|
Event highlights this week include:
Sept. 21-23, Mankato
Mahkato Wacipi
Sept. 20-22, Shakopee
Junk Bonanza Vintage Market Fall Show
Sept. 22, Hutchinson
Grape Stomp
Sept. 22-23, Park Rapids
Art Leap 2018
Sept. 21-23, Duluth
Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival
Southern Minnesota
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. 21-23, Mankato
Mahkato Wacipi
Every September, Native Americans from a number of tribes gather in Mankato’s Land of Memories Park, where the Dakota people held many ceremonies and gatherings before the US-Dakota War of 1862. The conflict resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota warriors in Mankato on December 26, 1862. In keeping with the theme of reconciliation, visitors and participants, native and non-native alike, are welcome to attend and enjoy the beautiful regalia of the dancers, traditional music, delicious foods and beautiful crafts. Land of Memories Park. 507-514-5088
Sept. 22, Owatonna
CulturFest
CulturFest is an entire day filled with a large variety of entertainment to celebrate the cultures of the world through dance, music, food and children's activities. Enjoy performers on the main stage such as a Mariachi Band, Irish and Aztec dancers, and Mean Mary. Other highlights include a Passport Program at more than 20 children's activity stations, a workshop area for all ages to learn various crafts and ethnic skills from around the world, artisans selling handcrafted items such as Hmong needlework, Paraguayan Sweaters, Middle Eastern henna art, Korean dolls and Polish paper art. Wilson Elementary School. 507-451-7970
Sept. 22, New Prague
Dozínky
Dozínky, a Czech End of Harvest Festival, is patterned after the "old-country" original. Highlights include the Parade of Farm Pride, ethnic food and merchandise vendors in an open-air marketplace, beer garden with authentic Czech beer, children's events, demonstrations, and ethnic bands, singers and dancers performing on three stages. Downtown New Prague. 952-758-4360
Sept. 22-23 & 29-30, Lanesboro
History Alive Pop-Up Plays: 1918
History Alive tells the stories of Lanesboro on the streets of Lanesboro. This year's "outdoor plays" center on the year 1918 with performances at 1 and 3 p.m. each day. Donations gladly accepted. On Saturday, Sept. 22, also enjoy Girls' Day Out with market vendors, live music, a style show, drawings for ten $40 gift certificates, an outdoor concert and a performance of "Dracula" at the Commenweal Theater. Numerous other fun activities, performances and concerts will take place each of these weekends in Lanesboro. 612-823-0776; 507-467-2696
Sept. 27-30, Winona
Boats and Bluegrass Festival
This family-friendly festival offers a huge line-up of performances on the banks of the Mississippi River with camping less than 50 yards from the venue. Just some of the 30-plus performers include Pert Near Sandstone, The Lowest Pair, Dead Horses and Billy Strings. Also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, great beer and cider options, and an environmentally aware festival grounds. Prairie Island Campground. 507-452-0735
Sept. 29, Northfield
Northfield Poetry Festival
The 2018 Northfield Poetry Festival is a Hispanic Heritage Celebration with a morning poetry reading for children (elementary school age) at Content Bookstore, an afternoon poetry event at the Northfield Public Library, and an evening poetry contest and reading at Imminent Brewing. And while in Northfield on Sept. 29, check out the Riverwalk Market Fair and enjoy a festive market in Northfield's Bridge Square featuring local produce, artisan foods and fine regional arts and crafts. 507-645-5604, 800-658-2548
Oct. 5-6 & 12-13, New Ulm
Oktoberfest
