Fine glass artwork at the Uptown Art Fair, Aug. 3-5; photo by Leslie Anderson
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:
Aug. 3-5, Red Wing
River City Days
Aug 2-12, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Fringe Fest
August 3-5, Silver Lake
Pola-Czesky Days
Aug. 1-4, Bemidji
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 2-5, Grand Marais
Fisherman's Picnic
Southern Minnesota
Aug. 2-5, Mankato
Mankato Ribfest!
Award-winning rib chefs from across the country gather in Mankato to provide sticky, spicy eats each year during Ribfest with chefs competing for Best Ribs, Best Pulled-Pork, and People’s Choice. In addition to some of the best BBQ in the nation, enjoy music by a wide variety of bands and games for the kids. Riverfront Park & Vetter Stone Amphitheater. 507-389-3000
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
Aug. 4, Rochester
Dogs Downtown
Dogs Downtown, presented by Subaru of Rochester, is a canine-centric event featuring activities, crafts, games and giveaways for all four-legged friends and their humans! Highlights include the agility course, live music, dog-friendly patios and Games on the Grass. This event is free and open to the public. Peace Plaza. 507-219-9882
Aug. 11-12, Pipestone
Pipestone Civil War Days
Civil War Days is a celebration of Pipestone's past with Infantry and Artillery maneuvers, an authentic re-enactment of a Civil War battle with hundreds of re-enactors from all over the United States, and numerous demonstrations of historic life, all in a beautiful historic setting. The military camps are open to the public -- walk through the camps to share the 1860's with the re-enactors. Hiawatha Pageant Park. 507-825-2563
Aug. 11-12, Owatonna
Pirate Festival
The Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival features both the historical (buccaneer) world and the fantasy/fiction world of pirate characters and Caribbean lore with lots of things to do for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy three stages of professional entertainment, strolling comedic characters & minstrels, an artisan merchants bazaar, thieves market, food court with novelty drinks, games of skill, hands-on children’s activities, costume contests, tattoo contests, King & Queen of the Pirates contest, treasure hunts, outdoor museum encampments and folk craft demonstrations. Morehouse Park. 507-451-7970
Aug. 11-12, Rochester
Days of Yesteryear
Enjoy displays of antique cars, trucks, engines, tractors and equipment, and watch demonstrations of oat threshing, straw baling, woodworking, broom making, rock crushing, blacksmithing and tinsmithing. In addition, check out the operating sawmill and shingle mills, attend country school classes, help shell and grind corn, make butter, wash clothes, dig potatoes and make rope. History Center of Olmsted County. 507-288-2790
Aug. 17-19, Oronoco
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc.
The annual Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days is a premiere antiques, vintage, art and market event considered by many to be one of the top twelve Midwest antique shows. Hundreds of dealers from throughout the region fill over a thousand booths located throughout the community. Junction of MN County Roads 12 and 118. 507-367-2111
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Aug 2-12, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Fringe Fest
Minnesota Fringe connects adventurous artists with adventurous audiences during the annual Fringe Festival. As one of the largest performing arts festivals in North America, Minnesota Fringe fills 45,000 seats for 700-plus performances by more than 1,000 artists on over a dozen stages. Fringe shows are 60 minutes or less with a half hour break between each performance. Attendees can purchase a day pass that allows for entry into any show at any venue on that particular day. Multiple locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. 612-872-1212
Aug 3-5, Minneapolis
Uptown Art Fair
This award-winning fine arts festival is ranked the #1 art show in Minnesota. It features 350 artists, 80 youth artists, a culinary competition, family activities, demonstrations and a large variety of food and beverage vendors. The new Party Plaza offers music and dance performances, a Fun Zone, live radio broadcasts, DJ entertainment, and a cocktail competition. Metro Transit offers free rides through its Art Pass. Lake Street & Hennepin Avenue. 612-823-4581
Aug. 3-5, Jordan
Scott-Carver Threshers Harvest Festival
The Threshers Harvest Festival features all makes & models of antique tractors, gas & steam engines and machinery. Other highlights include craft vendors, daily parades, live music, operating print shop, blacksmith, potato digging, operating lathe and shingle mill, Vintage Baseball game with 1860 rules, food stands and an 1876 Altman-Taylor Steam Engine. Scott County Fairgrounds. 952-686-3191
Aug. 4, Stillwater
Square Lake Film & Music Festival
The Square Lake Film & Music Festival is Minnesota's premier independent and short experimental and animated film & music festival featuring live music performances and film viewing outdoors. Films will be shown in a barn-converted-to-theater during the transition between bands. Square Lake. 651-351-1717
Aug. 4-5, Minneapolis
Powderhorn Art Fair
