Event highlights this week include:
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, Tracy
Box Car Days
Aug. 17 - Sept 29 (Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day), Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Pine River
Arts Off 84 Art Crawl
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Baudette
2019 World Ploughing Championship
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Duluth
Duluth-Superior Pride
Southern Minnesota
Aug. 29 & 31, Houston
Apollo Music Festival
The Apollo Music Festival brings in some of the finest and most dedicated chamber musicians from around the country and Europe, including members of major symphony orchestras and international competition winners. Don't miss these free chamber music concerts. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. 507-272-7233
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, Wheels 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. And from Sept. 5-7, check out The Great Northfield Bank Robbery: A Love Story performed at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater. 507-645-5604
Sept. 7-8, Mantorville
Marigold Days
Marigold Days has grown to be one the region’s best known and most attended annual festivals. The 54th Annual Marigold Days celebration will include a huge antique and flea market, arts and crafts, quilt and flower shows, live music stage, street dances, car show, fireworks, Grande Parade, kids' fishing contest, antique appraisals, Rubber Duck Regatta, Big Iron Classic Truck Parade and great food. Riverside Park and downtown Mantorville. 507-635-3551
Sept. 13-14, Worthington
King Turkey Day
Don't miss the 80th Annual King Turkey Day Festival! Highlights include midway rides and games, Monster Screen movie, nearly 20 food vendors, beer gardens, BBQ Cook-off, King Turkey Day 10K/5K Race & 5K Walk, free pancake breakfast, the King Turkey Day Grande Parade and more. The highlight of the Festival, the Great Gobbler Gallop, will feature race teams herding their star athletes (wild turkeys) down Main Street! Downtown Worthington. 507-372-2919
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. 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
Sept. 4-7, Burnsville
Burnsville Fire Muster
Burnsville's community celebration, the Fire Muster, features live entertainment including a concert by the Johnny Holm Band, a Block Party, fireworks, carnival rides, children's activities, emergency personnel demonstrations, food and beverages from local restaurants, and of course, the fire truck and community parade that started it all. Various locations in Burnsville. 952-239-0174
Sept. 6-8, Wayzata
James J. Hill Days
Wayzata celebrates community with the 43rd Annual James J. Hill Days. Family-friendly activities all weekend long include a Beach Bash, carnival rides & games, a Street Market, fireworks display, Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival featuring over 20 breweries, live music, Dachshund races & Costume Contest, Kids' Zone, Depot Dog Park, Eat Street with more than a dozen food trucks, coaster cart races, classic car show, log rolling and parade! And on Saturday and Sunday, Ninja Anywhere brings an unforgettable, customized ninja fitness event for all ages. Show off your ninja moves on the warped wall, ninja rings, floating boards, balance obstacles and more. Downtown Wayzata. 952-473-9595
Sept. 6-8, Minneapolis
Taste of Greece Festival
The 31st Annual Taste of Greece Festival will feature authentic Greek food and handmade Greek desserts. The Levendes and the Chris Kalogerson Band will provide live Greek music, and the St. Mary’s Hellenic Dance Troup will perform authentic Greek folk dances. Visitors will also enjoy church tours, food demonstrations, Greek dance lessons, lovely items at the popular Greek Boutique, wine tastings, and fun inflatables for the kids. Festival guests that bring 3 non-perishable food items will receive two free food tickets. St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. 612-825-9595
Sept. 7-8, Edina
Fall Into the Arts Festival
The 16th Annual Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival will feature unique handmade items by more than 250 artists. A variety of food vendors will also be on site. Some artists have called this “one of the most beautiful venues in the country.” Centennial Lakes Park. 952-903-5729
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Tyler, The Creator at The Armory in Minneapolis, 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 in St. Paul, 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 Resort & Casino Ampitheater in Welch, 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
Avril Lavigne at the Historic State Theatre, Sept. 24
Marina: Love + Fear Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Sept. 24
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, McGregor
McGregor Wild Rice Days
The 55th Annual Wild Rice Days event will feature an arts & crafts fair, 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, Brainerd
GSTA Muscle Car Shootout
