Blooming Butterflies exhibit opens June 15 at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul
Event highlights this week include:
June 13-17, Winona
Steamboat Days
June 15-16, Minneapolis
Northern Spark
June 13-17, Perham
Perham Turtle Fest
June 14-17, Hallock
Celebrate Hallock
June 16-17, Virginia
Land of the Loon Arts & Crafts Festival & Northern Minnesota Craft and Vendor Expo
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 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 90 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 16-24, Rochester
Rochesterfest
Rochesterfest is a citywide celebration with countless fun and entertaining activities including a Rochester Hangar fly-in & dance, K-9 Carnival, Juneteenth celebration, Father's Day event, 27 food vendors & beer gardens at Soldiers Field Park, Celebrate Pets!, live music, ice cream social, Chester Woods Park narrated wagon rides, Trivia/Game Night, UNRAVELED Escape Room, free trolley rides, Karaoke Extravaganza, Hot Air Balloon Glow, Million Dollar Hole-in-One Shoot-Out, pre-parade block party and Grande Parade. Don't forget about the Rochesterfest Treasure Hunt -- the hidden medallion is worth $1000! Venues throughout Rochester. 507-285-8769
June 21-23, Granite Falls
Western Fest and Stampede Rodeo
The 30th Annual Western Fest celebration includes 3 nights of non-stop rodeo entertainment. Each rodeo is preceded by mutton bustin' challenges by little cowboys and cowgirls. Enjoy street dances following the rodeos on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a Grande Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m. Lee Mar Ranch and downtown Granite Falls. 320-564-4039
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
June 29 - July 4, Elysian
Elysian 4th of July Celebration
In Elysian, the 4th of July is celebrated over multiple days with highlights such as a kid's fishing contest, grand & kiddie parades, dances, Sakatah Trail Sing-along, kids' carnival, flea market, car show, silent auction and fireworks display. Downtown Elysian. 507-267-4040
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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 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 13-17, North Branch
Midsummer Days
Midsummer Days is an annual Swedish celebration with a variety of activities including street dances, carnival rides & midway games, Family Fun Shows, Kiddie & Grande parades, water fights, bingo, Kiddie Olympics and more! Central Park. 651-674-4077
June 14-18, Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest 2018
Strawberry Fest is a four-day, family-focused event that offers something for everyone. Enjoy wonderful food, fantastic bands, carnival rides & games, hot air balloon rides, the Doggie Dash, car show, kids' tractor pull, logo contest, pet show, petting farm, strawberry pie eating-contest, talent show, runs & walks, water wars and more! Kingston Park. 651-260-1881
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 art 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 15 - Sept. 3, St. Paul
Blooming Butterflies Exhibit
Blooming Butterflies offers visitors a total immersion experience for the young and old. The 2,500 square foot greenhouse features a thriving butterfly habitat that over the course of the summer will become home to over 100 species of butterflies from around the world. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. 651-487-8201
June 16, Stillwater
Food Truck Extravaganza
The Food Truck Extravaganza will include over 20 food trucks, a market place, live music, merchant vendors, and children's activities -- a great place to stop on a Saturday, grab some food, shop a bit and learn about area businesses. Stillwater High School. 651-439-4001
June 16, Minneapolis
Midsommar Celebration 2018
Join the American Swedish Institute in a celebration of one of Sweden's most joyous and traditional festivals - no Nordic heritage needed! Summer is short in both Minnesota and the Nordic regions, so get outside and celebrate this special time of year. Make a midsommarkrans (flower head wreaths), listen to live music, sing Swedish songs, dance around the midsommar pole, enjoy festival foods and treats, try Norwegian herding calls, make birch bark love knot rings, and shop at the artist and community vendor booths. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
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
June 21-23, St. Paul
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is a three-day music festival with headline acts on multiple public stages in and around Mears Park, along with performances at over 20 area clubs, bars and studio venues. Recognized as one of the region's premiere music festivals, the Jazz Festival brings top jazz artists to St. Paul to share the joy of jazz with thousands of people! Headliners include: vocalist and 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater; seasoned tenor saxophonist Houston Person with the Emmet Cohen Trio; Beyonce collaborator and saxophonist Tia Fuller; jazz innovator Aurora Nealand with pianist Tom McDermott; and up-and-coming jazz vocalist Nayo Jones. Admission is free! Mears Park and area venues. 612-308-5785
June 21-24, St. Paul
The Wall That Heals
View The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. This is the first time Minnesotans can experience the new, larger Wall replica that is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Special scheduled events include an Opening Ceremony, a Public Commemoration featuring a fly-over of vintage Vietnam-era aircraft, and an evening of Minnesota stories and music at the Ordway. There will also be a Mobile Education Center, Huey Helicopter Display, Mobile Museum of artifacts, Veterans? Resource Area, documentary screenings and story sharing. Minnesota State Capitol. 651-222-1717
June 23, Scandia
Midsommar Dag at Gammelgarden Museum
