Grand Marais, site of the Northern Landscapes Festival, May 31 - June 2; photo by P. Sundberg
Event highlights this week include:
May 31 - June 2, Luverne
Buffalo Days
May 31 - June 1, St. Paul
Artists' Market & International Gem & Jewelry Show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
June 1, Glenwood
Glenwood Area Kids Day
June 1-8, Hawley
Hawley Rodeo Fest
May 29 - June 2, Duluth
The Duluth Superior Film Festival
Southern Minnesota
May 31 - June 2, Luverne
Buffalo Days
The annual Buffalo Days celebration features a vehicle cruise-in and street dance on Friday night. On Saturday, visitors will enjoy a parade, buffalo chip-throwing contest and huge arts and crafts show at the City Park. On Sunday, watch historic re-enactments at local cemeteries, and don't miss the 8th Annual Tales from the Graves and Pie & Ice Cream Social. Many other events will take place throughout the weekend including a Burger Battle, live music and Take 16 Block Party. Venues throughout Luverne. 507-283-4061
May 31 - June 2, Owatonna
Smokin' In Steele
Don't miss out on a smokin' good time! Smokin' in Steele is a Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Competition and Live Blues benefit featuring professional competitors, children's activities, lots of great barbecue sandwiches and other meals, a beer garden, great blues music and 3 family bike cruises. The whole event is family-friendly! Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-455-1428
June 1, Northrop/Fairmont
Northrop Day
This small-town community festival offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages including a Firemen's Breakfast, Kid's All American Fishing Derby with prizes for all participants, dunk tank, bounce house, walking tacos, face painting, bean bag tournament, hay rides, D&S Pedal Pull, beer garden and live music by Bootleg. Fairmont-Gomsrud Park. 507-227-2002
June 1-2, Red Wing/Winona/La Crescent
June Bloom Wine Event
Enjoy a long weekend of romance and adventure on the Great River Road Wine Trail. Plan to stay the entire weekend, and visit all 12 wineries to sample fine food and wine from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Each winery on the Great River Road Wine Trail will feature their award-winning wines and ciders paired with an array of local foods designed with gourmet flair. In addition to local foods, some wineries will also feature live music by local talent. The Winona and La Crosse area is centrally located on the trail and home of many fine B&B’s, guest houses and motels. Book early as these rooms do fill up. Wineries along the Great River Road Wine Trail. 507-474-9463
June 6-9, Mapleton
Mapleton Town & Country Days
This year's Town & Country Days includes a wide array of entertainment including carnival rides, live music, a street dance, Kiddie and Grande parades, fireworks display, vendor fair, beer gardens, bingo, food stands, Demo Derby, Kids' Pedal Pull, pancake breakfast, silent auction, Pie & Ice Cream fundraiser, petting zoo, walking tour, Make-N-Take model building class, and much more! Heritage Park. 507-524-3492
June 6-9, Worthington
Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival
The annual Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival is considered by many to be the best windsurfing and music fest in the Midwest! If you enjoy windsurfing and/or live music, this event is a must. The Regatta strives to promote the windsurfing industry, racing and recreational sailing with participants from throughout the U.S. and beyond. Also enjoy live music by numerous bands and performers, as well as children's art activities, great food and beverages. Admission is free. Complete schedule. Sailboard Beach on the shores of Lake Okabena. 507-372-2919
June 9-16, Montevideo
Fiesta Days Celebration
This festival celebrates city heritage. Just some of the highlights include a fly-in breakfast, block party, kiddie parade, ice cream social, Amazing Grace Revival Multicultural worship service, live music, Fiesta Speedway races, 3-person Golf Scramble, bean bag tournament, dinner and dance, and Fiesta car & motorcycle show. 320-269-9093
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
March 1 - Sept. 28, Chanhassen
Mamma Mia!
