Native American dancer
Highlights this week include:
May 25-27, Mankato Dakota Honoring
May 27-29, St. Paul Memorial Day Weekend at Historic Fort Snelling
May 27-28, Onamia American Indian Music Fest, Art Market & Minnesota American Indian Stories & Storytellers Film Festival
May 27-28, Park Rapids Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Tour, Spotting Spring Birds, Wildflower Walk, and Itasca's Music Under the Pines Concert
May 26-28, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen & Grand Marais Boom to Ghost Town & Memorial Weekend Art Along the Lake
Southern Minnesota
May 25-27, Mankato Dakota Honoring This three-day Dakota Honoring event features a concert by Broken Walls, talks by Dakota elders, gift-giving ceremonies, honor guards, drummers, traditional honor meal, and food blessing baskets. On Saturday, May 27, two professional educators with the U of M Raptor Center will offer an eagle program with a live bald eagle, hands-on teaching tools such as feathers, wings, skulls, and feet, Q & A, and excellent close-up photo opportunities. This year marks 155 years since the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 when 38 Dakota warriors were hung in Mankato. New Creation World Outreach Church. 507-380-5241
May 26-28, Clarks Grove, north of Albert Lea Revival Music & Art Festival Revival is a diverse musical affair with its primary focus on improvisational grooves, jam sessions, string pickers and epic storytellers of all types. Curl up to a campfire, camp with friends old and new, and share the peaceful energy and love of live music. The Harmony Playground is on the banks of Lake Geneva under the shade and wisdom of the ancient Burr Oak forest. Harmony Park.
May 27-28, Dundas/Northfield Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Show, Flea Market & Swap Meet The 18th Annual Flea Market & Swap Meet will also include a consignment auction, Barta Pedal Tractor Pull, and steam and gas tractor exhibits. Rice County Steam & Gas Engine Show Grounds. 612-816-3131
June 2-4, Owatonna Smokin' In Steele Smokin' in Steele is a Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Competition and live blues music event featuring professional BBQ competitors, ongoing blues music, children's activities, family bike cruise, 5K Fun Run, hot rod show, Kids' Q Competition, antique tractor display and parade, and lots of great food and beverage vendors -- a smokin' good time! Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-455-1428, 507-279-4015
June 2-4, Luverne Buffalo Days Buffalo Days festivities include a vehicle cruise-in, street dance, parade, and historic re-enactments at local cemeteries. And on Saturday, June 3, attend the Arts in the Park event with over 100 fine art & crafts vendors, local & international cuisine, free inflatables, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, the Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest, and REFIT demonstrations. Most events at the Luverne City Park. 507-283-4061
June 3, Lanesboro Rhubarb Festival 13th annual Rhubarb Festival includes a wide array of festivities including the Rhubarb Run along the beautiful Root River Trail, special produce and treats at the Lanesboro Farmers Market, free rhubarb games, rhubarb tasting contest, rhubarb fashion show, an educational zoo, a Story Tree, Rhub-Art opportunities, and music by The Rhubarb Sisters, Bandanas, Hubba, and Tom Schramm and the LPs! 507-467-2696
June 9-11, Morton Lower Sioux Wacipi The 40th Annual Lower Sioux Wacipi is a celebration of Native American heritage. This event showcases the music, dance and spirituality of the Dakota nation. In addition, enjoy fun runs, flag raising, the Grand Entry, and community meals. Wacipi Grounds. 507-697-6185
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
April 29–May 28 (Thursdays-Sundays) , St. Paul Sweet Land, The Musical Sweet Landis a poignant, lyrical celebration of land, love, and the American immigrant experience. In 1920. Inge Altenberg journeys to America to marry a bachelor farmer, sight unseen. But in the wake of WWI, Inge's German heritage turns her new neighbors against the match. Sweet Land reminds us of who we are - and where we came from. History Theatre. 651-292-4323
May 26-27, Chanhassen Reason to Believe - A Night of Vintage Rod Stewart & Stronger Than Pride - The Passionate Songs of Sade On May 26, don't miss a tribute to Rod Stewart from his early solo days through the '80s with the legendary band The Faces. Rocking hits and achingly beautiful ballads performed by Mick Sterling's band features strings, saxophone and the nuanced, powerful lead vocals of Cate Fierro! And of May 27, hear the passionate hits (Smooth Operator, Sweetest Taboo) of Sade sung by Twin Cities' frontwoman Cate Fierro, along with Katie Gearty, Sara Renner, Norm Blagman, and a powerful band. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
