|
|
Explore Local Area | | | | | | | Stone Arch Festival of the ArtsHistoric Main St
Minneapolis,
MN
55414
612-673-5123 | | | | | Description: Situated around (what else?) Stone Arch Bridge, this riverside event showcases works by more than 200 artists and craftspeople. It also features performance art, poetry, and concerts along the Mississippi. Other attractions include an extensive display of vintage cars, walking tours, trolley rides, paddleboat rides, craft demonstrations, and children's art activities. Live music, food, and drink also find a welcome place, and local bars and restaurants do a brisk business thanks to the festival's strong attendance.
|
|
|
| Twin Cities GLBT Pride Celebration1382 Willow St
Minneapolis,
MN
55403
952-852-6100 | | | | | Description: Annually attended by more than 300,000 people, this event honors and promotes solidarity among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered residents. Three stages of music and entertainment provide an energetic focus and feature national and local acts. Food courts help ward off the munchies, and a history pavilion charts the struggles of gay men and women. Also available are a fireworks display, a family and children's area, lots of camaraderie, a parade down Hennepin Avenue, and even a mass commitment ceremony.
|
|
|
| | | | | | Description: Initiated in 1940, the Aquatennial is a ten-day celebration of summer that takes place the third week of July. As might be expected in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, many events are water-related. Activities and competitions feature boating, swimming, diving, sand castle-building, and milk carton boat racing. Don't miss the charming flotilla of 20,000 rubber ducks. Land lovers enjoy tennis, golf, and volleyball events. Hallmarks of the celebration include a huge fireworks display, a street dance, and a beauty contest to select the Queen of the Lakes.
|
|
|
| Minnesota Fringe Festival | | | | | Description: Fringe festivals developed as a way for independent performers and groups to promote theater and art that don't fit the status quo. Minnesota's version began in 1994 and has grown into a well-attended event, complete with more than 850 performances at some two dozen venues throughout the city. None of the component shows is reviewed beforehand, so raw, personal artistry is evident. On display are dance, theater, puppetry, and storytelling, along with kid- and teen-friendly performances.
|
|
|
| Hennepin Ave S and W Lake St
Minneapolis,
MN
55408
| | | | | Description: What began as a plan to promote Uptown and showcase local art has grown into an enormous, three-day event attracting some 350,000 people yearly. Nearly 400 artists display everything from sculpture and photography to jewelry and glass, offering attendees a great opportunity to find something one-of-a-kind for their own collections or homes. Adding to the appeal are tons of food and drink, children's activities, live entertainment, and the chance to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Named one of the nation's best art festivals.
|
|
|
| Minnesota Renaissance Festival12364 Chestnut Blvd
Shakopee,
MN
55379
952-496-9232 | | | | | Description: A half-hour's drive south of town will deliver you to a 22-acre Renaissance village that captures life in the 16th century. The weekend event comes complete with costumed folks in period dress, not to mention animals, magicians, jugglers, musicians, and artisans. Enjoy entertainment on outdoor stages, cheer at lively jousting competitions, or just browse the unique shops and treat yourself to delicious foods. The family-friendly occasion has been a favorite since 1971.
|
|
|
| 1265 Snelling Ave N
St. Paul,
MN
55108
| | | | | Description: The largest 12-day fair in North America, Minnesota's state celebration attracts more than 1½ million people each year. Over 400 free concerts draw folks in, and the Grandstand has hosted national artists like Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. Other noteworthy attractions include rodeo events, auctions, Robot Combat, a skate park, midway games and rides, and daily parades. Over 1200 vendors offer everything from arts and crafts to 500 different kinds of food. The fairgrounds are located between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
|
|
|
| Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon900 S 5th St
Minneapolis,
MN
55415
| | | | | Description: With a scenic route along area lakes and the Mississippi River and an average temperature in the mid 60s, this appealing race is often considered the nation's "most beautiful urban marathon." First established in 1982, it united separate races in Minneapolis and St. Paul; now, the marathon begins in the first city and finishes in the latter, at the State Capitol. Accompanying the big event are other weekend activities, including 10-mile and 5K races, a fitness expo, and family-friendly competitions.
|
|
|
| | | | | | Description: Billed as the "oldest and coldest celebration in the nation," this winter event promises ice fishing competitions, a half-marathon, hockey, curling, ice-skating, and a nighttime torch parade. However, the Midwest's largest ice-carving event is the focal point, and the outdoor gallery features an amazing array of frozen sculptures carefully crafted by regional and national artists. Events take place at various locations around the city, including downtown and in the Como Lake area. Visitors must purchase a button for a one-time fee to gain free or reduced admission to most events.
|
|
|
| Minneapolis Home & Garden Show1301 S 2nd Ave
Minneapolis,
MN
55403
612-335-6000 | | | | | Description: This enticing event packs the convention center with great design, innovative merchandise, and well-known TV hosts. Gardening exhibits, floral designs, seminars, and manufacturers' displays distinguish the show, which features the latest in home and interior design and lifestyle trends. Perfect for folks about to embark on a new project, those getting ready to remodel, or those who simply want to check out the newest options. Give yourself at least a day to take in the riches.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