One mom. One daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
May 17 - June 2, Minneapolis
Caught
The Guthrie presents a Full Circle Theater production of the Obie Award-winning play, Caught. Christopher Chen’s highly entertaining dark comedy doesn’t begin onstage — it opens with an art exhibition featuring the work of Chinese artist Lin Bo. After the audience views his art and takes their seats, Bo arrives and shares stories about his life and work as a dissident artist in China. But when a New York reporter and her editor join him onstage, everything shifts and nothing is what it seems, leaving the audience to question what is real, what is illusion and what is a figment of their imagination. Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio. 612-377-2224
May 17 - Oct. 27, Minneapolis
The Vikings Begin
This extraordinary new exhibition features dozens of early Viking artifacts from boat graves, organized by Uppsala University in Sweden and its museum, Gustavianum, which is home to one of the world's finest collections of Viking and pre-Viking objects. The exhibition at ASI is the Midwest premiere of a collection that has never been outside of Scandinavia until this year, with many finds that are around 1400 years old. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
May 25 - Sept. 2, Apple Valley
Llama Trek
You 'herd' right... Llamas are at the Minnesota Zoo! This summer, get a taste of South America right here in Minnesota. Llama Trek is an immersive outdoor experience that gives you the chance to walk freely among some of the coolest characters of the Andes Mountains. Get up close and wander, without barriers, among free-roaming llamas and some of their mountain dwelling neighbors. Located along the Northern Trail, Llama Trek also features guinea pigs, flightless birds known as rheas, and highlights conservation efforts being made to help endangered wild chinchillas. Llama Trek is included with general Zoo admission. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
May 31, Minneapolis
John Prine
Almost 50 years into a remarkable career, two-time Grammy-winner John Prine is among the English language's premier phrase-turners. He is a 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Songwriter's Hall of Fame nominee, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient whose classic debut album, simply titled John Prine, is recognized as part of the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame. Northrop Auditorium. 612-624-2345
May 31 - June 1, St. Paul
Artists' Market & International Gem & Jewelry Show
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will host numerous events this weekend. The 16th annual Artists' Market original art show and sale will be held at the Fine Arts Center with over 4,500 pieces of original art at a variety of prices. The International Gem & Jewelry Show, held May 31 - June 2 at the Progress Center, is one of the largest exhibitions of gems, minerals and jewelry in the world. This show features one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, gorgeous wedding bands and engagement rings, exotic gems, beads, exquisite fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, estate collections and much more. Other events at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this weekend include the North Central Reining Extravaganza at the Warner Coliseum & Livestock Area, May 31 - June 2, and the GMCCA Car Show & Swap Meet at Machinery Hill, June 2. 651-288-4400
May 31 - June 2, Edina
Edina Art Fair
The 53rd Annual Edina Art Fair will boast 320 fine artists and crafters from around Minnesota, the U.S. and Canada. An estimated 250,000 people will attend the three-day event which is nationally-recognized as the top art fair in Minnesota. It is the state’s first official art fair of the year and its second largest. Booths upon booths of ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, wood carvings, mixed media, 2D pieces, fine art, wearables and sculptures will line the curbs of France Avenue, 50th Street and in the Lund's parking lot. 952-922-1524
May 31 - June 16, Anoka
A Raisin in the Sun
Sixty years after its premiere, A Raisin in the Sun -- the first play by a woman of color to debut on Broadway -- is widely considered to be one of the best and most important plays ever written. Set in Chicago's South Side, the play revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family. The Younger family's heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a timeless document of hope and inspiration. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. 763-422-1838
June 1, Bloomington
EcoArts Fest
Hop on the Metro Blue Line and head to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the brilliant creativity of the next generation of stewards of our Earth! Now in its twelfth year, the EcoArts Fest has something for everyone. Enjoy the opening pageant as schools involved in ArtStart residencies showcase their art work created with professional artists in response to environmental learning. Enjoy cultural dance and music performances. Participate in nature activities led by Refuge staff and art activities lead by ArtStart artists, as you learn strategies for preserving and conserving our environment. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 651-698-2787
June 1, St. Paul
WaterFest 2019
This free, family festival celebrating our clean lakes offers fun activities and an opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation. Start the day with a voyageur canoe ride or learn how to paddle a canoe, kayak or paddleboat, then cast a line and participate in a fishing contest. The fun continues with live music and dance, water games, a climbing wall, jump castle, native plant giveaway, Passport Odyssey with great prizes, live animals, food vendors and so much more! Phalen Regional Park. 651-900-3285
June 1, Apple Valley
The Cactus Blossoms
The Cactus Blossoms return to kick off the 27th season of Music in the Zoo! Whether it’s The Beach Boys, Bee Gees or First Aid Kit, that sibling vocal blend is the secret sauce in some of the most spine-tingling moments in popular music. The Cactus Blossoms – brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey – offer compelling evidence that this tradition is alive and well, with a deceptively unadorned musical approach that offers “creative turns of phrase, gorgeous harmonies and an ageless sound” (NPR All Things Considered). Weesner Family Amphitheater. 952-431-9200; 800-514-3849
June 2, St. Paul
Grand Old Day 2019
In St. Paul, summer starts with Grand Old Day - the original Sunday fun-day tradition held on the first Sunday in June. Enjoy “the first parade of the summer,” over 150 food vendors, a family fun area, art district, and an entertainment district with live music from dozens of the Twin Cities’ favorite bands. Grand Avenue. 651-699-0029
June 2 – Aug. 18, Minneapolis
Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists 2019 Beadwork Show at MIA
Women have long been the creative force behind Native art. Presented in close cooperation with top Native women artists and scholars, this first major exhibition of artwork by Native women honors the achievements of over 115 artists from the United States and Canada spanning over 1,000 years. Their triumphs — from pottery, textiles, and painting, to photographic portraits, to a gleaming El Camino — display astonishing innovation and technical mastery. The New York Times calls this exhibition "much-anticipated" and ArtForum says it's "groundbreaking." Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
June 6-8, Chanhassen
The Fabulous Armadillos Present One-Hit Wonders
For a brief period of time their songs ruled the airwaves and everybody knew their name... then they disappeared. Through the years, there have been countless one-hit wonders -- great songs everyone knows and loves, but the artist never seemed to achieve that huge chart success again. The Fabulous Armadillos have compiled a two-hour show of those great one-hit wonder memories, with their own Armadillo sense of humor thrown in, and spot-on recreations of your favorites through the decades. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
June 7, St.Paul
Paula Poundstone
Comedian Paula Poundstone returns to St. Paul for an unforgettable show at the Fitzgerald Theater! Paula is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit. She is an accomplished comedian, author, lecturer, host and actress. Her second book, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, debuted at #1 on Amazon best sellers list within the first 10 days of its release, and its audio book, read by Paula, was one of five finalists for the 2018 Audio Book of the Year. Paula has won numerous comedy awards over the years, and she was the first woman to perform standup comedy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The Fitzgerald Theater. 651-290-1200
June 8-9, Excelsior
Excelsior Art on the Lake
Art on the Lake is an engaging creative experience that connects the artist's personal story with a vibrant lake community and showcases a wide array of high quality arts and crafts, both contemporary and traditional. In addition to the artwork of 140 artists in 13 different mediums, enjoy folk, bluegrass and acoustic rock music, local artisan food creations and a beer/wine tent. Excelsior Commons Park. 952-474-6461
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Dear Evan Hansen - The Tony Award-Winning Best Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 28 - June 29
Adam Sandler at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, May 31
John Prine at the Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, May 31
Eddie Izzard at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 1
Juice WRLD at the Armory in Minneapolis, June 1
Studio 4 Dancers at Ames Center in Burnsville, June 1-2
Todd Rundgren at Ames Center, June 3
Rob Thomas at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 8
Jamm Dance Companie Presents Recital 2019 at Ames Center, June 8-9
Vampire Weekend: Father of the Bride Tour at the Armory, June 9
New Kids on the Block at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, June 11
Hannah Gadsby-Douglas at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 12
Bat Out of Hell - The Musical at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul, June 12-23
Middleditch & Schwartz at the Historic State Theatre, June 13
Father John Misty, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit at The Armory, June 14
