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Event highlights this week include:
Aug. 24-25, Austin
ArtWorks Festival
Aug. 23-25, Norwood Young America
Stiftungsfest
Aug. 22-25, Pine River
Lakes Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 23-25, Inger
Cha Cha Ning Traditional Pow Wow
Aug. 22-24, Duluth
Tribute Fest
Southern Minnesota
Aug. 23-24, Albert Lea
Big Island State BBQ Championship
The 12th Annual Big Island State BBQ Championship competition showcases roughly 50 of the Nation's best BBQ cooks from 7 states. Prize money will be awarded for best chili, chicken, brisket, ribs, steak, chicken wings and dessert. Also enjoy a Kids' Que, as well as stage entertainment both days. Freeborn County Fairgrounds. 507-402-6371
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. 30 - Sept. 2, Tracy
Box Car Days
The 92nd Annual Box Car Days draws thousands of people for exciting events and activities such as Human Foosball, Kegs & Eggs, Grand & Kiddie parades, St. Mary's Arts & Crafts Fair, BBQ Cook-off, Rib Fest, Whells Across the Prairie Museum & Antique Tractor Show, inflatables & bungee trampolines, Kids' Pedal Pull, mud volleyball, Box Car Road Race runs and walks, Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast, Bingo and much more. Citywide. 507-629-4021
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
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Dundas/Northfield
Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show
The 45th Annual Steam & Gas Engines Show features steam & gas engines, the 1920's Drentlaw Farmhouse, antique tractors & displays, classic cars & trucks, draft horses & horse machinery, horse-drawn wagon rides, farm machinery, an operating saw mill, grain threshing, blacksmithing, sorghum harvesting & processing, and a daily parade. Dundas Showgrounds. 612-816-3131
Sept. 4-8, Northfield
Defeat of Jesse James Days
The townspeople of Northfield re-enact the James-Younger Gang's notorious 1876 bank raid on the town. The event is Minnesota's largest all-volunteer festival. Horses thunder down the historic main street and bullets fly during the many authentic bank raid re-enactments that tell this amazing story. It is street theater at its best. In addition, the celebration features a professional rodeo, Northfield Arts Guild Riverfront Fine Art Festival, car shows, parades, beard contest, Giddy Up horse races, duck race, great music, great food and plenty of activities for the entire family. Four days of non-stop fun, history and fellowship in an idyllic, historic river town worthy of a Norman Rockwell canvas. Downtown Northfield. 507-645-5604
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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! Grandstand concerts include Hootie & the Blowfish with Barenaked Ladies, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins & Clint Black, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Logic, Lionel Richie, Brandi Carlile, and ZZ Top & Cheap Trick! 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
Aug. 24-25, Stillwater
Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market
Spend a day in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley and check out over 100 unique vendors and local crafters, as well as food trucks, live music and more. A great day of fun for the whole family. Admission is free. Washington County Fairgrounds. 715-557-1785
Aug. 30, Minneapolis
Mark Knopfler
In celebration of his upcoming ninth solo studio album, Down The Road Wherever (out November 16 on British Grove Records via Blue Note), Mark Knopfler is set for a 28-date North American tour. An expanded ten-piece band, most of whom have been working with him for more than two decades, add to this amazing performance. Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
Aug. 30-31, Chanhassen
Power Balladz - The Ultimate '80s Sing-A-Long
For the first time since 2014, unleash your inner rock star with Power Balladz!, delivering 90-minutes of killer voices, wicked guitar solos, 80s humor and the rockin' hot hits of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Guns N 'Roses, Journey, Queen, Heart and more! The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre's Fireside Theatre. 952-934-1525
Aug. 31, Taylors Falls
Winehaven Dinner Cruise on the St. Croix River
Delight all of your senses as you cruise the beautiful St. Croix River on the elegant Taylors Falls Queen paddleboat. You'll enjoy fine food, great Winehaven wines, and some of the best chocolates while experiencing the breathtaking rock formations that were left behind as the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. This festive three-hour cruise includes a narrated scenic tour of the river, wine sampling, live music, cash bar and reserved seating with a buffet style meal. Cruise Dock in Taylors Falls. 651-465-6315
Aug. 31, St. Paul
Labor History Weekend Tour
During Labor Day weekend, visitors can enjoy tours highlighting the rich labor history of James J. Hill's world. Learn about the artisans who constructed the mansion, the lives of the home's domestic staff, the railroad workers who built and ran Hill's empire, Hill's clashes with labor organizers, and more. Or explore the Hill House on your own while learning about labor history during Self-Guided Sunday on Sept. 1. James J. Hill House. 651-297-2555
Aug. 31, Harris
The Vines Bluegrass Festival
North Folk Winery, in partnership with KBEK, 95.5 FM, are proud to present the 4th Annual The Vines Bluegrass Festival, held noon until 8 p.m. North Folk Winery is excited about the band line-up this year featuring some of the best bluegrass in the Midwest! Enjoy prize drawings and other giveaways as well. Bring a lawn chair, and your dog if you like! North Folk Winery. 651-674-7548
Sept. 3, St. Paul
U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour
Allianz Field will host the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup champions in a game against Portugal as part of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour presented by Allstate. This will be the U.S. Women's National Team's first time playing at Allianz Field, where Minnesota hosted Group D of the 2019 Gold Cup, including the U.S. Men's National Team matchup against Guyana. Allianz Field. 763-476-2237
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Ganja White Night at The Armory in Minneapolis, Aug. 24
Rod Stewart at the Treasure Island Ampitheater in Welch, Aug. 24
Iron Maiden at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Aug. 26