The 31st Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout is a great way to cap off your summer, with wild drag racing, insane Superbike racing, live music, a classic car show and more. The Shootout features the third and final drag race in the Muscle Car Series, with drag cars that can run 6-7 seconds at over 200 mph. This race will determine series champions, so the intensity level will be sky high. Brainerd International Raceway. 218-824-7223
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, New London
Prairie Pothole Day
Anyone that enjoys the outdoors will enjoy this event. This free outdoor family fun day includes shooting sports, dog events, seminars, a climbing wall for the kids, information about wetland ecology, prairie walks led by local naturalists, 3-D archery trail, food booths and vendor booths. Stoney Ridge Farm. 320-354-2418
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
Sept. 14, Wadena
Minnesota Salsa Fest
Celebrate all things salsa and enjoy products from local farm vendors, salsa dance classes, five live music acts, all-day youth art activities, regenerative agriculture workshops and demonstrations, great food and a salsa contest! Burlington Northern Park. 701-230-9047
Northwest Minnesota
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. 5-8, East Grand Forks/Grand Forks
Greenway Takeover Festival
The Greenway Takeover Festival has quickly become one of the Midwest's top music festivals. This family-friendly, multi-day event takes place on the scenic Greenway lining the banks of the Red River, and features talented artists from around the world performing a variety of genres including pop, rock, jazz, soul, gospel and country. Concert-goers can also enjoy games, rides, tasty food truck fare and adult beverages. This year's headliners include Tim Mahoney, Everclear and Wild Hands. The Greenway downtown near Sorlie Bridge. 701-775-1150
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
Sept. 7, Crookston
King of Trails Market Day Citywide Garage Sales & Chalk It Up
Visitors can shop a large number of garage sales throughout the city of Crookston, and enjoy chalk art, live music and fun activities for the whole family. 218-281-4320
Sept. 12-28, Longville, Hackensack, Remer and Walker
Fall Has It All
Celebrate "Fall Has It All" for 17 days in Longville, Hackensack, Remer and Walker. Buy a button and qualify for hundreds of dollars in sales and discounts. Take part in special events and merchant sales in all four communities. On Saturday, Sept. 14, Longville will be the site of an all-day Oktoberfest celebration with a Fall Festival & Bazaar, library book sale, an Arts, Crafts & Live Music Outdoor Show, beer garden, downtown Scavenger Hunt, Oktoberfest Dance and German Dinner specials at Patrick's on Girl Lake. 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
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, visit with folks around campfires. Sometimes the musicians stay for fireside acoustic jams. A kick-off party starts everything off on Thursday night. 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
Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Ely
Fest du Nord
Join emcee John Munson (The New Standards) for three outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, picnic or snacks for the family, and cash for food concessions and artist merchandise. Saturday's lineup includes Mason Jennings, Jeremy Messersmith, Heatbox, Ben Weaver, and Humbird. YMCA Camp du Nord. 218-365-0365
Sept. 6-8, Grand Marais
Radio Waves Music Festival
The 12th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival, hosted by North Shore Community Radio WTIP, takes place outside at Sweetheart's Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Area. Featured are 26 musical acts performing a mix of blues, folk, gospel and polka music on two stages with a dance floor under a large tent. Also enjoy on-site camping and food vendors, children's activities, and a family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere. Special guests The Carpenter Ants, from Charleston, West Virginia, will amaze. Grand Marais Recreation Area. 218-387-1070
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
Sept. 13-15, Grand Marais
Unplugged & Folk Artisan Marketplace
Celebrate community, music, crafts and storytelling along the lakeshore at the Unplugged & Folk Artisan Marketplace. With the Birch Bark Bash and Unplugged Performance (Friday and Saturday evenings respectively), classic craft coursework, performance workshops, Points North Online Auction and Folk Artisan Marketplace, it's a true celebration of the educational mission of North House. While in Grand Marais, be sure to check out the Plein Air Grand Marais Exhibition beginning Sept. 13 and running through Oct. 6. This annual tradition brings 75 outdoor painters to Lake Superior's North Shore and the community of Grand Marais for a painting competition with world-renowned painters painting for seven days straight then displaying their works at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery. 218-387-9762; 218-387-2314
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
|