50 Cent, Ice-T, Too Short, Slick Rick, Biz Markie & Guests at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, June 15
Coheed & Cambria at The Armory, June 15
David Grey at the Historic State Theatre, June 15
Hillsong United - The People Tour at Excel Energy Center, June 20
Summer Skolstice: Rick Springfield at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, June 20
Summer Skolstice: Elle King and Joss Stone at TCO Performance Center, June 21
Summer Skolstice: St. Paul and the Broken Bones at TCO Performance Center, June 20-22
Shawn Mendes at the Xcel Energy Center, June 21
Carrie Underwood with Maddie & Tae at the Target Center in Minneapolis, June 21
Hugh Jackman at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
Pentatonix at the Xcel Energy Center, June 25
The Try Guys at the Historic State Theatre, June 26
Latin History for Morons (Touring) at the Historic State Theatre, June 27
Chris Young at the Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, June 28
George Lopez, Cedric The Entertainer & D.I. Hughley at the Historic State Theatre, June 28
Jennifer Lopez at the Xcel Energy Center, June 28
Seth Meyers at the Pantages Theatre, June 28
Jeremy Piven at the Pantages Theatre, June 30
Rhett & Link: Live in Concert at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 30
The Roots at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, June 30
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
May 31 - June 2, Brainerd
Wet & Wild Weekend
A Wet & Wild triple-event weekend! The IWA will be on Lake BIR for two days of thrilling watercross, which features snowmobiles racing on open water. The Bracket Drag Racing Series will be on the drag strip and the North Star BMW Car Club will be on the road course for a club event. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
June 1, Kimball
Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm
Learn about where your food comes from and have some fun from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (rain or shine) during the Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm. Guided tours, a petting zoo, the children’s obstacle course and horse-drawn wagon rides make this a hands-on event for all ages. Breakfast is available for $5 a plate; children five and under eat free. Mill Creek Dairy. 320-398-6800
June 1, Glenwood
Glenwood Area Kids Day: Take A Kid Fishing & Bike Rodeo
This free fun day for kids includes a Bike Rodeo and obstacle course. Prizes will be given to the first 200 kids who register, and there will be a drawing for bikes and helmets. Also enjoy a free picnic lunch, fishing, petting zoo, inflatables, demonstrations, glitter tattoos, frost-your-own sugar cookies, games and other activities. Glenwood City Park. 320-634-3636
June 7-8, Kandiyohi
Kandi is Dandy Days
Join the town of Kandiyohi as they celebrate their annual festival. Activities include live music, a kiddie parade, street dance, antique tractor pull, pancake breakfast, children’s games, button drawings, grand parade, tractor pull and much more! Downtown Kandiyohi. 320-212-2978
June 7-8, Nisswa
Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival
Nisswa Stamman Scandinavian folk music and dance festival will celebrate its 20th year at the Nisswa Pioneer Village. This ever-growing event offers a celebration of Scandinavian and Scandinavian/American folk music in the northwoods. Performers travel from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland as well as various parts of the United States and the local area, to play at this festival on several stages. The event also offers singing and dancing workshops, a children's activity area and Scandinavian foods. On Saturday, June 8th a fiddler's parade on the Paul Bunyan State Trail in Nisswa kicks off the all-day folk music festival, which culminates with a smorgasbord feast. Don't miss this annual gathering of fiddlers, nyckelharpers, hardingfele players, accordionists, guitarists, vocalists, dancers and general aficionados of Scandinavian folk music! Pioneer Village. 218-764-2994
June 10-16, Hutchinson
Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival
Started in 1942, Water Carnival has grown into a large celebration filled with a wide array of events including the Medallion Hunt, Music in the Park, Teddy Bear Band concert, Miss Hutchinson Pageant, fireworks display, Run by the River runs & races, Kiddie and Grande Day parades, a car show, canoe races, paintball, Kids' Day with inflatables and games, and lots of great food! Venues throughout Hutchinson. 320-587-5252
Northwest Minnesota
April 12 - June 9, Moorhead
The FMVA BIG Art Show
For two months each spring, the artwork of the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Artists (FMVA) fills the 4th Floor Gallery at the Hjemkomst Center. Pieces from art educators, emerging artists and established artists make this one of the largest and most comprehensive local art shows in the region. Each piece is complemented with artist statements describing the creation's influences, mediums used and process. Hjemkomst Center. 218-299-5511
May 31 - June 1, Detroit Lakes
Street Faire At The Lakes
Kick off your summer at the 19th Annual Street Faire At The Lakes, the region’s first outdoor artist faire of the summer. This year’s faire features over 130 artist booths, 15 food vendors, a beer garden, musical entertainment, children’s activities and more! Downtown Detroit Lakes. 218-844-7469
