Shopping in the 50th & France neighborhood, site of the Edina Art Fair; photo by Emily J. Davis
Event highlights this week include:
June 1-3, Pine Island Pine Island Cheese Festival
June 3, St. Paul Grand Old Day
June 1-3, Cyrus Cyrus Days Kick-off to Summer
June 2-9, Hawley Breakfast on the Farm & Hawley Rodeo Fest
May 30 - June 3, Duluth Duluth Superior Film Festival
Southern Minnesota
May 26 - Sept. 1 (Saturday evenings), Pipestone Pipestone Ghost Walks This walk will and stroll down Main Street and meander through alleyways while a costumed guide spins tales of the bizarre and unusual as well as providing some history of the area. A highlight of the tour is a local hotel which is a source of many paranormal activities and sightings. Pipestone County Museum. 507-825-2563
June 1-2, Rochester ROCKchester Music and Arts Festival ROCKchester is a local music and arts festival showcasing the growing music and art scene of southeast Minnesota. Curated by a team of young adults, the event focuses on the cultivation and participation of a community of young creators, musicians and visual artists. Enjoy a wide array of music acts both days, ab Emerging Artists Showcase, Visual Arts Showcase, and an After Party! Pure Rock Studios of Rochester. 507-251-3919
June 1-3, Pine Island Pine Island Cheese Festival The Cheese Festival includes a wide array of festival favorites such as a carnival and midway, craft and vendor market, duck races, beer gardens, canoe and kayak races, 5K run, Grande Parade, coronation, and a Beer, Wine & Cheese Gala! Trailhead Park. 507-356-3378
June 1-3, Jackson Town & Country Days Celebration Town & Country Days is Jackson's summer celebration featuring Grande and Kiddie parades, medallion hunt, classic car and tractor show, inflatables, live music, Battle of the Bartenders, races at the Jackson Motorplex and much more! Ashley Park and downtown Jackson. 507-847-3867
June 1-3, Owatonna Smokin' In Steele Smokin' in Steele is a Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Competition and Live Blues benefit featuring professional competitors, children's activities and family games, Hot Rod, Antique Car & Big Rig Cruise-In, 5K Walk/Run, beer gardens, lots of great food and numerous live music acts -- don't miss this smokin' good time! Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-455-1428
June 2, Lanesboro Rhubarb Festival The fun starts early with the Rhubarb Run on the beautiful Root River Trail. Also enjoy the Lanesboro Farmers Market where you'll find all the in-season spring vegetables and other local delights, free rhubarb games and contests including the Tasting Contest with prizes, rhubarb fashion show, educational zoo, Story Tree, Rhub-Art opportunities, live music and vendors offering additional rhubarb treats and products. Sylvan Park in downtown Lanesboro. 507-467-2696
June 6-10, Renville Renville Sugar Beet Days Renville's annual community festival includes a parade, petting zoo, carnival, street dance, Sugar Beet Toss, children's race and family 5K fun run, dunk tank, bounce house, craft vendors, ice cream social, lawnmower races, variety of games and prizes. 320-329-8366
June 8-10, Worthington Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival The 19th Annual Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival takes place on the beautiful shores of Lake Okabena where you'll enjoy front row seats to the windsurfing races. Also enjoy a variety of live music, great food and Regatta bike rides on Saturday with 15, 30 and 50 mile routes, as well as a new 7 mile Family Trail Ride. Sailboard Beach on Lake Okabena. 507-372-2919
June 16, Lanesboro Art in the Park Fine Art Festival The 38th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art Festival will feature more than fine art booths, excellent live music, craft beer & community food vendors, and family art activities in the midst of mature shade trees in the beautiful setting of Sylvan Park. Renowned for quality, variety and value, Art in the Park attracts thousands of regional patrons each year. Sylvan Park. 507-467-2446
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Feb. 3 - June 10, Minneapolis Power and Beauty in China's Last Dynasty They ruled with unrivaled opulence. They led secret lives of infinite power and pleasure. They built an empire to end them all. Now, from the mind behind the groundbreaking theatrical performance Einstein on the Beach, comes this story of China’s last emperors. A rare spectacle of art, light, and sound that places you inside the palace walls. Among the desires and dreams, the mystery and splendor. Seated is limited, and tickets are timed. Reserve your experience today. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
March 2 - June 16, Excelsior Guys and Dolls Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Enjoy just the show, or a show with lunch or dinner. Old Log Theatre. 952-474-5951
