Highlights this week include:
Aug. 12–13, Owatonna
Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival
Aug. 3-13, Minneapolis
2017 Minnesota Fringe Festival
Aug. 11-20 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Battle Lake
Old West Melodrama Dinner Theatre -Three Nights in Arid Flats
Aug. 10-13, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Aug. 11-13, Duluth
Bayfront Blues Festival
And statewide, there are more than 40 county fairs offered throughout Minnesota during the month of August alone -- check out Minnesota's County Fairs 2017 to learn of upcoming fairs!
Southern Minnesota
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 Breakfast, 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
Aug. 26-27, Austin
ArtWorks Festival
The 6th Annual Artworks Festival celebrates visual, performing and literary artists with fine artwork by numerous artists in four galleries, demonstrations, continuous music indoors and out, family art activities, a Bubble Blast, and readings by many authors. Downtown Austin and Historic Downtown Power Plant. 507-434-0934, 507-437-4563
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. 11, Hastings
Meteor Madness
Escape the city lights and spend a relaxing evening watching the Perseids meteor shower at Carpenter Nature Center. The Perseids are one of the brightest and most prolific meteor showers in the northern hemisphere. Under clear and dark skies, observers could expect to see up to 100 shooting stars an hour. Please call ahead. 651-437-4359
Aug. 11-13, St. Paul
Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening
Everyone is invited to celebrate the newly renovated and restored state Capitol. Throughout the weekend, enjoy a jam-packed schedule including exclusive tours, interactive kids' zone, yoga on the lawn, concert featuring Cloud Cult and Poliça, Minnesota craft beer garden, Prince dance party, diverse performances, singalong at Bring the Sing presented by Classical MPR and VocalEssence, concert by the Sounds of Blackness, "hotdish" lectures, fireworks and much more! Download your free transit pass at mn.gov/mymncapitol. 651-201-2555
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. 11-20 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Anoka/Ramsey
Game Fair
The 36th Annual Game Fair, a fun-filled sporting event for the entire family, will be held outdoors on 80 acres of woods and water. All outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many exhibits, competitions, speakers, seminars, celebrity guests, contests, and vendors. Children's activities include slingshots, air rifles, archery and darts. Fairgoers are encouraged to bring their dogs as long as they're leashed! Armstrong Ranch Kennels. 763-427-0944
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
Aug. 18-20, Chisago City
Ki Chi Saga Days
Chisago City's Ki-Chi-Saga days features the area's largest arts and crafts fair, food booths, live entertainment, dances, family movie night, parade, car show, Frankie’s fishing tournament, 5K & 10K Fun Runs, inflatables park, fireworks, pie-eating contest and many other activities. Most events at Moberg Park. 651-257-5464, 651-257-1177
Aug. 19, St. Paul
St. Paul Food Truck Festival
This is one of the Twin Cities most popular and delicious free events, with more than 40 food trucks, live music and DJs, craft beer, and games and giveaways! Mears Park. 763-220-2380
Aug. 19 - Oct. 1, Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
See why the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000! Enjoy an artisan marketplace with over 250 artists, live entertainment, games & rides, Faire Food, artist demonstrations, and different themes each weekend. Family-friendly activities include the Fairy Wing Forest, Mermaid Cover, Dr. Thora Pandora’s Chemistry Experience, children's costume contest, the grand march parade, children's knighting ceremony, fairy wand-making, a live unicorn, the Wizard's Flight School Zip Line, Merlin's Magic Quest, and the King Arthur Obstacle Course! Renaissance Festival Grounds. 952-445-7361
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
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
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 in St. Paul, 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
Justin Moore at Mystic Lake Casino, Sept. 8
U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sept. 8
YES featuring ARW at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Sept. 8
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
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. 11-20 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Battle Lake
Old West Melodrama Dinner Theatre -Three Nights in Arid Flats
Three Nights in Arid Flats is a classic melodrama with touches of plot lines you might find in Brigadoon and Groundhog Day. Like all melodramas, you'll be introduced to the hero, damsel-in-distress, funny characters, and of course, the villain! All tickets include an authentic BBQ dinner with all the "fixins" served family-style, as well as tea, lemonade and dessert. Ticket sales are online only at www.elmersbarbeque.com. Elmer's Texas Barbeque. 218-864-8436
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
Aug. 19-20, Ironton
Cuyuna Crusher - MN Mountain Bike Series Races & Festivities
Join more than 500 mountain bike riders, their friends and families, and lots of onlookers during the 10th Annual Cuyuna Lakes Crusher races! Festivities begin a day earlier, on Saturday, Aug. 19, with live music, the Cuyuna Crusher Happy Hour, great food, Yoga on the Beach, a car show, arts & crafts, children's games, Loon-Calling contest, water wars and more. On Sunday, check out all of the races, and don't miss the Red Dirt Church at the Pennington trail head beach. 218-546-8131
Aug. 24-27, Pine River
Lakes Bluegrass Festival
The 12th Lakes Bluegrass Festival is a family-friendly event for a day, an evening or camping all weekend. Featured are the best in national touring and Minnesota bluegrass bands, along with professional emcees, top-notch sound system, beautiful stage and a big tent. Enjoy over 40 professional bluegrass shows over the 4-day weekend, as well as free bluegrass workshops for a variety of instruments, impromptu jam sessions, and great food vendors. Cass County Fairgrounds. 218-587-4000
Northwest Minnesota
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
Aug. 18-19, Ulen
Ulen Turkey Barbecue Days
Turkey-lovers from across the country will gather in Ulen to feast on nearly 3,000 pounds of delicious turkey roasted on the “World’s Longest Spit” during Ulen's Turkey Days! Other highlights include live entertainment, games, golf scramble, parade, fireworks, 5K walk/run, street fair, car/tractor/motorcycle show, and more. 218-596-8849
Aug. 25-26, Barnesville
Barnesville Potato Days
Visitors from across the country head to Barnesville each year for the zany potato activities, taste-tempting potato specialties and small town hospitality during the annual Potato Days celebration. Just some of the many highlights include mashed potato wrestling, the crowning of Miss Tator Tot, Potato Car races, barrel rides, the many unique potato foods, Potato Cook-off, National Lefse Competition, Spud Bowl, Golden Potato Scavenger Hunt, and potato-peeling, eating and sculpting contests. Complete details. 218-354-2888
Northeast Minnesota
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 12, Ranier/International Falls
Ranier Days
Ranier Days includes great food, arts & craft, Pooch Parade, People Parade, Big Vic Look-alike contest, beer garden & Tiki Bar, adult games, children's games, canoe rides, kid barrel rides, tours, live entertainment, fun merchandise vendors, and more. Most events at Ranier Park. 218-283-9400
Aug. 17-20, Winton/Ely
Boundary Waters Blues Festival
Spend four great enjoying some of the best blues music by top musicians from across the country and beyond. The stage is set against the beautiful backdrop of Fall Lake, in the heart of the Superior National Forest. This family friendly, “back yard blues party” atmosphere features concerts by a dozen acts, as well as campfire jam sessions. The Long Branch. 218-349-5520
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
Aug. 25-27, Duluth
The Tribute Fest
The Tribute Fest is a four day music festival centered around professional tribute bands that aims to raise money for and awareness of homeless veterans. Enjoy the songs of Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Lynard Skynyrd, Guns N Roses, REO Speedwagon, The Beetles, The Doors, and The Eagles on Friday and Saturday, with great county music soungs by Toby Keith and Jason Aldean on Thursday! Come early for the cardboard boat races on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-422-8210
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