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   

Event Date: August 13, 2026, at 8:30am

You are invited to a discussion of the Minnesota midterm elections. We have set the date after the primary, which is on August 11 so we can discuss the candidates who will be in the election. 

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

Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.

Lady of the Lake cruise boat
Event Date: August 18, 2026, at 11am - 1:30pm

10:30 a.m. check in; 10:45 boarding; cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join UMRA friends and colleagues for a summer cruise and lunch aboard the Paradise Destiny II on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Paul Maravelas, sailor, historian, and author of The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka will join us to share stories from 200+ years of lake-dwellers. Come early or stay after the cruise to explore Excelsior, a charming small town on the big lake.

Ticket price includes lunch: chef's sandwich, garden salad, fruit, chips, and cookies. Coffee, iced tea, and lemonade are complimentary and there will be a cash bar for other beverages. A vegetarian sandwich can be selected during registration.

'Buckeye,' book cover
Event Date: August 21, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the debut novel Buckeye by Patrick Ryan when it meets via Zoom at 2 pm. on Friday, August 21. 

The Cause book cover.
Event Date: August 28, 2026, at 2pm

You are invited to join the discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis.

Taj Mahal
Event Date: September 8, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for September is "Monuments."

Lake of the Isles
Event Date: September 15, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev leads a Lake of the Isles hike with Isles Bun & Coffee afterwards.

Event Date: September 21, 2026, at 10am

Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.

The Stories of John Cheever
Event Date: September 25, 2026, at 2pm

A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever. 

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland
Event Date: September 30, 2026, at 10am

 The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.

William O'Brian State Park
Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 9:30am

Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.

Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 10am

Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.

Event Date: October 13, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for October is "Hands."

Event Date: October 15, 2026, at 3pm

UMF CEO John Morris

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Event Date: October 19, 2026, at 9:30am

Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.

UMRA Workshop
Event Date: October 20, 2026, at 11am

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Event Date: October 26, 2026, at 10am

Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.

UMRA Forum
Event Date: October 27, 2026, at 11am

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Event Date: November 2, 2026, at 10am

Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants. 

UMRA Workshop
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 11am

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Red River Valley
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for November is "Pathways and roadways"

Event Date: November 12, 2026, at 10am

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.

Event Date: November 16, 2026, at 10am

Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.

UMRA Forum
Event Date: November 17, 2026, at 11am

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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: