Downtown Excelsior, just blocks from Excelsior Art on the Lake at Excelsior Commons Park, June 8-9
Event highlights this week include:
June 6-9, Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival
June 2 – Aug. 18, Minneapolis Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists 2019 Beadwork Show at MIA
June 7-8, Nisswa Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival
June 7-15, Bemidji Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller
June 7-9, Grand Marais Grand Marais Block Party
Southern Minnesota
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 7-8, Albert Lea Eddie Cochran Weekend This annual tribute to Eddie Cochran includes Friday and Saturday Night Car Shows, a Car Cruise, Cruise-in Social, Swap Meet and 4 bands including the Whitesidewalls on Saturday! Downtown Historic Albert Lea. 507-373-2316
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
June 12-16, Winona Steamboat Days Winona's summer festival features a wide array of live entertainment, treasure hunt, concerts, plays, arts & crafts, parades, great food, beverage gardens and fireworks over the Mississippi River! Various sites throughout Winona. 507-452-0735
June 15-16, Mankato Minnesota Air Spectacular The Minnesota Air Spectacular is flying back to Mankato! The world-famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return as headliner of the Minnesota Air Spectacular, to be held at the Mankato Regional Airport, 3030 North Airport Road. Various performers and static displays will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The high-flying, adrenaline-rushing show is sure to be fun for all ages. Mankato Regional Airport. 507-385-6660
June 21-22, Harmony 60-Mile Garage Sale Nine towns along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Bike Trails are teaming up to put on a garage sale that is over 60 miles along. Each town will have a listing on google maps of all of the houses and businesses with garage and sidewalk sales. Be sure to stop at the many unique restaurants and stores along the way. Participating towns include Harmony, Preston, Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalen, Peterson, Rushford, Rushford Village and Houston. Map of towns along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails. 507-886-2469
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 - 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 21 - June 9, St. Paul Museum of the Moon The Bell Museum's Year of Apollo celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing continues with a showcase Museum of the Moon, by UK artist Luke Jerram. This installation also coincides with the anniversary of NASA's Apollo 10 mission that orbited the Moon May 18-26, 1969, the "dress rehearsal" for the first Moon landing. Bell Museum. 612-626-9660
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 - 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 on 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 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 was the first woman to perform standup comedy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The Fitzgerald Theater. 651-290-1200
June 8, St. Paul St. Paul Summer Beer Festival This is St. Paul's favorite beer festival dedicated to craft beer! This outdoor craft beer festival will feature sampling from over 100 breweries in a commemorative tasting glass, live music, tasty food, educational seminars and a silent auction benefiting the YMCA of St. Paul. International Bazaar at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 612-234-1430
June 8, Apple Valley Minnesota Zoo's Beastly Bash During Beastly Bash, enjoy exclusive viewings of rare animals, an extraordinary live auction, signature cocktails, delicious food stations and an inspirational program hosted by KARE11's Minnesota Bound co-host Laura Schara. Guests will also be treated to a special mini-concert by Prince's former band, the New Power Generation, featuring songs by Minnesota's beloved musical icon. The party will continue into the night with desserts and a dance party fit for the finest nocturnal revelers featuring music by award winning DJ Shannon Blowtorch. This premier outdoor summer event supports the Minnesota Zoo's mission and access programs for children and families. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9500
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
June 9, Golden Valley Golden Valley Pride Festival The Golden Valley Pride Festival is a celebration of Golden Valley LGBTQ individuals, families and friends, presented by a group of volunteer Golden Valley residents. There are fun activities for the whole family, including bouncy houses, community booths, games, Giant Jenga and the Brookview Playground, along with awesome food trucks, fantastic music by multiple acts and a beer and wine garden. All are welcome! Brookview Park. 612-735-4251
June 14-15, Winsted Winstock Country Music Festival This is the Upper Midwest’s premier outdoor country music and camping festival organized entirely by volunteers with all proceeds used to help fund private education for students from Winsted and surrounding communities. Featured headliners include Jason Aldean and Old Dominion with special guests Kane Brown and Brett Young. Also enjoy the music of Midland, Diamond Rio, Ashley McBryde, Little Texas and more acts! Winstock Festival Grounds. 320-485-4287
June 14-16, Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge Festival Kick off the summer at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and enjoy fine artwork by more than 2090 artists, specialties served up by local food trucks, live music, Family Activities Area, Makers Market, Art of the Car Show, ice-cold beverages and more! Along the Mississippi Riverfront. 952-473-6422
