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Minnesota boasts more than 90 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. Learn more!
Event highlights this week include:
July 19-22, New Ulm
Bavarian Blast
July 19-22, Minneapolis
X Games Minneapolis
July 16-22, New London
New London Water Days
July 19-21, Walker
Moondance Jam
July 21, Duluth
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
Southern Minnesota
Now through July 21 (Thursdays, 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
Now through July 22, Winona
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Celebrate the music and legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven at the Minnesota 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 19-22, New Ulm
Bavarian Blast
This German-American festival features all sorts of music including German-style, old-time, rock and country music acts. Visitors will also enjoy plenty of food and drink options, as well as a Stein-holding contest, sauerkraut-eating competition, barrel rolling, souvenir sales, 5K & 10K races, Sunday morning polka service, and the Bavarian Blast Parade. Brown County Fairgrounds. 507-233-4300
July 21, Mankato
Rockin' on the Hill, Summer Music Fest
Rockin’ on the Hill is a family-friendly outdoor event featuring great live music, food trucks, spirits, pull tabs, traveling boutiques and more! Bands will play from 5:30 to 11 p.m.; Gates open at 5 p.m. All ages welcome. Good Counsel Hill. 507-385-6660
July 27-28, Wabasha
Riverboat Days
Riverboat Days is one of the biggest parties of the summer on the Upper Mississippi! Enjoy 5K & 10K runs along the scenic Mississippi River, live music, craft fair, farmers' market, Rubber Ducky Derby, children's activities, bounce houses, performance of "Tom Sawyer," Boat & Grande parades, Wabasha Sings, car show, beer tent and more! Heritage Park (under the bridge). 651-565-4158
July 27-29, Montgomery
Kolacky Days - Czech Festival
The 84th Annual Kolacky Days celebrates Montgomery's Czechoslovakian heritage and culture by blending the Czech traditions of the past with today's festival favorites including authentic Kroj costumes, Czech dancing, Bohemian tractor pull, Kolacky eating contest, Grande Day & Kiddie parades, U.S. National Prune-spitting Championships, beer gardens, amazing Czech food, live music acts, Rock-N-Roll in the Park, demonstrations and sporting events. Memorial Park and downtown Montgomery. 507-953-0094
Aug. 3-5, Red Wing
River City Days
River City Days, Red Wing's annual summer festival, features live entertainment, a large arts and crafts fair, Taste of Red Wing, River City Ramble 5K & Kids' Fun Run, Super Retrievers, parade, Antique Boat & Motor Show, beer garden, and Human Foosball. Children's activities & entertainment include a Kids' Entertainment Tent, bounce houses, bungee trampoline, mini golf, kiddie train rides, Goldfish Game, dunk tank, soccer, skee-ball, splatter painting, hands-on museum, pop-up museum, face painting, Red Wing Parks' naturalist, and pets. Bay Point & Levee parks. 651-388-5934
Aug. 3-5, Lanesboro
Buffalo Bill Days
Buffalo Bill Days commemorates the first Buffalo Bill Cody world-famous Wild West Show performed in Lanesboro, Minnesota in 1900! Enjoy golf, softball & volleyball tournaments, plays at the Commonweal Theatre, beer and brat tents, barbecue chicken, live music, bingo, Baggo, dancing, karaoke and, of course, an Old West Show. In addition, there will be Saturday night fireworks off the bluffs, and a Grande Parade Sunday afternoon. Venues throughout town. 507-467-2696
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Now through Sept. 3, St. Paul
Blooming Butterflies Exhibit & Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea
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. And don't miss Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, a massive, colorful, traveling art exhibit featuring giant sealife 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. Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea will remain open through Oct. 21. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. 651-487-8201
July 18-21, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is a four day festival celebrating the city of Minneapolis. Join in on The Best Days of Summer and enjoy a wide array of activities including the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, JB Hudson Family Fun Fest, Wilderness Inquiry Canoe Rides, Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show, Skyline Fest Paddle Sport Race, and Target Fireworks -- a Top 5 annual display nationwide! Sites throughout Minneapolis. 612-376-7669
July 19-22, Minneapolis
X Games Minneapolis
X Games is an annual extreme sport event that incorporates high flying, daring acts and close competition. After each day of competition, fans can also enjoy performances by live music acts such as Kaskade, Ice Cube, Brother Ali, and Zedd. U.S. Bank Stadium. 612-444-8700
July 20-21, Eagan
Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games
Enjoy everything Scottish including Highland & Country dancing, living history, children's activities with prizes, Scottish vendors, Clan Row, pipers, traditional athletic competitions, non-stop music, refreshments and more. Visit Scotland in your backyard, for free! Eagan Central Park Festival Grounds. 952-994-8355
July 20-21, St. Paul
Lowertown Blues and Funk Festival
The Lowertown Blues and Funk Festival returns to Mears Park with a night of soul and funk on Friday, July 20, followed by a night of blues on Saturday, July 21. This is the Twin Cities' largest, free blues festival-with an extra dose of funk. Mears Park. 612-308-5785
July 20-22, Hastings
Rivertown Days
