There’s always something to do in the Twin Cities! We’ve worked to help you keep your sanity by bringing these August activities all together in one easy guide so you don’t miss a thing! We’ll update with new additions as they come.
July 30-August 5: Washington County Fair | Times Vary Music, Educational Exhibits by 4-H and FFA members, fabulous fair food, animals, carnival rides, FREE events from pig races to magician shows, and hundreds of exhibits. Located just minutes from Stillwater.
August 1: Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival | 5:00-8:00pm There a ton of family fun activities you don’t want to miss–family fitness challenge, canoe rides, story time, inflatables and more! This event is sponsored and supported by the Lake Hiawatha Recreation Council, Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
August 2: The Bazillions | 10:00-11:00am With years of indie-pop gigs under their belts, The Bazillions bring their music to the kindie rock stage with a well-honed live sound. Over the years, the shows have rapidly and organically grown into a full multimedia experience. Free entertainment, face painting, and giveaways (while supplies last). Rosedale Center east court.
August 2: Kids Fest – Plymouth | 6:00-9:00pm Kids enjoy inflatables, games, and prizes, eco-friendly activities, animals, entertainment and face painting. Entertainment includes the Minnesota Zoomobile, Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master Entertainment, and The Jolly Pops concert. Food trucks will sell snacks, food, and beverages at the event. Bring cash.
August 2-4: Prior Lake’s Lakefront Days | Times Vary Kiddie parade, princess party, carnival, paddle dash, specials events for dogs at “Yappy Hour”, medallion hunt, and superhero meet & greet.
August 3: Summer Carnival in Shakopee | 10am-11:15am This annual event is everyone’s favorite. Swing by Lions Park from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3 and try your luck at winning some great prizes. Carnival games are geared for children ages 3 to 10. Admission is $5. No pre-registration required. Make a day of it at Lions Park with $2 admission to SandVenture Aquatic Park.
August 3: Forever Wild Family Friday: Campfire Stories | 7:00-8:30pm Head to Lebanon Hills for family fun on the first Friday of every month with outdoor park activities and s’mores. Join us for stories, yarn, and tales around the campfire. All ages. FREE.
August 3: Wet and Wild Water Fun Day | 12:30-3:00pm The cities of Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale along with the West Metro Fire District have joined together to offer this splish-splashing event. This wet & wild event will include 3 giant water slides and sprinkler fun provided by the West Metro Fire’s Aerial Truck. Note: this program will be canceled if raining and will not be rescheduled. A wristband is required to participate. Ages 2 and under are free.
August 3: International Festival | 5:00-9:00pm The Shakopee Diversity Alliance’s annual International Festival is offering expanded entertainment for your enjoyment! In addition to amazing, colorful performers from around the world, there will be family activities including bounce house, bookmobile, Park in a Van, ambulance and sheriff vehicles, mobile mammogram and more! Local vendors offer a variety of products, information, and activities. NEW authentic foods available for purchase at family-friendly prices while supplies last.
August 3-5: Uptown Art Fair | Times Vary 55th Annual Uptown Art Fair, featuring over 350 artists, fine food and beverages from over 20 vendors, family activities, an outdoor performance stage, outdoor wine and beer gardens, a youth art fair and culinary arts competition.
August 4: Home Depot Kids Workshop | 9:00am-12:00pm Celebrate your child’s devotion to reading in our book lover’s hands-on workshop. Together you and your child can build a set of bookworm bookends to add personality, organization, and excitement to bookshelves in any playroom, family room or bedroom. Once your bookends construction is complete, you and your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. FREE.
August 4: Tiny Tots Triathlon | 9:00am-12:00pm Participants will bike, run and get wet as they make their way to the finish line where all participants will receive a sticker medal presented to them by a firefighter or police officer! Little athletes will bike on their own tricycle, bicycle or similar self-pushed riding item; run, walk or skip down a length of a path; splash into our splash pad; and end with a dash to the finish line. Plus, before or after the race, participants will have a chance to create a medal craft and grab a snack at the snack tables hosted by Goldfish Swim School.
August 4: Woof-a-Pawlooza | 10:00am-2:00pm Bring your friendly dogs out for a day of activities and fun for people and pets. Visit vendors, get some great merchandise, free face painting for the kids, and support a great cause – Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN! FREE.
