PLEASE NOTE: Your free event news can be posted on the Ely Echo newspaper’s Community Calendar. Send your info to: [email protected].
At the Ely Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at noon the program will be Curiosity Cohort: Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Art. Learn about the traditional sigils that the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers would paint on their barns and outbuildings and try to make one of your own. Please pre-register so that we have enough materials. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library.
At the next Ely for Ely gathering on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Ely Community Center from 7:30-10 a.m. DeeDee LeMier of UMN Extension will return with a presentation and workshop on wealth transfer. LeMier will explore our community’s readiness to address the estimated $630 billion set to transfer from the Boomer generation in the next 40 years.
History Happy Hour delves into the rich history of the Ely, Minnesota Area with pint-sized stories that are informative and entertaining in less than a half an hour. The Oct. 21 theme digs into the history of cemeteries and why humans have used distinct burial areas for over 100,000 years. Join host Jess Edberg, executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum as she scratches the surface of a local history topic, inspiring listeners to take a deeper dive on their own. This program is offered as a free, in-person, 30-minute or less presentation October through May, typically on the third Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at the Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant in Ely, Minnesota. History Happy Hour is supported in-kind by the Boathouse Brewpub, Ely’s Heritage Preservation Commission, the Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely-Winton Historical Society, Ely Echo, Timberjay, Boundary Waters Connect and the Ely Folk School.
At the Ely Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. the program will be Armchair Traveler: Italy with the Petersens, Do you want to see the world, but your budget or time commitments keep you from going everywhere? This month, Mandy and Reed Petersen will talk about taking a family holiday in Italy. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library.
At the Ely Public Library on Friday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. the program will be Naturalist Hour: Batty about Bats. Bats are often misunderstood and disliked, possibly because of their portrayal in movies and media. They are actually a very interesting animal with many adaptations and abilities. Join us for a program that includes games, stories and activities to learn more about this special mammal. Remember: “Bats eat bugs; they don’t eat people.” Join Andrea Doerr from the Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park to learn all about it. For all ages.
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center for a special screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Iron Range: Minnesota Building America at the Ely’s Historic State Theater with Pam Brunfelt on Oct. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Ely’s Historic State Theater. Following the screening, there will be a conversation with Brunfelt, who appears in the documentary.
Golden Ladle Soup Contest: Taste, vote, and help crown Ely’s Best Soup on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Ely Community Center. Local restaurants will compete for the 2026 Golden Ladle, with soup samples, bread from Brainstorm, and brownies from Ely Community Resource included with admission. 5 p.m. reserved seating through the Ely Folk School. 6:30 p.m. open seating. Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids ages 6–12, free under five, $20 family maximum. Guests who purchase a handmade pottery bowl at the event receive free admission. Voting closes at 7:30 p.m., with the winner announced by 8 p.m.
Stretch and movement class: Fridays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. at The Hub sponsored by Northwoods Partners. All welcome, great music, friendly people.
Ely’s Mahjong club wrapped up a fun summer with a potluck at one of the members’ home. Play Mahjong at the Community Center Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. New players are always welcome. Contact Sher Erickson 218404-6915 for information.
Bingo every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Ely Community Center. All are welcome, bring your friends for a fun afternoon.
Cribbage is being played at the Zenith Apartments at 965 E. Camp Street in Ely on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Join in, have fun. Bring your own snacks.
