Back to the 50s Weekend in St. Paul, June 22-24; photo courtesy of Back to the 50s
Event highlights this week include:
June 22-23, Mankato
Solstice Outdoor Music Festival
June 23-24, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Pride Festival
June 20-23, Willmar
Willmar Fests
June 21-23, Akeley
Paul Bunyan Days
June 23-24, Duluth
Park Point Art Fair
And discover the Flavors of the Great River Road, June 18-24. Share your favorite flavor of Minnesota's Great River Road such as a fantastic restaurant, brewery, winery, farmers' market, food-related event or regional recipe, and enter to win $500!
Southern Minnesota
Now through 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
Now through June 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 3, Welch
Treasure Island Block Party 2018
The Island Block Party is back with carnival rides, live music including Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Cinderella's Tom Keifer and more, all leading up to the biggest fireworks display in southern Minnesota. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-6300
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
June 30, Faribault
FAB 6: All You Need is Love Beatle's Encore Show
FAB 6 returns to the Paradise stage after their sold out, standing-room only performance in 2017. In addition to Beatle's favorites from the 2017 show, FAB 6 will perform new Beatle songs, presented with aplomb and joy. This amazing show includes 6 highly talented musicians who are life-long Beatles fans. They are joined onstage by The Pepperland String Quartet, The Parlophone Singers and The Sun King Brass. The Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
June 30 - July 4, Austin
Freedom Fest
Freedom Fest celebrates our independence over numerous days with lots of fun events and activities such as the Jaycees Street Dance, Parking Lot Party, arts & crafts show, car show, live music by numerous bands, SPAM Town Disc Golf Tournament, Mini-Piggy Fun Run, 25-mile bike ride, kids' fishing contest, parade, fly-in Breakfast, water wars, 5-mile jog, ice cream social, raffle and more. Band Shell Community Park. 507-437-4561
July 2-22, Winona
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Celebrate the music and legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven at the MN Beethoven Festival. Enjoy 11 concerts by nationally and internationally recognized artists at various venues throughout Winona. This year's headliner is Sarah Chang! 507-474-9055
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Now through 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
Now through 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 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 22-24, St. Paul
Back to the 50s Weekend
More than 11,000 street rods, customs, classics and restored vehicles, 1964 & older, will converge at the State Fairgrounds for the 45th Annual Back to the 50's Weekend. The weekend is filled with tons of automobiles, live music and performances on 2 stages, classic car auction, swap meet, Ladies Showcase, Kids' World games and activities, model car contest, celebrity appearances, and more! All international visitors are asked to stop by the press tent at Dan Patch and Cosgrove streets so staff can say hello and learn why you attended this year's show. A Kick-off Party will be held June 21 at Mancini's Char House. The Minnesota Street Rod Association's Back to the 50s Weekend is presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-641-1992
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 there is a fee for the Smorgasbord. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
June 23-24, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Pride Festival
Celebrate Twin Cities Pride at the 2018 Twin Cities Pride Festival with over 400 exhibitors, 4 stages with music and entertainment, 40 food and beverage booths, and 400,000+ visitors at Loring Park in this free celebration of the LGBTQ community. Popular events include the Pride Parade, Rainbow Run, Family Fun Day, Walk Against Bullying, Art Show, Pride Awards and Pride Crawl. And don't miss Pull for Pride Minneapolis 2018 on June 23 at Father Hennepin Bluff Park. This fun and festive event will include a DJ, food trucks, raffle giveaways and topped off with an awards ceremony. 612-255-3260; 763-210-2191
June 23 - Oct. 21, St. Paul
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is a massive, colorful, traveling art exhibit that debuts at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, June 23. The Washed Ashore exhibit features giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches to graphically illustrate the plastic pollution found in our oceans and waterways. The artwork will be combined with scientifically based educational signage to teach visitors about ocean stewardship, responsible consumer habits and how every action counts to help save our seas. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. 651-487-8201
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
June 28 - July 4, Roseville
Rosefest 2018
