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Event highlights this week include:
Sept. 1-2, Winona
Big Muddy Brew 'N Que
Aug. 18 - Sept. 30 (Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day & Sept. 28), Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Nimrod
Nimrod Labor Day Bull Bash
Aug. 31 - Sept. 2, Cass Lake
Leech Lake Labor Day Traditional Pow Wow
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
Southern Minnesota
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. 1 & 15, Comfrey
An Evening Look at the Carvings
Explore the rock face in bare feet in the evening to see petroglyphs off the regular path when the lighting is best to view them. Over the past several years, an extensive conservation project identified an additional 3,000 petroglyphs, which until recently have been covered in lichen. Visitors can explore on their own, but an interpreter will be available to answer questions and direct visitors to carvings. Visitors should be prepared to walk barefoot on uneven surfaces. Jeffers Petroglyphs. 507-628-5591
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
Sept. 7 - Oct. 27, Wabasha
SeptOberfest
Attend the 11th Annual SeptOberfest and explore an array of artistic displays including the largest pumpkins, tallest sunflowers, scarecrows, fall flowers, gourds, topiaries and more. While meandering past Wabasha’s beautiful autumn decorations enjoy festive German music, pumpkin races, carriage rides, ethnic food and 5 Seasonal Boutiques. Special events will also be offered each weekend at the National Eagle Center and venues throughout Wabasha. 651-565-4158
Sept. 8-9, Winona
Great Dakota Gathering
The Great Dakota Gathering celebrates the growing relationship between the people of Winona and the people of the Dakota Nations. Enjoy a full day of activities, starting with a flag raising ceremony. There will also be a community talk circle, American Indian art show and sale, moccasin tournament, youth education, hockey tournament and Dakota Language Bingo. East Lake Winona/Unity Park. 507-452-0735
Sept. 13-16, La Crescent
AppleFest
The annual AppleFest festival celebrates La Crescent's apple industry and the history of the community. Just some of the highlights include the Family Fun Shows Carnival, concerts & other live entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, flea market, kiddie parade, kiddie tractor pull, hard cider tasting, and of course, apple pies & other apple treats! In addition, there are orchard tours on Saturday afternoon, and the grand finale King Apple Parade on Sunday afternoon. Abnet Field. 507-895-2800
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 - 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. 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
Sept. 5-8, Burnsville
Burnsville Fire Muster
Burnsville's community celebration, Fire Muster, features a variety of festivities including live music and dancing, a fireworks display, carnival rides, children's activities at Kidz Korner, car show, craft beer tastings, emergency personnel demonstrations, and fire truck and community parade. Also enjoy great food and beverages from local restaurants and pubs. Venues throughout Burnsville. 952-895-4500
Sept. 7, Chanhassen
The Song Remains The Same - JJHOF Does Zeppelin
Jonny James and the Hall of Fames (the band that brought you “The Beatles Anthology”) is back rocking harder than ever with “The Song Remains The Same,” a tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin. JJHOF will feature the greatest Zeppelin tunes including: “Black Dog,” “Heartbreaker,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song,” and of course, “Stairway to Heaven.” Fireside Theatre at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Sept. 7-9, Minneapolis
Taste of Greece Festival
The 30th Taste of Greece Festival will feature authentic Greek food and handmade Greek desserts, including gluten-free options. Also enjoy live Greek music by The Levendes and Chris Kalogerson Band, Greek folk dances by the St. Mary's Hellenic Dance Troupe, church tours, fun inflatables in the kids' area, wine tastings and mezes at the Courtyard Cafe, and the always popular Greek Boutique. Early Bird Specials will be offered on Friday from noon until 4 p.m. St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. 612-825-9595
Sept. 8-9, Stillwater
Grape Stomp Festival
Stomp grapes the old-fashioned way with grape stomping competitions, and enjoy tours of the vineyard, live music, and great wine! Prizes will be awarded to those with the best grape-stomping style (as determined by audience applause). Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Saint Croix Vineyards. 651-430-3310
Sept. 8-9, Edina
2018 Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival
The 2018 Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival brings you unique handmade items by more than 250 artists, as well as a wide variety of food vendors. Many artists have called Centennial Lakes Park “one of the most beautiful venues in the country.” Centennial Lakes Park. 952-903-5729
