Minnesota State Fair Ferris Wheel; photo by Robert Ferdinandt
Highlights this week include:
Sept. 2-5, Tracy
Box Car Days
Aug. 25 - Sept. 5, St. Paul
Minnesota State Fair
Sept. 2-3, McGregor
McGregor Wild Rice Days
Sept. 3-5, Rollag
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion
Sept. 1-4, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
Sept. 2-5, Tracy
Box Car Days
The 89th Annual Box Car Days celebration includes carnival rides and games, BBQ Cook-off, Grande Parade, live music, street dance, Build-Your-Own Burger Feed, Human Foosball, beer gardens, and a variety of tournaments. 507-629-4021
Sept. 2-5, Dundas
Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show
This annual event features steam & gas tractor exhibits, a flea market, swap meet, consignment auction, and Barta Pedal Tractor Pull. Dundas Showgrounds. 612-816-3131
Sept. 3 - Oct. 30 (Saturdays & Sundays, Fairmont
Fall Festival at Center Creek Orchard
Just some of the fun activities and highlights include hayrides, miniature golf, bounceland, Kids’ Korner, an apple sling, barrel rides, scarecrow building, super slide, giant maze, storytelling, scavenger hunt, crawling tunnels and haunted forest. Also enjoy fall treats such as caramel apples, apple cider slush, apple pie and apple crisp, all in a beautiful country setting! Center Creek Orchard. 507-773-4547
Sept. 10, Jackson
Prairie Winds Kite Fly
The Prairie Winds Kite Fly showcases spectacular show kites flown by professional kite flyers from seven states. Children will also enjoy making their own kite, the kids' candy drop, scavenger hunt, concessions, kite sales, and lots of kite flying. Jackson Municipal Airport. 507-847-3867
Sept. 10-11, Mantorville
Marigold Days
The 51st Annual Mantorville Marigold Days includes a huge antique and flea market, Melodramas performed by the Mantorville Theater Company, arts and crafts, quilt and flower show, live music and street dances, kids' fishing contest, history, bingo, grande parade, and fireworks display! 507-635-3551, 507-635-5519
Sept. 16-18, Mankato
Mahkato Pow Wow
The 44th Annual Traditional Wacipi honors the 38 Dakota warriors that were executed in Mankato on December 26, 1862. This event includes beautiful dancing and regalia, traditional music, delicious foods and authentic arts & crafts. Land of Memories Park. 507-514-5088, 507-387-3572
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Feb. 19 - Sept. 5, St. Paul
Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs
Get a rare, up-close look at nearly 20 mummies from ancient Peru and Egypt in this stunning exhibition. St. Paul is one of only four cities on this exclusive tour. Don’t miss it! Science Museum of Minnesota. 651-221-9444
June 17 - Sept. 5, St. Paul
Blooming Butterflies Returns!
Back by popular demand, Blooming Butterflies features a thriving butterfly habitat in a colorful 2,500 square foot greenhouse. This interactive exhibit houses over 100 species of butterflies from around the world. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. 651-487-8201
Aug. 20 - Oct. 2 (Saturdays & Sundays plus Labor Day & Sept. 30), Shakopee
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival features 16 stages of live entertainment, 7 themed weekends, live armored jousting, amazing food and drink, and 250 artisan booths. Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds. 952-445-7361
Aug. 25 - Sept. 5, St. Paul
Minnesota State Fair
Also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair features 12 days of food on a stick, agricultural exhibits, parades, entertainment, midway rides & games, animals and so much more! Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-288-4400
Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, Stillwater
Aamodts Apple Farm Fall Fun
Depending on the weekend, just some of the fall family activities include hay wagon rides, Honeycrisp Express kids' train rides, hay bale maze, apple picking, apple treats in the apple barn, and John Deere tractor trikes. Aamodts Apple Farm. 651-439-3127
Sept. 3, Taylors Falls
Wine and Chocolate Cruise
Enjoy fine chocolate, local Winehaven wines and a romantic dinner at sunset aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat on the scenic the St. Croix River. 651-465-6315, 651-465-6365
Sept. 3-5, Elk River
Threshing Weekend
Join the Kelley farmhands as they bring grain bundles in from the fields, thresh the grain in an 1856 horse-powered Cox and Roberts Tthreshing Machine, help bag up the grain and rake away the straw. Oliver Kelley Farm. 763-441-6896
Sept. 5, Stillwater
Waldfest at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter
Party in the pines with The Artie Schaefer Band, and enjoy great beer and brats in the garden. Free admission. Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter. 651-439-7128
Sept. 7-28 (Sundays), Eagan
Eagan Market Fest
Purchase freshgrown produce, hand-made foods and fine arts, learn from vendors about healthy living, and enjoy live music and performances, cooking demonstrations, and activities for all ages. Free admission and parking. Central Park. 651-675-5546
Sept. 10, St. Paul
Fiesta Latina
CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio) is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with the 2016 Fiesta Latina, a free outdoor celebration of family, community and Latino culture. Just some of the highlights include fun activities in the Arts Village, resources and free screenings in the Health and Wellness Village, and soccer matches, Zumba and fitness programs in the Fitness Village! Also enjoy ongoing live music, folkloric dance performances, and delicious Latino cuisine! CLUES on 7th Street. 651-379-4237
Sept. 10, Minneapolis
Eric Andre Live!