August 4: Children’s Farm Chore Challenge Day | 10:00am-5:00pm Today children living on farms make a huge contribution to their families just as they did in the past. Children can help with 21st-century gardening and harvesting tasks, then explore some of that produce in the Learning Kitchen through taste tests and making snacks. Then visit the Farm Lab Barn and help with animal care chores. Collect farm chore cards around the historic site and challenge your friends.
August 4-5: Powderhorn Art Fair | Times Vary Powderhorn Art Fair, one of the finest juried regional art fairs in the country, celebrates artistic expression and community engagement. Set in a pastoral, 66-acre city park, Powderhorn Art Fair features 200 + regional and national artists of varied disciplines, as well as a Community Showcase and Group Exhibitors from the Powderhorn area.
August 5: Open Streets Minneapolis – Northeast | 11:00am-5:00pm Open Streets Minneapolis is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close major thoroughfares to car traffic, opening them up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing.
August 6-12: Dakota County Fair | Times Vary The fair includes a midway with carnival rides, food, exhibits, music, grandstand events, and more.
August 7: National Night Out | Times Vary National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more. Check with your local law enforcement agency for details.
August 8: Cat Video Fest | 6:00-9:30pm Cat Video Festival 2018 celebrates all things funny and feline, and brings together cat lovers, cat-video lovers, families, and those who just love laughing under the stars!
August 9: Tricia & The Toonies | 10:00-11:00am Nominated for the Minnesota Music Award, Tricia, and the Toonies is an uplifting stage show featuring a unique mixture of music, puppets, skits, audience participation and LOTS of laughter. Free entertainment, face painting, and giveaways (while supplies last). Rosedale Center east court.
August 9: United Way Action Day | 3:00-8:00pm Greater Twin Cities United Way is teaming up with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx at Target Center to host Action Day 2018, an all-ages, family-friendly volunteer event to help Twin Cities kids go back to class set up for success! In addition to volunteering, Action Day will be action-packed, featuring a Prize Playbook, games, prizes, photo booths, and a mini- Crayola Experience.
August 10-12: Irish Fair of Minnesota | Times Vary The unique once a year celebration offers attendees an opportunity to celebrate authentic Irish heritage through a multitude of activities such as step dance, traditional group dance, Gaelic sports, Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, native Irish dogs, traditional tea room, Irish food, and drink as well as several local and international bands. FREE.
August 10-12: Twin Cities Polish Festival | Times Vary The Twin Cities Polish Festival will immerse Minnesotans and visitors in “all things Polish”, presenting a kaleidoscope of unique cultural and educational displays, food and top-notch entertainment. FREE
August 11: Eagan Food Truck Festival | 4:00-10:00pm Enjoy the Twin Cities tastiest food truck fare, local craft beers and entertainment at the Eagan Food Truck Festival. The event promises to be a salty and sweet Saturday evening with more than 20 trucks representing tastes from across the globe.
August 11: Blues Brews N BBQs | 3:30-10:00pm Blues, craft beer, and smokin’ barbecue come together to make a difference in the west metro for the sixth year. Profits from this event go to PRISM, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
August 11: Cultural Heritage Day | 11:00am-5:00pm A Day to celebrate Indian Culture, Cuisine, Art, and Music all under one roof. Live band, DJ open floor, and kids activities.
August 11: River Festival | 12:00-4:00pm Celebrate the amazing Mississippi River. Try fishing and archery, meet a live raptor, collect creatures along the shore, create river-inspired art, and more. Drop in anytime. Go on a short paddle in a raft on the Mississippi with a naturalist. Try an activity on the walk back to the River Festival. Reservations required for rafting.
August 11: Back to School Bash at Maplewood Mall | 11:00am-1:00pm Last chance summer bash for kiddos heading back to school. Ages 5 and up! Activities include a face painter, balloon artist, inflatable and, a special back to school craft. FREE.
August 11: Second Saturdays at TPT | 10:00am-4:00pm We’re getting to ready to go back to school this August at Second Saturdays! Special guest Katerina Kittycat from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will join us in the studio to lead everyone in back-to-school themed activities to get excited for the new year. Our charity partner this month is Keystone Community Services. Please consider bringing a donation of school supplies to help local kids and teens start another school year ready to learn!FREE.