New Ulm's Oktoberfest celebration is considered by many national news and travel sources to be one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation! The 37th Annual Oktoberfest features the Germanic-American Day Parade, Oktoberfest Kostüme Parade, live music and concerts each Saturday, great German and American food, local beer by Schell’s & Grain Belt, wine from Morgan Creek Vineyards & Doppeleichen Vineyards, games, horse-drawn trolley rides, stein-holding contests, and much more. Break out your dirndls and lederhosen! Festivities occur all over town, but the main locations are the Historic Downtown district, Best Western Plus, Morgan Creek Vineyards and Schell’s Brewery. 507-233-4300
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. Don't miss this long-standing tradition. Renaissance Festival Grounds. 952-445-7361
Aug. 29 - 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 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
Sept. 14-16 & 21-23, Stillwater
Take Me to the River
ArtReach St. Croix connects people to the visual, literary and performing arts of the St. Croix Valley, where art and nature intersect. Create your own experience as you explore the region's art fairs & events, open artist studios, pottery events and exhibitions. Various venues in the Lower St. Croix River Valley. 651-439-1465
Sept. 14 - Oct. 28 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Thursday, Oct. 18), Shakopee
Sever's Fall Festival
Since 1997, thousands of people have enjoyed Sever's corn mazes. Just some of the many highlights include the Scuba-themed Corn Maze, Corn Maze Challenge, obstacle course, corn pit, Exotic Petting Zoo, Extreme Corn Pit, live music from the Blue Ox Jazz Babies, straw sculptures & installations, jumping pillows, magic shows, pig races, Spider Web, apple and pumpkin sales, and wide array of great food, treat and refreshment choices. Sever's Corn Maze. 952-270-6293
Sept. 20-22, Shakopee
Junk Bonanza Vintage Market Fall Show
This amazing indoor shopping experience unites fans of vintage finds, beautiful antiques, architectural salvage and artisan-repurposed and upcycled goods with more than 150 hand-picked vendors. Be sure to register on "Lucky Friday" to win one of several $25 coupons to redeem for merchandise at the booth of your choice. Canterbury Park. 612-227-8161
Sept. 22, Delano
Delano Oktoberfest
The 2nd Annual Delano Oktoberfest will include music by 3 German music bands, S.G. Edelweiss Schuhplattlers, free children's activities, the Sour Power Kraut Kontest, Stein Crafting, Lupine Brewing Oktoberfest Beer, Duetschland Meats Food Truck, Apfelstudel, Millner Heritage Wine & Cider, Nagelspielen, and the evening Keg Blessing & Tapping. The first 500 guests will receive a complimentary Oktoberfest Krug. Downtown Delano. 612-916-1639
Sept. 22, Franconia
Art and Artists Celebration
Many new, ambitious sculptures have been unveiled at Franconia Sculpture Park. In true Franconia fashion, there will be on-going live music, family art-making activities including solar water-fountain building, spin art & face painting, guided & self-guided tours of the new sculptures, and delicious food & beverages. Franconia Sculpture Park. 651-257-6668
Sept. 22 - Oct. 28 (Saturdays & Sundays), Brooklyn Park
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze boasts Minnesota's largest corn maze with fun for the entire family. This year’s maze celebrates the Minnesota Timberwolves and their 30th exciting season with a Timberwolves-themed maze design and trivia questions about the team placed throughout the maze. In addition to the maze, visitors can jump in the corn pit, stroll through the straw bale maze, and enjoy live music, a petting zoo, hayrides, a giant slide and more for the basic admission fee. For a little extra, enjoy the climbing wall, Pumpkin Slinger, inflatables, pony rides, gunny sack slide, Walk on Water, pumpkin sales at the Pumpkin Patch, and homegrown apple sales. Twin Cities Corn Maze. 952-992-9326
Sept. 28, Roseville
Tapped & Uncorked!
