Event highlights this week include:
July 3-4, Worthington Beach Bash & Old Fashioned 4th of July
July 4-14, Lakeville Pan-O-Prog
July 3-4, Pequot Lakes Stars & Stripes Days
July 4, Park Rapids Hometown 4th of July
July 4, Ely July 4th Parade & Fireworks
And be sure to check out Where to Watch Fireworks in Minnesota!
Southern Minnesota
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 - July 21, Winona Minnesota Beethoven Festival The Minnesota Beethoven Festival offers a broad range of concerts to satisfy a variety of musical tastes. There are 11 concerts planned including headliner Joshua Bell. Other guest artists to perform include clarinetist Julian Bliss, the Venice Baroque Orchestra, the Parker Quartet, and 2017 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Yekwon Sunwoo. Various venues in Winona. 507-474-9055
July 1-4, Cannon Falls Cannon Valley Fair The Cannon Vally Fair 4th of July celebration features a midway, grandstand demolition derbies, harness races, 4-H and Open Class competitions, livestock exhibits, and all the things you would associate with a real hometown fair. The Cannon Valley Fair culminates with traditional fireworks at dusk on July 4. Cannon Valley Fairgrounds. 507-263-3548
July 3-4, Worthington Beach Bash & Old Fashioned 4th of July On July 3, don't miss the Beach Bash at Centennial Park with fun activities, games, great fair food, beer garden and country music by The Chris Hawkey Band! On July 4, see history come to life at Pioneer Village’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Pioneer Village is a historical attraction located next to the Nobles County Fairgrounds. Also on the 4th, enjoy a Boat Parade near the old power plant on the east end of Lake Okabena at 8:30 p.m. Decorations and lights are encouraged. Then at dusk, "ooh and aah" during the fireworks display over Lake Okabena! 507-372-2919
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 4, Luverne 4th of July at the Lake Enjoy a great day at the lake during Luverne's 4th of July celebration. Festivities include games for children, fair food, beer garden, triathlon, log-rolling, a dock dog contest, sand castle contest, bingo, Quaddleball tournament, inflatables and a fireworks display! The lake at West Edgehill Street and Walnut Street S. 507-283-4061
July 4, St. Peter Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration St. Peter's old-fashioned 4th of July celebration includes a 90-unit parade on Washington Ave., live music, 8K run and 5K walk event, food vendors, beer tent, children's games and activities in Minnesota Square Park from noon until 4 p.m., and a fireworks display at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds at 10 p.m. 507-934-3400
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
July 12-13, Madelia Madelia Park Days, Blues Festival and Arts & More Fair Family fun in Madelia! Highlights include a kick-off Grande Parade on Friday, followed by live music, fireworks and more live music. Saturday features all-day fun with 70-plus vendors at the 5th Annual Rivers Edge Art & More Fair, the 7th Annual Watona Park Blues Festival, 7th Annual Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic 5K Run/Walk, Kids' Fun Zone, giant inflatables, food vendors, Schell's Beer & Wine Wagon, Carp Classic Fishing Tournament, bean bag tournament, Kids' Tractor Pull and much more! Watona Park on the Watonwan River. 507-642-8822
July 12-13, Edgerton Edgerton Dutch Festival The 70th Annual Edgerton Dutch Festival features two parades, a fun run, fishing contest, kids' mutton busting, helicopter rides, street dance and a concert by Hairball! 507-442-7891
July 18-20, New Ulm Bavarian Blast In its 14th year, Bavarian Blast returns to celebrate Bavarian heritage and culture. From the moment you arrive at this weekend-long festival you will be surrounded by all things German. This festival has something for everyone with its wide variety of German food, German-American music under big top tents, Schell’s Beer, 1919 Rootbeer, the famous Bavarian Blast Parade and uniquely German contests such as the stein holding contest, sauerkraut eating competition and barrel rolling races. On Sunday, don't miss the Polka Service. Brown County Fairgrounds. 507-233-4300
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
July 2-4, Chanhassen City of Chanhassen's 4th of July Celebration Head to Chanhassen for this three day, fun filled event for the whole family. Event highlights include Midwest Carnival rides and concessions, pony rides, Family Night at the Carnival, the Taste of Chanhassen, a street dance featuring the Fabulous Armadillos, kids' fishing contest, The Medicine Show featuring Vaudeville, 4th of July parade, live music, face painting, Wacky Hair, Fireworks Spectacular and more. City Center Park & Lake Ann. 952-227-1100
