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Event highlights this week include:
Aug. 16-18, Oronoco
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc.
Aug. 17, St. Paul
St. Paul Food Truck Festival
Aug. 16-18, Perham
Black Powder Rendezvous & Pioneer Days Festival
Aug. 12-18, Crookston
Crookston Ox Cart Days
Aug. 17-18, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Southern Minnesota
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. 23-25, Rochester
GreekFest Rochester
Celebrate Greek culture at this original Greek festival. Enjoy live music, dancing exhibitions, games, children's play area, refreshments at an authentic taverna, and of course, authentic homemade Greek delicacies such as baklava, gyros, souvlaki and more! Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church. 507-282-1529
Aug. 23-25, Le Sueur
Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show
The 46th Annual Pioneer Power show features old-time farming practices, early Minnesota town living and activities of the era. Hart-Parr, Oliver and Cletrac tractors and equipment will be showcased this year. Over 40 buildings on 120 acres will be open to tour, and there will be old-time craft sales and demonstrations. The Pioneer Power Show showgrounds is located six miles east of Le Sueur. 952-994-2743
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
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Winona
Big Muddy Brew 'N Que
The Big Muddy Brew 'N Que will feature the KCBS BBQ Competition, drawing competitive teams and judges from all over the country. Enjoy all kinds of great freshly barbequed specialties, as well as a Microbrew Tasting event, Wine Tasting event, The Best in Area Grilling Competition, all-day live entertainment featuring crowd-pleasing local and regional bands, Celebrity Rib Eating Contest, children's activities, a magician, the Big Muddy Bags tournament, arts & crafts fair and additional food and refreshment vendors. Tickets for the tasting events are pre-sale only. Levee Park. 507-452-2272
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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. 16-18, Ramsey
Anoka Game Fair
Game Fair is a sporting event for the entire family. Held outdoors on 80 beautiful acres of woods and water, Game Fair has everything you need to celebrate the outdoors. See, try and buy the latest in hunting equipment, and learn from a variety of expert sportsmen and sportswomen. Special exhibits include archery, decoys, duck boats, art, dogs, dog accessories, taxidermy and all the latest in hunting equipment. Fair-goers are encouraged to bring their dogs (leashed) and their guns or bows (cased) so they can participate in the many activities. And children of all ages will enjoy slingshots, air rifles, archery, darts and a variety of foods and treats at the concession stands. Armstrong Ranch Kennels. 763-427-0944
Aug. 17, White Bear Lake
WBL Summerfest
SummerFest is an outdoor concert event in its 10th year. Featured will be two great acts performing under a big top tent. The Elements will start things off, followed by the very popular 10-piece band, The Good the Bad and the Funky. Also enjoy lots of grilled foods, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine. Gates open at 5pm. Downtown White Bear Lake. 651-429-7771
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 stop for a full lunch at numerous food trucks along the way. Downtown Buffalo. 763-682-4902
Aug. 17, Scandia
Spelmansstamma
During Spelmansstamma (spelman: fiddler and stämma: gathering), Gammelgarden celebrates the immigrant fiddle, important in many immigrant cultures. This 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
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. 22 - Sept. 2, St. Paul
Minnesota State Fair
A treasured and memorable end-of-summer tradition, the Minnesota State Fair showcases Minnesota’s best in areas from agriculture to history and entertainment to education. Also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair features 12 days of food on a stick, agricultural exhibits, parades, entertainment, rides, demonstrations, competitions, animals and more! Over 2 million people from all over the world attended the Minnesota State Fair last year! Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-288-4400
Aug. 22-24, Shakopee
Indian Horse Relay
The annual Indian Horse Relay is an event rich with Native American culture. An Indian Horse Relay team is made up of four members: a rider, mugger and two holders, as well as three horses. Riders mount their first horse bareback at the stall while the holders restrain the other two horses. After rounding the track, the rider hops off of the first horse - nearly at full speed - and mounts the second horse. It is the mugger's job to catch the first horse. After repeating the process once more, the third and final lap ends at the finish line in front of the grandstand, where thousands of spectators are cheering. Also enjoy the Indian Market filled with handmade Native American crafts and jewelry, Native-inspired foods, traditional flute music, and Native American music and dancing. Canterbury Park. 952-445-7223
Aug. 23, Minneapolis
Kraftskiva - Crayfish Party at ASI
The annual Kraftskiva, or Crayfish Party, is a summer tradition at the American Swedish Institute. This festive meal features pounds of crayfish steeped in crown dill brine, along with bread, cheese and other sides. Every guest will receive a shot of aquavit with which to skal, and there will be plenty of opportunities as hosts lead rousing drinking songs! Put on your party hats and experience a Swedish summer party like none other. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
