Hometown tradition returns as Teapot Days kicks of June 17

The community of Tea is preparing for four days of family-friendly fun, entertainment, and hometown tradition as Teapot Days 2026 returns June 17-20. The annual celebration will feature a community picnic, carnival, parade, live music, food vendors, fireworks, sporting events, and numerous activities for residents and visitors of all ages.

The festivities begin Wednesday, June 17, with a free Community Tea Picnic from 5-7 p.m. and a Blood Mobile from 4-7 p.m. The evening will also include the crowning of Ma and Pa Teapot at 6:30 p.m. All Wednesday activities will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 335 W. First Street in Tea. 

Activities shift to Tea City Park on Thursday, June 18, as the Mighty Thomas Carnival opens from 5-10 p.m. on Brian Street near the park. Baseball fans can also catch the Tea Steam taking on the Renner Rangers, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Tea Athletic Complex.

Friday’s schedule features a full slate of events, including the Mighty Thomas Carnival from noon to 10 p.m. Youngsters can participate in the free Dakota Kids Pedal Pull, with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. and competition starting at 7 p.m. This event is open to ages 4-11 and will be held at the Tea Park Picnic Shelter.

Car enthusiasts will have an opportunity to showcase their vehicles during the TeaFest Show & Shine at the Tea Athletic Complex. Registration will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, with the event open to the public from 6-9 p.m. The evening will also feature a Park Beer Garden with music by Chris Graves from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. No outside coolers are allowed for this event. Food vendors will also be at the park from 5-9 p.m. Live entertainment by Dueling Duos will be featured at Squealer’s Smoke Shack, located at 840 Gateway Lane,  from 8-11 p.m.

Saturday’s activities begin early with the Tea Historical Society Pancake Breakfast from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Tea Community Hall, located at 200 W Maple. The museum will also be open that day from 7-10 a.m.

The Junior Achievement 5K Bacon Run/Walk will take place at the Tea Athletic Park, with registration at 8 a.m. and the race beginning at 8:30 a.m.

One of the festival’s most anticipated events, the Teapot Days Parade, will begin at 10 a.m. Participants may line up at Tea Area High School between 8 and 9:45 a.m. No pre-registration is required.

Additional Saturday activities include the Mighty Thomas Carnival from noon to 10 p.m., vendors in the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., food vendors  from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the TAPPS Bean Bag Tournament beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the park baseball court. The beer garden will open after the parade until 10:30 p.m. 

The Tea Aquatics Complex will offer free swimming from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday as well. 

Live music will be featured throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, with Power Play performing from 1-4 p.m. on the main stage, Chris Graves entertaining in the Beer Garden from 5-7:30 p.m., and John King taking the main stage from 8:30-10:15 p.m.

The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 10:15 p.m. on the east end of Tea City Park, followed by the Sky Lounge Street Dance featuring Sugar Daddy from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for those 21 and older.