Chalkfest in Maple Grove, June 9-10; photo courtesy of Minneapolis Northwest
Event highlights this week include:
June 8-10, Albert Lea
Eddie Cochran Weekend
June 9-10, Excelsior
Excelsior Art on the Lake
June 8-9, Nisswa
Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival
June 8-10, White Earth
White Earth Pow Wow
June 9, Two Harbors
Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park Open House
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 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 7-10, Mapleton
Mapleton Town & Country Days
This annual town celebration includes a wide array of fun activities such as a carnival rides, live music, street dances, kiddie & grand parades, demolition derby, craft & vendor show, silent auction, antique tractor pull, famers market, open house at the Maple River Heritage Museum, pie & ice cream social, petting zoo, bingo and much more! 507-524-3492
June 8-10, Albert Lea
Eddie Cochran Weekend
The Eddie Cochran Weekend is annual tribute to Eddie Cochran, a rockabilly musician born in Albert Lea. Friday night, hear the songs of Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and Ricky Nelson. On Saturday, enjoy a Car Show, swap meet, car cruise, and a concert by The White Walls Rock ' Roll Revue in Fountain Lake Park. And on Sunday, head to the Fairland Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds to attend the Cloverleaf Lions Pancake Breakfast for pancakes, sausages, potatoes, eggs with or without ham, fruit and beverages. Historic downtown Albert Lea. 507-373-2316
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 13-17, Winona
Steamboat Days
Steamboat Days is Winona’s annual community wide celebration! Enjoy five days of carnival rides, games, live entertainment by numerous bands, kids' fishing contest, boat races, Grande Parade, car show, fireworks and much more. Don't miss the performance by the Isiserettes Drill Team on June 16, and the 34th Red Bull Infantry Band on June 17. 507-452-0735
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
June 22-23, Mankato
Solstice Outdoor Music Festival
Solstice is Mankato's major outdoor summer event with local and regional musicians playing rock, Americana and country music. Other highlights include arts & craft vendors, food & beverage booths, the 3rd Annual Mankato Kids Got Talent Showcase, bean bag tournament and Paddle Jam. Feel free to bring your own coolers, lawn chairs, bean bags and other lawn toys! Camping and lodging are available on site. Land of Memories Park & Campground. 507-340-6809
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 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 8-9, Winsted
Winstock Country Music Festival
The Winstock Country Music Festival celebrates 25 years, bringing 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
June 9-10, Maple Grove
Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes
The 3rd Annual Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes is a free, two-day street art festival overflowing with art, entertainment, food and family fun! Check out sidewalk chalk art by 50 national and international professional and amateur street artists. Come on Saturday to watch the creative process unfold, then view the finished masterpieces on Sunday, take photos and talk with the artists themselves. 763-424-0504
June 10-17, Buffalo
Buffalo Days
Enjoy a full week of festivities for kids and adults with carnival games and rides, Movie in the Park: "Sing," fireworks, live music, beer gardens, Buffalo Sings, the crowning of the royalty, Kiddie Parade, Kids' Fishing Klinic, and Grande Parade featuring 10 marching bands from all over the state! 763-682-4902
June 14 - July 4, White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake Manitou Days
Celebrate Manitou Days in this beautiful lakeside community, and enjoy more than 70 events! The fun kicks-off with Marketfest and ends on the Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks display to music over the lake. Other highlights include a Grande Parade, Manitou Days Beach Dance, Manitou Days Children's Fishing Contest, My First Tri, Arts & Crafts Fair, Drop-In Discovery Stations, Bear Boating Pontoon Rides, 3rd Annual Manitou Days Pie Contest, YogaDevotion on the Beach, community-wide garage sales, Garden Party, 14th Annual Manitou Days Pet Parade & Blessing, and Sunday Night Fever: Ski Otters Water Ski Show! 651-653-5122
June 15-16, Minneapolis
Northern Spark
From sunset to sunrise, Northern Spark will illuminate and draw audiences to downtown Minneapolis at three locations. Artists will explore the theme Commonality through a diverse range of vibrant and thought-provoking projects. Complete list of arts and events. Downtown Minneapolis. 888-676-6757
June 15-17, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Juneteenth
The Twin Cities Juneteenth is an outdoor community celebration for the whole family with the Twin Cities Juneteenth Underground Railroad Re-Enactment, Kiddy Corner activities, face painting and supervised swimming, Boat Training by Wilderness Inquiry with rides down the Mississippi River, live music, health & wellness vendors, and local organization booths. North Mississippi Regional Park. 612-238-3733
June 16-17, Minneapolis
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