August 11-12: Corn Days | Times Vary Bingo, kids games, pony rides, petting zoo, climbing wall, music, food and more all happening at St. George’s in Long Lake!
August 12: Pioneer Day | 11:00am-7:00pm Pioneer Day is the City of Newport’s annual get together is a hometown affair providing a day of family-oriented fun.
August 16, 18-19: Vadnais Heights Heritage Days | Times Vary Enjoy fun for all ages at the 2018 Heritage Days Celebration! Events include a medallion hunt, movie in the park, senior picnic, Lions pig roast, kiddie parade, children’s games and inflatables, bingo, car show, food and merchandise vendors, fireworks, live bands, Grande Parade, Booya, bean bag tournaments, softball tournaments, a water ball tournament between local fire departments, and more!
August 16: The Dweebs | 10:00-11:00am The Dweebs family band bring an interactive, high-energy fun show to close our Rosedale Center Big Summer of Fun! Colorful costumes, crazy stage antics, and lots of crowd participation are all a staple at any Dweeb performance, along with listening to all your favorite hits from the 60’s til today. The Dweebs bring the party wherever they go. Free entertainment, face painting, and giveaways (while supplies last). Rosedale Center east court.
August 16: Superhero Training with the Spider Superhero | 10:00-11:00am Get your spidey senses tingling at Burnsville Center’s Play Area for a superhero training with our favorite spider superhero, presented by Pretty Awesome Appearances! Dress up is welcome and encouraged! (This event is FREE and includes free treats and coupons from a variety of Burnsville Center retailers).
August 17: Kid’s Night Out – Moana | 5:30-8:00pm 3rd Friday of every month is “Kids Night Out” !!. Starting at 5:30 you may LEAVE your child or children for 2 1/2 hours of painting fun, games, crafting and dinner, all while enjoying one of our “Feature Films” Just bring them in with a friend or drop them off to make new friends! It is a great way to get a night out on the town for both parents and kids. Children must be age 5 or older. The cost is $35.00 + tax per child which includes a $15 piece to paint, a craft, games, prizes, and PIZZA for dinner! This is for kids only. We do not have room for parents to stay. Registration Required.
August 18: Blacklight Slide | 4:45-11:00pm Blacklight Slide™ is an incredible experience unlike any other! RUSH down our slides filled with Neon Glow-In-The-Dark water then dance yourself dry while some of the top DJs in the country pump out your favorite tracks. Get ready to DANCE, PLAY, and have the time of your life. Check-in: 4:45PM | Starts:6:45PM
August 18: IndiaFest 2018 | 11:00am-9:00pm Bringing in lots of family-friendly activities such as free henna, cricket, yoga, reptile show and so on, authentic Indian delicacies, cultural performances representing diversity in India, themed photo booth, costume contests, exhibits and bazaars, Indian music and much more to the State Capitol Grounds! Catch the fun at the State Capitol Grounds on 18th August 2018 from 11 am to 9 pm! It’s a free Event!
August 18: St. Paul Food Truck Festival | 12:00-10:00pm More than 40 food trucks will surround Mears Park selling their special concoctions with global cuisines ranging from Indian to British to Japanese to locally grown pork. Live music will be adding to the atmosphere, featuring local artists and Goose Island handcrafted beers. Other beverage options will also be available. Proceeds from all water bottle sales will benefit Feed My Starving Children. From giant connect 4, bags and hammerschlagen, we’re confident you will find plenty of entertainment!
August 18-19: World War 2 Centennial Weekend | 10:00am-5:00pm During World War I Weekend, explore the ways this conflict shaped the world we know today and learn about Minnesota’s role in the war. Visit with costumed interpreters and reenactors, watch military demonstrations, stand in a recreated WWI-style trench, and experience what life was like for Minnesotans during this crucial time.
August 20: Japanese Obon Festival | 3:00-9:00pm Bonsai, martial arts, Ikebana, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food and other aspects of Japanese culture will take center stage at the 20th annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, formerly known as Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival. Rain or shine, this family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, takes place on Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 3:00pm-9:00pm on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park.
