Fireworks display during Fisherman's Picnic at Grand Marais; photo by David R. Johnson
Highlights this week include:
Aug. 4-6, Red Wing
River City Days
Aug. 5-6, Minneapolis
Uptown Art Fair & Powderhorn Art Fair
Aug. 4-6, Elbow Lake
Flekkefest
Aug. 2-5, Bemidji
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 3-6, Grand Marais
Fisherman's Picnic
Southern Minnesota
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, Houston
International Owl Awareness Day
The International Owl Center will host a free open house, complete with owl-themed refreshments and three programs for different audiences. Enjoy the Owls and Us Game Show, Owl Detectives, and Owls Through the Ages.
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. 5, Elba
Owl Prowl
Most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. Learn how to identify owls then go "prowling" for owls using your new owling skills. Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007
Aug. 12, Faribault
Blue Collar BBQ Music & Arts Festival
The Blue Collar BBQ Music & Arts Festival is the region's largest block party. Enjoy live music, great barbecue, competition, kids' activities, an art fair, food vendors, beer garden, and more. Historic downtown Faribault. 507-332-7372
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
Aug. 13, Bechyn
Czech Heritage Festival
Celebrate Czech heritage in a 137-year-old Bohemian settlement, and enjoy live music, pivo (beer), children's games and rides, farmers market, handcrafted souvenirs, silent auction, Czech Folk Dancers, and ethnic foods such as jitrnice, sauerkraut, kolache and knedliky! 320-522-1218
Aug. 18-19, Sleepy Eye
Buttered Corn Days & Parade
Celebrate Sleepy Eye's 56th Annual Buttered Corn Days with free buttered sweet corn, a Burgers & Beer Garden, pie & ice cream, 1919 root beer, live music, children's activities, craft vendors, Dad's Belgium Waffle Breakfest, 15K bike ride around Lake Sleepy Eye, BBQ Rib Contest, Classic Car Show, and Grande Parade with nearly 100 entries. Allison Park. 507-794-4731
Aug. 19, Henderson
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah
Celebrate the ruby-throated hummingbird and learn all about the amazing little birds, how to attract them, and keep them coming back. A licensed hummingbird bander will catch and band birds, allowing you to see them up close. There will also be garden tours, speakers, book signing sessions, children's activities, and a Hummingbird Mall. Remember your camera! 507-665-6570
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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, Center City
Hazelfest
Highlights of the 5th Annual Hazelfest Music and Recovery Community Festival include live music, the #LifeTake2 Recovery Speaker Tent, Yoga on the Lawn, Family Fun Zone, exhibitors, vendors, and great food trucks. Tickets are still available. Hazelden. 651-213-4204
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
Aug. 11-13, St. Paul
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Once again, the Irish Fair of Minnesota will provide a family-friendly experience featuring a multitude of activities, including traditional music, Irish dance, Gaelic sports including Hurling and Football, a Children’s Tent, an Irish Authors Literary Corner, native Irish dogs, the Best Legs in a Kilt Contest, a variety of Irish shopping opportunities, and an array of food and beverage options to enjoy. With nearly 100,000 attendees each year, this event is the largest free celebration of its kind in the nation. Harriet Island. 651-645-0221
Aug. 11-13, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Polish Festival
Celebrate "All Things Polish" as you experience Polish heritage and culture through ethnic foods, music and dance on the Polka and Cultural stages, games, vendors, and a FilmFest. Dog friendly, and admission is free. St. Anthony Main at 43 SE Main Street. 612-963-7755
Aug. 12, Tonka Bay
Bridgewater Bank Lake Minnetonka BBQ & Beer Fest
This 2nd annual BBQ competition in Manitou Park features great barbeque, live music, and samples from local craft brewers, cideries, and vineyards. Ticket price includes a collectible sample glass and unlimited samples from local purveyors. 952-474-6461
Aug. 12, St. Paul
Fiesta Latina 2017
This free, family-friendly community festival celebrates Latin culture with folkloric and contemporary dances, healthy eating, fitness, Latin food, arts and crafts, and raffles and prizes including Twins tickets, Minnesota United tickets, bikes, and more! CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio). 651-379-4200
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
Aug. 2-5, Glenwood
Pope County Free Fair
The Pope County Free Fair offers many exhibits, carnival rides and games, animals, food, and grand stand entertainment daily along with Hometown Hero Day, Family Day, tractor pulls, demolition derby, a talent contest, free paint, and so much more! 320-634-3636
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
Aug. 12, Hutchinson
Minnesota Garlic Festival
The 12th Annual Minnesota Garlic Festival is the premier event for lovers of garlic, great local foods and good times! Family friendly, fun filled and fragrant, this festival features fantastic foods, celebrity chefs, marvelous music, area artisans, goofy games, and of course, lots of garlic -- all with an emphasis on supporting a healthy environment, sustainable farms and vital, rural communities. Mcleod County Fairgrounds. 763-260-0209
Aug. 19, New London
New London Music Festival
The 19th Annual New London Music Festival delivers high-quality music and entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Along with fun children's activities and favorite food vendors, enjoy refreshments by the Goat Ridge Brewing Co., and an after-party in Goat Ridge’s backyard. Neer Park. 320-212-4405
Northwest Minnesota
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. 6-11 (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday), Fargo/Moorhead
Pyrotechnics Guild International
A "Kaleidoscope of Fire" is offered nightly, with professionally-choreographed firework displays at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. 701-292-2200
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
Aug. 12, Detroit Lakes
Quake The Lake Powerboat Races, Antique and Classic Boat Show
Bring the family to see the sleek boats and visit with drivers Saturday morning and evening on Little Detroit Lake. And the third annual Detroit Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show will be held noon-4:00 pm on Saturday. Browse boats from 1992 and earlier displayed in the Detroit Lakes City Park. Admission is free to both events. 218-847-9202
Aug. 16-20, Crookston
Ox Cart Days
Bring family and friends and partake in our various exciting activities such as bed races, tractor pulls, Rib Fest, Corn and Brat Feed, Classic Cruisers Car show, parade, street dance, games, pageants, dodgeball tournament, lip sync and air guitar contests, and live entertainment from local performers. Complete details.
218-281-4320
Northeast Minnesota
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. 5, Chisholm
Iron Man Car Show
Classic cars and trucks of all classes line the paths of Heritage Park at Minnesota Discovery Center. In addition, enjoy 50s and 60s music, great food, drink, and stunning museum exhibits. Be sure to ride the trolley and play mini golf while at the Minnesota Discovery Center! 218-254-7959
Aug. 11-13, Duluth
Bayfront Blues Festival
This is one of the Midwest's largest outdoor blues festivals featuring international, national and regional music acts. Each year nearly 20,000 fans are treated to more than thirty different acts on two stages at one of the region’s most beautiful open-air venues, Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park. 218-722-4011
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
Aug. 19-20, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
This two-day art fair located on the beautiful Duluth lakefront provides art lovers with quality artwork and fine crafts from more than 100 local and regional artists. Work includes jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more. There will be a Log Rolling Pool both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. 218-727-8100
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