The Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, Aug. 18 - Sept. 30 (Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day & Sept. 28)
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. 17-18, Oronoco/Rochester
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc. & Gold Rush
August 18, St. Paul
IndiaFest
Aug. 17-19, Onamia
Mille Lacs Band's Annual Pow Wow
Aug. 15-19, Crookston
Ox Cart Days
Aug. 18-19, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Southern Minnesota
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
Aug. 25-26, Jackson
Fort Belmont Pioneer Days Celebration
Gather with the buck skinners at the annual Fort Belmont Pioneer Days to celebrate the lifestyle of the 1800s. Discover blacksmithing, spinning, weaving and lefse making demonstrations, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and tours of the Fort. Various authors will give presentations on the area's early history. Fort Belmont Civilian Fort Replica & Museum. 507-847-3867
Aug. 25-26, Austin
ArtWorks Festival
The 7th Annual ArtWorks Festival celebrates visual, performing and literary artists, many with local ties. This free festival features regionally and nationally known artists presenting performances in music and story-telling, and engaging in audience Q & A sessions at galleries, outdoor and indoor stages. In addition, check out all of the family arts activities and demonstrations. And don't miss the Hormel Institute Open House Tours on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24 & 25 to learn about this amazing world-class cancer research facility, as well as the Dick Schindler Celebration Concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Downtown Austin. 507-434-0934
Sept. 1-3, Dundas
Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show
In its 44th year, the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show features steam and gas tractor exhibits, as well as a flea market, swap meet, consignment auction, tractor parade, Barta Pedal Tractor Pull, horse drawn wagon rides, live music, grain threshing, blacksmithing and other demonstrations. Dundas Showgrounds on Highway 3. 612-816-3131
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Aug. 10-24 (Fridays), Taylors Falls
Mexican Fiesta Cruise & Family Taco Night on the St. Croix 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. 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. 17-19, Nowthen
Nowthen Threshing Show
The Nowthen Threshing Show attracts thousands of visitors each year to view hundreds of rare and historic antique tractors, small engines, steam engines, trucks, cars, implements and tools. Other highlights include unique exhibits, demonstrations, and a variety of food and live entertainment. Threshing show grounds on Old Viking Boulevard. 763-744-7290
Aug. 18, St. Paul
St. Paul Food Truck Festival
More than 40 food trucks will be selling their special concoctions with global cuisines ranging from Indian to British to Japanese to locally grown pork. Each food truck will offer a signature dish at $5 to increase the epicurean opportunities for you and a friend. Live music and handcrafted beers will be add to the atmosphere. Other beverage options will be available. Proceeds from wristband sales will benefit Feed My Starving Children. Mears Park. 763-220-2380
Aug. 18, Scandia
Spelmansstamma
Gammelgarden celebrates the Immigrant Fiddle during Spelmansstamma (Spelmans-fiddler and stamma-gathering). Discover a myriad of musicians, dancers, arts and crafts, children's games and food, all outside amidst 1850's Swedish historic log buildings. Bring your own instrument! Admission is free. Gammelgarden Museum Grounds. 651-433-5053
August 18, St. Paul
IndiaFest
IndiaFest is an annual celebration of the rich heritage, traditions, diversity and culture of India. Highlights of the festival include delicious cuisine from 8 popular Twin Cities Indian restaurants, performances by 3 of the biggest Indian dance and theater groups, exhibit booths showcasing the diversity of India, fun activities for adults and kids such as henna and face painting, kite flying, chess, cricket, yoga and meditation, shopping for traditional Indian clothing, jewelry and accessories at the bazaar, raffles and giveaways. Admission is free. Minnesota State Capitol Grounds. 651-321-3421
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 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 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
Aug. 23 - Sept. 3, St. Paul
Minnesota State Fair
Also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair features 12 days of food on a stick, agricultural exhibits, parades, entertainment, rides, animals and more. Many new foods will be offered in addition to perennial favorites like mini donuts, deep-fried pickles, giant tubs of chocolate chip cookies, and so much more. Seven new rides will debut at the Mighty Midway. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-288-4400
Aug. 25-26, Stillwater
Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market
Check out over 100 unique flea market and craft vendors, and enjoy DJ music and food truck specialties in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley. Washington County Fairgrounds. 715-557-1785
Aug. 25, St. Paul
Summer Beer Dabbler 2018
The Summer Beer Dabbler returns to CHS Field to bring you fun, sun, and most importantly, beer from more than 140 local and national craft breweries! Games, activities, live music and fireworks round out this quintessential summer event. CHS Field. 651-528-8752
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:Deadmau5 at The Armory in Minneapolis, Aug. 17
The Smashing Pumpkins: Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 19
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Aug. 24
Sugarland at the State Fair Grandstand in Falcon Heights, Aug. 24
