportunities to experience various aspects of the heritage of the Red River Valley. This experience happens in the presence of others with whom they engage in the appreciation of a fine performance on stage, or in their exchange with presenters at a demonstration site, or by participating with others in an artist-led activity such as a folk dance. The festival is a public event that connects people of the Red River Valley through the  Arts to the heritage of the region. People learn together at Old Crossing Festival. In fact, the festival draws hundreds each year to this historic site. Historic as it is, Old Crossing is not well known. The festival makes this place which has no buildings to accommodate visitors very attractive with the tents, stages and exhibits it places strategically around the park for the event. The idea behind the strategy of making the park attractive and accommodating is to create a social atmosphere conducive to the exchange of thoughts and learning. The numerous tents, stages, chairs, and exhibits up to and including the porta toilettes are necessities. Together with the performers, demonstrators and artists who invite participation, the tents, stages, sound system, sound technicians, chairs, and exhibit shelters all make this event a major attraction in the Red River Valley. 

Location: Old Crossing Treaty Park, Huot, Minnesota
Dates: August 22 and 23, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM - 10 PM Saturday August 22
Time: 12:30 PM - 5 PM Sunday August 23

FEE. There is no fee either to enter the park or to attend any of the Chautauqua and art events.

Volunteer contributions are, however, much needed and appreciated.

Come and see Old Crossing Treaty Park the one and only park marking the link between Native American and homestead history of Red Lakers and the residents of some 21 counties of the Red River Valley formed from the treaty land  cession.

This event promotes friendship and a deeper awareness of our rich heritage and cultural diversity.

More will be posted on this event in the days which follow.

This activity is funded, in part, by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.