June 1-3, Edina Edina Art Fair The 52nd annual Edina Art Fair will be held in the 50th & France neighborhood of Edina, Minn. The event will boast 320 fine artists and crafters from around Minnesota, the U.S. and Canada. An estimated 250,000 people will attend the three-day event which is nationally-recognized as the top art fair in Minnesota. It is the state's first official art fair of the year and its second largest. 50th & France neighborhood. 952-922-1524
June 1-3, 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. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-288-4400
June 2, St. Louis Park City Pages Beer Festival This is Minnesota's longest-running beer festival, featuring more than 50 breweries, great live music and food trucks. Unlike many "modern" beer festivals, the City Pages Beer Festival has always been more laid back and easy going -- like an overgrown backyard party for fans of good beer, homegrown flavors, and hanging out playing games with pals! The Shops at West End. 612-341-4110
June 2, St. Paul St. Anthony Park Arts Festival The 49th annual St. Anthony Park Arts Festival is a free one day celebration of fine arts and community with over 70 juried artists, delicious food, live music, used book sale, garden club plant sale, art activities for children, and other activities for all. Beautiful Carnegie Library grounds at Como and Carter Avenues. 612-564-2787
June 2, Delano Classics on the Crow & River Street Jam Classics on the Crow features classic cars and bikes, BBQ Rib Contest, craft beer, vendor market, Kidz Zone and music by three bands at the River Street Jam. 612-916-1639
June 2, Bloomington EcoArts Fest Now in its 11th year, the EcoArts Fest is a one-day outdoor arts, environmental and cultural celebration at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge with lots of cultural dance & music performances, a parade and interactive art and nature activities for all. EcoArts Fest engages kids and adults with fun activities that shed light on environmental issues through art making and shows ways individuals can create change. EcoArts Fest’s environmental focus is protecting our pollinators: bees, butterflies, and birds. Conveniently located on the Blue Line at the American Blvd stop. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 651-698-2787
June 2-9, Burnsville I Love Burnsville Week Burnsville's annual week-long community celebration includes new and exciting activities as well as perennial favorites such as the I Love Burnsville Adventure Run, Walk in the Woods, Intro to Pickleball, Mountain Bike Races at Buck Hill, Friday Fest & Little Big League Flick, Nature Play Area Grand Opening, live music, food trucks, and much more. 952-895-4400
June 3, St. Paul Grand Old Day Grand Old Day is the largest one-day festival in the upper Midwest with 30 blocks of music, art and craft vendors, lots of food, family fun area and 6 festival gardens! The day starts with the 100-plus unit Grand Old Day Parade. Grand Old Day spans the avenue from Dale to Cretin. 651-699-0029
June 8-9, Winsted Winstock Country Music Festival The Winstock Country Music Festival celebrates 25 years, bring you country music’s finest entertainment, as well as great food and fun. This year's headliners are Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley! Winsted Showgrounds adjacent to the Winsted Airport. 320-485-4287
June 9-10, St. Paul Deutsche Tage (German Days) Celebration Deutsche Tage is the Twin Cities' most authentic celebration of German culture and heritage. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and showcases authentic German food, beer, live music, dancing and vendors. Be sure to check out the Viennese Kaffeehaus, Fiaker carriage rides, and cultural presentations and demonstrations. On Saturday morning, start the day with the Lederhosenlauf 5K or bike over to the Bicyclists’ Biergarten. The Germanic-American Institute on Summit Avenue. 651-222-7027
June 9-10, Excelsior Excelsior Art on the Lake The 38th Annual Excelsior Art on the Lake will showcase a wide array of high quality arts and crafts, both contemporary and traditional, in thirteen different mediums by 140 artisans. There will also be lots of folk, bluegrass and acoustic rock performances, as well as local artisan food creations and a beer & wine tent. Excelsior Commons Park on Lake Minnetonka. 952-474-6461