July 2-4, Coon Rapids Coon Rapids 4th of July Community Celebration Enjoy the 2019 Coon Rapids 4th of July Community Celebration featuring family fun for everyone. A parade kicks of the celebration on July 2. Other highlights during the festival include carnival games, rides, live music, bingo, a car show, the Firecracker 5K, 10K and Kids' Sparkler Dash, food trucks and drink vendors, and some of the best fireworks in the Twin Cities. 763-767-6582
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
July 3, Bloomington Bloomington Summer Fete Summer Fete is a family-fun festival that kicks off Independence Day in the Twin Cities. This year's fun starts with a Kids' Carnival Area, live music at the Kid's Stage and Main Stage featuring a great line-up of performers, a wide array of food vendors and food trucks, and of course, a fantastic fireworks display just after dusk. Normandale Lake Park. 952-563-8877
July 3-4, Eagan July 4th Funfest Be sure to bring friends and family to the July 4th Funfest for thrilling rides, carnival fun, the colorful parade, live music by The Gear Daddies and Transit Authority, DJ music throughout the day, the Royal Brain Freeze, a car show and more. And don't miss the region's largest display of fireworks at dusk on July 4th. Central Park Festival Grounds. 651-675-5546
July 4, Afton Afton 4th of July Parade and Celebration Afton's annual 4th of July celebration is bursting with fun for the whole family. In addition to the parade, enjoy live music, a bounce house, food vendors, crafts, vendor tents and a beer garden tent. Free trolley rides will be offered within the Village of Afton during the day. Afton's Town Square Park. 651-436-8883
July 4, Minneapolis Red, White and Boom Celebrate America's Independence Day at Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. This annual event attracts more than 75,000 people to sites along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront, and features live music, the Red, White & Boom TC Half Marathon, Relay and 5K, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale - fireworks! Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront. 612-230-6400
July 4, St. Paul Independence Day Celebration Spend the United States' birthday at Historic Fort Snelling and explore the history of freedom in 19th-century America. Discover how many Americans celebrated the holiday nearly two centuries ago, complete with cannon and musket salutes, military dress parades, fife and drum music and much more. Visit interactive learning stations around the fort and learn about the struggles for freedom and independence for several different groups of Americans—such as enslaved people, Native Americans, and women—while exploring the question "What does freedom mean today?" Historic Fort Snelling. 612-726-1171
July 4-14, Lakeville Pan-O-Prog This festival begins with 4th of July fireworks. The following week includes numerous events including a carnival, Beer, Brats & Bingo, dances, the Grande Parade, picnics, classic car show, talent contest, car show, 32nd Annual Cruise Night, golf tournament, contests and more! Historic downtown Lakeville. 952-985-4400
July 7, Prior Lake Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan Celebrated artists and enduring forces in popular music Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan are bringing their co-headlining tour to the Mystic Showroom. McDonald's solo career took off with a string of hits including "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)," "Sweet Freedom," "On My Own" and the James Ingram duet "Yah Mo B There." Chaka Khan blazed onto the music scene as a solo artist with hits "I'm Every Woman" and "What Cha Gonna Do For Me?" She propelled to superstardom with the chart-topper "I Feel For You." Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino. 952-496-6563
July 10-14, Maple Grove Maple Grove Days Maple Grove Days, a five day city festival hosting over 40 events for all ages, includes a car show, races, business expo, parade, live music, coronation, children's run, kids' parade, diaper derby, outdoor movie, inflatable rides, fishing, paddle boarding, Zumba workouts, garden tours, and much more. Various locations in Maple Grove. 763-494-5985
July 12-13, Minneapolis Basilica Block Party Don't miss this two day line-up of premiere music with headliner acts such as Kacey Musgraves, Semisonic, The Jayhawks, Jason Mraz and CHVRCHES. The Basilica Block Party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary. Today, proceeds from the event benefit The Basilica Landmark, which preserves, restores and advances the historic Basilica of Saint Mary for all generations. The Basilica of Saint Mary. 612-333-1381
July 13, Anoka Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair The 21st Annual Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair will be held in historic downtown Anoka with over 130 juried artisans and crafters, live music, plenty of food and much more. 763-421-7130
July 13-21, Hopkins Hopkins Raspberry Festival The Hopkins Raspberry Festival has become a Twin Cities institution as a family friendly event. Highlights include the Hunt for the Golden Raspberry, Raspberry Festival of Bands, street dance, marketplace and craft fair, children's activities, big wheel races, ice cream social, car show, Grande Day Parade, Raspberry Run, fireworks and so much more! Sites throughout Hopkins. 952-931-0878