Trampled By Turtles, Lord Huron & Lissie at the State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 25
Earth, Wind & Fire at the State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 26
The Beach Boys & the Righteous Brothers at the State Fair Grandstand, Aug. 27
Lyle Lovett & His Large Band at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 29
Hamilton (Touring) 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
Boy George, Culture Club & the B-52s at the State Fair Grandstand, Sept. 3
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
Dispatch at The Armory, Sept. 14
Ilisz Shlesinger at the Pantages Theatre, Sept. 14
Amy Schumer & Friends at Treasure Island Casino, Sept. 15
Counting Crows at Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, Sept. 16
An Evening with Beth Hart at the Pantages Theatre, Sept. 17
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Aug. 16-19, Brainerd
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
Brainerd International Raceway will host the world's best drag racers, the fastest cars and the most avid race fans during the 37th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Thousands gather to witness Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Stock cars and motorcycles traveling at speeds over 300 mph! With open pit areas, a vendor midway and a campground called "The Zoo," the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals has become a tradition for many. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
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 competition, 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. 23-26, Pine River
Lakes Bluegrass Festival
The 13th Annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival will feature over 40 shows by award-winning nationally known and regional bluegrass bands. Learn to play or brush up on your skills at one of the free bluegrass workshops for banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro and harmony singing. Stroll the grounds and listen to the impromptu jam sessions, sample tasty foods from the many food vendors, take a short walk into the town of Pine River, or just relax and visit with friends. Rough RV and tent camping will be available. Camping opens August 21. Cass County Fairgrounds Pine River. 218-587-4000
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
Sept. 1-2, Pine River/Longville
Arts Off 84 Art Crawl
The Arts Off 84 Art Crawl features quality artwork by more than 80 juried artists located along and adjacent to State Highway 84. Discover paintings, photography, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, wool art and much more. Kids' Creation Stations, activities and music available at some sites. Signs will be posted. State Highway 84 from Pine River to Longville/Hwy 200. 218-682-2916
Northwest Minnesota
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. 16-19, East Grand Forks
Heritage Days
Heritage Days celebrates the history and culture of the region with fun events and activities such as an antique tractor pull, parade, horse show, kids' money hunt, live music, dance, historical reenactments, demonstrations in the heritage buildings, classic car show, kids' pedal tractor pull, ice cream and treats, and much more. Heritage Village. 218-791-6764
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 potato 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
Aug. 24 - Oct. 13 (Fridays & Saturdays), Warroad
Country Corn Maze
Country Corn Maze presents their 2018 "Cow's in the Corn!" corn maze. In addition to this 8 acre corn maze, enjoy a mini maze, obstacle course, farm animals, hayrides, farmyard activities, giant slingshot, pumpkin patch, campfires and more. Country Corn Maze. 218-469-3390
Aug. 31 - Sept. 3, Rollag
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion
Every Labor Day weekend since 1954, generations of threshermen & thresherwomen gather to relive the tradition of the good ol' days and bring the past to life for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Check out hundreds of demonstrations and exhibits spread over 210 beautiful acres, along with parades, horsepower demonstrations, style shows, live music, Spark Shows, and much more. Home built agriculture creations will be featured in 2018. On "the hill" off Hwy 32 near Rollag. 701-212-2034
Northeast Minnesota
Aug. 13-18, Proctor
Hoghead Festival
Proctor’s 43rd Annual Hoghead Festival is the city’s tribute to its railroad industry. Highlights include a parade, the Hylla 5K/Green and White Mile Race, tasty fair food, merchandise vendors, and fun activities. 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
Aug. 23-25, International Falls
Bass Championship
Sign up for the Bass Championship on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River, and reel in more than $30,000 in prize money! Also enjoy the boat parade, craft show, car show, kids' fishing tournament, singing competition, live music, night games, tractor rides, beer gardens and more - bring the whole family! 218-343-1376
Aug. 25, Grand Rapids
Real Horse Power Day
In 1900, teams of draft horses provided the power to move timber in Northern Minnesota logging camps. Meet the horses and see numerous teams of draft horses perform historic tasks such as log skidding, cross-hauling logs onto a bobsled, and powering the A-frame jammer to lift logs onto sleds. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
Celebrate diversity, acceptance, respect, healthy living, self-esteem and equality in the Twin Ports over Labor Day Weekend. Just some of the highlights include the Pride Festival, Pride Block Party, family picnic, Hummingbird Family 5K, Vinyl Party, Youth Pride Dance, Foo Foo Choo and Annual Drag Show. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-761-0726
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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