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Event highlights this week include:
Aug. 10, Faribault
Blue Collar BBQ, Music & Arts Festival
Aug. 9-11, St. Paul
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Aug. 8-11, Vergas
Vergas Looney Daze
Aug. 10, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Aug. 9-11, Grand Portage
Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow
Southern Minnesota
Aug. 7-11, New Ulm
Brown County Free Fair
Enjoy free admission and free parking at the Brown County Free Fair! Just some of the highlights include carnival rides and games, exotic animals, 4H & FFA exhibits, free live music, lots of traditional fair food, demolition derbies, a truck & tractor pull, and many activities for kids on Kids' Day Friday. Brown County Fairgrounds. 507-354-2223
Aug. 10, Faribault
Blue Collar BBQ, Music & Arts Festival
Save the date for the Paradise Center for the Arts annual music and art festival with headliner Martin Zellar and the Hardways. Winner of 2017 Southern Minnesota Scene Best Music Festival, this all day festival features nonstop live music, art and market vendors, food trucks, family activities, beer gardens, backyard BBQ, bean bag contests and more. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Aug. 11, Bechyn
Czech Heritage Festival
Each year, the town of Bechyn, a 140 year old bohemian settlement, celebrates its Czech heritage. In addition to numerous dance and music acts, enjoy ethnic foods featuring jitrnice, sauerkraut, and homemade kolache and knedliky, pivo (Czech beer), a farmers' market, handcrafted souvenirs, silent auction, Bingo, and children's games and housenka (caterpillar) rides. Historic St. Mary's Church, located 10 miles northeast of Redwood Falls. 320-522-1218
Aug. 13-18, Owatonna
Steele County Free Fair
This is Minnesota's largest free county fair! Enjoy daily grandstand and stage entertainment, 500 commercial, agricultural and 4-H exhibits, 40-plus midway rides, Adventure Alley attractions and over 100 food concessions. The Steele County Free Fair was chosen by the Special Events Directory and Events Business News as one of the top 200 events in North America! Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-451-5305
Aug. 16-17, Sleepy Eye
Buttered Corn Days Celebration
Celebrate Sleepy Eye's 58th Annual Buttered Corn Days Celebration! Join the lakeside celebration for free buttered sweet corn on Friday. Other highlights Friday include the Burgers & Beer Garden, pie & ice cream social, 1919 root beer, live music, children's activities, craft vendors and downtown street dance. On Saturday, attend the 3rd Annual BBQ Rib Contest, and watch the grand parade with roughly 100 units. Allison Park. 507-794-4731
Aug. 16-18, Oronoco
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc.
The annual Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days is a premiere antiques, vintage, art and flea market event considered by many to be one of the top twelve Midwest antique shows. Hundreds of dealers from throughout the region fill over a thousand booths located throughout the community. Enjoy a great day of shopping, eating, listening to music and presentations, and catching up with friends. Junction of MN County Roads 12 and 118. 507-367-2111
Aug. 17, Henderson
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah
Learn about the amazing ruby-throated hummingbird, how to attract them and keep them happy. The Hummingbird Hurrah may focus on hummingbirds, but birds, bees, butterflies & blooms will also be featured! Don't miss the hummingbird bandings from 9 a.m. until noon, as well as speakers, children's activities, educational booths, vendor mall, garden tours, book-signings, raffle prizes, food and more. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and view lots of hummingbirds at the feeders and flowers. Admission is free. Bender Park. 507-665-6570
Aug. 24-25, Austin
ArtWorks Festival
This free, two-day all-arts festival features regionally and nationally known artists exhibiting their work, presenting performances in music and storytelling, and engaging the audience in Q & A sessions. Also enjoy family arts activities and demonstrations, a variety of great fair food and adult beverages. The festival will be held in various locations including the green space across from the TenderMaid, the Austin ArtWorks Center, Sweet Reads Books and Candy Store. 507-434-0934
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
Aug. 1-11, Minneapolis
2019 Minnesota Fringe Festival
Minnesota Fringe Festival fills 40,000 seats to more than 650 performances by greater than 1,000 artists on over a dozen stages during 11 days of summer. Fringe shows are 60 minutes or less with a half hour break between each performance. Attendees can purchase a day pass that allows for entry into any show at any venue on that particular day. Venues are chosen in clusters to make traveling to multiple shows simple by walking, biking, personal and public transportation options. Minnesota Fringe is committed to producing opportunities for artists of a wide variety of backgrounds, abilities and experience levels. Multiple venues and locations in Minneapolis. 612-872-1212
Aug. 4-12, New Brighton
New Brighton Stockyard Days
The annual Stockyard Days Festival features a medallion hunt, fireworks, water ski shows, parades, street dances, car show and swap meet, antique car run, karaoke contest, food and craft vendors, Corral Open Golf Tournament, games and contests, and the finish of the 120 mile Antique Car Run. Long Lake Regional Park. 651-636-4504
Aug. 9-11, St. Paul
Irish Fair of Minnesota