Beauty and creativity abound in the 66-acre pastoral Powderhorn Park where more than 200 artists from across the country circle Powderhorn Lake during the 27th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair. This regional fine arts and fine crafts fair is a multi-cultural and family friendly event with 20-plus food trucks, demonstrations, live music and activities. 612-767-3515
Aug. 5, St. Paul
Paws on Grand
St. Paul’s historic Grand Avenue celebrates the dog days of summer with its 13th Annual Paws on Grand when Grand Avenue businesses partner with local rescue groups to celebrate our four-legged friends. Gather up giveaways, relax on a pet-friendly restaurant patio, learn about pet adoption, support rescue groups, meet adoptable animals, attend the Blessing of the Animals, hear guest speakers, stop for doggy treats and pose for the popular pet photo contest! Grand Avenue. 651-699-0029
Aug. 10-12, St. Paul
Irish Fair of Minnesota
This three-day annual celebration of Irish heritage and culture is the largest free celebration of its kind in the nation, with nearly 100,000 attendees each year. Enjoy a family-friendly experience featuring a multitude of activities and highlights such as traditional music, Irish dance, Gaelic sports including Hurling and Football, a Children’s Tent, Irish Authors Literary Corner, native Irish dogs, the Best Legs in a Kilt Contest, a variety of Irish shopping opportunities, and an array of great food and beverage options. Harriet Island at Lake & Water streets. 651-645-0221
Aug. 10-12, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Polish Festival
The Annual Twin Cities Polish Festival returns to historic Main Street with a kaleidoscope of activities. This free, three-day event will fill your senses with the tantalizing taste and aroma of traditional Polish cuisine & beer, and the haunting melodies of traditional Polish songs. Enjoy folk musicians, polka favorites, Chopin concertos, a Polish Film Festival, the vibrant rhythms of contemporary Polish entertainers, art & educational displays and children's play area. Don't miss the Friday night concert by the Emerson Avenue Band under the bridge. Mississippi Riverfront. 612-963-7755
Aug. 11, White Bear Lake
WBL SummerFest
Summerfest is an annual outdoor concert event with lots of grilled foods, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine, as well as concerts by Martin Zellar and Bo Riddley. Bring your lawn chairs and soak up the evening sun or sit in the shade of the super-sized big top tent. This is a family friendly event; kids 14 and under are free. Frassati Ball Field. 651-429-7771
Aug. 11, Minneapolis
African Comedy Show
The African Comedy Show features stand-up Waganda and Wakenya comedians including the Queen of African Comedy, Anne Kansiime from Uganda, as well as Smart-Joker (Michael Omuka) and Tumbili or 2mbili (Dankan Onyango), both from the famous Kenyan comedy show, "Churchill Show." Presenters are comedians Cotilda Inapo from Uganda, and Eric Omondi from Kenya. Carlson Family Stage at the Northrop. 612-624-2345
Aug. 11, Eagan
Eagan Food on 4 Wheels
Enjoy the Twin Cities' tastiest food truck fare, local craft beers and live entertainment at the Eagan Food Truck Festival. This event includes more than 20 trucks representing tastes from across the globe. Boogie Wonderland will headline. Eagan Festival Grounds at Eagan Community Center. 651-675-5500
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Drake at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 1
Zeds Dead at The Armory in Minneapolis, 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
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Aug. 24
Sugarland at the State Fair Grandstand in Falcon Heights, Aug. 24
Lyle Lovett & His Large Band at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 29
Hamilton at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 29 - Oct. 7
Ian Anderson's Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 31
Lady Antebellum & Darius Rucker at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Aug. 3 1
Taylor Swift at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Aug. 31
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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
Aug. 3-5, Lake Lillian
Lake Lillian Fun Days
Fun Days highlights include a kids' tractor pull, outdoor movie, pancake feed, children's activities, bingo, raffle, bean bag tournament, Grande Day parade, street dance and more. 320-664-4111
Aug. 4, Onamia
58th Birthday Celebration
Help celebrate the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post's 58th birthday. Explore the exhibits, including the popular Four Seasons Room with life-size dioramas, then head next door to shop for American Indian arts and crafts at the Trading Post. Refreshments provided. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Aug. 9-12, Richmond
Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival
The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival features top national touring acts as well as the best bands from the Upper Midwest region in four days and nights of music on multiple stages. Participants will also enjoy workshops, instrument showcases, dances, children's activities, demonstrations, good food and plenty of campground jam sessions. El Rancho Mañana Campground. 612-285-9133
