IT’S NO FANCY formal. But that likely suits most Minnesotans. From 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, my community celebrates the tenth annual Faribault Flannel Formal at the Craft Beverage Curve (10,000 Drops Craft Distillers and Corks & Pints) in the heart of our historic downtown.
The dress code calls not for formal wear, but rather for flannel, preferably buffalo plaid red and black. That’s my kind of winter attire. Attendees can even participate in Lumber Jack and Jane costume contests, which call for creativity in flannel wear. Beards will also be judged to find “the best,” whatever fits that definition.
This promises to be a Minnesotan event through and through with activities like a Hotdish Showdown. Note, I wrote hotdish, which is the Minnesota word for casserole. Locals will cook up their favorite hotdishes to be judged and sampled.
The influence of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan—who may or may not have eaten hotdish, but who certainly wore buffalo plaid flannel—will be noticeable. There will be axe throwing in a special trailer, a Beaver Toss (that would be stuffed beavers), bag toss and hammerschlagen (driving nails into a stump). Fun stuff to show off precision skills and perhaps a bit of brawn.
No event is complete without music. Minneapolis rock cover band Robos headlines the stage. Those who purchase $75 VIP experience tickets for early admittance at 3 p.m. can also exclusively enjoy the music of Wayne & the Boys, a one-man band performing the music of Wayne Wagner, inducted into the Legends of South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame. VIP perks also include a swag bag, two complimentary drink tickets, voting power and access to exclusive hideouts.
Whether you go VIP or opt for a $25 general admission experience, the Faribault Flannel Formal is sure to be a true Minnesotan experience, especially with all that plaid flannel. You can even experience Minnesota winter by stepping outside to order a drink at the Sleigh Bar (new this year) and then warm up in a heated tent, followed perhaps by a conversation about the weather. We like to talk weather here in Minnesota.
You may even overhear phrases like “You betcha.” Or “That’s different.” Or “It could be worse.”
But mostly, I expect you will hear friendly conversations, lots of laughter, maybe an ice fishing tale or three, and praise for Minnesota, this place we love. Even in the deep of winter. (Mostly.)
FYI: Tickets are available for purchase online (click here on flannelformal.org), at the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office, and at 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers. The first 500 ticket holders get a complimentary collectible glass and a complimentary beverage.
The Faribault Flannel Formal is a fundraiser for the local Chamber and tourism office with monies targeted for projects in the downtown district.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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