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, July 2-7 Kidz Bop World Tour 2019 & Fireworks at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, July 3 Carly Rae Jepsen at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, July 5 Billy Idol at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, July 6 Ozzy Osbourne at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 6 Ariana Grande at the Xcel Energy Center, July 8 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 Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Xcel Energy Center, July 25 Jon Billion at The Armory, July 28 Tony Bennett - The I Left My Heart Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, July 28 Fiddler on the Roof at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 30 - Aug. 4 Santana: Supernatural Now at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 3 Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Aug. 3 John Mayer at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 5 Justin Hayward - All the Way at Ames Center, Aug. 6 Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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
July 4, Hill City Hill City 4th of July Celebrations Enjoy small town 4th of July festivities in Hill City. Featured activities include a parade, all-day flea market, pudding eating contest, turtle races, Lefty's Kids' Games, 5K Fun Run, saw dust pile, children's events, comedy acts, and of course, a fireworks display. 218-326-9607
July 4, Brainerd Brainerd Fireworks & 4th of July Celebration Just some of the highlights during Brainerd's 4th of July Celebration include a parade, live music acts such as Salute to Kansas & Foreigner and A Tribute to Journey, and fireworks synchronized to music. Don Adamson Field. 218-829-2838
July 4-7, Spicer Spicer 4th of July Celebration Spicer's popular 4th of July Celebration is filled with activities for all ages including an arts and crafts fair, amusing flea market, volleyball, basketball and softball tournaments, kiddie pedal tractor pull, a competitive 12-mile running race, and a street dance for ages 21 and older. On the 4th, enjoy a Grande Day parade including over 100 participants with lots of entertainment and candy. Venues throughout Spicer. 320-796-8066
July 5-7, Brainerd 33rd Annual PleasureLand RV Show & Go The 33rd Annual PleasureLand RV Show & Go includes Muscle Car Series drag racing, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing, a classic car show, fireworks display, on-site camping and live music. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
July 6, Crosslake Celebrate America 49th Annual Fireworks Display & Original Craft and Flea Market Enjyo unique shopping opportunities at Crosslake's Original Craft and Flea Market located at the intersection of County Roads 3 and 103. Later that day, head to the shores of Cross Lake to view the fantastic fireworks display from Sand Island beginning at dusk. Other highlights include Grandpa's Run for the Walleye, the Ideal Farmers Market and outdoor music at Town Square. 218-692-4027; 612-597-1827
July 11-14, Isle Isle Days This city celebration is filled with fun events including a boat parade, street dance, Kiddie & Grand parades, kids' 1 mile fun walk, craft vendors, car show, arts and crafts, flea market, launch rides, food stands, beer gardens and more. Various locations in Isle. 888-708-3669
July 13, Pierz Pierz Freedom Fest Four great country bands will perform at this year's Pierz Freedom Fest, with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band as the headliner! Much more than a music festival, Pierz Freedom Fest is committed to giving back to Pierz and the surrounding communities! Genola Ball Park. 320-468-6925
July 18-21, Sauk Centre Sinclair Lewis Days Sinclair Lewis Days is four days of fun for everyone with parades, fireworks, a craft fair, Family Day in the Park, ice cream social, 5K and kids' one mile run, Miss Sauk Centre Pageant, soap box derby races, raffle and more. Sinclair Lewis Park. 320-352-5201
Northwest Minnesota
July 3-5, Warroad 4th of July Festival Warroad celebrates the 4th like never before with an amazing fireworks display over the Warroad River at Kakaygeesick Bay, water wars, a street dance, kids' foot, gunny and 3-legged races, a parade, inflatables, live music, pancake breakfast, food vendors, movie night, AC/DC Tribute Band and so much more! Rainbow Park. 218-386-3543
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 4, Park Rapids Hometown 4th of July This classic 4th of July Celebration will feature dawn to dusk events and entertainment. Enjoy the Firecracker Foot Race, boat parades, picnics, pie baking contest and auction, Grande Parade, pre-fireworks concert and a fireworks display over the Fish Hook River. Main Avenue, Red Bridge Park and Heartland Park. 218-732-4111