The 5th Annual Tapped & Uncorked! will be held outdoors at the Roseville OVAL. Sample local beer, cider, wine and distilled spirits while dancing to live music. Also enjoy great food from 4 food trucks, fun games like Human Foosball and more! Roseville OVAL. 651-633-3002
Sept. 28-29, Prior Lake
Rock, Brats & Beer
Get ready for a weekend of legendary rock concerts featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers Rock Party Tour 2018 and The Texas Gentlemen on Friday, and John Kay & Steppenwolf, Eric Burdon & The Animals and Savoy Brown on Saturday. Also enjoy ice cold beer paired with festival favorites like brats, sweet corn, cheese curds, mini donuts and more. Show off your yard game skills in Hammer-Schlagen, giant beer pong and a bags challenge. Mystic Lake Ampitheater. 952-496-6563
Sept. 28 - Nov. 3, Chaska
Scream Town
Scream Town features 8 haunted attractions including Zombie Apocalypse, Crop Spawn, Santa’s Slay, Oak Blood Forest, Ludicrous Labyrinth and Circus Asylum in a remote corn field surrounded by a huge 200 year old forest. You can also choose Spirits, Palms & Cards with Andrea. And a special Lights Out event will be held Oct. 28 featuring only the finest actors in complete darkness. Located off Hwy 212 between Chaska and Cologne. 888-317-7308
Sept. 29, Hastings
Migratory Bird Count & Hawk Watch
Learn about the fall migration with friendly spotters assisting as participants count migrants such as raptors, songbirds, gulls and other species of birds. All ages and abilities welcome. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Hamilton (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 29 - Oct. 7
Deep Purple & Judas Priest at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Sept. 20
Get the Led Out at Ames Center in Burnsville, Sept. 21
Hannibal Buress at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Sept. 21
Steve Miller Band at The Armory in Minneapolis, 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
Wiz Khalifa at The Armory, Sept. 28
Engelbert Humperdinck at Ames Center, Sept. 30
Sting and Shaggy at The Armory, Sept. 30
Lil Pump - The Harverd Dropout Tour at The Armory, Oct. 2
Ben Rector- Magic: The Tour at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 5
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 5
Dane Cook at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Oct. 6
Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash at Ames Center, Oct. 7
Sesame Street Live: Let's Party at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 7
Rupi Kaur at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 10
Jessie J at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 11
Life Lessons with Lil Dicky at The Armory, Oct. 12
Lucia Micarelli at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul, Oct. 14
Rod Stewart at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 14
Foo Fighters at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 18
Eric Hutchinson & The Believers at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 20
Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 20
Rob Lake: The Grand Illusions Tour at Ames Center, Oct. 21
Fleetwood Mac at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 22
Lisa Stansfield at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 22
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 22-27
Celtic Thunder X Tour at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 23
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Sept. 21-22, Brainerd/Little Falls/Wadena/New York Mills
Weaving Waters Fiber Arts Trail Fall Tour
The Weaving Waters Fiber Arts Trail Tour offers visitors an opportunity to experience Central Minnesota's rich textile heritage and celebrate the work of the area's contemporary fiber artists from Brainerd to Little Falls, Randall, Staples, Wadena and on to New York Mills. Some of the highlights include Old Creamery Woolen Mill tours, Cherrywood Fabrics Dye Room tour, scenic Central Minnesota Barn Quilts Trail, Piecemakers Quilt Club Raffle, mini-classes, Needle Felt & Spirit Doll workshops, drop-in classes, Passport program with prizes, and on-going spinning, knitting and weaving demonstrations. Communities throughout the Brainerd Lakes area. 612-961-1601
Sept. 21-23, Brainerd
Wet & Wild Weekend
Watercross is crazy but fun snowmobile racing that you have to see to believe! Lake BIR, the pond in the middle of Brainerd International Raceway's RV Campground, is transformed into a race track for snowmobile racing on water. There will be drag racing (from one shore across the lake to the other) and oval racing, where racers make four or five laps around buoys. This is a dual event weekend, with Superbike Racing on the road course also taking place. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