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
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 in Minneapolis, Sept. 6
NeedToBreathe at The Armory, Sept. 7
O.A.R. - Just Like Paradise Tour at Mystic Ampitheater in Prior Lake, 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, 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
Steve Miller Band at The Armory, Sept. 21
Bad Bunny at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 23
Justin Timberlake: Man of the Woods Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 28
Engelbert Humperdinck at Ames Center in Burnsville, Sept. 30
Sting and Shaggy at The Armory, Sept. 30
Lil Pump - The Harverd Dropout Tour at The Armory, Oct. 2
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Aug. 31 - Sept. 2, Brainerd
GSTA Muscle Car Shootout
The 30th Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout features the grand finale Muscle Car Series drag racing on the drag strip, thrilling CRA Superbike Racing on the road course, a classic car show, live music and more. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
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, New London
Prairie Pothole Day
Anyone that enjoys the outdoors will enjoy this free outdoor family event hosted by the local Minnesota Waterfowl Association. Attend a variety of seminars, and participate in prairie woods walk led by local naturalists, sporting clay course events, 3-D archery trail events, and be sure to stop at all of the educational, food and vendor booths. Dock Dogs will return and your dog can compete in simulated hunting situations. Kids will thrill over the rock climbing wall, archery range, BB gun range and black powder range. For safety purposes, all guns and bows must be cased, and all dogs must be on a leash. Stoney Ridge Farm. 320-354-2418
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
Sept. 14-15, Hutchinson
The 44th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival & Taste of Hutchinson
The Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival features a large selection of artists and crafters, drawing thousands of shoppers. Enjoy food and music at the adjacent Taste of Hutchinson. Library Square Park. 320-587-5252
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 - 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
Sept. 8, Walker
Ethnic Fest
Enjoy entertainment from around the world with three stages of music filling the city with multi-cultural sounds. Also enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors, family entertainment, parade and interactive activities. Walker's streets will come alive with color. Downtown Walker. 218-547-1313
Sept. 13-29, Longville/Remer
Fall Has It All
Celebrate the fact that "Fall Has It All" for 17 days in Longville, Hackensack, Remer and Walker. Take part in special events and merchant sales in in Longville, Hackensack, Remer and Walker. Buy a button and qualify for hundreds of dollars in sales and discounts. On Saturday, Sept. 15, enjoy a Fall Festival and Bizarre at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, with lots of crafts, antiques and food vendors. And on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 & 16, Balsam Bay Resort in Remer will offer performances from several Minnesota musical artists, as well as food and souvenir vendors, and craft beer during the Bigfoot Music Festival. 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
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. 1-3, Finlayson
White Pine Logging & Threshing Show
Witness a museum in motion with old-time threshing, sawmill, blacksmithing, barrel making, and newspaper printing with antique equipment. Also enjoy a flea market, daily parades, and dancing Saturday and Sunday evenings. Camping is available. White Pine Logging & Threshing Showgrounds. 651-433-5067
Sept. 7-9, Grand Marais
Radio Waves Music Festival
The Radio Waves Music Festival is hosted by North Shore Community Radio WTIP and features 26 musical acts on two stages with a dance floor housed under a large tent. Also enjoy on-site camping, children's activities and food vendors. Sweetheart's Bluff at Grand Marais Recreation Area. 218-387-1070
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
Sept. 15-16, Pine City
Festival of the Voyageur
Two hundred years ago, fur traders celebrated the success of the trading season with a giant party. Amidst the crisp air and bright fall colors, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds created by 250 reenactors come to camp on the Snake River. Witness feats of strength and skill as contestants vie for the title of the best all-around voyageur. Shop for historic crafts and join children's activities. And on Saturday evening, learn the steps of a lively country dance as live fiddle music plays. Snake River Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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