Aug. 23-25, Norwood Young America
Stiftungsfest
Stiftungsfest is Minnesota's oldest community celebration. The 158th Annual Festival will feature musical entertainment by more than a dozen old-time and polka bands from across the United States and Germany under a big top tent. Other highlights include the arts and crafts fair, carnival rides and games, fireman's challenge, kids' carnival, Mobile Escape Room, fun run, mini pedal pull, Hammer Schlaggen, Stein Holding contest, classic car show, sheephead and 500 card tournaments, Stiftungsfest hamburgers and other ethnic foods, grand prize drawings each day, and a Saturday night concert by The Johnny Holm Band. Willkommen Park. 952-467-1812
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
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 in Welch, 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 in St. Paul, 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
blink-182 at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 12
The Alchemy Tour: Nghtmre + Slander, Seven Lions, The Glitch Mob at The Armory, Sept. 13
Janet Jackson at the Treasure Island Ampitheater, Sept. 14
Joe Rogan at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 14
Jay Leno at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Sept. 15
Jonas Brothers at the Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 16
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Aug. 16-18, Perham
Black Powder Rendezvous & Pioneer Days Festival
The 39th Annual Lakes Country Mountaineers' Black Powder Rendezvous features hawk and knife throwing, a primitive shoot (including peep site shoot and shot gun shoot), primitive bow, ladies' games like frying pan toss, encampments, demonstrations and more. The Lakes Country Mountaineer’s Black Powder Rendezvous is held at the same time as the annual Pioneer Days Festival. Come for the rendezvous and enjoy arts & craft vendors, children's games, building tours and more at the festival. Pioneer Village grounds. 218-346-7710
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 music, 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, an 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
Aug. 24, Milaca
Milaca's Homegrown Music Fest
Welcome to Milaca's First Annual Homegrown Music Fest! Kick back and listen to some of the area's favorite bands while enjoying dishes from favorite local food venues. Recreation Park. 320-983-3141
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, McGregor
McGregor Wild Rice Days
The 55th Annual Wild Rice Days event will feature arts & crafts, food vendors, a parade, antique car show, Just Move Family Fun Run/Walk, luncheons, open house, children's games, live entertainment and more. Downtown McGregor. 218-768-3692
Northwest Minnesota
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 featuring the Johnny Holm Band! North Ash Street/Downtown Square, Central Park and the Crookston Sports Center. Complete list of festivities. 218-281-4320
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. 16-18, Roseau
Polaris 65th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate Polaris's 65th Anniversary with food trucks, Polaris Plant tours, Experience Center exhibits, the Polaris Parade, youth and adult riding courses, anniversary cake, vintage sled show, children's events, a presentation, street dance and concert by Tim Montana. Polaris Experience Center. 218-463-0009
Aug. 23-24, East Grand Forks/Grand Forks
2019 Downtown Street Fair
The 4th Annual Downtown Street Fair will include dozens of arts & craft, food and merchandise vendors along the downtown streets, in Town Square and in Greenway Park. Visitors will also enjoy live music acts, an outdoor movie and children's games. Downtown Grand Forks Town Square. 701-757-4051
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.
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, Rollag
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion
Every Labor Day weekend since 1954, generations of threshermen & thresherwomen gather to relive the tradition of the good ol' days and bring the past to life for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Check out hundreds of steam and gas engine demonstrations and exhibits spread out over 210 beautiful acres, along with Pioneer Village, children's rides, parades, tractor pulls, threshing, plowing, Miniatureland, live music and more. On the hill off Hwy 32 near Rollag. 701-212-2034
Northeast Minnesota
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, Proctor
Hoghead Festival
Proctor’s 44th Annual Hoghead Festival is the city’s tribute to its railroad industry. On Saturday, August 17, enjoy a parade, Hylla 5K Run, children's games and activities, a Minnesota Wildlife Animal Show, boxing event, street dance, bonfire, fireworks and karaoke! 218-624-1062
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. 22-24, Duluth
Tribute Fest
Tribute Fest features top tribute bands playing Rock-n-Roll and Country music to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in Minnesota. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-422-8210
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
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, Winton
Boundary Waters Blues Festival & Dog Jam Sunday
Enjoy great blues music in a family-friendly “back yard blues party” atmosphere. After the music, walk around and visit with folks around campfires. Sometimes the musicians hang around for a fireside acoustic jam. A kick-off party will be held Thursday night, Aug. 29. Long Branch on Fall Lake, 3 miles from Ely. 218-349-5520
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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