August 23: Family Fun Night at Andrews Park | 6:30-8:30pm Bring your whole family and enjoy an evening in the park. The lineup includes Magic by the Great Brodini, tye-dye, family games, farmers market vendors, police & Fire department demos, dog agility demos, and extended splash pad hours. *Tye-dye is free but participants must bring a shirt.
A limited number of shirts and sizes are available for purchase for $1.
August 23-September 3: Minnesota State Fair | Times Vary The Annual Great Minnesota Get Together! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for our annual family guide to the fair!
August 24: Kräftskiva – Crayfish Party 2018 | 6:30-9:30pm Experience a Swedish summer tradition at ASI’s renowned Crayfish Party and Feast or “Kräftskiva!” A treat once reserved only for the Swedish aristocracy, this national delicacy is now celebrated by anyone looking to enjoy a summer night. The magical evening, so special that it’s been the site of at least a few wedding proposals, is held in ASI’s outdoor courtyard (weather permitting) and features lanterns, party hats, music, and dancing. And, of course, there will be plenty of crayfish brined the Swedish way in many pounds of fresh crown dill and served chilled with good bread, strong cheese, an assortment of side dishes and a shot of aquavit.
August 24-26: Woodbury Days | Times Vary Taste of Woodbury, live music, carnival, Noah’s Ark Stuff–N-Fluff Animal Workshop, petting zoo, bingo, car show, kids coin hunt, superhero training, a robotics demonstration, harmonica lessons, fireworks.
August 25: KidX Back-To-School Bash | 2:00-4:00pm Head to the Best Buy court in the Northtown Mall for a great time in a bounce house, get your face painted, play some fun games and make a cool back-to-school craft. FREE
August 25: Harvest Family Day at Mill City Museum | 12:00-3:00pm Learn about harvest time in the 19th century with a day of family activities. Make seed art and a book project, taste fresh bread, join in story time, help thresh grain and check out the Science of Butter demonstrations in the Baking Lab. Plus, History Player Mary Dodge Woodward will share stories about harvest time on a giant “bonanza” farm. Come early for entertainment and activities at the Mill City Farmers Market.
August 25: Summer Beer Dabbler | 5:30-9:00pm The 10th Annual Summer Beer Dabbler is a one-of-a-kind craft beer experience. With more than 130 breweries sampling over 400 beers, this premier summertime craft beer festival will take place on the grass at CHS Field, the home of the St. Paul Saints.
August 25: 25th Anniversary Extravaganza | 1:00-7:00pm Children’s Castle Theater is celebrating it’s 25th Season and, to celebrate, they’re throwing an end of the year EXTRAVAGANZA! Although donations will be accepted, the event will be free and family friendly. Activities include a bounce castle, face painting, hands-on theater workshops and tutorials, raffle prizes, concessions, trivia contest, and a variety show.
August 25: Water Lantern Festival | 5:00-10:00pm Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.
August 26: Circus in the Park | 12:30-3:30pm 2 Defy Gravity is collaborating with other local performers to put on an unforgettable outdoor show right here in Minneapolis! Come enjoy performances on trapeze, silks, lyra, and more! Pre-show festivities begin at 12:30pm, the show starts at 2pm. Come early to get a great seat on the grassy hill overlooking the lake at beautiful Powderhorn Park! **note there are no animals used in the show, just human performers and there are no large circus tents so the event is dependent on rain-free weather** FREE.
August 26: Open Streets Minneapolis – Franklin | 11:00am-5:00pm Open Streets Minneapolis is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close major thoroughfares to car traffic, opening them up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing.
August 31-September 3: Story Walk at Lebanon Hills | 8:00am-8:00pm Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail. All ages. FREE.
August 4, 11, 18, & 25: Eagan Parkrun | 9:00am This free weekly timed 5K event takes place at Thomas Lake Park.
August 4: Tiny Tots Triathlon | 9:00am-12:00pm Participants will bike, run and get wet as they make their way to the finish line where all participants will receive a sticker medal presented to them by a firefighter or police officer! Little athletes will bike on their own tricycle, bicycle or similar self-pushed riding item; run, walk or skip down a length of a path; splash into our splash pad; and end with a dash to the finish line. Plus, before or after the race, participants will have a chance to create a medal craft and grab a snack at the snack tables hosted by Goldfish Swim School.