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: The Head and the Heart at The Armory in Minneapolis, May 30 Barenaked Ladies at the Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, June 1 Chris Tucker at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 2 A Night Out with Chelsea Handler at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 5 Chicago - The Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 5-10 Paul Simon: Homeward Bound Farewell Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, June 8 Dropkick Murphys at The Armory in Minneapolis, June 8 Carol Burnett at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 15 David Blaine at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 15 Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 15 Jill Scott at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 21 James Taylor & His All-Star Band at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22 Dave Koz & Friends - Summer Horns at the Historic State Theatre, June 24 Dua Lipa at The Armory, June 24 Michael Carbonaro Live! at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, June 24 Love Never Dies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 26 - July 1 Dan Fogerty & ZZ Top at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 29 Kesha at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake in Prior Lake, June 30 The Eagles at Target Field in Minneapolis, June 30 Pitbull at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake in Prior Lake, June 30 Big & Rich at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, July 1 Harry Styles Live On Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, July 1 Yanni 25 - Acropolis Anniversary Concert Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, July 1 Vince Neil at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, July 2 Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
June 1-3, Richmond Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff This three-day outdoor music and camping festival features stage shows by 20 regional bluegrass, old-time, and related acoustic music groups. Other highlights include workshops, food vendors, and jam sessions. The campground offers horseback riding, fishing, boat rental and swimming beach. El Rancho Manana Resort. 800-635-3037
June 1-3, Cyrus Cyrus Days Kick off to Summer This celebration of a small community with big hearts includes activities for the entire family such as a Color Fun Run, waffles, School of Fish specialties, craft vendors, fireworks display, Our Fun Zone with inflatables and yard games, kids' bingo, adult bingo, parade, area fire department water wars, tractor pull, Redneck Water Skipping with snowmobiles on the water, fishing tournament, raffles and more. 320-349-0632
June 1-3, Little Falls Kick-off to Summer Extravaganza, Families on the WW1 Home Front Tour & Dollar Day at the Charles Lindbergh House & Museum On June 1, more than a dozen attractions and businesses will show off what they offer at the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other highlights include free face painting, live music, games, activities, $1 cupcakes, an ice cream truck and the #OnlyinMN Monument on the front lawn. On June 2 & 3, head to the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. On Saturday, 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 by costumed interpreters. On Sunday, enjoy tours of Charles Lindbergh House and Museum for only $1. Be sure to walk the interpretive trail along the river. 320-616-4959; 320-616-5421
June 8-9, Nisswa Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival Enjoy a celebration of Scandinavian and Scandinavian/American folk music in the northwoods. More than 150 folk musicians will perform on 3 stages with day-long dancing on 2 dance floors, dance instruction, a children's cultural activities tent, and great Scandinavian! Performers travel from all over the world to play at this festival! Pioneer Village. 218-764-2994
June 9, New York Mills New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Think-off The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas that connect to your life at the gut level. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay of no more than 750 words for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes and participate in the live debate to ultimately answer the question, determined by audience vote. The 2018 question is: Which plays a larger role in shaping one's life: success or failure? Cultural Center. 800-423-4571
June 13-17, Perham Perham Turtle Fest Turtle Fest, Perham's summer celebration, includes lots of children's events, magic and fun shows, Brew Fest, Grande Parade, street dance, 5K run, all city garage sales, train rides & horse drawn carriage rides, vendors, raffles, medallion hunt, and the Amazing Turtle Challenge and Lakes 99.5 turtle races. Downtown Perham and fairgrounds. 218-346-7710
Northwest Minnesota
June 2, Baudette Willie Walleye Day Willie Walleye Day is a downtown street fair honoring Baudette's most famous resident, Willie Walleye. Enjoy craft and merchandise vendors, a 5K run/walk, live entertainment, inflatable games for the kids, community wide garage sales, food vendors, and more. Afterwards, head to River Bend's Resort to hear Acoust Hicks. 218-634-1174
June 2-3, Walker Leech Lake Walleye Tournament The 10th Annual Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is considered the largest walleye tournament in Minnesota with exceptional payouts to anglers. Walker City Park. 218-547-1313