Sept. 22, Hutchinson
Grape Stomp
Crow River Winery invites you to step back in time and stomp on grapes at their annual Grape Stomp. Celebrate the grape harvest with fun for the whole family including live music, corn maze with playground, wide array of food & merchandise vendors, Tasting Room wine & beer vendors, the Itty Bitty Stomp for kids, Grape Stomp competition and the Championship Stomp. Crow River Winery. 320-587-2922
Sept. 27-29, Crosslake
Crosslake Days
Thousands flock to Crosslake each September to enjoy Crosslake Days. Experience why so many visitors return each year this fun and colorful fall festival. Enjoy an arts & crafts fair, the 17th Annual Classic & Custom Car Motorcycle & Tractor Show, "Find the Hidden Chili Pepper" treasure hunt, children's treasure hunt, 32nd Annual Chili Cook-off, Jul Kaffee Fest, live music, dancing, and much more. Purchase chili beads and cash in on deals from chamber member merchants. Venues throughout Crosslake. 218-692-4027
Sept. 29, Zimmerman
Wildlife Festival
Celebrate National Public Lands Day and National Wildlife Refuge Week during the 25th Annual Wildlife Festival. Enjoy a variety of family-oriented activities featuring live birds, reptiles and other animals, guest presenters, nature crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, trail exploration, and wildlife discovery! Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. 763-389-3323
Oct. 6, Nisswa
Gull Lake Oktoberfest & GOLFtoberfest
The Gull Lake Oktobertest is a fun, autumn pub crawl to venues throughout the lakes area with free shuttle, commemorative mugs and lots of great food and music. Participating locations include Ernie's on Gull, Zorbaz on Gull, Grand View Lodge, Jakes Gull Lake, Cowboys, Sherwood Forest, Bar Harbor and Gull Dam Brewing. Make a point to stop at The Pines at Grand View Lodge for GOLFtoberfest. This heated tent party celebrates golf, beer and the fall season. Be prepared to dance the night away to live music by RockGodz. 218-963-2620; 218-963-2234
Northwest Minnesota
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
Sept. 13-29, Longville/Remer/Walker
Fall Has It All
Fall Has It All is 17 days of special events and merchant sales in Longville, Hackensack, Remer and Walker. Buy a button and qualify for hundreds of dollars in sales and discounts. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 21-23, the sound of chainsaws will fill Hackensack City Park during the 14th Annual Hackensack Chainsaw Event with chainsaw carvers from throughout the United States turning simple logs into works of art. Carved pieces will be auctioned off on Saturday and Sunday. Also enjoy food vendors and numerous booths featuring hand-crafted items by several Minnesota artisans. And on Sept. 22, the 3rd Annual Bike & Brew Fest will be held at Portage Brewing in Walker. 218-675-6135; 218-547-1313; 218-363-2630
Sept. 22, Park Rapids
Great American Story
Who will be the Great American Storyteller? Last spring, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council issued a call to Minnesota storytellers to submit a 10-minute recorded story for competition. Storytellers responded, judges selected the top four and those finalists will travel to Park Rapids to determine who wears the Great American Storyteller crown and wins $1,000. The live performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 22 when the four will tell their winning stories and the audience will vote for the top two. Those two will then be given a prompt and tell an impromptu 10-minute story. The audience votes again, and the winner gets the crown and the prize money. Arrive early and enjoy listening to Lori Goulet Reich singing and playing folk, country, blues and traditional music. Calvary Lutheran Church. 218-732-4111
Sept. 22-23, Park Rapids
Art Leap 2018
Art Leap 2018 is a driving tour of 22 artists' studios and other cultural destinations in the Park Rapids area. In addition, enjoy a variety of live music performances, as well as a storytelling contest. 218-652-4081
Sept. 28-30, Middle River
Goose Festival
The 44th Annual Goose Festival includes a multitude of events and highlights such as live theater (How to Talk Minnesotan), goose-calling contest, goose cook-off, Sunrise 5K Walk, Run & Roll, Miss Middle River Pageant, live music by nearly ten music acts, a craft show, flea market, farmers market, parade, scavenger hunt, art-making activities under the big tent, hoverball archery, inflatable games, face painting, antique car and tractor show, mud run, tractor pull, and more. 218-222-3387
