Highlights this week include:
June 22-24, Pipestone
Watertower Festival
June 23-25, St. Paul
Back to the 50's Weekend
June 22-24, Brainerd
Lakes Jam Music Festival
June 23-24, Moorhead
Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival
June 24-25, Duluth
Park Point Art Fair
Southern Minnesota
June 17-24, Rochester
Rochesterfest
Rochesterfest is a huge celebration with countless activities. Highlights include a treasure hunt for the medallion, country breakfast on the farm, 5K Relay for Life, Rochester Hangar Fly In & Dance, K-9 Carnival, Juneteenth Celebration, MPR Open House, live music, beer gardens & food vendors, ice cream social, book sale, Bubbleball, World Culture at the Fest, Family Fun Night, KidDISCO, Hot Air Balloon Glow, TGIF Bash!, Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Rally, Root River Wagon Rides, Grand Parade, and Party in the Park! Venues throughout Rochester. 507-285-8769
June 22-24, Pipestone
Watertower Festival
The 28th Annual Watertower Festival commemorates the restoration of the city's 1921 concrete water tower -- one of only two structures of its kind remaining in the United States. Enjoy three days of fun including theatre performances, street dance & live music, arts & crafts fair, Ghost Walks, classic car show, inflatables, kids' and adult pedal pulls, fun runs, and one of the largest parades in southwest Minnesota! Downtown Pipestone. 507-825-3316
June 22-24, Granite Falls
Western Fest and Stampede Rodeo
The 29th Annual Western Fest includes three nights of non-stop PRCA rodeo action, mutton bustin' challenges for the little cowboys and cowgirls, free pony rides, a Grande Parade, and street dances on Friday and Saturday. LeeMar Ranch. 320-564-4039
June 23-24, Mankato
Solstice Outdoor Music Festival
Solstice is Mankato's major outdoor summer event with music by local and regional musicians playing Rock, Americana & Country Music. Also enjoy the 4th Annual Mankato’s Kids Got Talent Contest, and lots of arts, crafts and food vendors. Festival and camping at Land of Memories Park & Campground. 507-340-6809
June 30 - July 4, Austin
Freedom Fest
Celebrate our Independence Day with parades, Mini Piggy Fun run, the Golden Duck Hunt, arts & craft vendors, kids' fishing contest, 25-mile bike race, street dance, live music by numerous acts, Parking Lot Party, car show, outdoor movie, free rides & slides, and giant fireworks display. 507-437-4561
June 30, Welch/Red Wing
Impractical Jokers starring The Tenderloins
Don't miss truTV's Impractical Jokers starring The Tenderloins when they return to The Island for an all-new live show with never-before-seen videos and jokes based on the comedy style of their hit TV show. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-6300
June 30, Faribault
Church of Cash
Returning for their second time, this band has wowed audiences with their authentic sound and classic feel. What Church of Cash has that no one else can match is their loyalty to the song and the message that Johnny left to all of us. The band merely keeps this word alive with a youthful spirit. A topnotch tribute act. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
July 3-4, Welch/Red Wing
Island Block Party
Celebrate summer with a bang and take part in this huge outdoor celebration featuring live outdoor music, live outdoor music, huge carnival with rides, games, food trucks and the largest fireworks display around. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-6300
July 4, Fairmont
Heritage Acres Annual Music Festival
Enjoy a day filled with country, bluegrass & old-time music, all amidst historic buildings. Heritage Acres. 507-236-1257
July 6-23, Winona
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Since 2007, the Minnesota Beethoven Festival has celebrated the music and legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven, in an unequaled environment of performance, discovery, and community, nestled in the quaint bluffs of southeast Minnesota. Complete schedule of performances. 507-474-9055
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
June 16 – July 4, White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake Manitou Days
White Bear Lake's three-week summer festival serves up more than 70 events, including Marketfest, a medallion hunt, Beach Dance, Grande Parade, concerts, Yogadevotion on the Beach, Sandcastles & Creatures Building Contest, movie in the park, 12th Annual White Bear Lake Classic & Vintage Boat Show, contests, and fireworks. Venues throughout White Bear lake. 651-653-5122