The Rivertown Days community festival includes live music, entertainment, carnival rides, activities, food vendors, beer tent, parade, arts and crafts fair, medallion hunt and more! Jaycee Park. 651-437-6775
July 20-22, Stillwater
Stillwater Lumberjack Days
Lumberjack Days offers fabulous events including live music concerts, Lumberjack shows & competitions, log rolling, helicopter rides, mini golf, parades, medallion hunt, children's activities & inflatables, vendor market, contests, yoga, beer gardens, and much more. Lowell Park on the St. Croix River. 651-351-1717
July 20-22, St. Paul
Highland Fest
The 35th Annual Highland Fest will feature live music by fun local bands, juried art fair with the creative works of dozens of artists (Saturday & Sunday), St. Paul Police K9 Unit demonstrations, Weiner Dog races, petting zoo, Movie in the Park, business fair, Community Village, Home Improvement Village, 5K run, wide array of food vendors, inflatable rides & games, wine tasting and a Summit Brewing beer tent. The All-Ford Car and Truck Show (Sunday) will commemorate the 88-year history of the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant. Highland Park's Ford Parkway from River Boulevard to Howell Street. 925-925-4848
July 21, St. Paul
Rondo Day
Highlights of the 35th Annual Rondo Day include a parade, live music, wide array of food and merchandise vendors, Frank Adams' 5k Walk/Run, Drill & Dance Team competitions, educational exhibits and local organizations. Rondo Learning Center. 651-315-7676
July 21, Burnsville
International Festival of Burnsville
The annual International Festival celebrates Burnsville's rich cultural diversity! Guests will enjoy a variety of food booths, vendor tents, cultural displays, Children's Village and performances by dancers, musicians and other entertainers. Nicollet Commons Park. 952-895-4509
July 27-28, Chanhassen
The Beatles' Abbey Road: An Album Tribute
Join Collective Unconscious as they "drop the needle" on the Beatles' Abbey Road! Enjoy a complete performance of one of the greatest rock albums of all time with hits like "Here Comes the Sun," "Come Together," "Something," and "Octopus's Garden." Fireside Theatre at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
July 27-29, Shoreview
Slice of Shoreview
The Slice of Shoreview is an annual festival celebrating life in Shoreview, MN. Highlights include a wide variety of family-oriented activities including a carnival, parade, arts and crafts fair, food vendors, rubber ducky races, petting zoo, pony rides, various displays and demonstrations, talent show, live music and fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Island Lake County Park. 651-483-2416
July 28-29, Minneapolis
Loring Park Art Festival
The annual Loring Park Art Festival brings you stunning, handcrafted items by 140 juried fine artists and fine craftspeople. Also enjoy festive live music & performances, delicious treats, specialties & refreshments from roughly 20 local food trucks, and fun, interactive children's activities, all amidst lovely wildflowers and formal gardens circling a large pond. Loring Park. 612-203-9911
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
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 in Minneapolis, July 25
Dan and Phil - Interactive Introverts Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, 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
Drake at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 1
Zeds Dead at The Armory, Aug. 3
Jack White at The Armory, Aug. 6
Charlie Puth at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 8
Beyoncé and Jay-Z at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Aug. 8
Steve Martin & Martin Short at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Aug. 10
Zac Brown Band: Down the Rabbit Hole at Target Field in Minneapolis, Aug. 10
Kid Rock at Treasure Island Casino, Aug. 11
Reba McEntire at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, Aug. 11
Sam Smith at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 14
Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 15
Deadmau5 at The Armory, Aug. 17
The Smashing Pumpkins: Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 19
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
July 16-22, New London
New London Water Days
This annual celebration is filled with fun events including a Grande Parade, Little Crow Water Ski Show, Family Fun Zone, hog roast, kids' tractor pull, carnival games, inflatables, water slide, live music, vendor market, classic car show, kayaking on Mill Pond, Church on the Pond, fireworks and street dance. Sites throughout New London. 320-354-2444
July 18-21, Sauk Centre
Sinclair Lewis Days
Enjoy 4 days of activities including a treasure hunt, Miss Sauk Centre Pageant, turtle races, Sinclair Lewis Days, Kiddie & Pet parades, concerts in the park, fireworks, Crazy Days sales, craft fair, tournaments, street dance and Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show! Sinclair Lewis Park. 320-352-5201
July 20-22, Battle Lake
Art of the Lakes Studio Tour
The Art of the Lakes Studio Tour is a scenic, self-guided tour to see the artwork of 56 artists in 24 studios on curvy, hilly roads around lakes and through valleys. This is your opportunity to shop for unique works of art while getting to know the artists. 218-864-8606
July 25-29, Glenwood
Waterama
Waterama is a multiple day festival on the beautiful shores of Lake Minnewaska. Just some of the many highlights include a 100-unit parade, kiddie parade, lighted pontoon parade, water shows, pageants, inflatables, water wars, dances, sporting events, running races, Crazy Day sales, arts and craft show, car show, Guys & Dolls performance, fireworks, community worship service, and street dances featuring the Johnny Holm Band and the Fabulous Armadillos. Most activities at Lake Minnewaska. 320-634-3636
