Minnesota State Fair evening crowd; photo by Robert Ferdinandt
Event highlights this week include:
Aug. 25-26, Austin
ArtWorks Festival
Aug. 24-26, Norwood Young America
Stiftungsfest
Aug. 23-26, Pine River
Lakes Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 24-25, Barnesville
Barnesville Potato Days
Aug. 23-25, Duluth
Tribute Fest
Southern Minnesota
Aug. 24-25, Albert Lea
Big Island State BBQ Championship
Enjoy one of the Midwest's finest BBQ, steak, chili & chicken wing competitions, with over 50 teams from 7 states competing for over $10,000 in prize money. Stage entertainment is offered both days, and the Peoples' Choice competition for best chicken wings and chili will be held Friday night. Admission is free. Freeborn County Fairgrounds. 507-402-6371
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. 1-2, Winona
Big Muddy Brew 'N Que
The Big Muddy Brew 'N Que is a KCBS BBQ competition, drawing competitive teams and judges from all over the country. In addition to amazing BBQ, enjoy a local Best-In-Area BBQ competition, Microbrew Tasting event, Wine Tasting event, live entertainment, arts & crafts fair, children's activities and adult games. Levee Park. 507-452-2272
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
Sept. 6-9, Northfield
Defeat of Jesse James Days
The annual Defeat of Jesse James Days is a wild and wooly community festival that revolves around one of the most dramatic episodes of the Old West -- the Great Northfield, Minnesota Bank Raid of 1876. The townspeople of Northfield re-enact the James-Younger Gang's notorious 1876 bank raid on the town. Horses thunder down the historic Main Street and bullets fly during the many authentic bank raid re-enactments that tell this amazing story. It is street theater at its best! Other highlights include the Northfield Arts Guild Riverfront Fine Art Festival, car shows, professional rodeo, parades, live music, great food and plenty of fun family activities. Downtown Northfield. 507-645-5604
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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. 20 - Oct. 7, Minneapolis
Hamilton
Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now. Please be advised that fog, open flame and the sound of gun shots will be used during the performance. Hamilton is recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets are limited. Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
Aug. 23-25, Chanhassen
Rumors & Dreams - The Music of Fleetwood Mac
For fans of Fleetwood Mac or anyone who simply loves melodic rock ‘n’ roll, this remarkable show returns to CDT after numerous sold-out engagements last year. Singer-songwriter Pamela McNeill has compiled a song list of Fleetwood Mac’s most well-loved songs delivered impeccably by a nine-piece ensemble of gifted musicians. Fireside Theatre at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
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. 24-26, Norwood Young America
Stiftungsfest
Stiftungsfest is considered Minnesota's oldest community celebration. In its 157th year, Stiftungsfest brings you musical entertainment by old-time music and polka bands from across the United States and Germany under a "Big Tent." Other highlights include the Fireman's Challenge, Kids' Carnival, 5K Fun Run, ethnic foods, card and softball tournaments, and many other acitivities. Willkommen Park. 952-467-1812
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
Aug. 31, Minneapolis
Ian Anderson presents Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour
Famed band Jethro Tull, with Ian Anderson on the flute, is one of the biggest selling Progressive Rock artists of all time. Their anniversary concert will feature a broad mix of folk, blues, classical and heavy rock material, some of it focusing on the earlier formative period through to the “heavy hitters.” Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007
Sept. 1, Taylors Falls
Wine & Chocolate Cruise
Enjoy a fine chocolate, local Winehaven wines and a romantic dinner at sunset aboard an authentic paddle wheel riverboat on the scenic the St. Croix River. Reservations and prepayment required. Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. 651-465-6315
Sept. 1, Minneapolis
John Hiatt & The Goners
American rock guitarist, pianist, singer and songwriter John Hiatt (and The Goners) will perform at the Pantages Theatre. Hiatt has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has been awarded a variety of other distinctions in the music industry. He remains one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters. This show will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of 'Slow Turning' with songs from the entire album, as well as greatest hits. Historic Pantages Theatre. 612-339-7007
Sept. 1-2, Hastings
The Picnic Operetta
Alexis Bailly Vineyard is proud to host two performances of the Picnic Operetta. The Picnic Operetta is a lively theater experience touring to perform at community gardens and other green spaces throughout the Twin Cities metro. A five-course menu of locally grown, performance-inspired delicacies is served during the show. Fun for all ages, this mix of theater, food, and music runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Audience members may use blankets, bug spray and sunscreen, but patrons are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and water. Alexis Bailly Vineyard. 651-437-1413
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: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, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in St. Paul, Sept. 11-12