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Aug. 30
Tyler, The Creator at The Armory, Sept. 2
Squeeze at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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
The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage Tour at The Armory, Sept. 18
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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. 22-25, Pine River
Lakes Bluegrass Festival
The 14th Annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival features the best in national touring and Minnesota bluegrass bands, along with professional Emcees, a top-notch sound system, beautiful stage and a big tent. More than 40 professional bluegrass acts will perform over the four day weekend. Plus, learn to play or brush up your skills at one of the free bluegrass workshops on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro, harmony singing and jamming. Stroll the grounds and listen to the impromptu jam sessions, sample the tasty food at one of the food vendors, take a short walk into the friendly town of Pine River, or just relax and visit with friends. You’ll find that bluegrass fans are the friendliest around! The Lakes Bluegrass Festival consistently receives rave reviews. This is a family-friendly event so bring the kids and come for a day, an evening or camp all weekend. Cass County Fairgrounds Pine River. 2318-587-4000
Aug. 24, Raymond
Raymond Harvest Festival
Take part in the many fun activities during the 2019 Raymond Harvest Festival, with a Craft & Flea Market, Amazing Race Around Raymond, Belgian waffle feed, Hawk Creek Run Around Raymond, Blue Ice Studio Painting, pony rides, tractor pulls, Home Depot Kids' Building Workshop, Kiddie & Grand Day parades, kids' scavenger hunt, Kiddie Carnival, bean bag tournament, lightning basketball tournament, Knocker Ball & Archery, Bingo, Movie in the Park and more! The Amazing Race will be held Friday evening, Aug. 23. Downtown Raymond. 320-967-4226
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
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Pine River
Arts Off 84 Art Crawl
The Arts Off 84 Art Crawl features over 80 juried artists along and adjacent to State Highway 84 from Pine River to Longville. This juried event features high end art forms as well as quality handcrafted items. You'll find paintings, photography, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, wool art and much more! Pick up maps and information at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce or the Longville Chamber of Commerce. View or print the 2019 Artist Directory. Signs will be posted at official sites. State Highway 84 Pine River to Longville & Hwy 200. 218-682-2916
Sept. 7-8, Little Falls
Little Falls Arts and Craft, Market Place & Man Cave Fairs
The Little Falls Arts & Crafts, Market Place and Man Cave Fairs is an award-winning Fair that draws over 100,000 people over the two day event. And don't miss the Lone Eagle Car Show & Swap Meet, the West Little Falls Antiques & Collectibles Fair held on the same days! Historic downtown Little Falls. 320-632-5155
Northwest Minnesota
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. 1, Baudette
2019 World Ploughing Championship
This prestigious international competition brings together the world’s best ploughers from over 30 countries. These competitors are the best of the best with each having won contests in their respective countries to qualify for this worldwide contest. They will compete in conventional and reversible ploughing contests with criteria including straightness, weed control, crown, uniformity and finish, each hoping to take home the coveted international championship. Spectators will have the chance to observe teams compete in both stubble and grassland contests. In addition, there will be local tours, guided fishing, displays and exhibits, demonstrations of agricultural equipment, top entertainment, and a variety of local foods and beverages. Arnesen Family Farm. 218-634-1174
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
Aug. 30 - Oct. 19 (Fridays & Saturdays), Warroad
Country Corn Maze
The Country Corn Maze presents their 2019 "Paul Bunyan!" corn maze, an eight acre corn maze! In addition to the maze, visitors will enjoy farm animals, hayrides, campfires, Farmball, a Pumpkin Pickin' Patch, the Waxy Willow Trail, concessions and more! Country Corn Maze. 218-469-3390
Sept. 7, Walker
Ethnic Fest
Don't miss this chance to take in entertainment from around the world! During the 27th Annual Ethnic Fest, enjoy three stages of exceptional music and performances, family entertainment, a parade, car show, interactive activities, and food and craft vendors. Buy a button for a chance to win prizes. Downtown Walker. 218-547-1313
Northeast Minnesota
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. 24, Grand Rapids
Real Horse Power Day
See teams of draft horses perform feats of strength as they demonstrate historic logging tasks, such as cross-loading logs onto sleighs, skidding, and loading logs with the A-frame jammer. Meet the horses and the teamsters. Wagon rides and other camp activities will be available throughout the day. Experience the stories of the north woods and the lumberjacks who called these forests home, and learn about Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through interactive exhibits and nature trails. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
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
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
The annual free Pride Festival will celebrate their 32nd Anniversary in Duluth’s beautiful Bayfront Festival Park with amazing bands, an exciting group of exhibitors, vendors, beer tents and an area of fun games and activities for children & families. On Friday, Aug. 30, enjoy a screening of From Selma To Stonewall - Are We There Yet? On Sunday, Sept. 1, take part in the Pride Worship Service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, followed by the GLBTAQI Pride Parade. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-761-0726
Sept. 6-8, Ely
Harvest Moon Festival
Celebrate the culture and heritage of Northeastern Minnesota with live entertainment, great food and more than 125 juried art & craft exhibitors. On Saturday, don't miss the Fall Harvest Market! Admission is free. Whiteside Park. 218-365-6123
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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