Arts & Entertainment

Music, concerts, and plays are just a few of the live entertainment options in our area. Many of the local bars have live music on weekends throughout the year, while larger concerts and plays are held at either the Perham Center for the Arts or the Perham Hub Auditorium (located at the old Perham High School). Either way, Perham always puts on a good show!

Every Wednesday during the summer, a crowd gathers around a paved ring to race turtles. Seems silly, but it’s been a way of life for over 45 years!

Open every night! The Comet Theater has been a staple on 1st Ave South in Perham for 80 years. As the area’s only movie theater, it’s held tight to the rich tradition of bringing the best of Hollywood to the lakes area, and has upgraded equipment and added modern, comfortable furnishings. The new digital movie projector, with high-quality Dolby Digital Surround, helps bring the big screen to life. From the balcony to the main floor, you’ll always have the best seat in the house as you relax in one of the high-backed reclining rocker seats and enjoy classic movie treats, like buttered popcorn and candy.

From 6:30 to 9:00pm with an evening show beginning at 7pm, relax and enjoy as you watch newest cinema attraction. 

The Perham Center for the Arts is a former 100-year- old architectural marvel that hosts everything from musical productions to weddings and painting classes. Located in the old Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church, the Perham Center for the Arts kept the tradition of the church going with a new name and purpose. Now as a center for arts, the facility is a host to various events and activities based around arts, culture, and entertainment. From painting events to concerts to craft vendors, the Perham Center for the Arts puts an artistic flair on entertainment in the Perham Area.

The Waves of Discovery Mural is art to experience and explore. Located on the east side of Photo Magic, the mural was created with a medium of carved concrete and includes elements of agates, fossils fused glass, and mosaics. Designed to encourage interaction among viewers, there are over 50 items hidden among the panels of the mural to seek and find. As a public art project, the Waves of Discovery mural was fundraised by local businesses and individuals interested in having a communitywide piece of art that everyone could enjoy. Discover Perham through all of the different hidden elements that tie back to the artist, our businesses, and our area. Check out their website for more info!

The History, Arts and Cultural Association (HACA), formerly Friends of the Museum, has a mission to unite humanities, art, community, and culture in the Perham area. The History Museum of East Otter Tail County, In Their Own Words Veterans Museum, and Perham’s Pioneer Village are each a part of this
Association. Each one is host to a variety of different entertainment from genealogy courses to Pioneer Fest to evening galas.

The organization began in 1966 with the formation of the East Otter Tail Historical Society, and later the History Museum of East Otter Tail County, where artifact cataloging and genealogical research are centered. Free self-guided tours and access to genealogy resources, including free access to ancestry.com, and a museum store are open year-round. The History Museum is located at 230 1st Ave. North, in the quaint stone building that was the library at one point. For more information, call 218-346-7678.

In Their Own Words Veterans Museum opened in 2006, based on oral histories of area veterans. Free self-guided tours are offered, and docent led tours are available for groups by appointment. In addition to the museum, the 14,000 square foot building hosts the HACA Art & Events Gallery. The mid-size venue with art gallery walls and audio-visual systems is used for a myriad of multi-media cultural events.

The gallery hosts traveling exhibits, art classes, music, and theatrical events. It is also available for rent to the community. The building provides free meeting space for five veterans groups, an office for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, an office for Pioneer Village, a food and beverage service area, and 2,000 square feet of commercial space. For more information call 218-346-7678.

The Cultural Center in New York Mills is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Cultural Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in the 80-seat concert listening room, two art galleries in a historic building, a gift store featuring local artists, an artist residency program, classes and workshops, a sculpture park, and a variety of
opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Perham’s Pioneer Village, a scenic 25 acre indoor and outdoor park-like venue dotted with historic structures, a bandstand, vintage ballroom, and kitchen building that is home to Perham’s Pioneer Festival in August. The property is owned by the City of Perham and is managed by HACA for community use. The venue is available for rent for rustic weddings, reunions, and corporate events. Call 218-346-7678 for more information.

Vendors of locally made or produced goods gather each Wednesday and Friday during the summer for a local farmers market. Buy local and buy fresh.