The 24th Annual Stone Arch Bridge Festival is a weekend of art and music with more than 200 artists, live music on 3 stages, family activities, car shows and the Stone Arch Beer Sampler! Along the Mississippi Riverfront. 952-473-6422
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
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
Nelly at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 23
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, 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
Paramore & Foster the People at The Armory, July 5
Boz Scaggs at the Historic State Theatre, July 10
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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 8-10, Onamia
Onamia Days
Favorite events include the Family Fun Show Carnival, live music acts, 5K Run, Grande Parade, sidewalk sales, food stands and games. Herington Park on Lake Onamia. 320-532-3202
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 9-15, Hutchinson
Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival
Started in 1942, Water Carnival offers a wide array of events! Festival highlights the Medallion Hunt, Grande & Kiddie parades, Kids' Fun Day, Run by the River, Miss Hutchinson Pageant, Little Crow Ski Team performance, Teddy Bear Concert, boat parade, Queen's Dance, street dance and fireworks display! 320-587-5252
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
June 15-16, Willmar
Studio Hop
Visit local artist studios and meet the artists! Many studios offer refreshments. Pick up a punch card at your first studio for a chance to prizes. The artists are gearing up for a festive Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a full Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Studio Hop map. 320-235-8560
June 21-23, Brainerd
Lakes Jam Music Festival
The Lakes Jam Music Festival is an annual event that unites rock and country music fans. The 2018 line-up includes Locash, Brantley Gilbert and George Thorogood, just to name a few! Other highlights include watercross races, lawnmower races, bean bag contest and campsite decorating contest. Camping is available. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-821-4575
Northwest Minnesota
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 14-17, Hallock
Celebrate Hallock
This celebration of Hallock's 135th Anniversary Celebration is jam packed with events including a golf tournament, library book sale, movie at the pool, yoga in the park, wine tasting, adventure race, Color Run, parade, car show, tours and a horse show! And on June 15, don't miss the Main Street Mania Art Festival featuring area artists, a Youth Art Competition, Street Art Sidewalk Style, Paint Art Party, lip sync battle, outdoor dance and food trucks. 218-843-5120
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
June 21-23, Walker
Moondance Jammin Country Fest
The 12th Annual Moondance Jammin Country Fest will feature music by numerous country music acts including Cole Swindell, Gary Allan, Luke Combs, CAM and Brett Young on the main stage, with other performances on 3 additional stages. Camping is a one of the highlights of this festival, with reserved and general camping available. Moondance Events Grounds. 218-836-1055
Northeast Minnesota
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 10, Duluth
Pat Benatar & Nil Giraldo: A Very Intimate Acoustic Evening and Pre-Party Event
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have formed one of the most successful partnerships in music history. During their nearly four-decade career, they have won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards, as well as three American Music awards. Their rock and roll love affair has endured for 38 years and they continue to tour every year, wowing audiences everywhere. Before the Benatar/Giraldo concert, enjoy a pre-party with Hannah Rey, then take the free party bus to and from the concert. Pier B Resort Hotel and the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center. 218-481-8888
June 14-16, Grand Rapids
The Wizard of Oz Festival at Judy Garland's Birth Home
Celebrate the Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland with some very special events including A Musical History Event in the Judy Garland House, Rat Pack Dinner, Oz and Judy Jeopardy, Hidden Treasures at the Museum, I Could Go On Singing movie, outdoor showing of “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) on JUMBO Screen, and Land of Oz children’s activities. Judy Garland Museum & Birth Home. 218-327-9276
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
June 22-24, Grand Marais
Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival
There's a bit of everything during the Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival such as rows of hand-made and unique watercraft, a boat parade, craft demonstrations, an evening square dance, boat and tool auction, and chili and brats! Try your hand at a workshop or course, be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers, listen to speakers, watch craft demonstrations, plan your next adventure, enjoy the Lake Superior Chowder Experience and Steam Bent Brunch, and delight in the Solstice Pageant. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
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