The Irish Fair of Minnesota, a three-day annual celebration of Irish heritage and culture, draws nearly 100,000 attendees each year making it the largest free celebration of its kind in the nation! Family-friendly experiences and activities include traditional music, Irish dance, Gaelic sports, children's games and crafts at the Children’s Tent, an Irish Authors Literary Corner, native Irish dogs, the Best Legs in a Kilt Contest, a variety of Irish shopping opportunities, and an array of food and beverage options. Harriet Island. 651-645-0221
Aug. 10, Stillwater
Square Lake Film & Music Festival
The Square Lake Film & Music Festival is one of the best kept summer secrets of the upper Midwest, featuring Minnesota music and independent short experimental and animated films. This is a rain or shine outdoor event with films shown in a hay barn-converted-to-theater during the transition time between bands. Square Lake. 651-351-1717
Aug. 10, St. Paul
Fiesta Latina 2019
Celebrate Latino Art and Culture! Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) will host its 4th Annual Fiesta Latina. The family-friendly festival will have activities for all ages, along with tasty Latino food, folkloric and contemporary dances, live music, Soccer with MN United, art and crafts, information on health and fitness, free medical exams, raffles and giveaways. CLUES St. Paul. 651-379-4200
Aug. 10, St. Paul
IndiaFest
IndiaFest celebrates the rich heritage, traditions, diversity and culture of India. This free event is open to all, and this year’s festival features performances by internationally-acclaimed Asian Indian dance groups based in Minnesota, as well as delectable Indian cuisine from local restaurants, foot-tapping to live Bollywood music, exhibits, cultural displays, and an Indian bazaar. Minnesota State Capitol Grounds. 651-321-3421
Aug. 16-18, Shakopee
SMSC Wacipi
The Wacipi, or Pow Wow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. It is a time when people gather together to dance, sing and celebrate, while renewing friendships, old and new. The SMSC Wacipi is a contest Pow Wow where dancers compete in various categories and age groups. Grand Entries set the stage for each day’s contests and activities, which includes a ceremonious entrance into the dance arena led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty followed by hundreds of dancers of all ages. SMSC Wacipi Grounds, located just north of Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. 952-445-8900
Aug. 17, Buffalo
Art & Craft Festival
The 36th Annual Art & Craft Festival will fill the downtown streets with over 200 artisans. Thousands have been coming for years to see the artists' quality, unique, handmade-only items. The streets border beautiful Buffalo Lake. Enjoy ice cream or lemonade while you shop or a full lunch from the various food trucks along the way! Downtown Buffalo. 763-682-4902
Aug. 17 - Sept 29 (Saturdays, Sundays, Festival Friday & Labor Day), Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 250 artisans fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of roughly 300,000. Renaissance Festival Grounds. 952-445-7361
Aug. 17, Scandia
Spelmansstamma
During Spelmansstamma (spelman: fiddler and stämma: gathering), Gammelgarden celebrates the immigrant fiddle, important in many immigrant cultures. The Immigrant Fiddle Fest is a long held Swedish tradition where fiddlers gather on a lovely day, play tunes and teach each other new music. The music has never been written, it is always shared by playing only! This annual festival held on the museum grounds is a great activity for families with numerous musicians, dancers, crafts, open houses at the 1850s Swedish historic log buildings, a pig roast meal, treats, games and the parade of musicians. Gammelgarden Museum Grounds. 651-433-5053
Aug. 17, St. Paul
St. Paul Food Truck Festival
Sample food truck delicacies for lunch and/or dinner from noon to 10 p.m. while listening to live music and enjoying handcrafted beers and other beverage options. More than 40 food trucks will be selling their special concoctions with global cuisines ranging from Indian to British to Japanese to locally-raised pork. Proceeds from all wristband sales will benefit Feed My Starving Children. Mears Park. 763-220-2380
Aug. 17-18, Chaska
Art in the Garden
Back for its seventh year, Art in the Garden is a unique showcase of art and nature, geared to Arboretum visitors of all ages. Find a wide variety of artwork displayed by very talented artists in the "Artist Village" near the Margot Picnic Shelters. The Artist Village is a place where visitors and artists can mix, mingle, stroll, eat and shop! Also enjoy talented musicians, and a variety of foods, beverages and treats. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Kid Rock at Treasure Island Ampitheater in Welch, Aug. 10
Queen + Adam Lambert: The Rhapsody Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 10
Zakk Sabbath at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Aug. 13
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Aug. 14
Rent (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 14-18
Bill Maher at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 17
Reba McEntire at Treasure Island Ampitheater, Aug. 17
Small Town Murder Podcast at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 17
Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Aug. 18
The Stray Cats - 40th Anniversary Tour at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Aug. 18
WWE Monday Night Raw at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 19
Ganja White Night at The Armory, Aug. 24