Midsommar Dag is the most important holiday of the year and one of the most uniquely Swedish in the way it is celebrated. The Majstang (the Swedish version of a Maypole) is decorated with greens and flowers then raised in the center of town. Enjoy traditional Swedish music and dances, a craft & art fair, Swedish Genealogy, children's games & crafts, Smorgasbord, and program during the raising of the Maypole. The historic buildings are open to tour. Admission is free, but their is a fee for the Smorgasbord. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
June 24, Minneapolis
Uptown Food Truck Festival
The Uptown Food Truck Festival is one of the Twin Cities most popular & delicious free events, showcasing over 60 superstars of the local food scene, a variety of local craft brews and classic favorites, ciders and non-alcoholic drinks, multiple live bands and DJ's on two stages, and fun activities. Uptown at Lake St. & Hennepin Ave. 763-220-2380
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Carol Burnett at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 15
David Blaine at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 15
Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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 in Minneapolis, July 5
Boz Scaggs at the Historic State Theatre, July 10
David Cross at the Pantages Theatre, July 11
Panic at the Disco at Target Center in Minneapolis, July 11
Michael Che at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, July 12
The Pretenders at the Historic State Theatre, July 16
Train at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, July 17
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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, citywide 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 15-17, Avon
Spunktacular Days
Spunktacular Days, Avon's summer community celebration, features a medallion hunt, live music, craft fair, Lady Slipper Nature Ride, 5K & 1K run/walk, Kids' Fishing Tournament, turtle races, inflatable games, petting zoo, pony rides, food court, bingo, tractor pedal pull, parade, fireworks and Little Crow Ski Show. Lake Wobegon Trail Park. 320-217-4792
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
June 22-23, Alexandria
History Live and Awake The Lakes Ribfest
Enjoy learning about Ojibwe life, meet Civil War re-enactors, watch Viking weapons demonstrations, visit with Teddy Roosevelt, make butter, listen to stories about rural school life, go home with a free book, talk to a Tin Smith, enjoy local food trucks, shop handmade pioneer goods and more at Fort Alexandria during History Live! And on June 23, enjoy great food, live music, beer gardens and fireworks at Big Ole Park during the Awake The Lakes Ribfest. 320-763-3160; 320-808-5083
June 29 - July 1, Melrose
Melrose Riverfest
Join the community of Melrose for a fun weekend full of music by numerous acts, contests, pig races, sidewalk sales, medallion hunt, petting zoo, pony rides, free-throw contest, children's games, duck races, food vendors, runs & walks, fireworks and a parade. Also enjoy the Little Miss Pageant, and headliner band the Fabulous Armadillos! Sauk River Park. 320-256-7174
Northwest Minnesota
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 16, Bemidji
Bike Bemidji: Loop the Lake Festival
The Loop the Lake Festival is a family-friendly bike ride around Lake Bemidji along an easy, paved route with food, music and activities at various rest stops along the way. All skill levels will enjoy this bike ride -- it is not a race but rather a celebration of the fun of biking Bemidji. Helmets are encouraged. Rolling starts between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. at Sanford Center parking lot. 218-444-6081
June 21-23, Akeley
Paul Bunyan Days
The 70th Annual Paul Bunyan Days celebration includes a wide array of events and highlights such as the Lumberjack Mall Art Show, flea market, food vendors pie social, kids' fishing contest, minnow races, turtle races, Little Miss Pageant, Paul Bunyan Look-alike contest, dance, fish fry, inflatables, cake walk, car show, Kiddie & Grande parades, Paul's Boot decorating contest and Kids' Tractor Pull. 218-732-5587
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
June 30, Longville
Turtle Town Art Fair
The Turtle Town Art Fair, known for its exceptional arts and crafts, features a variety of arts and craft vendors, as well as homemade pies and other deserts. Salem Lutheran Church. 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
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, Marcell
Kids Fishing Day
Bring the kids to Kids Fishing Day when local guides will help children with fishing in the morning, and then a shore lunch. In addition, enjoy a bait casting contest, minnow races, and prizes for all contestants! Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center. 218-832-3161
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
June 23-24, Duluth
Park Point Art Fair
The Park Point Art Fair features 120 juried artists displaying and selling work in media such as clay, fiber, glass, painting, photography, jewelry, woodwork and sculpture. Also enjoy live music and theatre performances, demonstration and family art activities tents, and food trucks. Free admission and parking. Park Point Recreation Area. 218-428-1916
June 27 - July 1, Pine City
Freedom Fest
The annual Pine City Freedom Fest includes such highlights as Solid Rock in the Park with numerous bands, Art in the Park, BBQ & Car Show, triathlon, street dance, Money Scramble, Pine City Sings, The Amazing Race, tractor show, children's activities, bingo, food booths, a performance by The Whitesidewalls and fireworks finale. Pine County Fairgrounds. 320-322-4040
Subscribe here to receive any or all of Explore Minnesota Tourism's updates by email.
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