Aug. 11-12, Brainerd
Paul Bunyan Land Pioneer Days
Purchase one admission ticket and enjoy two great activities: Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park and This Old Farm Pioneer Days. In addition to fun games and rides, check out the 40 building Pioneer Village, daily parades of vintage cars and tractors, authentic displays in the school house, saloon, church, sweet shoppe and other buildings, and demonstrations of shingle making, black powder equipment, log sawing and blacksmithing. Paul Bunyan Land. 218-764-2524
Aug. 18, New London
New London Music Festival
The New London Music Festival features professional performers playing live jazz, blues, folk and bluegrass, as well as local food vendors, handcrafted ales & lagers, kids' craft activities, big canoes and kayaks, and an After-Party at the Goat Ridge Brewery. Neer Park. 320-212-4405, 320-354-2444
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
Aug. 1-4, Bemidji
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat racing is fun, fast-paced and engaging for spectators. It’s currently the fastest growing water sport in the nation! In addition to Dragon Boat racing, enjoy great food, live music, children’s activities, Parade of Teams, cultural performances, camaraderie and more along the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji. 218-444-3541, ext. 100
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
Aug. 2-4, Thief River Falls
RiverFest - Thief River Falls
RiverFest includes a wide array of activities and events such as concerts by numerous acts, Movie in the Park, 5K Fun Run/Walk, pet parade, Street Wizards 17th Annual Cruise-In Car Show, Crazy Days sales, children's activities, craft & merchandise vendors, farmers' market, food vendors and Old Fashioned Days at Pioneer Village. 218-681-3720
Aug. 9-12, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Legends & Logging Days is Park Rapids' signature summer celebration. Just some of the many highlights include a Chainsaw Carving competition, carving auction, Lumber Jack & Jill Challenge, Sip N Paint, cornhole tournament, archery & tomahawk demonstrations, Candy Canon firings, water wars, live music, historic encampment, and so much more! Downtown Park Rapids. 218-732-4111
Aug. 11, Hackensack
Northwoods Art & Book Festival
The 23rd Annual Northwoods Art & Book Festival features more than 50 artists and 35 authors, as well as presentations, popular exhibits, great food, craft beer, live entertainment and student art contest. Hackensack Community Building, Union Congregational Church, and along Lake Avenue East. 218-675-6181
Aug. 15-19, Crookston
Ox Cart Days
The 28th Annual Ox Cart Days will be jam-packed with festival favorites such as a kids' pedal tractor pull, RibFest, corn & brat feed, classic cars, Junior and Little Miss pageants, Bouncy House Bonanza, comedy night, karaoke, Vikings Trivia, BMX Mega Jump Bike Show and the Nature Connection interactive workshop. Downtown Square, CSC Arena, Central Park and UMC Campus. 218-281-4320
Northeast Minnesota
Aug. 2-5, Grand Marais
Fisherman's Picnic
The 89th Annual Fisherman’s Picnic draws visitors from all over for the Big Fish contest, Cute Puppy contest, Fish Toss, Lumberjack Show & Interactive Lumberjack Camp, street dance, Crazy Days sales, craft market, kiddie rides, theater performances, fish burgers, kids' games & inflatables, bingo tent, blacksmith demonstrations, Saturday night fireworks, Sunday afternoon parade and much, much more. Downtown Grand Marais & Harbor Park. 218-387-2524
Aug. 3, Braham
Braham Pie Day
Braham Pie Day is all about pies with pies to eat, pie art to view, pie baking contests and pie eating contests! Other highlights include Kids 'N Berries Children's Tent, live music, Pie Tin Artwork contest, craft show, and Sweet As Pie Collectors' Car Show. Freedom Park. 320-396-4956
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
Aug. 10-12, Duluth
Bayfront Blues Festival
The Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the largest annual outdoor music events in the upper Midwest. Just some of the international, national and regional music acts include Don Bryant featuring the Bo-Keys, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys, William Bell, Johnny Rawls, and Bernard Allison. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-722-4011
Aug. 10-12, Sandstone
Quarry Days
Quarry Days is a small town celebration with a town parade, outhouse races, live music, street dance, vendor market, Royalty Pageant and more. Downtown Sandstone. 320-216-7646
Aug. 13-18, Proctor
Hoghead Festival
Proctor’s 43rd Annual Hoghead Festival is the city’s tribute to its railroad industry. Events include a parade, the Hylla 5K/Green and White Mile Race, food and merchandise vendors, and more. 218-624-1062
Aug. 18-19, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
The 9th Annual Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair located on the beautiful Lake Superior waterfront. Art lovers will find quality artwork from local and regional artists, as well as live music, the Bayfront Beer Sampler, a Mini Maker Mart, car show and variety of food vendors. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-727-8100
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