June 22–24, St. Paul
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is a three-day music festival with headline acts on multiple public stages in and around Mears Park, plus performances at over 20 area clubs, bars and studio venues. Recognized as one of the region's premiere music festivals, Jazz Fest brings top Jazz artists to Saint Paul to share the joy of jazz with thousands of people. 612-308-5785
June 22-25, Oakdale
Oakdale Summerfest
The annual Oakdale Summerfest includes fun carnival rides & games, beer gardens, free concerts, sports demonstrations, a Grande Parade, and 5K & 10K runs. Venues throughout Oakdale. 651-730-2722
June 22 - July 4, Roseville
Rosefest
Rosefest celebrates community traditions of health and wellness, arts and entertainment, fun and fresh air for people of all ages. Enjoy the annual Rose Parade, Party in the Park, music &theatre performances, Superhero Carnival, Run for the Roses 5K & 10K, Great American Backyard Campout & Campfire, carnival activities, inflatable fun, puppet shows and food vendors. Central Park. 651-792-7000
June 23-25, St. Paul
Back to the 50's Weekend
The Minnesota Street Rod Association's Back to the 50's Weekend features more than 11,000 street rods, customs and classics. Other highlights include live entertainment, classic car auction, model car contest, and the Cruise-N-Art Craft Fair. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-641-1992
June 24, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Pride Festival
The 2017 Twin Cities Pride Festival features over 400 exhibitors, 4 stages with music and entertainment, and 40 food and beverage booths. The Pride Parade will take run along 3rd Street from Willow/Loring Park to Portland Avenue on Sunday, June 25. Loring Park. 612-255-3260
June 24-25, Eagan
Eagan Art Festival
The Eagan Art Festival is a two-day show featuring fine art and original handmade crafts by over 100 artisans. Visitors will also enjoy music performances, children's activities, and a variety of tasty foods. Central Park Festival Grounds. 651-675-5500
June 25, Minneapolis
Scandinavian Summer Fest
The popular, annual Midsommer Celebration has joined with Norway Day and Svenskarnas Dag to create a huge celebration -- Scandinavian Summer Fest! Highlights include Scandinavian music, food, vendors, demonstrations, a 5K Fun Run, Royalty Coronation, outdoor church service, the raising of the maypole, coronation of Miss Svenskarnas Dag, and dancing and singing programs. Minnehaha Falls Park. 612-861-4793, 612-825-8808
June 25, Minneapolis
Uptown Food Truck Festival
This is one of the Twin Cities' most popular & delicious free events. Guests enjoy amazing food served up by more than 60 food trucks, as well as entertainment by bands & DJs, great beer and other refreshments, games and giveaways! Lake Street & Hennepin Avenue. 763-220-2380
June 30 - July 4, Forest Lake
Forest Lake 4th of July Celebration
This multi-day event has grown in size and popularity, ranking among the largest Independence Day celebrations in the Midwest. Highlights include carnival rides & games, live music, DJs & dancing, parade, food vendors, and fireworks display on the 4th. 651-464-2600
June 30 - July 4, Delano
Delano Fourth of July Celebration
Enjoy Minnesota's oldest and largest Fourth of July Celebration with carnival rides & games, live music & performances on the Entertainment and Family stages, Kiddie & Grande parades, Craft Beer Social, great fair food, tournaments, huge fireworks display, and much more. 763-972-6756
July 2, St. Paul
Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus
The producers of the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists have teamed up with the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse to present a thrilling turn -of-the-century circus spectacular. Witness the most unique, amazing and dangerous circus acts, from strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers, high wire and more. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. 651-224-4222
July 3-4, Eagan
July 4th Funfest
Eagan's Funfest includes a colorful parade, thrilling rides, carnival games, live music, bike parade, Royal Brain Freeze, and the region's largest display of fireworks. Central Park. 651-675-5546
