Brown County Fair in New Ulm; photo by Carolyn Marti Smith
There are more than 90 Minnesota County Fairs, each with its own distinct flavor and personality. Carnival rides, agriculture and livestock displays, and plenty of food are among the many things that make these events fun outings for the whole family!
Other event highlights this week include:
June 29 - July 4, Elysian Elysian 4th of July Celebration
June 28 - July 4, Roseville Rosefest 2018
June 29 - July 1, Melrose Melrose Riverfest
June 30 - July 1, Longville Turtle Town Art Fair & Music in the Park
June 27 - July 1, Pine City Freedom Fest
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
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
July 4, Waseca Lakefest Music Festival Celebrate Independence Day by the lake during the Lakefest Music Festival. Highlights include the Lakefest Freedom Run, live stage entertainment by 5 bands, a boat parade, root beer float specials, food vendors, beer garden, face painting, airbrush tattoos and crazy hair, inflatable rides, kiddie train and fireworks show at dusk. Clear Lake Park (with playground equipment and public beach). 507-461-2604
July 6-8, North Mankato North Mankato Fun Days North Mankato Fun Days delivers 3 days of fun for people of all ages including Grande and Kiddie parades, carnival games & midway rides (special needs carnival on Sunday), dancing & live music, petting zoo, kids' pedal tractor pull, bingo, car show, food concessions, and more. Wheeler Park. 800-232-6909
July 6-21 (Fridays & Saturdays), Walnut Grove Wilder Pageant The Wilder Pageant is a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove. This nightly live performance includes all characters from the Walnut Grove area. Laura narrates the story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and the hillside amphitheater on the banks of Plum Creek. 507-859-2174
July 13-15, Welch Prairie Island Indian Community Pow Wow Watch, listen and feel Native American culture and history come to life. In addition to daily Grand Entries, dancers, drum groups and singers, visit the many vendor booths and try a variety of Native foods. The celebration is held outdoors next to Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-267-4020; 651-388-6300
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
Now through 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 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 Yanni 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 Parks 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
July 4, Excelsior Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration Excelsior's Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Celebration kicks off with 1 mile, 5K & 10K Firecracker Fun Runs and ends with fireworks over Lake Minnetonka. In between, enjoy a Kiddie Parade, sand sculpture contest, Popsicle Social, live music by local bands, children's activities, food and merchant vendors. Commons Park in Excelsior. 952-474-6461
July 4, St. Paul Independence Day Celebration Spend the United States' birthday exploring the history of freedom in 19th-century America. Experience how the holiday was celebrated nearly two centuries ago, complete with cannon and musket salutes, military dress parades, fife and drum music, and much more. Also visit interactive learning stations around the fort and learn about the struggles for freedom and independence for several different groups of Americans such as enslaved people, Native Americans, and women. Historic Fort Snelling. 612-726-1171
July 4-14, Lakeville Pan-O-Prog The 52nd Annual Pan-O-Prog celebrates the growth and development of the community with 4th of July fireworks, carnival games & rides, Grande Parade, Cruise Night, Music in the Park, scholarship pageant, Beer, Brats & Bingo, 1 & 4 mile runs, ice cream social, pet show, dances, parade, picnics, classic car show, talent contest, tournaments and more. Historic downtown Lakeville. 952-985-4400
July 6-7, Minneapolis Basilica Block Party The Basilica Block Party is two days of premiere music by 20 acts. Headliners include Cake, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jason Isbell, Lady Lark and Third Eye Blind! Basilica of Saint Mary. 612-333-1381
July 7-15, Hopkins Raspberry Festival The 84th Annual Raspberry Festival is a tradition for Minnesotans with 10 days of family friendly activities and events. Highlights include the Golden Raspberry Selfie Contest, street dances, numerous live music acts, Marketplace Arts and Craft Fair, kids' fishing event, Royalty Coronation and Royal Ball, Celebration of Community vendors, cultural exhibits and storytelling, Hopkins Cruisers car show, big wheel races, children's activities, the Raspberry Run and Grande Parade. Locations throughout Hopkins. 952-931-0878
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Love Never Dies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 26 - July 1 Dan Fogerty & ZZ Top at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch,, 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 in St. Paul, July 1 Yanni 25 - Acropolis Anniversary Concert Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, 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 in Minneapolis, July 10 David Cross at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, July 11 Panic at the Disco at Target Center in Minneapolis, July 11 Michael Che at the Pantages Theatre, 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 Coheed and Cambria & Taking Back Sunday at The Armory, July 25 Dan and Phil - Interactive Introverts Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26 Three Doors Down & Collective Soul at The Armory, July 26 Live Nation Presents Journey & Def Leppard at Target Field in Minneapolis, July 27 International Champions Cup at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, July 31 Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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, parade, 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, Nisswa Nisswa Freedom Celebration & Parade Celebrate freedom in Nisswa with a full schedule of fun on July 3 including water wars, turtle races, live music by 3 bands, food vendors, and the Freedom Days Parade. Downtown Nisswa. 218-963-2620
July 3-4, Prinsburg Prinsburg 4th of July Celebration This small town celebrates Independence Day in a big way! Enjoy a variety of events for the whole family including a golf scramble, ice cream social, Freedom Fun Run, fireworks display, community dinner, silent auction, inflatables, concessions, bean bag toss tournament, Teen Scene, pedal tractor pull, kids' movie, and Kiddie & Grande Day parades! 320-978-8700
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. 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 St. Cloud's 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
