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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:
Aug. 11-12, Owatonna
Pirate Festival
Aug. 10-12, St. Paul
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Aug. 11-12, Brainerd
Paul Bunyan Land Pioneer Days
Aug. 9-12, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Aug. 10-12, Grand Portage
Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow
Southern Minnesota
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. 12, Bechyn
Czech Heritage Festival
Bechyn, a 138 year old Bohemian settlement, celebrates its heritage with live music and ethnic foods such as jitrnice, sauerkraut, and homemade kolache and knedliky. Other highlights include games and housenka (caterpillar) rides for the children, a quilt raffle, farmers market, handcrafted souviners, silent auction, Bingo, and of course, pivo (beer)! 320-522-1218
Aug. 14-19, Owatonna
Steele County Free Fair
The Steele County Free Fair is Minnesota's largest free county fair. Enjoy daily grandstand and stage entertainment, 500 commercial exhibits, agricultural and 4-H exhibits, 30 midway rides, and over 100 food concessions. Vendors from 25 states and Canada bring a wide range of goods, from crystal to quilts, art to furniture, potato peelers to RVs. Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-451-5305
Aug. 17-18, Rochester
Gold Rush
Gold Rush is an indoor/outdoor event featuring roughly 1200 vendors in 9 buildings and throughout the grounds of this 52 acre site. Expect the unexpected. Olmsted County Fairgrounds (a.k.a. Graham Park) at the intersection of Hwy 63 S & 16th St SE. 507-269-1473
Aug. 17-19, Oronoco
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc.
The annual Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days is a premiere antique, 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
Aug. 18, Henderson
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah
Celebrate the ruby-throated hummingbird and learn all about these tiny birds, how to attract them, and keep them coming back. A licensed hummingbird bander will catch and band birds, allowing you to see them up close. There will also be garden tours, speakers (including Al Batt), book signing sessions, children's activities, prize drawings, and a Hummingbird Mall. Don't forget your camera. Near the Henderson Hummingbird Gardens in Henderson. 507-665-6570
Aug. 24-26, Rochester
The Original Rochester Greek Fest - Since 1963
This authentic celebration of Greek heritage includes authentic Greek food and music, Greek dancers, freshly baked Greek pastries, late night taverna fun, Hellenic culture, and Greek Orthodox Church tours. Holy Anargyroi Church Grounds. 507-282-1529
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. 10-12, Taylors Falls
Almelund Threshing Show
Head to the field just east of Amelund for the annual Almelund Threshing Show. Visitors will enjoy nightly live music, tractor pulls, antique tractor parade, huge flea market, old-time children's activities, displays, swap meet, threshing demonstrations, petting zoo, great food and camping on site. Almelund Threshing Grounds on Hwy 95/St. Croix Trail. 651-583-2083
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 Irish 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. 10-24 (Fridays), Taylors Falls
Mexican Fiesta Cruise & Family Taco Night on the St. Croix River
Enjoy a two hour Mexican Fiesta Cruise on the St. Croix River. This cruise is perfect for families, and offers a taco bar, all-you-can-eat chips and salsa, narrated tour, and children's games amidst the beauty of the St. Croix Valley. Other dinner cruises are also offered. Reservations and prepayment required. Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. 651-465-6315
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
Aug. 17-18, Lino Lakes
Blue Heron Days
Blue Heron Days offers a number of popular events and highlights such as the Saturday parade along Lake Drive, Family Movie Night at the park, Business Expo, American Legion Family Picnic, Officer Shawn Silvera 5K Memorial Run, Kids' Splash & Dash, petting zoo, Penny Carnival, children's activities, live music, craft beer and specialty foods. Lino Park. 651-238-8458
Aug. 17-19, Shakopee
SMSC Wacipi
The SMSC Wacipi is a contest pow wow, where dancers compete in various categories and age groups. Wacipi begins with a blessing of the dance circle, the Grand Entry with Veterans Color Guard carrying in the flags and eagle staff, and entrance of visiting dignitaries, tribal royalty, and dancers by dance category. After all the dancers have entered the circle, a prayer is read. As a sign of respect, attendees are asked to stand, if they're able, and remove their hats. Intertribal dancing follows, allowing everyone to dance -- no regalia necessary. Contest and youth dancing concludes the pow wow. SMSC Wacipi Grounds. 952-445-8900
Aug. 18, Buffalo
Art & Craft Festival
The 35th Annual Art & Craft Festival will fill downtown Buffalo streets with over 200 artisans. Thousands have been coming for years to see quality, unique and all handmade items. The streets border beautiful Buffalo Lake. Downtown Buffalo. 763-682-4902
Aug. 18, St. Paul
Fiesta Latina 2018
This family friendly community festival will highlight the vibrancy of the Latino culture with delicious Latino food, live music, folkloric and contemporary dances, arts and crafts, fitness activities, free health exams, legal advice, raffles and prizes, and other fun activities for the family. CLUES St. Paul on East 7th Street. 651-379-4200
Aug. 18 - Sept. 30 (Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day & Sept. 28), Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival has grown to be the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000. Festival highlights include tasty fair food, live music, games & rides, Artisan Marketplace featuring over 250 artists, artist demonstrations, family friendly activities, Corgi, Weiner & Puppernickel dog races, and different themes each weekend. Be part of this long-standing tradition! Renaissance Festival Grounds. 952-445-7361