Dispatch Summer Tour 2018 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
Maroon 5: Red Pill Blues Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 18
Deep Purple & Judas Priest at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Sept. 20
Get the Led Out at Ames Center, Sept. 21
Hannibal Buress at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 21
Steely Dan at The Armory, Sept. 21
Bad Bunny at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 23
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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
Aug. 25, Lake Shore
Gull Lake Classic Boat Show
The 10th Annual Gull Lake Classic Boat Show is a rare opportunity to witness and appreciate the amazing beauty and craftsmanship of some of the world's most unique vintage and classic wood boats. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the sun and learn the history of these inspirations from the past. Also enjoy a great breakfast, live music, Classic Boat Tour of Gull Lake and shoreline parade. Gull Lake's Bar Harbor. 218-963-2620
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Nimrod
Nimrod Labor Day Bull Bash
Nimrod's 16th Annual Labor Day Bull Bash features 50 bull riders as they compete to win Nimrod's NFPB and the Midwest Bull Riders Association Bull Riding competitions. Meech Bucking Bull Ranch welcomes you to their action-filled family show with two and a half hours of live bull riding action, as well as a chance for the children to ride sheep, attend a barn dance and listen to live music by Skyline. Camping is available. 218-639-3673
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
Sept. 8-9, Little Falls
Little Falls Arts & Crafts, Market Place & Man Cave Fair
The Little Falls Arts & Crafts, Market Place and Man Cave Fair is an award-winning fair that draws over 100,000 people over the 2 day event. In its 45th year, the original Arts & Crafts Fair (one of the largest in the nation) is now joined by the West Little Falls Antiques & Collectibles Fair, Man Cave Fair, and Lone Eagle Car Show & Swap Meet. Numerous other events will also be offered in Little Falls this weekend. Downtown Little Falls. 320-632-5155
Northwest Minnesota
Aug. 23 - Sept. 2, Walker
On Golden Pond
Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer and his conciliatory wife Ethel spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter Chelsea visits with her new fiance and his teenage son Billy while on their way to Europe. After leaving Billy behind to bond with Norman, Chelsea returns, attempting to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it's too late. Walker Bay Theater. 218-547-4044
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. 2, Cass Lake
Leech Lake Labor Day Traditional Pow Wow
Native dancers and drum groups from throughout the Upper Midwest, northern Great Plains and Canada will participate in traditional, fancy, grass and chicken dance competitions for the men; and traditional, fancy shawl and jingle dress competitions for the women. Also enjoy Flag Raisings, Grand Entries, a feast, arts and crafts vendors, and the food booths -- don’t forget the fry bread! This family-friendly event is education and fun, so spend your Labor Day Weekend learning about Native American culture. Leech Lake Veterans Memorial Grounds located next to the Palace Casino. 218-335-8395
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
Sept. 8, Thief River Falls
Everybody's Market
Everybody's Market is an outdoor craft fair, food fair and flea market with live music in beautiful Floyd B. Olson Park. The market is free to the public. 218-681-3720
Northeast Minnesota
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. 24-26, Embarrass
Embarrass Region Fair
The 79th Annual Embarrass Region Fair includes a wide array of fun activities for the whole family including a dog show, car show, demolition derby, mud run, Flying Finn 5K Run/Walk, horse show, craft show, live entertainment, games for all ages, exhibits, Team Penning competition and much more. Embarrass Timber Hall. 218-984-2009
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. 1, Winton/Ely
Boundary Waters Blues Festival & Dog Jam Sunday
Take part in this popular camping and blues festival. Arrive Thursday so you don't miss out on the Long Branch Kick-off Party! Long Branch on the shores of beautiful Fall Lake. 218-349-5520
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
Sept. 1-2, Pine City
Pine City PRCA Championship Rodeo
Rodeo performances are at 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday with live music and a dance following the rodeo each night. Professional competition events include bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and tie down roping. Brave men and women in the audience can take part in wild cow milking, Cowboy Poker and Mechanical Bull riding, and the little ones can try the Calf Scramble and Mutton Bustin. The first 200 kids each night get a cowboy hat. Heidelberger Arena at Heidelberger Farm Equipment. 320-629-1122
Sept. 7-9, Ely
Harvest Moon Festival
Shop a delightful mix of original artwork and handcrafted items from over 125 local and regional artists and craftspeople. Also enjoy Ely Folk School demonstrations of skills necessary to live in the northwoods at the turn of the century. Pony rides and a petting zoo for the children, along with live music and great food for all will round out the event. Whiteside Park. 218-365-6123
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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