August 4: RBC Race for the Kids Half Marathon | 7:00am The Minnesota Half Marathon is an event for everyone! Whether you are running in shoes or gliding on skates. You can run it or roll it. Sign up for an event that suits your interests or goals or maybe even try something new this year. There’s a half marathon run or skate, half marathon relay, 5K run/walk and kids run. The roadway is 100% clear of traffic and filled with live music and the opportunity to see fellow runners and skaters on the opposite side of the course. Enjoy the St. Paul skyline and scenic riverfront. Bring your friends and family to help cheer you on.
August 25: The Glo Run Night Race 5K | 8:35-11:35pm Experience the craziness of running a 5k course alive with exciting colors and effects, including on-course DJs, all while sporting glow in the dark shirt and swag. Everything’s more exciting at night. Black lights adorn the course to bring the nighttime event to life. There are vibrant lasers and a rainbow of lighting effects. The course includes a water station. The fun keeps on going at the finish line with the best finish line party ever. Hang out with friends or dance with the glowing crowd to the rocking music at the finish. Bring your phone and camera to take some pictures as you run!
August 26: Milk Run 5K | 7:45am The annual 5k run begins and ends on the fairgrounds. The course winds its way through the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota and the St. Anthony Park neighborhood. Each participant receives a Milk Run T-shirt, admission to the fair, a malt coupon, breakfast sandwich and the opportunity to win door prizes.
Just Between Friends Sale – Eagan August 2-5 | Times Vary We understand, kids are expensive and they grow fast. So we created a community event, where you can shop 50-90% off retail on thousands of name brand items. Giving parents an affordable option for things they need and want for their growing families.
Just Between Friends Sale – Coon Rapids August 9-12 | Times Vary We’re excited to be back in the Riverdale shopping area of Coon Rapids! Plenty of space to fill with bargains for your family from 350+ sellers but we’re just open 4 days so mark your calendar!
American Sign Language Interpretive Day at Como Zoo August 1 | 10:30am American Sign Language Interpretive Day takes place on the first Wednesday of every month Como will have an American Sign Language interpreter on-site interpreting our public Zoo and Conservatory talks. These ten-minute talks will be interpreted between the hours of 10:30AM-1:15PM.
Early Entry at Como Zoo August 5 | 9:00-10:00am Head to the Como Zoo for an inclusive experience designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. There will be designated quiet spaces, sensory story time, and other adjustments that will make this time sensory friendly.
The Rough-Face Girl – Sensory Friendly Performance August 8 | 10:00am-1:00pm This is an original adaptation of the book The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin. This musical is a story of the Rough-Face Girl is from Algonquin Indian folklore and one of the most haunting, powerful versions of the Cinderella tale ever told. In a village by the shores of Lake Ontario lived an invisible being. All the young women wanted to marry him because he was rich, powerful, and supposedly very handsome. But to marry the invisible being the women had to prove to his sister that they had seen him. And none had been able to get past the sister’s stern, all-knowing gaze. Then came the Rough-Face girl, scarred from working by the fire. Could she succeed where her beautiful, cruel sisters had failed?
Sensory-Friendly Hour at Waterworks August 16 | 11:00am-1:00pm In partnership with The Autism Society of Minnesota, Battle Creek Waterworks is offering Sensory-Friendly Hour at the waterpark with a special discounted admission price of $5. Sensory-friendly hours will offer earplugs, goggles and masks, and a quiet place with fidget spinners and other toys.
Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Minnesota Science Museum August 26 | 9:00am-12:00pm Join us for our first full orchestra symphonic sensory-friendly concert, an engaging and interactive experience for all ages conducted by Akiko Fujimoto and featuring guest cellist Nygel Witherspoon.
Sensory Jump Night @ Pump It Up Third Tuesday of Every Month | 6:00-8:00pm During this evening event, the play areas are reserved for kids on the autism spectrum and their families. Kids have a great time meeting new friends. Jump, slide and play with sensory-friendly games in a safe and controlled atmosphere.
Sensory-Friendly Story Time Second Thursday of Every Month | 9:30am Story Time will take place before the store opens to the general public. No music until after the store opens…except for the songs we’ll sing together! Small fidget objects will be available for children to hold if they choose. There will be a clear schedule for story time with visual cues. As with all of our storytimes, this is a no judgment zone! We all have unique needs and ways of expressing ourselves, and we at Wild Rumpus welcome and celebrate those differences.
Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at Select Dakota County Libraries | 10:30am Explore books, music, movement and play in a sensory-friendly setting that welcomes children ages 3–8 of all abilities including those who have difficulty in large groups, are on the autism spectrum or are sensitive to sensory overload. One registration required per family. An adult must accompany each registered child. Siblings welcome.
TPT Second Saturdays Sensory-Friendly Hour | 12:00-1:00pm Each month TPT opens up our studios in Lowertown St. Paul for a morning of PBS Kids cartoons on the big screen, meet & greets with PBS Kids characters like Daniel Tiger, Sid the Science Kid, and Buddy the Dinosaur, and fun activities like instrument making and carnival games. If that weren’t enough, the SciGirls squad are always on hand with all sorts of STEM-related games and activities to educate your child.
Sensory-Friendly AMC Movies Second and Fourth Saturday of Every Month | Times Vary AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Sensory-Friendly Movies at Marcus Theatre Select Saturdays | 10:30am We understand that sometimes it is difficult or uncomfortable for families with special needs children to attend movies together. Marcus Theatre’s Reel Movies for Reel Needs is a specially designed program to serve families with special needs such as autism or other challenges, who seldom attend movies. Reel Movies for Real Needs creates a welcoming and comfortable environment – lower sound, lights up – where families with children who need accommodations will be able to share the experience of seeing family-friendly films at a theatre. A select first run movie is featured one Saturday each month at a convenient 10:30 AM showtime.
DreamWorks Madagascar—A Musical Adventure June 29-August 5 | Times Vary Come “Move it, Move it” with us this summer as Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those uproariously plotting penguins enter our stage in the musical adventure of Madagascar. Not content to live in blissful captivity, Marty lets his curiosity takeover as he makes his escape to explore the world. His friends and some unusual penguins will not be left behind as they all embark on an unforgettable voyage.
Chicago High School Edition August 10-12 | Times Vary Roxie is on trial for a murder she most definitely committed. But with help from her cell block, a charming lawyer and a little razzle-dazzle Roxie, fights for her freedom. One of Bob Fosse’s biggest musical achievements, Chicago boasts a powerful cast with dynamic roles for women while exploring current themes like the role of media in factual reporting and how we forgive when celebrities behave badly. Please note: this script contains strong language and adult situations.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival August 18-September 30 | Times Vary King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of live 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. Come to celebrate our 47th season by visiting the Festival grounds in Shakopee, MN. Huzzah!
Music & Movies in the Park: Minneapolis Now-Labor Day | Times Vary Swing, Folk, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical and much more. The MPRB summer concert season fills the air daily with music at five concert venues running Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Movies in the Parks series runs from early through late August. The mobile program takes place Monday through Saturday evenings and travels to more than 30 parks throughout the summer, which includes a partnership with the Twin Cities Black Film Festival.
Music & Movies in the Park: St Paul Now-Labor Day | Times Vary Music in the Parks is an outdoor music series taking place in Saint Paul’s beautiful parks during the summer months. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Bring along a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a starlit night of fun with friends and family! Movies in the Parks provides a wide range of outdoor films at parks and recreation centers around Saint Paul. Movies in the Parks events are free and open to the public. Start times are approximate; movies typically begin at dusk but may start earlier or later. Some offer pre-show activities. Movies are weather dependent and subject to change without notice. All children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Cultural Performances at Centennial Lakes Now-Labor Day | Times Vary From June through August, free cultural performances are held outdoors at the Maetzold Amphitheater at Centennial Lakes Park. Movies in the Park are shown at sunset on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.
Flicks on the Bricks and Summer Concerts Now-Labor Day | Times Vary Catch a concert, see a movie or attend a great festival this summer in Burnsville! All events are free and open to the public.
Town Green Summer Concert Series Now-Labor Day | Times Vary Free summer concert series for the whole family all summer long at Maple Grove’s Town Green bandshell.
Kangaroo Crossing @ MN Zoo Now-Labor Day | Regular Hours The Minnesota Zoo is bringing the “Land Down Under” up north this summer with an immersive walkabout experience along the Northern Trail. It will leave you feeling like you were just hiking in Australia, as you explore the multi-species habitat and see these animals up close. You literally walk through the exhibit with these outback ambassadors!
Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks Now-September 3 | 9:30am-4:00pm Be inspired by Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks, an exhibition where architecture and engineering meet creative play. Not only will you see 20 of the most astonishing skyscrapers from around the world, replicated at 1:200 scale using only LEGO bricks, you can also create your own ‘tower of tomorrow.’ We’ll have more than 200,000 loose LEGO bricks on hand in construction areas, where you can add your creations to a steadily rising futuristic metropolis inside the exhibition. In addition, the Science Museum has commissioned a local LEGO builder to create a replica of U.S. Bank Stadium made of LEGO bricks that will be on display outside of the exhibit.
Story Time Trolley in Stillwater Now-October 27 | Times Vary This event for families includes a short ride on the trolley with an author or storyteller! Your $5 registration includes a token to board the trolley, a discount for 20% off a children’s book the day of the event and a snack after your ride.
On the Railroad August 3-26 | Times Vary Choo-choo! All aboard! Hop on the train as our Theatre for the Very Young series continues this season with an original, company created an adventure for our youngest audiences on everything to do with trains and railroads. “I’ve been working on the railroad…” will sing on down the track as we explore this immersive environment full of story, music, and wonder. Don’t be left standing on the platform as this one-of-a-kind experience leaves from the station to the very heart of a child’s imagination!
Minnesota State Fair August 23-September 3 | Times Vary The Annual Great Minnesota Get Together! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for our annual family guide to the fair!
Toddler Tuesdays at MOA Tuesdays | 10am-Noon Toddler Tuesdays is a program that provides events, free entertainment, and discounts, especially for toddlers. Events include special character appearances, arts and crafts, story time and much more! FREE.
Storytime with Engineer Paul at Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store Tuesdays | 10:00am Engineer Paul hosts a storytime full of songs and smiles. Afterward, enjoy the morning exploring and playing with the various train sets and tables at this fun train store. FREE.
Wee Wednesdays at Midtown Global Market Wednesdays | 10:30am-1:00pm Wee Wednesdays showcase free educational programming, fun crafts, and great meal deals each Wednesday morning at Midtown Global Market! Dance with them, experience live puppet theater, learn to cook fun items together in the kitchen, and even pet live animals from the Como Zoo. FREE.
Tots & Trains at Minnesota Transportation Museum 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month | 10am-12pm Explore the Jackson Street Roundhouse & Museum with your little one. Check out their open play area full of train tables. Create a themed craft to take home. Cuddle up and listen to a train-themed story read by one of the museum’s passionate volunteers. Snacks for the kids and coffee for the parents are provided.
Kids at the Castle: Third Friday Playdates (American Swedish Institute) | 9:00-10:00am In the hour before the museum opens, join ASI for visual play, storytelling, music, movement and crafts inspired by ASI’s current exhibits- activities that will encourage creative minds and active hands. Recommended for ages 2-5. $5 per family. Registration not required; check in at the Information Desk by 11 a.m. on the day of the program. Adult accompaniment required.
Free First Saturdays at Walker Art Center 1st Saturday of every month | 10:00am-3:00pm Free First Saturdays feature free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month, plus performances, games, art-making, and kid’s films from 10 am to 3 pm. Family friendly food options are available or bring something from home to snack on in the lounge or in the garden.
Kid’s Club Workshops at Michaels Saturdays | 10:00am-12:00pm Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop! Just $2 per child ages 3 and up. All supplies included.
Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning Saturdays | 11:00am-3:00pm Ages 3 and up. No reservations necessary.
MIA Family Day 2nd Sunday of every month | Times Vary On the second Sunday of every month, you’ll have a blast making art, going on artful adventures, meeting local musicians, dancers, and storytellers, and more at the Minnesota Institute of Art! FREE.
Three Rivers Park District: FREE Family Fun Days Sundays | Times Vary Three Rivers offers family fun at Kroening Interpretive Center or Richardson Nature Center. Discover all the fun that life in and around the river and woods has to offer. FREE.