Programs & Events

UMRA hosts two organization-wide events each month during the academic year, some in person and some online. Interest groups, committees, and other groups also hold many events each month.

Forum & Living Well Workshop   

 

Upcoming Events   

Modig family torp in Sweden
Event Date: May 13, 2026, at 10am

Craig Moody’s Swedish ancestors were among the 60,000 Swedes who chose to emigrate to the U.S. between 1868 and 1871, because of the poor economic conditions in their homeland. He has spent the last nine years investigating their history.

Paul Schanfield, MD
Event Date: May 14, 2026, at 8:30am

Back problems as we age and how we can treat them will be the discussion topic for the UMRA Breakfast meeting on Thursday, May 14. Paul Schanfield, MD, will be our expert resource person. He is a retired neurologist, a member of UMRA, and has personal experience with back surgery.

The Alchemy of Us, book cover
Event Date: May 15, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another by Ainissa Ramirez when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 15. 

Golden Lights Azalea in the U of M Landscape Arboretum
Event Date: May 18, 2026, at 9:30am

Peter Moe, retired University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Director and UMRA member, will lead this hike.

Two groups at the third Wednesday luncheon.
Event Date: May 20, 2026, at 11:30am

"Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" is a pilot program for spring 2026. 

Presumed Innocent, book cover
Event Date: May 22, 2026, at 2pm

A 1987 classic, cited as the gold standard of modern legal thrillers.

Hyland Lake Park
Event Date: June 1, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev leads at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

Age-Friendly University Day exhibitors, 2024
Event Date: June 8, 2026, at 8:30am - 2:15pm

Connect, explore new ideas for what it means to live and age well, and celebrate a community of continuous learning at the fifth annual Age-Friendly University Day to be held on the U of M Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis on Monday, June 8.

Boxes and garbage containers
Event Date: June 9, 2026, at 12:30pm

Abandoned and discarded is the theme for the UMRA Photo Club meeting in June. Newcomers are welcome.

Afton State Park
Event Date: June 15, 2026, at 9:30am

Michael leads this hike at Afton State Park.

Como Pavillion summer social
Event Date: June 24, 2026, at 11am

We will gather in the Waterfall Room for an in-person, summer social and luncheon for UMRA members and guests on June 24th. Our event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the always popular Summer Social Trivia Game with quizmasters Dave Dorman and Mark Jenson.

Bde Maka Ska
Event Date: July 13, 2026, at 9:30am

Kayaking at Lake Bde Maka Ska.

Minnehaha Falls
Event Date: August 3, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev leads the Nokomis walk to Minnehaha Falls.

hiking trail
Event Date: August 17, 2026, at 9:30am

Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.

Annual Calendar

See all UMRA events. Preview future program topics; scan the diverse topics and speakers for the entire year. 

Annual Calendar