Loring Park Art Festival; photo by Brooke Nelson
Highlights this week include:
July 28-30, Montgomery
Kolacky Days - Czech Festival
July 29-30, Minneapolis
Loring Park Art Festival
July 28-30, Pine River
Pine River Summerfest
July 28-29, Nevis
Muskie Days Music Festival
July 28-30, Ely
Blueberry Art Festival
Southern Minnesota
June 21 - July 30, Winona
Great River Shakespeare Festival
The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) 2017 plays are "Richard III" and "Comedy of Errors." Also enjoy symposiums, conversations with the company, and Concerts on the Green featuring an evening of free music in front of the theater, giant yard games, and food trucks -- perfect before or after a GRSF show. 507-474-7900, 507-474-9376
July 14-29 (Fridays & Saturdays), Walnut Grove
Wilder Pageant
The 40th Anniversary Wilder Pageant is a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove. Laura narrates the story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s. The hillside amphitheater has been developed to allow for extensive lighting, sound, and special effects. Each nightly performance is preceded by the Pageant Singers. 507-859-2174
July 24-30, Olivia
Corn Capital Days
The 50th Annual Corn Capital Days includes a wide array of festivities including the Hide & Seek Corn Token Hunt, Family Fun Night & Kiddie Carnival, Kids' Fair, live music, street dance, petting zoo, youth fishing tournament, kiddie & grand parades, pony rides, pie & ice cream social, used book sale, RCAC Splash 'N Dash Triathlon, outdoor worship services, and Lion’s Fly-In Breakfast! 320-523-2361
July 27-30, Owatonna
Crazy Days & Art on the Hills
Enjoy summertime in historic Owatonna with an ice cream social, Old Car Cruise-In, Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, Kiddie Parade, bungee trampoline, demonstrations, arts center crafts, games, food vendors, live music, Minnesota Sings competition, and more from July 27-29! And on July 29 & 30, the Art on the Hills art fair will feature fifty artists showing and selling their creations on the historic grounds of the State School Orphanage and the Owatonna Arts Center. 507-451-7970, 507-451-0533
July 28-30, Montgomery
Kolacky Days - Czech Festival
The 83rd Annual Kolacky Days celebrates Montgomery's Czechoslovakian heritage and culture by blending the Czech traditions of the past with today's festival favorites. From authentic Kroj costumes, Czech dancing and Bohemian tractor pull to Kolacky eating- and baking-contests, classic car show, Kiddie & Grande Day parades, carnival, and sporting events. 507-953-0094
Aug. 3-6, Mankato
RibFest
The event features musical performances throughout the weekend along with a variety of award-winning rib chefs from across the country providing sticky, spicy specialties. Riverfront Park. 507-389-3000
Aug. 4-6, Lanesboro
Buffalo Bill Days
In 1900, the first of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Shows was performed in Lanesboro, comprised of 6 Indians (2 Indian maidens), 2 white men (Buffalo Bill and White Beaver) and a Mr. Man. Buffalo Bill Days includes a marketplace vendors, Commonweal Theatre performances, Cannon Old West Society shoot-out & bank robbery, Kids' Carnival, duck races, petting zoo, beer & brat tent, food booths, live music acts, street dances, the Buffalo Roam race, grand parade, and more. Complete details. 507-467-2696
Aug. 4-6, Red Wing
River City Days
River City Days is Red Wing's premier summer festival filled with free live entertainment, large arts and crafts fair, delicious foods, car show, tournaments, children's games & activities, a parade, Human Foosball, beer gardens, and much more! Bay Point Park. 651-388-5934, 651-388-4719
Aug. 12–13, Owatonna
Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival
The 4th Annual Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival includes characters from the historical (buccaneer) world and the fantasy/fiction world of pirates. Enjoy three stages of professional entertainment, strolling comedic characters & minstrels, artisan & merchant bazaar, thieves market, food court with novelty drinks, games of skill, hands-on children’s activities, costume contests, tattoo contests, treasure hunts, outdoor museum encampments and folk craft demonstrations! Morehouse Park on the shores of the Straight River. 507-451-7970
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
July 26-30, Jordan
Scott County Fair
For many, the Scott County Fair offers the best 5 days of summer with All American Lumberjack Shows, Kids’ Camp, One Man Circus and Fire shows, Bob the Farmer and his vintage John Deere, Halls of Magic shows, children's activities, tractor & driving simulators, Monster Truck Summer Nationals & Thrill Show, the Miracle of Birth, huge draft horses, demolition derby, motocross, stock shows, rodeo, demonstrations, and a great carnival! Coupons available! 952-492-2436
July 28-30, Center City
Center City Days
This fantastic small town event includes a street dance with music by Maiden Dixie, a Talent Jam, pig roast, boat parade, kids' fishing contest, children's games and inflatables, cash bingo, car show, and much more! 651-257-5284, 651-257-1177
July 28-30, Prior Lake
The Great Midwest Rib Fest
The Great Midwest Rib Fest features ten of the nation's best rib cookers, as well as free concerts by numerous acts including Ann Wilson of Heart! Mystic Lake Casino. 952-445-9000
July 29-30, Minneapolis