Don't miss Eric Andre's high-energy comedy show in the Main Room at First Avenue. 612-338-8388
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances - tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Aug. 31
Alabama with special guest Levon at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Sept. 1
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sept. 1
The Minnesota Show with Garrison Keillor at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Sept. 2
The Current's Music On-A-Stick featuring Weezer at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Sept. 3
Minnesota State Fair Amateur Contest Finals at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Sept. 4
Trace Adkins at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Sept. 4
Bonnie Raitt with special guest The Richard Thompson Trio at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Sept. 5
Blink 182, A Day to Remember & All American Rejects at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Sept. 8
The Australian Pink Floyd Show at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 8
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Sept. 15
Blake Shelton at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 16
Festival Palomino -Trampled By Turtles & Guests at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Sept. 17
WWE Presents NXT Live at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Sept. 18
Leon Bridges at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Sept. 28
Celtic Thunder Legacy at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Sept. 30
Gavin DeGraw & Andy Grammer at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Sept. 30
Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 2
Megadeth at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Oct. 4
Central Minnesota
Sept. 2-3, McGregor
McGregor Wild Rice Days
Every Labor Day weekend thousands of people come to enjoy the fine arts & crafts, great food & music, fun games & activities, and festive parade during McGregor Wild Rice Days. 218-768-3692
Sept. 2-3, Nimrod
Nimrod Labor Day Bull Bash
The 14th Annual Nimrod Labor Day Bull Bash features live bull riding action, Muttin' Bustin', and live music each night. Free camping is available. Meech Bucking Bulls. 218-639-3673
Sept. 3-4, Pine River
Arts Off 84 Art Crawl
Watch for the Art Crawl signs guiding you to artist studios along scenic Highway 84 between Pine River and Longville. This juried event features high end art forms and quality handcrafted items. 218-682-2916
Sept. 9-11, Pine River
Pine River Heritage Days
See the newly restored Pine River Railroad Depot which has been added to the National Register of Historic Buildings! Enjoy a High Tea and quilt show, and check out an 1830s encampment featuring historical displays, tepees, and fur traders. Railroad Depot and Forbes Park. 218-587-4000
Sept. 10-11, Little Falls
Little Falls Arts & Crafts & Market Place
Little Falls is host to one of the nation's largest arts & crafts show. Enjoy handmade crafts from more than 600 artists from across the nation, as well as specialty foods from roughly 50 vendors. Downtown Little Falls. 320-632-5155
Sept. 16-18, Alexandria
Carlos Creek Grape Stomp & Fall Festival
Experience a real Grape Stomp and Fall Festival! Festivities include grape stomping, wine sampling, music by 12 bands, 150 art, marketplace & food vendors, The Great American Lumberjack Show, chainsaw carving, and a Man Cave featuring Schell's Beer. On Friday, also enjoy firedancers and fireworks! Carlos Creek Winery. 320-846-5443
Northwest Minnesota
June 10 - Sept. 10, Akeley
The Woodtick Theater Show
The Woodtick Band is back for their 25th season of foot-stompin', hand-clappin', fun, lively musical entertainment at the famed Woodtick Musical Theatre. 218-652-4200
Sept. 3-4, Cass Lake
Wii Gitchie Ni Mi Dim Annual Traditional Competition Pow Wow
This traditional Pow Wow features grand entries, competitions, beautiful regalia, great food and Native American craft vendors. Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds. 218-308-3680
