Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - June 19, 2019

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Explore Minnesota Events Update - June 19, 2019 
Twin Cities Pride Festival in Minneapolis, June 22-23 / Brooke Ross Photography
 
Event highlights this week include:

June 20-22, Pipestone
Water Tower Festival

June 18-23, Chaska
2019 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

June 19-22, Willmar
Willmar Fests

June 21-22, Moorhead
Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival

June 21-23, Grand Marais
Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival

 

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central]
[Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

 

Southern Minnesota

June 20-22, Pipestone
Water Tower Festival
The 30th Annual Water Tower Festival includes a Kids' Night Pedal Pull & Junior Ambassador Contest on Thursday, community dinner, bean bag tournament and street dance on Friday, and a parade, car show, ghost walk, live music and more on Saturday. Also enjoy an arts & crafts fair, beer garden, food vendors and theater performances throughout the weekend. Downtown Pipestone. 507-825-3316

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

June 21-22, Mankato
Solstice Outdoor Music Festival
Solstice is Mankato's major outdoor summer event. This year's line-up features local and regional acts playing Rock, Americana and Country music. Also enjoy a variety of foods from the food trucks, a Paddle Jam on Saturday, and camping with old and new friends. Bring your tents, bean bags and other lawn toys. Land of Memories Park & Campground. 507-340-6809

June 28-30, Lake City
Water Ski Days
Water Ski Days celebrates Lake Pepin's status as the birthplace of water skiing. The 48th Annual Water Ski Days will include an arts & crafts fair, daily water ski shows, a street carnival, Karaoke contest, classic car show, festival food, bean bag tournament, Grande Parade on Sunday, and live music in the beer garden all three nights! Ohuta Park. 651-345-4123

June 28 - July 4, Austin
Freedom Fest
Celebrate our Independence Day with parades, sporting events, games, food, an arts and craft fair, vendors, live music, fireworks display, contests, street dance, Hog Jog 5 Mile Run, Mini Piggy Fun Run, 25-mile bike race, free kids' fishing contest and more! Band Shell Community Park. 507-437-4561

June 30, New Ulm
New Ulm Autofest
This large car, motorcycle and truck show features over 350 vehicles displayed in shimmering rows of shining metal! Since this event is not judged, participants are welcome to enter their vehicle whether it’s a family “driver” or detailed, custom vehicle. Also enjoy food and drink sales, vendors and swap meet, and a DJ. A free outdoor movie will be offered Saturday at dusk. Brown County Fairgrounds. 507-354-3410

July 4, Mankato
Red, Hot & Boom! - Mankato
Celebrate the 4th of July in Mankato and enjoy a giant fireworks display, as well as performances from City Mouse and the Mankato Symphony Orchestra! Free admission. Vetter Stone Amphitheater. 507-385-6660

July 5-20 (Fridays & Saturdays), Walnut Grove
Wilder Pageant
The Wilder Pageant is a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove. Nightly live performances feature all the characters from the Walnut Grove area. Laura narrates the story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. 507-859-2174

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 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

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 18-23, Chaska
2019 KPMG Women's PGA Championship
The Women's PGA 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 will be held 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

June 20-22, St. Paul
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
The 21st Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival is a three-day music festival with headline acts on multiple public stages in and around Mears Park, plus performances at over 20 area clubs, bars and studio venues. Recognized as one of the region's premiere music festivals, Jazz Fest brings top jazz artists to Saint Paul to share the joy of jazz with thousands of people. Mears Park. 612-308-5785

June 21, St. Paul
Shawn Mendes: The Tour
Supporting the release of his self-titled third album, multi-platinum and chart-topping singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes will hit the road in 2019 on a global arena tour. "Shawn Mendes: The Tour" will mark his third global headline tour, following his sold out 2017 arena trek. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240

June 21-23, St. Paul
MSRA Back to the 50's Weekend
The Minnesota Street Rod Association's Back to the 50's Weekend presented by Napa Auto Parts will feature roughly 12,000 street rods, customs and classics, along with 100s of commercial vendors, swappers, more than 100 crafters, live entertainment, great food and much more. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 952-925-4848

June 22-23, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Pride Festival
The 2019 Twin Cities Pride Festival features over 400 exhibitors, 4 stages with live music and entertainment, 40 food and beverage booths, and 400,000+ visitors participating in this free celebration of the LGBTQ community at Loring Park. Pride in Concert begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with fireworks to follow the show around 10 p.m. The annual Rainbow Run 5K begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. And don't miss the Woman's Club Pride Dance on Saturday, June 22 at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis. 612-255-3260; 612-813-5000