Loring Park Art Festival
Check out works of art by 140 juried visual artists circling Loring Park's pond, and listen to music, eat food from local food trucks, participate in children's activities, and purchase one-of-a-kind artwork. 612-203-9911
July 29-30, Stillwater
Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market
Make a day of it in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley and check out over 100 unique vendors, local crafters, food trucks, music and more! Washington County Fairgrounds. 715-557-1785
July 30, Excelsior
10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance
The fifth annual 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance will be held along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in historic Excelsior. The show will feature more than 180 historic, superbly-conditioned automobiles, watercraft and motorcycles. Also enjoy live music, presentations, a Kids' Zone, and lots of retail and food vendors. Shuttles from Excelsior Elementary school and Minnetonka High School. 925-925-4848
Aug. 3-13, Minneapolis
2017 Minnesota Fringe Festival
This annual performing arts festival features more than 1000 artists staging 850 performances in 15 venues each lasting 60 minutes. Complete details. 612-872-1212
Aug. 4-6, Minneapolis
Uptown Art Fair
The 54th Annual Uptown Art Fair includes 350 professional artists, 70 youth artists, 18 musical performers, a culinary competition, family activities, demonstrations, and a large variety of food vendors. Ranked the #1 art show in Minnesota, this three-day event is a nationally-recognized fine arts festival attracting more than 375,000 people throughout the weekend! 612-823-4581
Aug. 4-6, Jordan
Scott-Carver Threshers Harvest Festival
This is the 54th Annual old-time steam and gas engine harvest festival. Check out an amazing number of tractors, gas & steam engines, and machinery -- Massey Harris Ferguson will be featured. Also enjoy a craft & flea market, parades, tractor challenge, spark show, demonstrations, original buildings from the 1800s, and live music and entertainment. Scott-Carver Threshers Fairgrounds. 952-686-3191, 952-492-2062
Aug. 5, Plymouth
Blues Brews N BBQs
Don't miss out on this day filled with amazing blues music, craft beer and smokin' barbecue! Featured artists include The Jimmys, and Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys. Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth. 763-559-2775
Aug. 5-6, Minneapolis
Powderhorn Art Fair
The Powderhorn Art Fair is one of the finest juried regional art fairs in the country, celebrating artistic expression and community engagement. In addition to fine arts & crafts by 184 artists, visitors will enjoy live entertainment, artist demonstrations, and great food! Powderhorn Park. 612-767-3515
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Shawn Mendes: Illuminate the World Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 6
Blink 182 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Aug. 9
Chris Isaak at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 9
Ozzy Osbourne at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Aug. 11
Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams Tour at the U. S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Aug. 12
The Wallflowers with Better Than Ezra at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Aug. 12
Lincoln Park & Machine Gun Kelly at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 15
Logic Presents Everybody's Tour at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Aug. 16
Justin Bieber at the U.S. Bank Stadium, Aug. 18
Melissa Ethridge at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Aug. 18
Kendrick Lamar with YG & D.R.A.M. at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 19
Lady Gaga at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 21
Nickelback with Daughtry at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 24
Jim Gaffigan at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 26
Brad Paisley at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Aug. 26
Toby Keith with 3 Doors Down at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 27
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 28
John Mellencamp: Sad Clowns & Hillbillies Tour at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 29
Pentatonix at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 30
Usher at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 31
MSF Amateur Talent Contest Finals at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Sept. 3
Sam Hunt with Lanco & Ryan Follese at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Sept. 4
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
July 27-30, Milaca
Rec Fest 2017 - Bluegrass Festival and Art Fair
Milaca's annual four-day bluegrass festival and art fair with the region's most notable bluegrass bands and musicians, educational workshops and instrumental jam sessions, along with children's art and entertainment, food and beverage vendors, and the RecFest Art Fair. Milaca's historical recreational park. 320-983-3141
July 28-30, Pine River
Pine River Summerfest
Pine River’s annual summer festival features arts & crafts, parades, duck races, live music, Legion steak fry, sidewalk sales, Lions Pancake Breakfast, food fair, classic car and tractor show, and Rhubarb Fest! 218-587-4000
July 29-30, Alexandria
Art in the Park