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
July 7, Nevis Nevis Pig Races Pig racing has quickly become a crowd pleaser, and Gary Dauer knows how to put on a humerous and engaging show! Sponsor a pig to run in the race -- each porker will be adorned in "dashing" capes. Besides the pig races, enjoy the beer garden, children's activities, face painting, hamburger sliders, french fries and snow cones. Muskie Park, a.k.a. Muskie Downs. 218-652-3115
July 9-14, Hackensack Sweetheart Days The ever-popular Sweetheart Days is filled with activities for kids of all ages. Festivities include the Fabulous Fireworks display, Kids' Fishing Contest, children's games, Sweetheart Days Parade, 4th Annual Sweetheart Days Dachshund Derby, Sacred Heart flea market, Test Your Trivia, Spaghetti Dinner, horse racing at the Hackensack American Legion, Josh Duffee and His Big Band, Cornhole Tournament, Sweetheart Days Car Show and much more. Downtown Hackensack. 218-675-6135
July 13, Bagley Bagley Art in the Park Bagley's 32nd Annual Art in the Park includes a wide variety of items created by many local artists, as well as food vendors, live stage entertainment and art projects for children. Bagley City Park. 218-533-0120
July 18-20, Walker Moondance Jam Moondance Jam is a classic rock and roll music festival held annually on the 300-acre Moondance Fairgrounds. This event features open festival seating, camping, well-kept facilities, two indoor regional stages, excellent security and an organized staff so fans are treated to great music and camping in a clean, safe and friendly atmosphere. Headliners for the 2019 Moondance Jam include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Train, Rick Springfield, The Sweet, Skillet, Goo Goo Dolls, Gov't Mule and Molly Hatchet! Moondance Fairgrounds. 218-836-1055
Northeast Minnesota
July 3-4, Nashwauk Nashwauk 4th of July No one does the 4th of July like a small town! Head to Nashwauk for live music by numerous bands, children's activities, a flea market, rummage sales, craft fair, Grande Parade, Red Rock Run, races, car show and fireworks. 218-326-9607
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 4, Crane Lake 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day in Crane Lake with their famous parade at 7 p.m. beginning at Voyagaire Lodge. At dark, spectacular fireworks will be lit from a barge. Enjoy by boat or on shore at Voyagaire Lodge. 218-993-2901
July 4, Ely July 4th Parade & Fireworks The July 4th Parade is a true small town parade with a variety of floats, vehicles, music and more! Young Life will provide food and activities in the park, and there will be a flyover from the 148th Fighter Wing, live music during the afternoon at the Whiteside park band shell, and live music during the evening at the new Semers Park Picnic Pavilion. After sunset, join the town in celebrating July 4th with festive fireworks at Miners Lake. Venues throughout Ely. 218-365-6123
July 5 & 6, Chisholm & Side Lake/French Township Northern Lights Music Festival: Girls Night Out & Music On The Beach Don't miss the Girl's Night Out concert celebrating the 200th birthday of Clara Schumann at the Chisholm High School on July 5. And on July 6, enjoy Music On The Beach featuring fantastic choral and folk music concerts, as well as spectacular views on the beach at McCarthy Beach State Park. 218-780-2292
July 11-14, Two Harbors Two Harbors Heritage Days 2019 Two Harbors Heritage Days is an annual 4 day event offering an arts and crafts show, stage entertainment, a street dance, two parades, medallion hunt, children's activities, bungee jumper & slide, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfasts and more. Downtown Two Harbors. 218-834-6200
July 13, Duluth Taste of Duluth The 3rd Annual Taste of Duluth will be held at Bayfront Festival Park and features a wide array of amazing dishes, as well as live music, products and services, crafts, beer and many displays of interest. Taste of Duluth is taking on a new look and sound for 2019 with culture and cuisine at the forefront. Mainstage performers will reflect many of the ethnic origins that are a rich part of Duluth's history, with plenty of ethnic and American food offerings, including sample sizes. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-727-1177
July 13, Grand Rapids Grand Jam 2019! Grand Jam 2019! is a music festival featuring We Ain't Cowboys, Coyote Wild and country stars Little Texas! Camping passes are available. Itasca County Fairgrounds Midway. 218-327-5780
July 20, Duluth Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival The 14th Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival showcases internationally touring performers, along with ethnic foods, beverages and a variety of artisans displaying their wares. This celebration of world music whose artists spread the message of love, hope and equality for all people worldwide -- bring your flag and wave it proudly! Bayfront Festival Park. 218-525-8099
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