July 28-29, Alexandria
Art in the Park
This popular juried art festival features over 150 booths filled with fine art and quality, handmade crafts. Visitors will also enjoy a variety of ethnic and local foods, and live entertainment on two stages. Admission is free, but there is a fee for parking. Alexandria City Park. 320-762-8300
August 3-5, Silver Lake
Pola-Czesky Days
The annual Pola-Czesky Days celebration includes a wide array of fun events including Toilet Bowl races, live music, street dances, kids' pedal pull, crafts fair, flea market, carnival games, parade, tractor pull, and much more. 320-327-2752
Northwest Minnesota
July 11 - Aug. 23, Park Rapids
Jasper's Theater Music, Magic and Comedy
The Best of Jaspers takes you on a musical, magical ride with 2 fun-filled hours of live entertainment. Award-winning comedienne Auntie Kreamsaugen, Kathie Brekke and some of Minnesota’s finest musicians join the cast of Jasper's to bring you this family-friendly variety show. Jasper's Theater. 218-255-1333
July 18-22, Thief River Falls
Pennington County Fair
Don't miss out on all of the fun events and exciting activities at the Pennington County Fair. Highlights include fireworks displays, Thunder On Hooves PBR Bull Rides, demolition derbies, midway rides & games, parade, craft beer expo, grandstand acts, free live entertainment at the bandshell, raffles, talent show, Beard and Mustache competitions, chainsaw sculpting and lots of tasty fair food. Pennington County Fairgrounds. 218-681-5922
July 19-21, Walker
Moondance Jam
Moondance Jam is a classic rock and roll music festival held annually on the 300-acre Moondance Fairgrounds. This year's headliners include Kid Rock, Bret Michaels, Tesla, Joan Jett, Kansas and Fuel! 877-666-6586
July 21-22, Bemidji
Art in the Park
This juried fine arts and crafts fair features the work of over 100 artists, as well as specialties by a dozen food vendors and live entertainment. Library Park on the shores of Lake Bemidji. 218-444-7570
July 27-28, Nevis
Muskie Days Music Festival
This annual celebration of the big lunker that once ruled Lake Belle Taine includes musical entertainment by nearly 20 music acts on 2 stages, street dances, Muskie Days & Kiddie parades, 5K Muskie Race, bounce houses, 50-foot obstacle course, climbing wall & slide, Muskie Market with arts, crafts & flea market treasures, casting contest, minnow races, tug of war, sack races, beer garden and lots of food stands. Locations throughout Nevis. 218-652-3115
July 28-29, East Grand Forks
Cats Incredible Catfish Days
This annual catfishing tournament brings top anglers from all over North America. In addition to the tournament, there will be fun games and activities for the whole family, lots of food vendors and a beer garden. LaFave Park, adjacent to Cabela's. 701-746-0444
Aug. 2-4, Detroit Lakes
WE Fest
WE Fest is considered by many to be America's Best Camping and Country Music Festival! Since WE Fest's inception in 1983, it has been one of the leading country music festivals in the nation. Don't miss Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Vince Gill and many other national acts as they take the stage in 2018! Soo Pass Ranch on the shores of Sallie Lake. 800-493-3378
Northeast Minnesota
July 20-22, Ball Club/Deer River
Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days Traditional Pow Wow
The Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days Traditional Pow Wow will include Grand Entries, Flag Raising, Fire Frybread contest, parade with Rez Car & parade unit contests, and more. 218-335-8395
July 21, Duluth
Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival
Enjoy the 13th Annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival showcasing internationally touring performers in a beautiful open air venue with a variety of ethnic foods, beverages and artisans displaying their wares. This is a tribute to world music and those artists who spread the message of love, hope and equality for all people worldwide. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-525-8099
July 21, Pine City
Art Fest 2018
The annual Pine City Art Fest hosted by the Pine City Arts Council is a unique outdoor arts and crafts fair with children's activities, live music and great food at Robinson Park. While in Pine City, check out the Pine City Heritage Players presentation of "Shrek: The Musical!" 320-322-4040
July 26-29, Hoyt Lakes
Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival
The 63rd Annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is an old-fashioned water ski show. Highlights include the Shockwaves Water Ski Show, Beach Party, live music by numerous popular bands, turtle races, parade, contests, sand pile for kids, Kids' Sundae Sunday and giant fireworks display. Enjoy the Wild Things Zoo attractions, bounce houses, children's games, beer garden and concessions all weekend. 218-225-2654
July 27-29, Ely
Blueberry Art Festival
This three-day event features original artwork and handcrafted pieces by 300 exhibitors, as well as ethnic foods, a variety of musical entertainment, children's activities, pancake breakfasts served both Saturday and Sunday mornings, and of course, blueberry pies! Whiteside Park. 218-365-6123
Aug. 3-5, Grand Rapids
Tall Timber Days
This year's annual Tall Timber Days celebration will include tons of fun for the whole family. Highlights include Lumberjack Shows, arts and crafts, demonstrations, children's activities, Pet & Grande parades, Chainsaw Carving, live entertainment, education tent, food vendors, beer garden and bands Friday and Saturday nights. Downtown Grand Rapids. 218-398-1242
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