Rosefest celebrates the community's values and traditions of health and wellness, arts and entertainment, fun and fresh air for people of all ages. Events include the annual Rose Parade, Party in the Park, Golden Rose Medallion Hunt, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Frank Rog Amphitheatre in Central Park, Superhero Carnival, Rosefest Campfire & Backyard Campout, live music, food & exhibitor vendors, inflatables and fireworks over Lake Bennett! 651-792-7000
June 29, Apple Valley
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan with special guest Victory Boyd will perform at the Weesner Family Amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
June 29 - July 4, Forest Lake
Forest Lake 4th of July Celebration
Forest Lake's 4th of July Celebration is a multi-day event featuring a carnival, numerous live music acts, bingo, steak fry, old time baseball game, 4th of July parade, and fireworks. Many events at the Forest Lake American Legion. 651-464-2600
July 1, Prior Lake
Vanni
World-renowned composer Yanni will perform at the Mystic Showroom stage as part of “Live At The Acropolis” 25th Anniversary Tour. 952-496-6563
July 2-4, Chanhassen
City of Chanhassen's 4th of July Celebration
This fun-filled family event includes Family Night at the Carnival, Midwest Carnival rides & concessions, the Taste of Chanhassen, a street dance featuring the Casa Blanca Orchestra, pony rides, petting zoo, kiddie games, live music, water wars, adult & kiddie fishing contests, 4th of July parade, fireworks and much more! City Center Park & Lake Ann. 952-227-1100
July 3-4, Eagan
July 4th Funfest
Bring the family to enjoy the colorful parade, thrilling rides, carnival fun, nightly entertainment with a performance by The Gear Daddies, bike parade, Texas Hold 'em and more on the festival grounds of Central Park. The fireworks display is the region's largest, taking place at dusk on the 4th of July. 651-675-5546
July 4, Minneapolis
Red, White and Boom
Celebrate America's Independence Day at Red, White and Boom, a celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. This annual event attracts more than 75,000 people to sites along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront, and features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale - fireworks! Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront. 612-230-6400
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Jill Scott at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 21
James Taylor & His All-Star Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, June 22
Nelly at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 23
Dave Koz & Friends - Summer Horns at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 24
Dua Lipa at The Armory in Minneapolis, June 24
Michael Carbonaro Live! at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 24
Love Never Dies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 26 - July 1
Dan Fogerty & ZZ Top at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, June 29
Kesha - Rainbow Tour at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, June 30
The Eagles at Target Field in Minneapolis, 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
Pitbull at Mystic Amphitheater, July 3
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
X Games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, July 19-22
Jerry Lee Lewis at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, July 21
Luke Bryan at Target Field in Minneapolis, July 21
Nickelback & Pop Evil at Treasure Island Casino, July 22
Vans Warped Tour at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, July 22
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
June 20-23, Willmar
Willmar Fests
Willmar Fests is the combination of four festivals rolled into one big summer celebration: International Fest which honors Willmar's sister city of Frameries, Belgium; Aqua Fest featuring water events; Frameries Fest which is a Fine Arts Celebration; Kaffee Fest honoring the coffee tradition of Willmar's Scandinavian roots. Highlights include Grande Day & Kiddie parades, Little Crow Ski Shows, beach party, block party, Willmar Stingers game, live entertainment, ice cream social, fireworks and much more! Venues throughout Willmar. 320-235-3552
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 23-24, Isle
Mille Lacs History Festival & Rendezvous
The 26th Mille Lacs History Festival & Rendezvous is a celebration of the fur trade era in an 1840s Rendezvous Camp. Enjoy singers and storytelling, black powder shooting, folk arts, demonstrations, live music & entertainment, and great food and drink. DeCorsa Vineyard & Farm Winery. 763-757-4118
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
June 29 - July 1, Swanville
Swanville Carnival
The 56th Annual Swanville Carnival includes midway rides, carnival games, bingo, world-famous barbecue chicken, other fair treats and a beer garden. Downtown Swanville. 320-232-7305
June 30 - July 4, Spicer
Spicer 4th of July Celebration
Spicer's 4th of July Celebration offers tons of activities for all ages. In addition to a great arts and crafts fair, there is an amusing flea market, Church on the Beach, Sunday Brunch Cruise, volleyball, basketball and softball tournaments, pony rides, kiddie pedal tractor pull, competitive 12-mile race, live music, street dance, Dueling Duo at Glacial Ridge Winery, boat parade, Grande Day parade with over 100 participants, and dazzling fireworks display over Green Lake. 320-796-8066