June 22-23, Columbus
Find Your True North Weekend at Running Aces
In addition to live horse racing on Saturday, June 22, there will be a True North MN T-Shirt giveaway, live music and beer and drink specials. On Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23, take part in the #OnlyinMN Instagram Photo Contest and have your photo taken with the #OnlyinMN Monument. Share your photo on Instagram using the hashtag #OnlyinMN and tag @RunAces for the chance to win $500 cash and a Running Aces Gift Pack. Must be 18+ to enter. Running Aces Casino & Racetrack. 651-925-4600

June 23, Minneapolis
Uptown Food Truck Festival
The Uptown Food Truck Festival showcases over 60 superstars of the local streets with dishes ranging from crispy pork belly and green papaya salad to gourmet mini doughnuts and wood fired pizzas. Wash it all down with a hefty variety of local craft brews and classic favorites. Two stages will feature multiple live bands and DJs. Expect toe tappers, sing-along songs and infectious dancing. And from mini golf to bean bags and hammerschlagen, you'll find plenty of entertainment. Uptown at Lake Street & Hennepin Avenue. 763-220-2380

June 27-30, Blaine
Blaine Festival
The 50th Annual Blaine Festival is a family-friendly event held at Aquatore Park with carnival rides and games (50 cents on Thursday!), the Not-So-Ugly Dog Contest, Kids' Tractor Pull, The RAD Zoo, U of MN Raptor Center Bald Eagle Program, pig races, Scouting Corner, Fastenal Racing NASCAR Show Car, a line dance, fireworks and live music including headliner bands The Johnny Holm Band and The Fabulous Armadillos! Complete schedule.

June 29, St. Paul
Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and John Gries
This unique evening includes a full screening of Napoleon Dynamite followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and John Gries (Uncle Rico). Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. 651-224-4222

June 29, Minneapolis
Rock the Garden
The kickoff to summer starts with Rock the Garden, the best outdoor music festival of the season! Enjoy one day, two stages and eight bands overlooking the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and an unbelievable view of the city skyline. The line-up includes The National, Courtney Barnett, X, Heart Bones, Bad Bad Hats, deM atlaS, Adia Victoria and The Beths. Co-presented by the Walker Art Center and 89.3 The Current. 612-375-7600

June 29-30, Stillwater
Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market
Make a day of it in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley and check out over 100 unique vendors, local crafters, food trucks, music and more! A great day of fun for the whole family. Admission is free. Washington County Fairgrounds. 715-557-1785

Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
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
Hillsong United - The People Tour at Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Prior Lake, 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 in Welch, July 6
Ozzy Osbourne at the Xcel Energy Center, July 6
Patton Oswalt Live: 2019 Tour at the Historic State Theatre, July 11
Chelsea Handler at the Historic State Theatre, July 13
Premier Boxing Champions at The Armory in Minneapolis, July 13
Tiffany Jenkins: This Show Is Awkward at Ames Center in Burnsville, July 14
The Raconteurs at The Armory, July 15
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, July 19
Backstreet Boys at the Xcel Energy Center, July 20
Khalid Free Spirit World Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, July 23
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster

Central Minnesota

June 13-22, Atwater
Atwater Festival Days
Join the city of Atwater for their annual Atwater Festival Days. Activities include fireworks, Kiddie and Grande parades, a street dance, garage sales, bait casting and fishing contests, movie in the park, petting zoo and pony rides, Car & Motorcycle Show, turtle races and more. Various Atwater locations. 320-974-8760

June 13-16, 20-23 & 27-30, Willmar
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The Barn Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This is the classic story of young Joseph and his incredible dreams. Follow Joseph on his journey through Egypt, through misery and pain, and finally back into the arms of his father, Jacob. The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar. 320-235-9500

June 19-22, Willmar
Willmar Fests
Willmar Fests consists of 4 festivals rolled into one big summer celebration: International Fest, Frameries Fest, Aqua Fest and Kaffee Fest. Highlights include Grande and Kiddie parades, a wing-eating contest, Little Crow Ski Show, Beach Party, Block Party, Beer & Hymns, Floats & Notes, live entertainment, Mask Magic, Teen Bad Movie Night, ice cream social, fireworks and more! Various locations in Willmar. 320-235-3552

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

June 27-29, Brainerd
Lakes Jam Music Festival
Lakes Jam at Brainerd International Raceway is an annual event that unites rock and country music fans from all walks of life and brings them to the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. Other festivities include pre-Jam parties, lawn mower racing, watercross, drifting, poker tournaments, bean bag contests and more. Camping options are available. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-640-3785

