Aloha!
This one's for the team.
Our biggest celebration of the year is back at the ballpark, and 2026 goes full luau. A day built around the people of Sanford and the families who keep them going - capped by fireworks and a drone show.
Every August, Sanford takes over the ballpark for one reason: the people who show up all year deserve a day that's all about them. Bring the kids, bring your crew, and let us handle the rest.
More than 1,800 team members and their families joined in 2025 - our most popular celebration yet.
Relive last year
What it looked like in 2025
The "Back to the 90s" ballpark celebration topped every year before it. Here's a look back - then come help us top it again.
What's happening
A full day, with a luau twist
Live music, island performers, animals, a kids' zone, and a fireworks and drone finale.
Live concert & DJ
A live cover band and DJ keep the island party going right up to the finale.
Fireworks + drone finale
The night ends big: a fireworks show and a choreographed drone light show over the ballpark.
Island performers
Flowstate brings roaming, photo-friendly performers to the field - stilt walkers, LED and flow-arts, and themed characters.
Dakota Zoo animal encounters
Up-close visits with animal friends from the Dakota Zoo.
Family Fun Zone
Eight inflatables, laser tag, a craft zone, and island games - all in one corner built for the little ones.
Photos & keepsakes
Photo booth and photo stations, caricatures, face painting, and balloon artists.
Saturday, August 15 · 4 - 10 PM
Schedule of events
One day, plenty to do, at your own pace.
Gates open
Check in, grab a lei, and stop for photos. Bring your Sanford badge to speed things up.
Food service
Buffet, Paddle Trap entrees, and dessert and custom soda vendors open.
On-field entertainment
Flowstate's roaming island performers take the field.
Live concert begins
The cover band and DJ take the main stage.
Family Fun Zone open
Inflatables, laser tag, crafts, and games for the kids.
Fireworks + drone finale
The celebration closes with fireworks and a drone light show.
Final times are subject to confirmation. Your day-of guide with exact timing lands before August 15.
Built for the kids
The Family Fun Zone
Set on the grass by the batting cages, the Family Fun Zone is where the kids run wild - eight inflatables, laser tag, a craft zone, and island games, staffed all night so you can take a breath.
- Eight inflatables plus laser tag
- Crafts, caricatures, face painting & balloon artists
- Staffed the entire event, with more shaded seating this year
Dinner's on us
Here's what's included
Every guest gets the full spread - all part of your RSVP, no wallet required.
Catered buffet
A full picnic spread from the Bismarck Larks, served in the right field concourse.
Paddle Trap entree
Pick a local favorite from Paddle Trap - one entree for every guest.
Dessert or custom soda
One sweet treat or a custom soda from FOMO 10-40 Creamery, Mo's Snow Shack, or Soda Drop.
Something for every plate. Just ask at the line for:
Have a specific allergy or dietary need? Email info@funatixevents.com and we'll take care of it.Soft drinks & water
Pepsi non-alcoholic options and water stations throughout the ballpark.
Beer, seltzers & cocktails
Three themed bar stations serving beer, seltzers, and canned cocktails. Valid ID required.
What the team said
Straight from last year's crowd
From the 2025 post-event survey: 94% satisfaction and the highest marks of any year.
Sanford team member, 2025Best one yet. The kids were busy from the second we walked in, and we stayed all the way through the fireworks. This is the night our family looks forward to every year.
Sanford team member, 2025The concert and fireworks were the highlight. Great music, easy to find a spot, and it honestly felt like a celebration of us.
Sanford team member, 2025So much for the kids - the inflatables and laser tag kept them going for hours, and there was plenty to eat. A genuinely fun night for the whole family.
How RSVP works
Three steps, about two minutes
Reserving helps us set food, seating, and the Fun Zone around the right head count.
Reserve your passes
Grab a pass for each adult and each child coming with you.
Save your QR code
You'll get a QR code by email. Save it to your phone, and bring your Sanford badge.
Scan and enjoy
Show your QR code at the gate, grab a lei, and you're in.
RSVP by July 31, 2026 - spots are set by head count, so sooner is better.
Getting there
Location & parking
Bismarck Municipal Ballpark
Dakota Community Bank & Trust Field
303 W Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504
- Parking is free. Lots fill up early, so give yourself extra time to get in and parked.
- Street parking is available on the surrounding streets when the lots are full.
- Accessible parking is near the main entrance, with an attendant to help.
- Big group? Carpooling keeps the lots open and gets everyone in faster.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Who can come?
All Sanford Health team members, volunteers, and their families. RSVP is required for entry, and bringing your Sanford badge speeds up check-in.
When do I need to RSVP by?
The hard deadline is July 31, 2026. Spots and food are planned around head count, so the sooner you reserve, the better.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Your RSVP includes the catered buffet, a Paddle Trap entree, a dessert or custom soda, and Pepsi soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the cash bars (21+, valid ID).
Are there options for dietary needs?
Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. For a specific allergy or need, email info@funatixevents.com ahead of time and we'll take care of it.
What should we bring?
Lawn chairs and blankets for the concert, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for August weather. We'll have more shaded seating this year.
Are strollers and accessibility covered?
Strollers are welcome. ADA parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible seating are all available. Ask the event team at check-in for any specific needs.
What about pets?
Only service animals are permitted, out of caution for all attendees.
What if it rains?
The celebration runs rain or shine. If severe weather affects the day, we'll send updates by email and post them on this page.
Anything I can't bring?
No outside food or alcohol, weapons, fireworks, or personal drones. Water bottles are fine.
Relax on island time
Save your family's spot
Reserve your passes in about two minutes. RSVP closes July 31 - we'll see you at the ballpark.
RSVP now