May 27, Prior Lake Boston: Hyperspace Tour Have you ever wondered how Boston creates their unearthly sounds? See for yourself at a live show on Boston's Hyper Space Tour! Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel. 952-496-6563
May 27-29, St. Paul Memorial Day Weekend at Historic Fort Snelling On Memorial Day Weekend, explore the grounds, visit with costumed interpreters and engage with the many stories that make up the site's history. Learn about American Indian history, hear about life for African Americans at Fort Snelling, watch demonstrations like cannon firings, hearth cooking, blacksmithing and more, and join in historic games and the History Scavenger Hunt. Historic Fort Snelling. 612-726-1171
May 28, Scandia Immigrant for a Day! Step back in time to the 1850's with immigrant-inspired family events at the old, small farm known as Gammelgarden Museum. Visit each of the five historic and fully furnished buildings for free. Come dressed in period costume to add to your experience. And be sure to check out the main exhibit in the Välkommen Hus and the Butik gift shop. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053, 651-433-5054
May 28, St. Paul Soundset 2017 Experience the best hip-hop and all of its elements with your friends across 4 stages, with nearly 40 acts peforming. Also enjoy live painting, a DJ & Dance Tent, skate course, custom car show, rides on the ferris wheel, and popular Minnesota food trucks and drinks. Minnesota State Fair Grounds.
June 2-4, St. Paul International Gem & Jewelry Show The International Gem & Jewelry Show is one of the largest exhibitions of gems, minerals and jewelry in the world. The show features one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, gorgeous wedding bands and engagement rings, exotic gems, beads, exquisite fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, estate collections and much more. This event offers convenience, selection, and value, all in one place. The Progress Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 301-294-1640
June 3, St. Paul St. Anthony Park Arts Festival The 48th Annual St. Anthony Park Arts Festival brings together artists, musicians, art lovers, families and a supportive community. The festival features more than 70 high quality artists, as well as a community area, plant and book sales, art activities, good food and great music. The picturesque library grounds of the charming St. Anthony neighborhood. 612-564-2787
June 3, Minneapolis AZUL - Wild Night AZUL’s 6th annual Wild Night Gala is a night of fantastic entertainment, unique auction items, Zoomobile animals, and more. This is the wildest young professionals’ gala in the Twin Cities for a great cause: saving wildlife! Ages 21+. The Mansion at Uptown. 952-431-9200, 952-431-9500
June 3, St. Paul Minneapolis/St Paul Mini Maker Faire Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show their hobbies, experiments, projects. It is the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth, a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand. 612-824-4394
June 4, St. Paul Grand Old Day Take part is Saint Paul's first rite of summer, Grand Old Day, featuring 30 blocks of fun! Highlights include more than 20 music acts on 7 stages, a giant parade, Family Fun District, Minnesota-Made "It's Local" District, Sports & Wellness District, lots of food and beverage vendors, and variety of games and activities. St. Paul's Grand Avenue from Dale Avenue to Wheeler Avenue. 651-699-0029
June 10, Minneapolis Northern Spark Join tens of thousands of people and explore the city's great cultural institutions, play in temporary street installations, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces and under bridges. Venues throughout Minneapolis. 888-676-6757
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances: Neil Diamond 50th Anniversary Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 24 Gov't Mule at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 25 Everclear 20th Anniversary Tour at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, May 26 Boston: Hyper Space Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, May 27 Soundset 2017 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, May 28 Diana Krall at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 2 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers with Very Special Guest Joe Walsh at the Xcel Energy Center, June 3 Rent (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 6-11 Willie Nelson at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 9 Jamm Dance Company Present Jamm Nation at the Ames Center, June 9-10 Wayne Brady at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 10 Motown - The Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 11-16 Celtic Woman at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 13 The Total Package Tour: NKOTB with Paula Abdul & Boyz II Men at the Xcel Energy Center, June 14 Seth Meyers at the Historic State Theatre, June 16 Demetri Martin: Let's Get Awkward Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 17 Seu Jorge Presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 17 Don Henley at the Xcel Energy Center, June 18 Bethel Music - A Night of Worship at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, June 19 Adam Sandler: Here Comes the Funny Tour at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, June 21 Lionel Richie at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, June 22 Led Zeppelin 2 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, June 25 King Crimson at the Historic State Theatre, June 26 The Moody Blues: Days of Future Passed 50th Anniversary Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 27 Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