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Adam Sandler: Here Comes the Funny Tour at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 21
Lionel Richie at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 22
Tig Notaro with special guest Fortune Feimster at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 22
Joe Rogan - Strange Times 2017 Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 23
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 in Minneapolis, June 27
Dancing with the Stars: Live! at the Historic State Theatre, June 30
Journey at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 1
Ed Sheeran at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 1
Motown the Musical (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 11-16
Rick Springfield at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 13
Santana at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, July 13
X Games X Fest Harley Davidson Flat Track Racing at the Mall of America East Lot, July 13
Queen + Adam Lambert at the Xcel Energy Center, July 14
Weezer with Special Guest Cold War Kids at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 14
X Games X Fest at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, July 14-16
All Time Low at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, July 16
Guns N' Roses at the U.S. Bank Stadium, July 17
Blondie & Garbage: The Rage and Rapture Tour at Mystic Lake Casino, July 21
Loretta Lynn at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 22
Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 23
Vans Warped Tour at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, July 23
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
June 22-24, Brainerd
Lakes Jam Music Festival
The Lakes Jam Music Festival is an annual event that unites rock and country music fans in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. Performers include Jake Owen, Skillet, Chris Janson, Bret Michaels and LoCash, 32 Below and Trace Adkins. Also watch highly modified Drift Cars, pushing 700 HP, on Boost and Nitrous navigate the track up to 100 mph while going into full drift. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-821-4575
June 24, Alexandria
Awake The Lakes Ribfest
The Awake The Lakes Ribfest features live music, beer gardens, fireworks, a Family Fun Zone, craft vendors, demonstrations, and of course, amazing BBQ ribs! Big Ole Park. 320-808-5083
June 24, Onamia
Purple Reign: Tribute to Prince
Don't miss Purple Reign, a Tribute to Prince at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. 800-745-3000
June 25, Alexandria
Vikingland Band Festival
The 33rd Annual Vikingland Band Festival features the Midwest's finest high school marching bands on Main Street! 320-491-9268
July 1, Paynesville
The Serenity Festival - A Summertime Celebration of Hope!
The Serenity Festival is a day-long extravaganza with great live music, food, games and 5K walk/run on the beautiful Veteran's beach of Lake Koronis. 320-243-3379
July 1-4, Spicer
Spicer 4th of July Celebration
Spicer's 4th of July Celebration includes activities for all ages including an arts and crafts fair, amazing flea market, kiddie pedal tractor pull, competitive 12-mile run, street dance, and volleyball, basketball & softball tournaments. On July 4, also enjoy a Grande Day Parade featuring over 100 participants, music and candy. 320-796-8066
July 3-4, Pequot Lakes
Stars & Stripes
The annual Stars & Stripes celebration includes fireworks, parades, live entertainment, contests, flea market, craft fair, Money in the Haystack, Golden Bobber Hunt, Kiddie Parade, bed races, beer gardens and food vendors. 218-568-8911
July 7-8, Brainerd
Iconic Fest
This national live music festival features iconic bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s, with outside concerts by the Georgia Satellites, TG Sheppard and Joe Diffie just to name a few! Onsite camping available. The Green Lantern. 218-764-2151
Northwest Minnesota
June 23-24, Moorhead
Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival
The Midwest Viking Festival and the 40th Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival have joined forces to celebrate Nordic culture from ancient times to today. Inside, find Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Saami, and Danish vendors, educators, and entertainers in the Scandinavian Village, along with dozens of delicious Nordic and Nordic-American dishes in the auditorium. The museum will be full of craft demonstrations and musical performances. Outside, checkout the many craftspeople, musicians, living historians, HammerHeart Brews, and Log the Mobile Sauna in Viking Village. Hjemkomst Center. 218-299-5452
June 23-24, Walker
Moondance Jammin Country
The 11th Annual Moondance Jammin Country Fest is a country music festival held annually on the 300-acre Moondance Events grounds. Enjoy performances by Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett, Maiden Dixie, Dan + Shay, Danielle Bradbery, and others. 877-666-6586
June 23-25, Warroad
Pow Wow Seven Clans Casino
The 8th Annual Traditional Pow Wow features world-renowned drum groups, Grand Entries, and food vendors serving up fry bread tacos, Chippewa burgers, chicken wild rice soup, and other Native American favorites. Specialty vendors will offer traditional clothes, blankets, hats, jewelry, trinkets, and more. Seven Clans Casino. 800-815-8293
June 30 - July 3, Park Rapids
PRCA Xtreme Bulls Rodeo & Bull Ride
Enjoy exciting professional western events, including PBR bull rides, PRCA rodeos, WPRA barrel races, kids' sheep riding, concerts, dances, and much more during the 39th Annual PRCA-sanctioned Rodeo! Double J Events Center. 218-732-5587
July 4, Longville
Longville's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day in Longville with a parade, great food vendors, games, contests, and fabulous fireworks display over Girl Lake at dusk. 218-363-2630
July 8-12, Hackensack
Sweetheart Days
Just some of the many festivities taking place during Sweetheart Days include a car show, fire department BBQ, kids' fishing contest, flea market & craft sale, garage sales, bingo, meat raffles, and fireworks display. 218-675-6135
Northeast Minnesota
June 23-25, Ely
Finnish Midsummer Weekend
Help celebrate Northern Minnesota’s Finnish traditions and Finland’s 100th Anniversary of Independence during Juhannus (Midsummer or summer solstice) with special classes and traditional games, music and dance. Ely Folk School. 218-235-0138
June 24-25, Lutsen
Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike Races
The Lutsen 99er is your chance to race through the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore. With other distances like the 69er, 39er, 19er and kids' races, this weekend is packed with fun, adventure and killer mountain biking for everyone. Also enjoy a Friday night BBQ, and post-race party on Saturday night with live music in the courtyard. Lutsen Mountains. 952-229-7330
June 24-25, Duluth
Park Point Art Fair
The Park Point Art Fair features 120 juried artists displaying and selling their artwork, as well as live music and entertainment, food vendors, make-and-take crafts, and artist demonstrations. Park Point Recreation Area. 218-428-1916
July 2-23, Aurora and other communities
Northern Lights Music Festival
One of Minnesota’s largest music festivals, the Northern Lights Music Festival offers lovers of classical music three weeks of opera, chamber music and orchestra concerts presented by an international roster of guest artists, performing faculty and prize-winning young artists. Performances are offered in the communities of Aurora, Chisholm, Hibbing, Eveleth, Duluth, Bemidji, Virginia, Grand Marais and Ely. 218-780-2292
July 3, Orr
Orr's July 3rd Fun Day
Enjoy a full day of fun including a pancake breakfast, 5K walk/run, parade, arts & crafts, food booths, street dance, and fireworks display! 218-757-3233
July 3-4, Eveleth
Eveleth Fourth of July Celebration
The Eveleth Fourth of July Celebration includes the Grande Parade, children's games & inflatables, a street dance and fireworks! While in Eveleth, be sure to visit the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum. 218-744-2121
July 6-9, Crane Lake
Voyageur Days
Take part in an unforgettable experience with fresh fish cooked over an open flame next to crystal clear waters, the Portage-Paddle Adventure Race, Trading Post Poker Run, Art Show at Nelson's Resort, live music, and bingo. On July 8, a wide array of children's activities will be offered at Voyagaire Lodge beach including minnow races, arts & crafts, face painting, prizes, and paddles in the 22-foot Voyageur canoe. 218-993-2901, 800-362-7405
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