Minnesota is more than just 'Minnesota Nice;' we' have a whole bunch of gatherings, festivals and celerations hosted each and every year in this wonderful state! Here's a list of some Minnesota's largest annual events.
Minneapolis Aquatennial
Even after 77 years, the Minneapolis Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of Minneapolis. Workers and tourists join the Minneapolis residents in celebrating the city with beach parties, waster ski shows, sandcastle contests, classic car shows, milk carton boat races, sports tournaments, block parties all around and fireworks along the Mississippi River. This 10-day festival received the “IFEA World Festival & Event City” award, recognizing the city’s noteworthy contribution to the Festivals and Events Industry. It's perfect for all of the family, so bring the kids! Just make sure to bring some lunch for your fun-filled day.
Festival of Nations
The Festival of Nations is a four-day event that celebrates the different cultures around the world through food, musical performances, dance, and art. Attracting over 280,000 people a year, the festival was included in the top 20 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations in Minnesota, as well as one of the top 200 events in America by Discover America. For a small cost, the Festival of Nations is a perfect way to experience new cultures. You can even share a little of your own cultural knowledge with the other visitors, if you'd like. All ages are welcome.
Sommerfest Minneapolis
The Minnesota Orchestra performs various concerts over this four-week period to create the well-renouned Sommerfest Minneapolis music festival. Conducted by Osmo Vanska, the music performed inside of Orchestra Hall ranges from light to classical. The orchestra also plays folk, jazz and polka and music for free for the public before and after each show. Peavey Plaza, located outside of Orchestra Hall, becomes a Marktplatz for attendees to enjoy food and more music. It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event that you can't miss!
Minnesota State Fair
Where better to try the Minnesota experience than The Great Minnesota Get-Together? It’s 1.8 + million visitors make the Minnesota State Fair one of the biggest and most attended events in the world, and the second largest state fair in the U.S. (second to Texas, which let’s be honest, is just because it’s a larger state). This events lasts for 12 days every year with the last day on Labor Day, and is known for its art, agriculture, musical performances, and most importantly, its array of crazy deep-fried goods and food on a stick. They do add new foods each year, so make sure to stay up to date on those so you don't miss out. There's even an app now so that you don't get too lost amidst the big celebration, and so you can strategically plan your day to make sure you hit all of the best spots!
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
This outdoor festival depicts the 16th Century fantasy kingdom, including kings, queens, knights, medieval crafters, and many others. At it’s 45th year of celebration, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the largest and oldest Renaissance Festival in the entire U.S. Over 280,000 people each year come to Shakopee, Minnesota to experience the food, games and performances. You can even get your own costume inside the castle to really join in on the fun. You'll always leave the Renaissance Festival with a new experience, and who knows, maybe even a new accent!
Twin Cities Pride Week
Every year, the GBLT community gathers in Minnesota’s Loring Park to honor the history of the GBLT community. This week-long celebration is generally composed of various performers, food, education on GBLT history, and the famous Pride Parade, which alone brings in over 125,000 attendees each year. A "University Row" to present information to the public on universities and other colleges in the area, as well as Quorum Village, a gathering of vendor/exhibitor gathering of over 400 groups, hosted by the Twin Cities GLBT Chamber of Commerce. Many shops, gay bars and restaurant join in on the celebration by hosting parties and special events throughout Pride Week. Twin Cities Pride Week is an unforgettable event each and every year, so don't miss out!
