There’s plenty to look forward to, now that the sun has come out of hiding and the snow is (finally) starting to melt. There’s no excuse for staying indoors, and with the long list of exciting events coming soon to kick off the Minnesota summer, you won’t want to anyway. Here are a few to add to your calendar.
Coming this summer:
May 4th to May 7th – Festival of Nations
More than 90 ethnic groups gather at the St. Paul River Center to share their culture and heritage. Experience performances, exhibits, food booths, and human connections that can last a life time.
Location: St. Paul River Center, 1694 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108
May 20th – Twin Cities Burger Battle
Like burgers? And beer? Then this is the event for you. 18 local restaurants will be battling it out for burger supremacy, each putting their very best burger forward you to try, rate, and of course, wash down with a beer. Each location can submit one burger slider and one side, and for $60 you get all the burgers and all the beer you can drink, as well as one token to place your vote for best burger.
Location: Harriet Island, 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul, MN 55107
www.tcburgerbattle.com
June 25th – Uptown Food Truck Festival
Food Trucks Galore! Sixty-five trucks that will have food to satisfy any palette line up on Hennepin Avenue. Coupled with local brews flowing freely and two stages of live music, this is an all-day event that has become one of Uptown’s coolest events.
Location: Uptown, Minneapolis, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
July 7th and 8th – Basilica Block Party Music Festival
Two days of music with three stages? Originally started in 1995 to raise money for the restoration of The Basilica of St. Marys, the block party now raises money for its non profit outreach program, and, of course, to continue restoring the the historic landmark. Food, music, and brews.
Location:16th Street and Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota, MN 55403
www.basilicablockparty.org
July 13th to July 16th – X Games and X Fest
This extreme sports festival focuses on BMX, Moto X, and skateboarding events. Coming to Minneapolis for the very first time, all events take place inside the US Bank Stadium in the X. There are different packages available for purchase that include food, beverage, and different levels of access inside the venue. There will be music, which promises to match the intensity of the sports, featured as well.
Location: US Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
www.xgames.espn.com/xgames/information/minneapolis-2017/tickets
July 19th to July 22nd – Minneapolis Aquatennial
This annual festival, put on by the Minneapolis Downtown Council, spans 4 days filled to the brim with activities. Everything from the Torchlight parade, to the Tennis Classic, to family movie nights, to a bicycle drag race, to water ski shows and fireworks are featured as a elebration of everything summer.
Location: Minneapolis, varies on event
www.aquatennial.com
August 19th – St. Paul Food Truck Festival
Head on over to Mears Park and eat to your hearts content. Thirty local food truck rock stars will be participating in the event and local brews and ciders will also be available. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink, and some food, outside. Live bands and DJ’s will be on hand to entertaining the masses as well.
Location: Mears Park, 221 5th St E, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
August 24th to Labor Day September 4th – Minnesota State Fair
The last sign of summer. The now ubiquitous “Great Minnesota Get Together,” with food ranging from your classic Cheese Curds to Alligator On A Stick, you’ll find new and old favorites alike (and there is always something new to try). The offerings of the Grand Stand music venue range from country acts to rock shows. Head on over to the barns where you can watch demonstrations, pet animals, or even wait for baby animals to be born. You can even go over to the rides and see how strong your stomach is after eating all day.
Location: State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108.
www.mnstatefair.org
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