Rod Stewart at the Treasure Island Ampitheater, Aug. 24
Iron Maiden at the Xcel Energy Center, Aug. 26
Lionel Richie at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, Aug. 30
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Aug. 30
Tyler, The Creator at The Armory in Minneapolis, Sept. 2
Squeeze at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 3
United States Women's National Soccer Team vs. Portugal: The Victory Tour at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Sept. 3
Glen Hansard - The Wild Willing Tour at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 4
The Who at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 6
Thomas Rhett at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 7
Adam Ant: Friend or Foe at the Pantages Theatre, Sept. 8
Social Distortion and Flogging Molly at The Armory, Sept. 8
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Aug. 8-11, Richmond
Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival
The Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival is a five-time nominee for Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville. Attend one or all four days of the festival featuring professional bluegrass and old-time string band music on the main stage. Workshops, instrument showcases, dances, kid's activities, food & merchandise vendors, and plenty of campground jam sessions will also be offered. Come for the day or camp for the weekend. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver perform on Friday, and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder perform on Saturday. El Rancho Mañana Campground. 651-456-8919
Aug. 8-11, Vergas
Vergas Looney Daze
Looney Daze is Vergas's popular annual festival featuring a parade, Street Fair vendors, weiner dog races, 5k run/walk, Road Rally, street dance, flea market, garage sales, sand castle contest, live entertainment, great fair food, kids' pedal pull, Johnny Cash Tribute Show and so much more. 218-342-2091
Aug. 10, Hutchinson
Minnesota Garlic Festival
The Minnesota Garlic Festival is the premier event for lovers of garlic, great local foods and good times! Family-friendly, fun-filled and fragrant, this festival features fantastic foods, celebrity chefs, marvelous music, area artisans, goofy games and lots of garlic – all in support of a healthy environment, sustainable farms and vital rural communities. McLeod County Fairgrounds. 763-244-6659
Aug. 17, New London
New London Music Festival
The New London Music Festival features high-quality entertainment the whole family will enjoy. In addition to professional performers playing live jazz, blues, folk and bluegrass, enjoy locally-made foods, craft beers, a community stage where local artists perform and fun family activities including kayaking, big canoe rides and children's crafts. Neer Park. 320-212-4405
Aug. 17-18, Wahkon
Wahkon Days
The annual Wahkon Days celebration in downtown Wahkon features a treasure hunt, live music and dancing, kayak tour of Spider Island, arts, craft & vendor fair, Classic Car Cruise, Mille Lacs Sings, minnow races, face painting, kids' coin hunt, kids' fishing contest, street dance, great food, beer garden and parade. And on Sunday, Aug. 18, don't miss the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Open House in the nearby town of Onamia. 320-495-3441
Aug. 21-24, St. Cloud
Common Roots Festival
Common Roots is a 3-day festival in downtown St. Cloud featuring the grassroots talents of more than 200 local, independent artists performing on 13 stages in 11 venues. Be sure to also check out the local organization booths and merchandise vendors at the Bazaar. Downtown St. Cloud. 320-251-4170
Northwest Minnesota
Aug. 9-12, Walker
Leech Lake Regatta
The Leech Lake Regatta features boat races in two fleets -- mono-hulls and multi-hulls. Other highlights include sailing, campfires, live music and camaraderie. Shores of Leech Lake Marina, RV Park & Cottages. 218-547-1819
Aug. 10, Hackensack
2019 Northwoods Art & Book Festival
The Northwoods Art and Book Festival will feature over 50 artists and 30+ authors. A presentation at 11:00 a.m. in the UCC ‘Murder She Writes Again and Again’ featuring Marlene Chabot, Pat Dennis and Christine Husom as presenters. The Minnesota Art Truck “Baxter” once again rolls into Hackensack for the 24th Annual Art & Book Festival. Guests will also enjoy food, wine, beer and live music! Hackensack Community Building, UCC Church, and the intersection of 3rd Street & Lake Avenue. 218-675-6181
Aug. 10, Park Rapids
Legends & Logging Days
Legends & Logging Days celebrates the area's logging and lumberjack heritage with a Lumberjack shows where lumberjacks compete against each other in log rolling, cross-cut sawing, hot sawing, axe throwing, chainsaw carving and log chopping. New this year, the exhilarating Speed Pole Climb and the Cant Hook Choker Race. In addition, there will be a historical encampment, wood carving demonstrations, Civil war Cannon and Kids' Candy Cannon shoots, an archery challenge, corn hole tournament, painting with Nate workshop, festival food, beer garden, live music and crafts. Park Rapids Antique Tractor & Engine Club. 218-732-4111
Aug. 12-18, Crookston
Crookston Ox Cart Days
The 30th Annual Crookston Ox Cart Days celebration will feature popular events such as Lumberjack Log Rolling, the Skateboard and BMX Stunt Show, kids' tractor pull, Torchlight Parade, Glow Party, Miss Tootsie Pageant, Downtown Fireworks, RibFest, Classic Cruisers Car Show, and a Street Dance with the Johnny Holm Band! North Ash Street/Downtown Square, Central Park and the Crookston Sports Center. 218-281-4320
Complete list of festivities.