May 26-28, Brainerd Street Car Showdown The 9th Annual Street Car Showdown features Muscle Car Series drag racing and SCCA Harvey West Classic road racing. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
May 26-28, Hutchinson 4th Street Circuit Told in a series of vignettes, this original play navigates emotions and the complex evolution of relationships. Explore discovery, love, loss, and hope all with authentic comedy and genuine moments of vulnerability through a contemporary perspective. Hutchinson Center for the Arts. 320-587-7278
May 27, Onamia American Indian Music Fest & Art Market Enjoy a day of music performed by some of the premier American Indian musicians from Minnesota, as well as local musicians from the Mille Lacs Band performing flute music and hand drum songs. From May 27-29, meet American Indian artists as they discuss and demonstrate their artwork. Also learn about the various materials used and the meaning of their pieces. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
May 28, Onamia Minnesota American Indian Stories & Storytellers Film Festival View short and feature films by and about Minnesotan American Indians throughout the day. Each screening will include an introduction by the directors or subjects of the films and will be followed by an audience Q&A session. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
June 2-4, Richmond Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff This three day outdoor music and camping festival features stage shows by twenty regional bluegrass, old-time, and related acoustic music groups. Also enjoy workshops, food vendors, jam sessions, and a campground with horseback riding, boat rental, fishing, and a swimming beach. El Rancho Manana Campground. 800-635-3037
June 3, Little Falls Families on the WW1 Home Front Tour When the United States entered World War I, its citizens were called to do their patriotic duty and support the war effort. Costumed interpreters portraying the Lindbergh family and neighbors will provide insights into the daily lives of Minnesotans at home during the war. Hear inside stories about farming for the war effort, assist a Red Cross volunteer and learn about the ways Minnesota life changed during the war. Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Home. 320-616-5421
June 9-10, Nisswa Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival Enjoy a celebration of Scandinavian and Scandinavian/American folk music in the northwoods. Performers travel from all over the world to come and play at this festival. In addition to performances by 150 folk musicians from throughout America and Scandinavia performing on 3 stages, there will be workshops, day-long dancing opportunities on two dance floors, dance instruction, a cultural children's activity tent, and great Scandinavian food, all under the shade of the majestic Norway pines. Nisswa Pioneer Village. 218-764-2994, 800-950-9610
Northwest Minnesota
April 26 - June 17, East Grand Forks Hope and Freedom: Mending the Soul by Christine Foster Christine's artwork tells the stories of abuse survivors who have not only survived but have experienced hope and freedom. Riverwalk Centre. 218-399-0162
May 26, Mahnomen Chris Young In 2015, Young released the single, "I'm Comin' Over," his sixth #1 single on the Country Music charts. Hear all of his chart-topping singles! Shooting Star Casino. 218-935-2711
May 27, Moorhead Dollar-A-Day Boys: Music and Storytelling About the CCC in Minnesota Michigan-based author/songwriter Bill Jamerson's program about the Civilian Conservation Corps includes telling stories, reading excerpts from his novel, and performing original songs with his guitar. The program is as entertaining as it is important; as honest as it is fun. Buffalo River State Park. 218-498-2124
May 27, Park Rapids Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Tour Get a feel for the early 1900s community of Lake Itasca by exploring various buildings including a country school, dove-tail one-room log house and a logging museum. The tour begins promptly at 10 a.m.at the Levorsen Building at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds. The showgrounds is located just outside the North Entrance to Itasca State Park. Itasca State Park on May 27. 218-699-7251.
