Head to Northfield the first weekend after Labor Day for the Annual Defeat of Jesse James
Have you visited Northfield yet? It’s a super cute town less than an hour south of the Twin Cities. There’s so much to do over September 9th through September 13th for the Defeat of Jesse James Days, but a big highlight of the festival is the Bank Raid Reenactment.
The Bank Raid Reenactments takes place multiple times throughout the weekend. The event takes about 30 minutes.
It’s a narrative description to honor the townspeople who defeated the James / Younger gang. Up to this historical day on September 7th, 1876, no one had stood up to or fought back when the James-Younger gang, but this would be the last time they would team up and rob a bank!
All the actors in the reenactment are volunteers and many wear authentic 1876 costumes! Please note: there will be discharging blank rounds of ammunition during the raid reenactments. Please take the necessary precautions to protect your hearing.
2026 Bank Raid Reenactment Schedule
This signature event takes place right on Division Street outside the historic First National Bank site. Each performance begins with a historical overview before the live-action raid unfolds.
- Friday, September 11: 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Saturday, September 12: 11:00 AM*, 1:00 PM*, 3:00 PM*, & 5:00 PM
- Sunday, September 13: 11:00 AM* & 12:30 PM (Note: Sunday 12:30 PM raid has limited bleacher seating due to parade prep)
Key:
- * ASL Interpreted: Reenactments marked with an asterisk feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Check in at Info Booth 20 minutes prior for designated seating.
- Spanish Scripts: Printed Spanish translation scripts are available at the information booth for all showtimes.
In addition to the reenactment, there are a lot of other events going on in Northfield! There are carnival rides, live music, a car show, art fair, professional rodeo, bike tour, kiddie parade and more. You can see the full list of events and locations on the event website.
Defeat of Jesse James buttons are required for several events during the festival. Buttons are $5 and can be purchased at the event. Kids under the age of 5 do not need their own button to participate!
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Hannah is a married mom of 3 kiddos in the Twin Cities. Born and raised here in MN, she loves finding deals and special events to share with others.
Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, going on road trips up north, singing along with the radio and finding new thrift stores to shop! Hannah is also a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and is always on the lookout for more sensory friendly opportunities in the Twin Cities.
Stacy Jenkins says
We have gone to Jesse James days for yrs
Have to find other sept events in
Mn in sept/ Oct
Have not had great corn yet
J Bailey says
You are right about how Northfield rightfully celebrates the DEFEAT of Jesse James and his gang of
thieves.The townspeople jumped into action.The poor bank teller was killed when he refused to open
the safe. Joseph Lee Heywood was a real HERO. Northfield has so many cool unique shops- all Indies.
no chain stores. No chain restaurants allowed either in the Historical District. Worth the drive!