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Charlie Puth at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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. 31
Taylor Swift at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Aug. 31
Rise Against at The Armory, Sept. 6
NeedToBreathe at The Armory, Sept. 7
5 Seconds of Summer at The Armory, Sept. 9
Bruno Mars and Cardi B at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 11-12
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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 during 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, Battle Lake
Art of the Lakes Art and Craft Event
The 41st Annual Art & Craft Event will feature fine artwork and handcrafted items by more than 100 artists and crafters. In addition, check out the farmers market, tasty food options and children's activities. Railroad Park. 218-864-0424
Aug. 11, Hutchinson
Minnesota Garlic Festival
The Minnesota Garlic Festival is the premier event for lovers of garlic, great local foods and good times! Bring the whole family and check out the many fantastic foods, celebrity chefs, marvelous music, area artisans, goofy games, and information on sustainable farming and vital rural communities. McLeod County Fairgrounds. 763-260-0209
Aug. 11-12, Brainerd
Paul Bunyan Land Pioneer Days
Purchase one admission ticket to attend both 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. 17-19, Onamia
Mille Lacs Band's Annual Pow Wow
American Indian dancers from across the country will participate in traditional dance and drum ceremonies during the annual Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Pow Wow. Before each daily dance competitions, enjoy a Grand Entry by dancers in brightly-colored regalia. Other events include Princess and Brave contests, traditional foods, crafts, a parade and raffle drawings. Iskigamizigan Pow Wow Grounds. 320-532-7539
Aug. 18, New London
New London Music Festival
The New London Music Festival features professional performers playing live jazz, blues, folk and bluegrass music, 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
Aug. 25, Raymond
Raymond Harvest Festival
Celebrate the 2018 Raymond Harvest Festival and enjoy a craft fair, flea market, Blue Ice Studio painting, pony rides, tractor pulls, Home Depot Kids' Building Workshop, Kiddie & Grand Day parades, kids' scavenger hunt, kids' carnival, National Guard Obstacle Course, bean bag Tournament, Lightning Basketball tournament, flower show, pony rides, Knocker Ball, Bingo, Movie in the Park, and more. Locations throughout Raymond. 320-967-4226
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. 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. 10-11, Remer
Remer Annual Harvest Festival
Remer's 71st Annual Harvest Festival features family entertainment, Redneck Olympics, flea-market, craft show, swap meet, Grand & Kiddie parades, children's games, food booths & beer gardens, live music, Lip Sync & Karaoke contests, Kids' Bigfoot Calling Contest, Minnow Challenge, raffle and fireworks! Downtown Remer. 218-566-1680
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
Aug. 17-18, Ulen
Ulen Turkey Barbecue Days
Turkey lovers from across the country gather in Ulen to feast on nearly 3,000 pounds of delicious turkey roasted on the “World’s Longest Spit.” Other highlights include live entertainment, parade, fireworks, concert and dance, 5K walk/run, street fair, games, golf scramble, and car, tractor & motorcycle show! 218-596-8849
Aug. 24-25, Barnesville
Barnesville Potato Days
Visitors from throughout the United States flock to Barnesville each August to experience two days of zany potato activities, taste-tempting potato specialties and small town hospitality. Unique activities include mashed potato wrestling, Miss Tator Tot Pageant, and contests in areas such as picking, peeling, carving, sewing, stacking and eating! Just some of the food favorites are Norwegian lefse, potato pancakes, potato sausage, German potato dumplings and of course, French fries. Other highlights include Potato Days and Kiddie parades, historic wagon rides, Street Fair, car show, antique equipment, card games, bouncy inflatables, French Fry feed, barrel rides, and lots of live music acts. Downtown Barnesville. 218-354-2888
Northeast Minnesota
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. 10-12, Grand Portage
Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow
Travel back in time to 1797 when furs from wintering posts were delivered down the Grand Portage Trail. The annual Rendezvous is still celebrated and it is held in conjunction with the Rendezvous Days Pow Wow, sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. See Grand Portage come alive with live music, dancing, craft demonstrations, interpretive programs, interactive workshops, and spectacular pow wows. Grand Portage National Monument. 218-475-0123
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. 16-19, Barnum
Carlton County Fair
This classic county fair offers a variety of fun activities and fair favorites such as midway rides and games, live entertainment under the Big Top Tent, livestock, rabbits, goats, poultry, sheep and horses, pet parade, dog shows, horse racing, talent show, Irish dancers, exhibits, demonstrations, children's barn, car races, demolition derbies, business showcase, vendors and great fair food! Carlton County Fairgrounds off Hwy 61. 218-389-6737
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
Aug. 23-25, Duluth
Tribute Fest
Top tribute bands come together to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in the state of Minnesota. Just some of the legendary acts covered on Friday and Saturday include Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, Foreigner, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker. On Thursday, enjoy country music by popular bands and tribute artists. Free admission for Veterans and Active Duty Military. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-422-8210
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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