June 12-16, St. Louis Park St. Louis Park Parktacular Enjoy five days of free and affordable fun for everyone! Events and activities include the Grande Day Parade, free admission to the St. Louis Park Aquatic Park, outdoor concerts, food trucks, a petting zoo, free pony rides, inflatables for ALL ages, Kidtacular Activities, Parktacular Expo, Father’s Day Waffle Brunch, Tommy's Fishign Clinic, Pet-A-Palooza with lots of adoptable pets and so much more! Wolfe Park. 612-470-7822
June 18-23, Chaska 2019 KPMG Women's PGA Championship The Championship, which will be broadcast in partnership with NBC and Golf Channel, provides a purse among the highest in women's golf. This will be the first time the KPMG Women's PGA Championship is at Hazeltine National and only the second time a women's major championship is played in the state of Minnesota. The Championship focuses on the development, advancement and empowerment of women on and off the golf course. Hazeltine National Golf Club. 612-337-1961
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Rob Thomas at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, June 8 Jamm Dance Companie Presents Recital 2019 at Ames Center in Burnsville, June 8-9 Vampire Weekend: Father of the Bride Tour at the Armory in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Welch, 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 in Minneapolis, June 30 The Roots at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, June 30 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, July 2-7 Kidz Bop World Tour 2019 & Fireworks at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 3 Carly Rae Jepsen at the Historic State Theatre, July 5 Billy Idol at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 6 Ozzy Osbourne at the Xcel Energy Center, July 6 Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
June 7, St. Cloud Downtown Art Crawl Celebrate and experience the work of talented Central Minnesota artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown St. Cloud! 320-251-4170
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
June 14-16, Onamia Onamia Days Onamia Days features a variety of activities and highlights such as Family Fun Show carnival rides and games, arts and craft vendors, live music, street dances, turtle races, Kid's Float and Bike Parade, 5K Fun Run/Walk, food vendors, beer and brat tents, Grande Parade, Classic Car Show and much more. Herington Park and other locations. 320-532-3202
June 21-22, Milaca Milaca's Gateway to the Northland Festival Gateway to the Northland Festival includes multiple events sure to please the entire family. Highlights include "Ninja Anywhere," children's games and vendor, Milaca's Totally Amazing Race, food trucks, Floatilla Down the Rum River, Movie in the Park, and a performance by "The Groove!" Recreation Park. 320-983-3141
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
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
June 15, Park Rapids Author Fest - Celebrating Writers in Minnesota Author Fest is an annual celebration of Minnesota writers. Meet and chat with more than 20 Minnesota authors, listen to readings throughout the day and discover new books. Hosted by independent bookstore, Beagle & Wolf Books & Bindery. Park Rapids American Legion. 218-237-2665
June 21-22, Moorhead Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival The Midwest Viking Festival and the 42nd Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival are joining forces again to present a celebration of Nordic culture from ancient times to today. This authentic Scandinavian event will feature dancing, a Nordic Marketplace, storytellers, fiddlers, Viking-era crafts, great food at Tastes of Scandinavia, Viking-themed drinks, and demonstrations, seminars and other activities at Viking Village. Hjemkomst Center. 218-299-5452
Northeast Minnesota
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, Grand Rapids Wizard of Oz Festival The Wizard of Oz Festival includes special activities and games for children and their families, including a youth stage performance of "The Wizard of Oz" at the Reif Center, a reading of the "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Commemorative Pop Up Book by the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion at the Grand Rapids Public Library, a showing of the classic 1939 "Wizard of Oz" film (bring a blanket!), and an Emerald City Festival with a chance to meet and photograph characters from "The Wizard of Oz," and take part in scavenger hunts, art exploration and tornado tubes! Judy Garland Museum & Children's Discovery Museum. 218-327-9276
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
June 15, Sandstone 50th Anniversary Open House This 50th Anniversary Open House includes many free, family-friendly activities including a high ropes course, canoeing, archery, climbing wall, campus tours, forest hikes, and mores. Lunch is available for purchase. That evening, enjoy a special 50th Anniversary Dinner and presentation -- reservations required. Come back Sunday, June 16 for additional activities. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648
June 15-16, Virginia Northern Minnesota Craft and Vendor Expo Don't miss this indoor craft and vendor show featuring over 130 exhibitors! Free parking and free admission. Miners Memorial Building. 218-749-4056
June 22, Duluth Grandma's Marathon Since the initial race in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown larger than just a 26.2 mile race along the scenic North Shore of Minnesota. This is a time for runners of all calibers to come together and celebrate the vigor of the human spirit. Runners and visitors will enjoy lots of weekend festivities including the free Essentia Health & Fitness Expo, virtual racecourse tours, Michelina's All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, Whipper Snapper Races for kids, demonstrations of the Lightspeed Lift, live entertainment under the Big Top Tent in Canal Park and the Awards Ceremony.
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