Sept. 3-4, Longville
Arts Off 84 Art Crawl
Watch for the many Art Crawl signs guiding you to artist studios along scenic Highway 84 between Longville and Pine River. This juried event features high end art forms as well as quality handcrafted items by local artists. 218-363-2630
Sept. 3-5, Rollag
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion
Every Labor Day weekend since 1954, generations of threshermen and women gather to relive the tradition of the good ol’ days and bring the past to life for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Featured this year are Minneapolis Threshing Machine Company, Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Company, Moline Plow Works, and Minneapolis Moline tractors and equipment. 701-212-2034
Sept. 10, Walker
Ethnic Fest
The 24th Annual Ethnic Fest features ethnic music, crafts and cuisine from around the world, with performances on four stages. 218-547-1313, 800-833-1118
Sept. 10, Detroit Lakes
Fairytale Ball
Bring your little Prince or Princess to meet their favorite royalty! Take pictures with the Snow Sisters, visit Snow White at the Candy Buffet, and dance with Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and more! Children 6 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Historic Holmes Theater. 651-494-4566
Sept. 17, Longville
Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest festivities include amazing German food, fun and music, as well as an arts & craft fair, Fall Festival/Bazaar, beer gardens, book sale, German dinner & dance event, and Quick Draw Art Contest. 218-363-2630, 800-756-7583
Northeast Minnesota
Sept. 1-4, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
Celebrate pride in the Twin Ports over Labor Day Weekend with the Mayor’s Reception & Weekend Kickoff Party, family picnic, Vinyl Party, Party X, Hummingbird Family 5K, Pride’s Block Party, Youth Pride, worship services, Pride Parade, Fruit Float, The Foo Foo Choo Choo, and annual Drag Show Fundraiser. 218-761-0726
Sept. 3-4, Ely
Fest du Nord
Enjoy two afternoons of family-friendly concerts at the YMCA's Camp du Nord with performances by the Okee Dokee Brothers, Jeremy Messersmith, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, the Roe Family Singers, and many more! Complete details. 218-365-5677, 651-645-6605
Sept. 3-4, Pine City
Pine City PRCA Championship Rodeo
This annual PRCA Championship Rodeo includes rodeo performances each night, followed by dancing to live music. Heidelberger Arena. 320-629-1122
Sept. 9-11, Ely
Fall Harvest Moon Festival
This three-day festival features arts and crafts by more than 125 artists and crafters, as well as great food, live entertainment and activities for all ages. Over 10,000 people typically join in the fun! Whiteside Park. 218-365-6123
Sept. 9-16, Grand Marais
Plein Air Grand Marais
Plein Air artists leave the studio and celebrate the unique beauty of the North Shore landscape by turning blank canvasses into exquisite works of art. Artists will be based in Cook County, Minnesota from the Canadian Border to the Caribou River in Schroeder. View these beautiful creations Sept. 17 - Nov. 13 at the Johnson Heritage Post and Grand Marais Art Colony. 218-387-2737
Sept. 10-11, Rush City
Andersons Rock Creek Relics Threshing and Sawing Show
The 27th Annual Threshing and Sawing Show features one of the largest displays of antique farm machinery in East Central Minnesota. In addition, enjoy live music, great food, children's games and crafts, a pedal pull, tractor and car parade, and the 6th Annual Corn Maze! 320-358-3130, 612-600-8760
Sept. 16-17, Duluth
Duluth Hot Air Balloon Festival & Craft Brew Village
Highlights of these two large festivals include free hot air balloon demonstrations, education and rides, food and merchandise vendors, live music, kite flying, and the Craft Beer Village! Bayfront Festival Park. 218-628-9996, 218-628-9995
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