Minnesota may be known for its frigid winters, but there's a large variety of attractions during the summer months. If you plan on spending your summer in the Twin Cities there will be plenty of events to look forward to. Here are 10 events taking place this summer to mark down on your calendar.
1. Minneapolis Rock the Garden
Every summer the Walker Art Center and Minnesota Public Radio team up to organize an outdoor music festival that takes place downtown. This years lineup includes The Flaming Lips, Chance the Rapper, GRRRL PRTY, Poliça, Plague Vendor, Hippo Campus and M. Ward. Due to construction at the Walker Art Center campus the concert will be held at Boom Island Park on June 18.
2. Stone Arch Bridge Festival
This weekend long event will include hundreds of musical artists, food vendors, local crafts, a car show and more. It is located right on the Minneapolis riverfront and will take place on June 17-19. There's also a wide variety of family-friendly activities and a free concert in Water Tower Park on the 18th.
3. Highland Fest
The Highland Fest is an annual outdoor three-day festival for families, friends and neighbors to enjoy live music, craft shows, food and amusement rides. This years fest will include a 5k road race, an outdoor movie, a petting zoo, a weiner dog race and more. It will be held July 15-17 at Highland park.
4. Mayday Parade
The MayDay Parade and Festival is an opportunity to welcome the warm weather with a performance-filled celebration. The parade includes a theatrical street performances, puppets, masks and more. Over 50,000 people show up to fill the streets and celebrate the community. It begins at noon on May 1 in Powderhorn Park.
5. Minnesota Food Truck Fair
Prepare your appetite for the Minnesota Food Truck Fair. The food truck fair is a great opportunity to try new foods and discover local vendors. There will be plenty of food options to satisfy your palette along with refreshing beverages and good music. This year's food truck fair will be located in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Blaine, Northloop and Canterbury Park and will take place throughout the summer season. Dates will be announced soon.
6. Twin Cities Pride Festival
The Twin Cities Pride Festival is an annual celebration for the Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender community in the Twin Cities. It is one of the largest pride festivals in the nation and is completely free to the public. Kathy Lee Griffith and The Pointe Sisters have recently been announced for this years entertainment lineup. Along with the annual parade, this year will include a 5K Rainbow Run, a pride picnic, art show and much more. The festivities will take place June 25 and 26.
7. Minnesota State Fair
If you're a resident in Minnesota chances are you're familiar with this event. USA Today listed the Minnesota State Fair as the best state fair in the United States, and it's no surprise why. The Minnesota State Fair, otherwise known as "The Great Minnesota Get Together," has all the amenities a fairgoer could ask for. From amusement rides to animal exhibits to bacon on a stick, this fair never fails to disappoint. Join in on the entertainment this summer anytime between Aug. 25 - Sept. 5.
8. Twin Cities Jazz Festival
This year marks the 18th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival here in the upper Midwest. Over 30,000 spectators come out to enjoy the live and soulful sounds of jazz in the heart of downtown. John Pizzarelli, Ellis Marsalis and Michael Franti and Spearhead are among the list of performers at this years festival. The event is open and free to the public and will be held from June 23-25 at Mears Park.
9. Grand Old Day
St. Paul's Grand Old Day is known as the largest one-day festival in the midwest. This years event will include a second day of festivities due to its success. Grand Old Day is a summer event that includes a parade, food vendors, live music and other family-fun activities. The two and half mile stretch on Grand Avenue is divided into four districts: entertainment, family fun, sports and wellness and new to this year, arts and culture. Festivities will take place along Grand Avenue from June 4-5.
10. Minneapolis Aquatennial
For over 75 years the Minneapolis Aquatennial has invited the public to celebrate the famous lakes and rivers in Minnesota. There are over 70 different events that range from the annual milk carton boat races to the Twin Cities River Rats ski show. The three-day event will begin on July 20 and conclude with the anticipated annual Target Fireworks show.