July 6-8, Isle Isle Days The Isle Days citywide celebration includes events all weekend such as carnival rides & games, Kiddie, Grande & Boat parades, medallion hunt, fun run, craft vendors, live music, street dance, car show, kids' coin hunt, flea market, food stands and more! Sites throughout Isle. 888-708-3669
July 6-8, Brainerd Bracket Drag Racing Series Brainerd International Raceway's Bracket Drag Racing Series features some of the most exciting amateur drag racing in the Upper Midwest. During the 8-weekend series, 250+ drivers compete in 11 classes in dragsters, cars, trucks, bikes, snowmobiles and Junior Dragsters. Racers battle for prize money, series points and a chance at a series championship. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
July 14, Monticello Art in the Park This fine arts & crafts show includes more than 65 exhibitors displaying and selling handcrafted items. In addition, enjoy food and beverage vendors, and live music and entertainment along the banks of the Mississippi River. The Famous Armadillos will perform after the event. Ellison Park. 763-295-2700
Northwest Minnesota
June 20-July 1, Walker Nunsensations Las Vegas Revue Nunsensations takes place six weeks after the sisters have staged their first benefit. The sisters are back presenting a "thank you" show for all the people who supported them in the past. But now, they're a bit slicker, having been "bitten by the theater bug." Things get to off to a rousing start as the sisters sing Nunsense, the Magic Word, then chaos erupts. This show will have you rolling in the aisles! Walker Bay Theater. 218-547-4044
June 30, Bemidji Bemidji Bird City Celebration: Purple Martin Fest and Nature Expo The 2nd Annual Bemidji Bird City Celebration will include numerous speakers and presentations on native birds and what local groups are doing to make Bemidji a 'bird-friendly' city. In addition, enjoy lots of children's activities, and check out all of the vendors and exhibitors. Admission is free to all Saturday events, but a state parks pass is needed for the Raptors Live presentation at Lake Bemidji State Park on Friday evening. Various locations in Bemidji. 218-760-3592
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-kind 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, as well as a 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 4, Warroad 4th of July Festival Warroad celebrates the 4th like never before with an amazing fireworks display over Lake of the Woods. Other highlights include a street dance, inflatables, live music, pancake breakfast, children's races, games, water wars, food and merchant vendors, and Grande Parade. Downtown Warroad. 218-386-3543
July 6-7, Remer Bigfoot Days This annual event just keeps growing since Remer declared itself the Home of Bigfoot! Festivities include live music, Bigfoot Olympics, live Bigfoot storytelling, Bigfoot 5K, BBQ Contest, petting zoo, Adult Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt, adult and kids' Bigfoot Calling contests, family picnic, bingo, raffles and more! Minnesota Bigfoot and Northern Minnesota Bigfoot research teams will provide information on what's new in the world of Sasquatch. Downtown Remer. 218-566-1680
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
July 14, Bagley Bagley Art in the Park Bagley's 31st Annual Art in the Park event includes artwork by a variety of local artists and craftspeople, as well as food vendors, live entertainment and crafts for children. Bagley City Park. 218-533-0120
Northeast Minnesota
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
June 30, International Falls Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival & International Tug of War The 7th Annual International Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival features teams of 8 paddlers, seated facing each other in the boat for a full on, power paddle duel on the water. All teams must have a drummer and a steersman. Registration is taken the day of the festival at the Sorting Gap Marina. During the International Tug of War, watch Team USA and Team Canada compete in a tug of war across the Rainy River as they pull on the 1,200 foot rope that crosses the water border between the United States and Canada. 218-324-3180; 218-285-7225
July 1-19, Iron Range communities Northern Lights Music Festival One of Minnesota’s largest music festivals, the Northern Lights Music Festival offers lovers of classical music three weeks of opera, chamber music and orchestra concerts presented by an international roster of guest artists, performing faculty and prize-winning young artists. On the 4th of July, enjoy a performance by the Northern Lights Festival Orchestra conducted by Gavriel Heine of the Mariinsky Theater, St. Petersburg, at the Veda Zuponcic Auditorium in Aurora. 218-780-2292
July 3-4, Eveleth Eveleth Fourth of July Celebration The Eveleth Fourth of July Celebration party is fun for all ages with a street dance, live music, fireworks display, parade, children's games, coin hunt, inflatable fun houses, Firecracker 5K Run, beach to beach swim, and food and merchandise vendors. Be sure to also check out the world's largest hockey stick and the Hall of Legends at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum. Downtown Eveleth. 218-744-2121
July 4, Ely July 4th Parade & Fireworks This is a true small town parade with a variety of floats, vehicles, music and more! After sunset, join the town in celebrating Independence Day with festive fireworks at Miners Lake. Additional events will be scheduled throughout the day. Multiple locations in Ely. 218-365-6123
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, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Pow Wow, amateur music competition, Sawdust Scramble, bike rodeo, medallion hunt, Wild Rice Run, parade, turkey dinner, Sportsman's Turtle Feed, beer gardens, flea market and more! Downtown Deer River & White Oak Casino. 218-246-8302
July 7-8, Duluth Duluth Airshow, presented by St. Lukes The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Lukes, is the largest air show in Minnesota. Featured are the USAF ThunderBirds and the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Arrive early to take in all of the static displays including WWII warbirds, bombers and a host of other aerial acts. There is plenty of entertainment for the entire family including a Kids' Fun Zone, Runway 4K, and performances. Duluth International Airport. 218-628-9995
July 14-15, Moose Lake Agate Days Celebration Thousands of visitors head to Moose Lake's Agate Days Celebration each year. Highlights include the Clark-Olsen Agate Stampede, Gem and Mineral Show, Art in the Park, agate & rock identification, antique car show, free open house at Moose Lake State Park & Geological interpretive Center (no state park sticker needed), pancake breakfast, and more -- experience the madness! Downtown Moose Lake. 218-485-4145
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