June 1-2, Walker
Leech Lake Walleye Tournament
This annual non-profit walleye fishing tournament is the largest walleye tournament in Minnesota with roughly 150 fishing teams. It is a family-friendly and volunteer organized event for all ages. All proceeds go to area organizations. Walker City Park on Leech Lake. 218-547-1313
June 1-8, Hawley
Hawley Rodeo Fest
Take part in a full week of events, starting with Breakfast on the Farm at Kasin Farms. Rodeo Fest concludes with two nights of Rodeo performances, June 7 & 8. Other events throughout the week include a Country Cowboy Church Service, Variety Show, Miss Hawley Pageant, Health Fair, Space Cowboys, John Deere Day of Play for kids, Street Fair, car and tractor show, vendors and more. Hawley Rodeo Grounds on Hwy 10 between Detroit Lakes and Moorhead. 218-483-3331
June 7-15, Bemidji
Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller
Virtually the inventors of rock ‘n’ roll, Leiber and Stoller's songs provide the basis for this electrifying production that highlights the golden age of America in the 50s. The classic themes of love won, lost and imagined, blend with slice-of-life emotions in this idealized 50s environment. Featuring nearly 40 songs, Smokey Joe's Café isn’t just great pop music – it’s compelling musical theater. Paul Bunyan Playhouse at the Historic Chief Theater. 218-751-7270
June 8, Cass Lake
Chippewa Triathlon 2019
This triathlon is a unique event that combines canoeing, biking, and running all through the Chippewa National Chippewa National Forest. The course follows the centuries-old Pike Bay connection. The Chippewa Triathlon is not solely a competitive event--organizers emphasize its value as a personal challenge and an opportunity to improve one's fitness level through preparatory training. Approximate distances: 15-mile canoe, 29-mile mountain bike, 5-mile trail run. 218-335-2689
June 15, Longville
Community Garage Sale, Firemen's Sandwich Day, Pie Social and Book Sale
Head to Longville on Saturday, June 15 for a great day of treasure hunting during the Community Garage Sale. Also enjoy art activities for children on the waterfront, firefighters' famous BBQ sandwiches, a Pie Social and Sale, and Book & Bake Sale. 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
May 29 - June 2, Duluth
The Duluth Superior Film Festival
This incredible annual 5-day event features numerous independent films, musical performances and parties in an extravaganza of film, music and art. The DSFF brings film directors and industry professionals to the Twin Ports for receptions, Q & A sessions after screenings and panel discussions. Movies shown at Zinema 2 and multiple other venues. 612-227-8015
May 31 - June 2, Grand Marais
Northern Landscapes Festival
There is an explosion of life in spring! Participation in the festival is open to anyone interested in hands-on learning, curious about the dynamics of the northern landscape and eager to discover the flora and fauna of the area. More than a dozen field-focused courses form the backbone of the event, with evening presentations rounding out the full weekend schedule. The Raptor Center and wildlife photographer, Ryan Pennesi, are the featured presenters! On Sunday morning, the whole family will have an opportunity to meet and learn about North Shore raptors in a raptors program. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
June 2, Pine City
East Central Minnesota Pride
The 15th Anniversary of East Central Minnesota Pride is Minnesota's small own LGBTQ + Pride Festival serving Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties, and beyond. Pride welcomes to the stage the music of Mark Joseph and the American Soul, as well as Venus DeMars. Twin Cities PBS's Val Mondor emcees. Also enjoy lots of great food, artwork, networking, vendors, advocacy and community engagement. Robinson Park. 612-817-9541
June 7-9, Grand Marais
Grand Marais Block Party
There are so many events happening this weekend! Spend your weekend with Voyageur Brewing at their Voyage North 5 & 10K, party down with all of our retail and dining friends in Grand Marais at the Grand Marais Block Party, or head up the Gunflint Trail to the Boundary Waters Expo for demonstrations, expert instruction, amazing scenery and the latest in wilderness travel. Throughout the weekend, check out vendor booths and tents on 1st Avenue, and enjoy activities, live music, performances and lots of great food. Downtown Grand Marais. 218-387-2524
June 8, Two Harbors
Children's Day
Children's Day is a day of tours and activities geared toward children with free admission for ages 17 and under. Families will learn about the children who lived at the light station while enjoying special games, crafts and activities. Split Rock Lighthouse. 218-226-6372
June 15, Grand Rapids
Be a Lumberjack Family Day
Kids are invited to be a lumberjack for a day. At the logging camp, children can help saw wood, count beans, mix cookie dough, stamp a log, cross haul a sled and race "gray-backs." Then it's time for extra fun with games like "prune on a spoon" racing, musical stumps, raisin spitting and craft projects that bring out creativity. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