Aug. 15-18, East Grand Forks
Heritage Days and Happy Harry's Rockin' Up North Festival
Watch history come to life at Heritage Village with tours of pioneer buildings, hands-on learning, educational programs and presentations representing the Upper Midwest in the mid to late 1800’s and early 1900’s. On Saturday, Aug. 17, head to the Up North Pizza Pub parking lot for the 3rd Annual Happy Harry's Rockin' Up North Festival with headliner BlackHawk and special guests James Otto and Paint The Town. 218-791-6764; 701-306-2166
Aug. 23-25, Inger
Cha Cha Ning Traditional Pow Wow
The 39th Annual Cha Cha Ning Traditional Pow Wow will feature Grand Entries, Old-style Grass and Jingle dance competitions, beautiful regalia, Princess and Brave contests, feasts, fun walk/run and more. Earl Robinson Pow Wow Grounds.
Northeast Minnesota
Aug. 9-11, Grand Portage
Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow
Travel back in time to 1797 when the hustle and bustle of summer activity peaked with the North West Company Rendezvous in Grand Portage. This was the time when furs from wintering posts, were delivered down the Grand Portage Trail. The annual Rendezvous is still celebrated in conjunction with the Rendezvous Days Pow Wow, sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The entire family will enjoy music, dancing, a traditional Pow Wow, craft demonstrations, interpretive programs, the Dainty Voyageur contest and interactive workshops. Grand Portage National Monument218-475-0123
Aug. 9-11, Duluth
Bayfront Blues Festival
The Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the Midwest's largest outdoor blues festivals featuring international, national and regional music acts. Each year nearly 20,000 fans are treated to more than thirty different acts on two stages, as well as a variety of food vendors at one of the region’s most beautiful open-air venues, Bayfront Festival Park. The Festival of Sail will also be held at Bayfront Festival Park, Aug. 11-13. 218-722-4011
Aug. 10, Duluth
Glensheen Gala
Time travel to Duluth's best lake party and enjoy the revelry throughout the historic, 12-acre estate. There will be a secret bar (or two) hidden across the estate. Many exclusive spaces, like the silver safe, are unlocked and open only during the Gala. Yker Acres will make its debut as the Glensheen Gala caterer and wants you all to be prepared for an epic pig roast on the shore of Lake Superior. Also, experience the rarely used Clara's balcony and discover the inner workings of the Carriage House's upper garage. Explore the Arts & Crafts splendor of the Third Floor - and all the exclusive spaces of the Glensheen Gala. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Aug. 14-18, Grand Rapids
Itasca County Fair
The Itasca County Fair also offers plenty of free entertainment each day and many things to explore including the 4-H exhibits, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, items in the Activities Building and animals in the Children’s Barn. Oher highlights include live music, performing artists, midway rides and games, and the best fair food around. Itasca County Fairgrounds. 218-256-1522
Aug. 17-18, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair located on the beautiful Lake Superior waterfront where art lovers will find quality artwork and handcrafted items by local and regional artists. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-727-8100
Aug. 23-25, Askov
Askov Rutabaga Festival and Fair
Askov is a town of Danish decent with street signs in Danish and English. Askov is also the Rutabaga Capital of the World. The Rutabaga Festival and Fair features Aebleskiver and Rutabaga Sausage, as well as a Rutabaga Cupcake Walk, hike to Rutabaga Falls, live music, fair food, a parade, children's games, the coronation of Miss Askov and much more! Askov Fair Pavilion at the corner of H.C. Andersen Alle & Brogade. 320-838-1561
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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