Sept. 29, East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle & Dance Series
Enjoy fiddle music and dancing long-ways reels, simple square dances, whole circle mixers and New England contras with music by Bill Cagley and friends from Minneapolis. Caller Jeanne O'Neil resides in East Grand Forks. East Grand Forks Senior Center Community Room. 218-773-3850
Oct. 6, Detroit Lakes
ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
ARRIVAL from Sweden features everything a great ABBA show needs: lovely costumes, extremely talented musicians and breathtaking singers. Millions of people all around the globe celebrate this production as the best ABBA show in the world. This is the closest you will ever get to a real ABBA performance. ARRIVAL performs at the Historic Holmes Theatre & Event Center. During the day, attend the Damien Home Tour and view 5 unique and beautiful lake homes. 218-844-4221; 218-234-1353
Northeast Minnesota
Sept. 21-22, Ely
Ely Marathon, Half Marathon & Northern Lights 5K Glow Run
Enjoy fun runs and races surrounded by glorious fall color! The Northern Lights 5K Glow Run will take place on Friday evening, with the full (Boston Qualifier) and half marathons, full and half marathon canoe portage races and kids' fun run on Saturday. While in Ely on Sept. 22, don't miss the Chocoholic Frolic in downtown Ely with participating merchants serving up chocolate samples and opportunities to win door prizes. 218-365-6123
Sept. 21-23, Duluth
Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival
Celebrate the fall bird migration during the annual Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival and enjoy one of North America's best places to experience the fall bird migration through field trips, workshops, presentations and social gatherings. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. 218-428-6209
Sept. 21 - Oct. 14, Duluth
Fall Color Trains
The majestic Northwoods shows its true colors each fall with blazing orange, red and yellow against a backdrop of lush green pines. Enjoy views from a train as it travels along the shore of Lake Superior and over North Shore rivers and streams. Fall Color Train tours on the North Shore Scenic Railroad were listed by CNN as one of the "Top 5 Fall Color Tours in America!" North Shore Scenic Railroad. 218-722-1273
Sept, 22, Grand Rapids
Fall Phenology Day
Join naturalists and phenologists who study the rhythmic biological events of nature as they relate to climate for a day observing the Forest History Center in fall. Explore plants, animals and birds, learn what to look for and how to record your findings. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Sept. 28-30, Two Harbors
Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour
The Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour offers visitors a chance to talk with various artists in their studios and at galleries along Highway 61 while enjoying the autumn splendor of Minnesota's North Shore. Glass, ceramics, woodwork, painting, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture and photography will be exhibited, demonstrated and offered for sale on this tour. Many sites are providing hands on activities. The tour is well-marked along Highway 61 and the many adventurous side roads between Gooseberry Falls and Duluth -- look for the bright neon green signs and balloons with the tour’s logo. 218-834-5365
Sept. 28 - Oct. 7, Grand Marais
Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour
Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour will feature a variety of unique handcrafted works by Cook County artists. Meet artists at 22 home studios and galleries. Also enjoy special Fall Studio Tour events, a variety of demonstrations and vibrant fall colors. Cook County. 218-387-2788
Sept. 29, Grand Rapids
Marjie Shrimpton - Cabaret Concert
Marjie Shrimpton invites you to forget your troubles and join her for a night inspired by the legendary Grand Rapids native, Judy Garland. Weaving stories and songs from Judy's life and her own, Marjie will attempt to answer the question: What would Judy do or sing if she were trying to chase her cares away in 2018? Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5780
Oct. 5-7, Cook
Guest Chef Weekend of Fine Food and Wine
Executive Chef Jake Uttich of the Oceanaire Seafood Room in Minneapolis ventures north for this special autumn dinner again in 2018. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and a five-course dinner with wine pairings. Ludlow's Island Resort. 218-666-5407
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