May 27-28, Park Rapids Spotting Spring Birds, Wildflower Walk, and Itasca's Music Under the Pines Concert On May 27, discover the songs and sights of Minnesota's spring migratory birds! Birders of all levels are welcome. Later that morning, take a wildflower walk and search for spring wildflowers with a park naturalist. On May 28, enjoy acoustic "folkgrass," a mix of bluegrass, folk and original music performed by Julie and Bill Kaiser inside historic Forest Inn. Use Itasca State Park's south entrance located 23 miles north of Park Rapids on U.S. Hwy. 71. 218-699-7251
June 2-4, Fargo/Moorhead Fargo-Moorhead Crossroads Contest Powwow Enjoy performances by the nation's finest Native American dancers and singers competing at the 2nd Annual International Powwow. Designed to promote cultural awareness and expose the public to contest powwow, this is an opportunity to see and hear the different songs and styles of dance of the area's many tribes. Scheels Arena. 701-356-7656
June 3-10, Hawley Hawley Rodeo Fest Enjoy an entire week of events starting on June 3 with Breakfast on the Farm at Kasin Farms. Other festivities include Country Cowboy Church Service, horse show, pageants, team roping, health fair, and John Deere Day of Play. On Saturday, June 10, enjoy a full day of activities such as a 5K Walk/Run, vendor market & street fair, water wars, community picnic, bounce houses, pie & ice cream social, and kiddie & grand parades. PRCA Barnes Rodeo performances will be offered Friday and Saturday, June 9 & 10. Most events at the rodeo grounds. 218-483-3331
June 10-11, Bemidji Bemidji Bird City Celebration Bemidji is Minnesota’s newest ‘Bird City!" Join the celebration and learn about native birds through programs and birding tours, and find out what local groups are doing to make Bemidji a 'bird-friendly' town! Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji State University, and Cameron Park Pavilion. 218-444-3915
Northeast Minnesota
May 5-26, Grand Rapids Little Big Show During the month of May, the MacRostie Art Center’s Minnesota Gallery will be filled with miniature pieces of artwork from more than 40 artists. The works of art are no larger than 12 inches in any dimension and are priced at no more than $100. Mediums include ceramic art, sculpture, textile art, collage, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint, drawing, photography and more. The collage artwork of local artist Krista Matison will be featured in this year’s miniatures exhibition. MacRostie Art Center. 218-326-2697
May 20-28, Duluth Duluth Dylan Fest The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest includes a wide array of events including live music performances, pub trivia, poetry readings, Blood on the Tracks Express rolling train ride, Dylan Fest Singer Songwriter Contest, Duluth to Hibbing and Back Dylan Bus Tour, Dylan-themed Art Show, and more! Venues throughout Duluth. 218-391-6299
May 26-28, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen & Grand Marais Boom to Ghost Town & Memorial Weekend Art Along the Lake In the early 1950s, rumors swirled around Schroeder, Tofte and Lutsen that a mining company was going to build a dock and a power plant at Two Island. The Boom to Ghost Town exhibit at the Cross River Heritage Center depicts how excited residents dreamed of well-paying, stable jobs and increased economic opportunity. After the exhibit, check out the artwork at various artist studios along Lake Superior. Complete list of activities and demonstrations. 218-387-2524, 218-663-7706
June 2-4, Grand Marais Northern Landscapes Festival Explore the spring explosion of life and discover the birds, wildflowers, insects of this dynamic and rich northern landscape. Participation in the festival is open to anyone interested in hands-on learning. Field-focused courses form the backbone of the event with multiple evening and afternoon programs in biology, beauty and biodiversity. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
June 3-4, Duluth Duluth Air & Aviation Expo The largest air show in Minnesota returns to Duluth on June 3-4, 2017 featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Luke's, will be the first air show in Minnesota history to feature two major jet demonstration teams! Duluth International Airport. 218-628-9995
June 8-10, Grand Rapids The Wizard of Oz Festival (At Judy Garland's Birth Home) Come Celebrate the Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland with some very special events including a talent contest, Oz & Judy Jeopardy, high tea & music, Introduction to Oz by historian and documentarian John Fricke, outdoor showing of The Wizard of Oz on a jumbo screen, Dash for the Ruby Slippers 5K, and Emerald City Fest. 218-327-9276, 218-326-1900
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