Now in its 42nd year, this popular arts festival features over 150 booths of fine art, quality handmade crafts, musicians and a wide array of festival food vendors. Alexandria's City Park. 320-762-8300
Aug. 4-6, Elbow Lake
Flekkefest
Flekkefest is an annual Scandinavian celebration featuring an incredible number of festivities. Enjoy an arts & crafts show, European Kaffe Haus, the Great Snoose Box Hunt, Taste of Scandinavia, Games-to-Go, Quarters and More Dig, Flekke-Feast Food Festival, pony rides & petting zoo, car show, street dance, live music, pedal pull, mini golf, rummage sales, used book sale, and much, much more! Complete details. 218-685-6260
Aug. 4-6, Aitkin
Riverboat Heritage Days
Celebrate the heritage of this Mississippi riverboat town with the Dump Run quarter marathon and 5K run, craft fair, live music outdoors, rib cook-off, karaoke, parade, car show, bake sale, Historical Society garage sale, a golf scramble, ice cream social and spaghetti feed! 218-927-2316
Aug. 10-13, Richmond
Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival
Four days of professional bluegrass and old-time string band music on five stages, as well as workshops, instrument showcases, dances, kids' activities, food & merchandise vendors, and plenty of campground jam sessions. Come for the day or camp for the weekend. El Rancho Mañana Campground. 800-635-3037
Northwest Minnesota
July 14-29, Moorhead
Trollwood Performing Art School's "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"
Attend the 39th Annual Mainstage Musical production attracting thousands of audience members each summer to the beautiful Bluestem Amphitheater for an evening of entertainment under the stars. Bluestem Amphitheater. 218-477-6500
July 28-29, Nevis
Muskie Days Music Festival
This annual event celebrates the big lunker that once ruled the waters of Lake Belle Taine. Enjoy the 5K Muskie Race, a parade, street dance, fish fry, Muskie Market, beer gardens, lots of food stands, inflatables, Holy Yoga, ice cream eating contest, music by more than 20 bands, and much more! 218-652-3115
July 28-30, Frazee
Frazee Turkey Days
This popular community celebration includes a Kick-off Party, turkey bowling, Pet & Doll parade, Let's Go Fishing pontoon rides, Grande Parade, Street Faire craft & merchandise vendors, water fights, Family Night with outdoor inflatables & movie, kids' fishing contest, silent auction, flower show, car show, and many more festivities! 800-407-2488
Aug. 2-5, Bemidji
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
The 12th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival features four days of fun for the entire family. In addition to Dragon Boat races, enjoy great food, music, kids’ activities, a parade of teams, cultural performances, camaraderie and much more all along the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji. 800-458-2223
Aug. 3-5, Detroit Lakes
WE Fest
Since WE Fest's inception in 1983, it has been one of the leading country music festivals in the nation! Don't miss incredible acts such as Luke Bryan, the Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, and many other national favorites. Soo Pass Ranch. 800-493-3378
Aug. 10-13, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Legends & Logging Days is Park Rapids' signature summer festival celebration with Lumber Jack & Jill Challenges, Water Wars, Master Chainsaw Carving artists & auction, Historic Encampment, Park Rapids Sings, Civil War Cannon demonstrations, live music, concert on the beach, beer gardens, and so much more! East 40 Park Rapids Antique Tractor Grounds. 218-732-4111
Northeast Minnesota
July 28-30, Ely
Blueberry Art Festival
This three-day event features more than 260 artists and crafters, 30 food vendors and local musicians. Children will enjoy the bungie jump and other games and activities, and everyone can indulge in tempting foods from cream cheese wontons and seafood to fresh blueberry pies. This is a fun event for the whole family. Whiteside Park. 218-365-6123
July 28-30, Grand Rapids
Northern Minnesota Swap Meet & Car Show
Check out the largest car show and swap meet in northern Minnesota! Itasca County Fairgrounds. 218-326-6619
July 29, Duluth
All Pints North
Visit the beautiful shores of Lake Superior to celebrate craft beer from breweries and brewpubs of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild during All Pints North Summer Brew Fest. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-722-4011
Aug. 2-6, Duluth
Spirit Valley Days
Since 1979 Spirit Valley Days has brought West Duluth friends and neighbors together to reunite and celebrate summer. Highlights include a classic car show, parade, 5K walk/run, Music in the Park, stage shows, kids' games, garden tour, and a not-to-be-missed street dance! Grand & Central Avenues in West Duluth. 218-391-3696
Aug. 3-6, Grand Marais
Fisherman's Picnic
The 88th Annual Fisherman’s Picnic offers a wide array of activities for all ages, including the Big Fish contest, Log Rolling tournament, vendor & craft show, daily contests and prizes, minnow races, waterfront worship, live music, kids' games & rides, crazy days sales, and of course the ever-popular fishburgers! 218-387-2524
Aug. 11-13, Sandstone
Quarry Days
Quarry Days highlights include a parade, live music, street dance, children's events, and outhouse races! 320-216-7646
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