June 2-9, Hawley Breakfast on the Farm & Hawley Rodeo Fest Take part in a full week of events, starting with Breakfast on the Farm on June 2, and concluding with two nights of PRCA Barnes Rodeos at the Hawley Rodeo Grounds on June 8-9. Breakfast on the Farm includes breakfast prepared by Hawley Area Lions with fresh scrambled eggs & cheese, locally made sausage, pancakes, coffee and milk -- free will donation! Also enjoy free ice cream cones, bounce houses, farm animal zoo, pedal tractor pull, live entertainment, cow-milking and more. Wagons bring you to and from the parking area. Rodeo nights include ongoing activities such as water wars, vendor fairs, pie & ice cream social, kiddie parade, rodeo parade and more! 218-483-3331
June 8-10, White Earth White Earth Pow Wow The 150th Annual White Earth Pow Wow will feature men's woodlands specials, original women's jingle, White Earth royalty contest, youth moccasin games, ceremony for outgoing royalty, the blessing of the grounds, dinner feast and more. Roughly 1,000 dancers and 28 drum groups performed last year, and similar numbers are expected this year. The public is welcome! White Earth Pow Wow Grounds. 218-261-1599; 218-983-3285
June 9-10, East Grand Forks Art on the Red Art on the Red (formerly known as Grand Cities Art Fest) is an annual summer festival set in our historic downtown area on the banks of the Red River. It draws over 200 artists, performers and food vendors from across the country. The jury-selected artists present new and exciting work in painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. Performers ranging from jazz musicians to Middle Eastern dancers perform on two stages. Free admission, kids' games and art activities make the Art on the Red fun for the whole family! 701-772-3710
June 16, Park Rapids Author Fest - Celebrating Writers in Minnesota Beagle & Wolf Books & Bindery will host 30 to 40 Minnesota authors at the American Legion. This is a great opportunity to chat with writers and discover new books, with readings throughout the day. While in Park Rapids on June 16, also check out the Park Rapids Farmers' Market and Fire Department Open House. This family-oriented event will appeal to all ages with demonstrations, games, food and fire trucks. 218-237-2665; 218-732-4111
Northeast Minnesota
May 30 - June 3, Duluth Duluth Superior Film Festival The Duluth Superior Film Festival (DSFF) is an ambitious and innovative event that delivers film, music and art to the Twin Ports region. Over 5 days, the festival will present an exciting slate of films, bring popular music acts, host many visiting filmmakers to introduce and discuss their works, and include an array of events, panels, discussions, and parties. Zeitgeist Arts Building, Clyde Iron Works, Zinema 2 and other unique venues along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. 612-227-8015
June 1-3, Grand Marais Northern Landscapes Festival Spring is an explosion of life in northern Minnesota. Discover the birds, wildflowers, insects and more during this festival. Field-focused courses form the backbone of the event, with evening presentations rounding out the full weekend schedule. This year, renowned ecologist Bernd Heinrich returns to campus as the featured guest to teach and speak. Bernd will offer a two-day course exploring his book Bumblebee Economics. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
June 2, Pine City War of 1812 Family Day It’s the War of 1812 and the Americans are attacking British territories. The North West Company is enlisting all able-bodied voyageurs to help defend the business of the fur trade. Join in musket drills, march in formation and make a militia hat to show your support. North West Company/Snake River Fur Post. 320-629-6356
June 9, Bigfork Bigfork Wilderness Days Celebrate in the Edge of the Wilderness community with live entertainment, parade, games, raffles, vendors, great food and more. 218-743-3782
June 9, Two Harbors Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park Open House Enjoy the beauty and history of Minnesota's North Shore during a free open house day at Split Rock Lighthouse and the state park on National Get Outdoors Day. Tour the light station, keeper's house, and fog signal building. Stop by the visitor center to see exhibits on the North Shore's tourism and commercial fishing industries, and view a film about the early shipping industry on Lake Superior. 218-226-6372
June 16-17, Virginia Land of the Loon Arts & Crafts Festival & Northern Minnesota Craft and Vendor Expo The Land of the Loon Festival kicks off Saturday morning with an 80-unit parade through Virginia, followed by the region's largest crafts and arts show with hundreds of vendors in beautiful Olcott Park. Browse artisan and craft booths, enjoy music and entertainment, and sample many varieties of food at this beloved summer event. Also held June 16-17 in Virginia is the Northern Minnesota Craft and Vendor Expo at the Miners Memorial Building with room for more than 100 craft and vendor booths. 218-749-8161; 218-749-4056
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