The warmer days and nights bring everyone outside ready to gather and celebrate which tells us one thing…Summer Festival season is upon us! Whether you want to dance in the streets for PrideFest, cozy up under the stars for free concerts, or eat your way around the city, there is something for everyone in this list of summer festivals we have flagged on our calendar this summer!
Music in the Parks | All Summer | Various Locations
Both St. Paul and Minneapolis offer musical performances and events all around their park systems throughout the summer months. Check out their schedules and enjoy a night of free music under the trees.
Edina Art Fair | May 31 – June 2 | 50th & France, Edina
Back for the first time since the pandemic, the Edina Art Fair returns to the streets of 50th & France in Edina for its 55th year this June. Enjoy live music, food, and of course beautiful local art under the theme “The Art of Community.”
Grand Old Day | June 2, St. Paul
Grand Old Day is one of the largest one-day festivals in the Midwest, held annually in St. Paul, Minnesota. This community event, typically taking place on the first Sunday in June, draws thousands of attendees who come to enjoy a day filled with fun, entertainment, and local culture. Grand Old Day spans several blocks along Grand Avenue, transforming this bustling street into a lively festival ground!
Chalkfest | June 8 -9, Maple Grove
Chalkfest Maple Grove is located downtown on Main Street in Maple Grove, MN between Elm Creek Boulevard and Arbor Lakes Parkway on June 8 & 9, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The artists will be chalking and the public is welcome to view the art as it is being created.
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Gratuities Accepted Please feel free to support the artists with tips and donations during the festival. Each artist square will have a tip jar and/or QR code for you to show appreciation for their work and all donations go directly to the artist.
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Rain or Shine
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Dog Friendly Chalkfest Maple Grove welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs.
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New Activities Chalkfest Maple Grove is excited to announce the expansion of the festival one block north of Arbor Lakes Parkway which will feature a NEW Kids Zone including fun activities and a NEW Chalk Art Zone for families and kids to try chalking. There will also be a NEW live music stage south of the kid’s zone area with special feature artists to be announced.
Marketfest | Thursdays June 13-July 25
White Bear Lake hosts this summer festival series every Thursday, featuring music and more than 180 street vendors, with different themes each week.
Stone Arch Bridge Festival | June 15-16 | West River Parkway, Mpls.
The west side of the Stone Arch Bridge is the location for this annual festival of art, food, and music. This year will feature over 200 artist booths, culinary artists, live music, and food vendors.
Twin Cities Jazz Fest | June 21-22 | Mears Park, St. Paul
The 23rd year of the Jazz Fest held in St. Paul is sure to include an incredible lineup of talented musicians with headliners including Matthew Whitaker, Tremé Brass Band, Emmet Cohen w/ Bruce Harris, Brandon Goldberg Quintet & Bruce Henry & the Evolution of African American Music.
Afton Strawberry Festival | June 22-23, Afton Town Square
Strawberry season is always an exciting event and Afton makes sure we celebrate the moment with their free, two-day outdoor festival. You’ll find fun for the whole family including great food, over 80 artist vendors, live music, and more. Don’t leave without your strawberries from local vendors with a history of strawberry crops grown in the area since the 1800s.
Twin Cities Pride | June 29-June 30 | Loring Park, Minneapolis
PrideFest is the culminating festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with events for all interests. Participate in the Pride March, Family Fun Day, Rainbow Run 5K, and more. Support local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ vendors and food courts, relax in the beer garden, or check out the Pride parade. Also, look for more Pride celebrations happening throughout the summer months.
Lumberjack Days | July 19-July 21 | Stillwater
Nothing is more Minnesotan than a Lumberjack Festival! Visit Stillwater to see real-life Paul Bunyans do what they do best-chopping wood and balancing on logs. You can also participate in the parade, downhill derby, and boat cruise.
Minnehaha Falls Art Fair | July 19-21 | Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
You’ll learn why this art fair was named the Best Festival in the Twin Cities when you come to check out the dozens of local makers and food vendors at this celebration of artists in the Twin Cities.
Food Truck Festival | June 22 in Hopkins, July 13-14 in St. Paul, August 17 in Anoka
This food-on-wheels festival is taking its event on the road as it visits three locations around the Twin Cities. With more than 40 different food vendors there is something for everyone here!
Aquatennial | July 24 – 27, Minneapolis
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is an annual festival held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrating the city’s connection to water and its lakes, rivers, and waterways. Typically occurring in July, this event has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1940. The Aquatennial is known for its wide range of activities and events, which include the Torchlight Parade, Fireworks Display, Waterski Show and more!
Twin Cities Water Lantern Festival | July 27, Phalen Park Beach House, St Paul
Experience the magic of this night as thousands of lanterns float across Lake Phalen under the stars.
Irish Fair | August 9-11 | Harriet Island
If you love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll be blown away by this Irish festival featuring over 500 local, national, and international performers, dance, sports, comedy, and storytelling.