June 28-29, Pelican Rapids
Pelican Fest
This annual event includes a Golf Scramble, the 31st Annual Art in the Park, Beer Olympics, bean bag tournament, Street Dance with Silverado and various other fun activities. West Mill Street in Pelican Rapids. 218-863-1221

July 3-4, Pequot Lakes
Stars & Stripes Days
Celebrate Independence during Stars & Stripes Days, and enjoy fireworks, a Grande Parade, live music and entertainment, games, fair food, beer garden, craft fair, water wars, bungee trampoline, kids' climb, Money in the Haystack, Golden Bobber hunt, kiddie parade and other family-friendly events! Trailside Park. 218-568-8911

Northwest Minnesota

June 20-22, Walker
Moondance Jammin Country Fest
Just some of the stand-out acts to perform at the 13th Annual Moondance Jammin Country Fest are Kane Brown, Brothers Osborne, Neal McCoy, BlackHawk, Jordan Davis, Chris Hawkey, Aaron Watson and Runaway June! Moondance Jammin Country Fest is a country music festival held annually on the 300-acre Moondance events grounds. This event features open festival seating, camping, well-kept facilities, two indoor regional stages, excellent security, bars, beer tents and food vendors -- a country music and camping celebration in a safe and friendly atmosphere! Moondance Fairgrounds. 218-836-1055

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

June 28-30, Akeley
Paul Bunyan Days
This fun family event includes a Lions Club's Fish Fry, games, music, food, inflatables, vendors and a pie social. 218-252-1541

June 28-30, Cass Lake
Leech Lake Days Traditional Pow Wow
The 2019 Leech Lake Days Traditional Pow Wow is a great opportunity to see and learn more about the Ojibwe Nation Native American traditions, culture and dance, with old style jingle and men's grass dance featured. Veterans Memorial Grounds next to Palace Casino. 218-335-8395

July 4, Detroit Lakes
Fireworks Display
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dusk at the mile-long, city beach along Detroit Lake. Before and after the fireworks, check out the many fine, local restaurants, as well as live music in Detroit Lakes. Detroit Lakes city park and beach. 218-847-9202

July 5-6, Remer
Bigfoot Days
The annual Bigfoot Days celebration has been growing since Remer declared itself the Home of Bigfoot in 2016! Events include a family picnic, BBQ Contest, bingo, 5K run, information from the Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team, a pancake breakfast and more. Downtown Remer. 218-566-1680

Northeast Minnesota

June 21-23, Grand Marais
Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival
The Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival includes a bit of everything! Enjoy rows of hand-made and unique watercraft, a boat parade, craft demonstrations, workshops and courses, an evening Contra Dance, boat and tool auction, chili and brats, and Lake Superior Chowder Experience. Be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers, and begin planning your next adventure! North House Folk School. 218-387-9762

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.

June 22, Two Harbors
Peregrine Falcons on the North Shore
Meet Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society and two live falcons to learn more about these amazing birds. Fallon has worked on peregrine falcon research in Minnesota for nearly 30 years and has many stories to share and information about protecting these animals. Split Rock Lighthouse. 218-226-6372

June 29, Duluth
Chum Rhubarb Festival
Check out all of the rhubarb fun for everyone. Enjoy pies, jams, breads and the tangy tartness of every rhubarb delicacy -- even rhubarb brats! This festival will also include games, crafts, live music, face painting, stage shows and auctions. Held at First Lutheran Church. 218-720-6521

June 29-30, Pine City
Freedom Fest: Car Show, Street Dance, Fireworks & More!
On Saturday, the annual Freedom Fest will include a pancake and French toast breakfast, a car show, triathlon, street dance, medallion hunt, tractor show, children's activities, train rides, face painting, photo booth, food booths, cash bingo, money scramble, bean bag tournament and fireworks display at the Pine County Fairgrounds! On Sunday, enjoy the Solid Rock in the Park Outdoor Music Festival with 7 acts at Robinson Park. 320-322-4040

July 4, Duluth
Fourth Fest 2019
Duluth’s annual Fourth Fest at Bayfront Festival Park is a free, family-friendly celebration of Independence Day. The evening will feature live music including headliner Junk FM, food, beverage and craft vendors, plus the spectacular fireworks display at 10:10 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-722-4011

July 6, Side Lake/French Township
"Music On The Beach!" Northern Lights Music Festival
Enjoy "Music On The Beach!" with a chamber music concert on the beach at McCarthy Beach State Park. 218-780-2292

 

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