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   

St. Benedict Painted Church
Event Date: March 10, 2026, at 12:30pm

The UMRA Photo Club will next meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony branch library in the small shopping center at New Brighton and St. Anthony Boulevards in St. Anthony, just north of the Twin Cities. For those interested in lunch, meet at the nearby Great Dragon Buffet at 11:30 a.m.

Family tree graphic
Event Date: March 11, 2026, at 10am

Please join the UMRA Family History Interest Group meeting on Wednesday, March 11, via Zoom, when Michelle Casey will present “DNA Testing and Analysis Using 23andMe, Ancestry, and MyHeritage.”

John Finnegan, professor and dean emeritus, SPH
Event Date: March 12, 2026, at 8:30am

Public health is extremely important—and right now it is very confusing. Join us to ask questions and share your thoughts and concerns about the current state of our public health system. 

Wednesday in the West Wing, 2025.02.18
Event Date: March 18, 2026, at 11:30am

Join fellow UMRA members for “Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" lunch at the Campus Club in Minneapolis. This is a pilot program for spring 2026. 

The Bohemian Flats, book cover
Event Date: March 20, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss The Bohemian Flats by Mary Relindes Ellis when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Jim Lewis will lead the discussion. 

Seabiscuit
Event Date: March 27, 2026, at 2pm

'Seabiscuit' by Laura Hillenbrand

The Trailhead building, Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis
Event Date: April 6, 2026, at 9:30am

Join fellow UMRA members for a morning hike in Theodore Wirth Park to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Monday, April 6. 

Chris Gade
Event Date: April 7, 2026, at 3pm

Chris Gade, VP for University marketing communications, will join UMRA members on Tuesday, April 7, for the first in a new series of informal “Campus Conversations” to be held at the Campus Club in Minneapolis. 

Yosemite
Event Date: April 13, 2026, at 12:30pm

This month's theme is mountains, valleys and canyons.

Event Date: April 15, 2026, at 11:30am

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

Rin Tin Tin, book cover
Event Date: April 17, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean when it meets via Zoom on Friday, April 17. Diane Madson-Kay will lead the discussion. 

Old Cedar Avenue bridge
Event Date: April 20, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev leads a hike along Old Cedar Avenue.

Terry Straub
Event Date: April 21, 2026, at 11am

Under Terry Straub's leadership, Hennepin County/UMN Extension has created the most ambitious master gardener program in Minnesota. His visit with us will feature the topic of lifelong gardening and how gardens can evolve with us and our life cycles.

North Woods, by Daniel Mason
Event Date: April 24, 2026, at 2pm

.

Alejandra Peña Gutiérrez
Event Date: April 28, 2026, at 11am

Ever wonder what goes on behind the shiny walls of the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus? 

UMRA Events
Event Date: May 13, 2026, at 10am

Family history with Craig Moody.  A tale with many dead ends.

Tulips at the Arboretum
Event Date: May 18, 2026, at 9:30am

Pete leads this hike at the Arboretum.

Event Date: May 20, 2026, at 11:30am

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

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

Bev leads at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

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.

Annual Calendar

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

Annual Calendar
 

Event Summaries

Event Date:

Event Date:

Event Date:

Event Date:

Event Date:

Event Date: