Events around the Twin Cities to shake up your summer

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Even though September is just around the corner, summer isn’t over yet. There’s still time to check off a few items on your summer bucket list. And granted, while it may be presumptuous to assume that you created a summer bucket list because well… I didn’t make one either, I am ready to make the most of these last weeks of summer and finally venture beyond my sofa and Netflix.

So here are a few events happening around the Twin Cities to add to your newly created summer bucket list that include some culture, adorable animals, and of course, great food.

Some Culture:

The Uptown Art Fair

This is the 55th year for the Uptown Art Fair. Thousands of Minnesotans come out each year to explore the exceptional talent of professional artists with works ranging from sculpture, painting, and glasswork, to jewelry, multimedia compositions, and more. This year the Uptown Art Fair will also feature music and dance performances, games for both adults and kids, beer gardens presented by Indeed Brewing Co, and more than 25 food vendors lined up and down the streets. This is the perfect festival to celebrate artists and showcase all the Uptown community has to offer. The Uptown Art Fair runs three days from Friday, August 3 to Sunday August 5.

Powderhorn Art Fair

August is the month for some amazing art and culture. After you check out the Uptown Art Fair head to South Minneapolis for the Powderhorn Art Fair. Hundreds of local and regional artists flock to Powderhorn Park and set up right next to beautiful Powderhorn Lake to present and sell their fantastic works of art. You’ll find pottery, jewelry, photography, print, leather and metal work, drawings, and more. Be sure to also check out the demo booths where you can watch glass blowing, a caricature artist, and get your own henna tattoos. And come hungry as you’ll have your pick from dozens of food vendors such as Mad Max Steak Bites, Gastrotruck, KCM Eggrolls, Nordic Waffles, and Pharaohs’ Gyros. The Powderhorn Art Fair is on Saturday, August 4 from 10am-6pm and Sunday, August 5 from 10am-5pm.

Adorable Animals:

Corgi Petting Zoo

Ever want to roll around in a pile of corgis? Well, now you have your opportunity. 12welve Eyes Brewing in St. Paul is hosting a Corgi Petting Zoo where you’ll have the chance to be bombarded by adorable, squishy corgis. For just $5 you’ll have five minutes of corgi bliss. Proceeds will go towards Midwest Animal Rescue & Services and the Corgi Racing Society. And after the pile of puppies you can regain your composure with a refreshing beer. Come pet a corgi on Sunday, August 12 from 12pm-5pm.

Yoga with Llamas

Yes, that’s right. Yoga with llamas. You’ll probably barely notice you’re exercising with the fluffy, friendly, and curious llamas wandering between the mats. No yoga experience needed. All you need is to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and an old bath towel for a 45 minute yoga class led by certified yoga instructor Michelle Darsow. After the workout you can spend more time petting and interacting with the llamas. Yoga with Llamas is hosted at Carlson’s Llovable Llamas in Waconia. It costs $20 and you’re urged to sign up quick as there’s a limit of 50 people per class and spots fill fast. The next Yoga with Llamas class is on August 21st at 6pm.

Great Food:

PopUp Dinner

This event is quite like no other. PopUp Dinner is in the simplest terms, a picnic. However, this picnic turns into a magical affair where hundreds of people gather under the stars to eat a beautiful meal and dance into the night. Tables and chairs are set up in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center, but the rest is up to the guests.

Like one giant picnic potluck, you bring the appetizers, main courses, and desserts to share with your friends. And everyone else does the same. The dress code is all white attire that sets the enchanting tone for the evening. However, playful clothing and accessories like creative hats, belts, gloves, and masks are encouraged. Part of the fun is that guests also create beautiful tablescapes and after setting the table, you wander the venue to meet new people and discover what others have created. There will also be a DJ for after-dinner dancing and festivities. The PopUp Dinner is set for Saturday, August 11 from 5-10pm and tickets are $38.

St. Paul Food Truck Festival

One of the most popular events in the Twin Cities is the St. Paul Food Truck Festival. This event is completely free to attend but you’ll still want to bring along the wallet in order to taste test all the delicious food. Over 40 food trucks will gather in Mears Park to showcase their mouthwatering dishes. You’ll get to eat food from vendors like Run Tell That BBQ, Panini Pups, New Bohemia, Hibachi Daruma, HomeTown Creamery, Tot Boss, and so many more. Along with food, you can treat yourself to craft brews and ciders as well as enjoy multiple live bands and games and giveaways for both adults and the kids. The event goes from 12-10pm on Saturday, August 18.

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