July 3-4, Pequot Lakes
Stars & Stripes Days in Pequot Lakes
This 2-day 4th of July celebration includes food vendors, beer gardens, live music, bean bag tournaments and fireworks on July 3rd. And on the 4th of July, enjoy a Firemen's pancake breakfast, craft fair, food vendors, live music, bungee trampoline and kids climb, Money in the Haystack, Golden Bobber Hunt, kiddie parade, bed races, and the Stars & Stripes Parade. 218-568-8911
July 4, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Fireworks
The 72nd Annual 4th of July fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m. on the July 4th. The fireworks show will be synchronized to a specially selected music soundtrack with great viewing areas on both sides of the Mississippi River, in Wilson and Hester parks, along 5th Avenue North and other parts of the community. 320-252-4414
Northwest Minnesota
June 19-23, Thief River Falls
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy based on a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online. Northland Community & Technical College Theater. 218-681-3810
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 - July 1, Longville
Turtle Town Art Fair & Music in the Park
The city of Longville will host 2 popular events over one weekend. On Saturday, June 30, enjoy one-of-a-king creations at the famous Turtle Town Art Fair on the park-like grounds of Salem Lutheran Church. And on Sunday, July 1, check out Music in the Park with a free musical performance by Monroe Crossing on the Salem Lutheran Church grounds. Bring a picnic dinner, blanket or lawn chairs. 218-363-2630
July 4, Park Rapids
Hometown 4th of July
The Hometown 4th of July begins with the Firecracker 5K Footrace walk/run, and ends with the Park Rapids fireworks display! Other highlights include a Pie Baking contest and auction at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, community bank concert and 4th of July Parade! Enjoy this classic 4th of July Celebration in Park Rapids, home of the Mississippi Headwaters. 218-732-4111
July 4, Detroit Lakes
4th of July Fireworks Display
Take a spot on Detroit Lake's mile-long city beach to see the spectacular fireworks display at dusk. 218-847-9202
July 6-11, Hackensack
Sweetheart Days
The always popular Sweetheart Days event includes a variety of activities for kids of all ages including the Sweetheart Parade, Dachshund Derby, fireworks display, live music, theater performances, car & motorcycle show, corn hole tournament, scavenger hunt and children's games in the park. Downtown Hackensack. 218-675-6135
Northeast Minnesota
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, Two Harbors
Children's Day
Enjoy a day of tours geared for children and free admission for ages 17 and under to the Split Rock Lighthouse. Families can learn about the children who lived at the light station and join in special games, crafts and activities. Experience the sights, history and technology behind this signature Minnesota landmark anchored on the rocky coast of Lake Superior. The surrounding Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers trails, waterways, and campgrounds for your favorite outdoor activities year-round. Split Rock Lighthouse. 218-226-6372
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
June 30, Grand Rapids
Dream on Nilsson - Harry Nilsson Tribute Concert
Dream On Nilsson is a Minneapolis-based tribute band that performs fresh, modern and revitalized versions of the music written and sung by the late great Harry Nilsson. A prolific song writer who gained success in the 1970s, he is best known for his songs "Coconut," "Everybody's Talking," "One" and "Without You." The program will include video projections portraying infamous moments in Harry's life, rare footage, a full night of Harry Nilsson classics and "deep cuts." Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5780
July 4, Cloquet
Cloquet's 4th of July Celebration
Enjoy events all day during Cloquet's 4th of July Celebration including the Sawdust 5K, parade, helicopter rides, pony rides, wagon rides, Dash for Cash, Beach Party, movie in the park, patriotic ceremony, free children's activities, fireworks display and carnival games and rides -- the carnival runs June 30 through July 4! Cloquet Avenue & Hwy 33. 218-879-1551
July 4, Duluth
Fourth Fest 2018
Duluthians and visitors alike will be filled with oohs and aahs during the free Fourth Fest community celebration. Gates open at 4 p.m. with music beginning at 5 p.m. At dusk, enjoy Minnesota's largest fireworks display. The aerial display will be fully synchronized to a musical program that will be broadcast on the radio. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-722-4011
July 6-8, Deer River
World's Largest Wild Rice Festival
The World's Largest Wild Rice Festival delivers a full weekend of family-friendly fun. Highlights include carnival games and rides, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Pow Wow, amateur music competition, Sawdust Scramble, bike rodeo, medallion hunt, Wild Rice Run, parade, turkey dinner and Sportsman's Turtle Feed, beer gardens, flea market and more! Downtown Deer River & White Oak Casino. 218-246-8302
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