As Minnesota’s fleeting summer season continues to press on, it won’t be long before the leaves change to shades of orange and temperatures cool. Get outside and enjoy these local festivals and events that make the most of this time of year.
Taste of Minnesota
Taste of Minnesota, put on by the Taste of Minnesota Foundation, is an annual summer festival that brings together local vendors, restaurants, and musicians to celebrate the state’s cultural, culinary, and creative richness. A majority of the event’s participants represent minority- and women-owned businesses, making it a model for inclusive, community-centered programming. Set in downtown Minneapolis, this year’s festival features performers such as Polica, Dillinger Four, and Brother Ali, as well as “Artist Avenue,” housing retailers like Indigo Sun Jewelry, Soft Life Goods, and Kelly’s Candles, among many others. Friday, July 3, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, July 4, 12-10 p.m., tasteofmn.com
Art at St. Kate’s
Tracy McMan
Returning for its 17th annual show on the St. Catherine University campus in St. Paul, Art at St. Kate’s is a one-day-only art fair featuring more than 100 local artists and makers. With free admission, plenty of nearby parking, and big trees for shaded relief from the summer sun, the fair provides easy accessibility for solo shoppers and family outings alike. In addition to the lineup of artists, this year’s event will offer a variety of food trucks and strolling musicians throughout the day. Saturday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., @ the corner of Randolph and Cleveland avenues, artistscircle.org
Wine Meets Art Fest
Pair award-winning local wines with a lineup of local art and cuisine at Saint Croix Vineyards’ Wine Meets Art Fest in Stillwater. This year’s event features makers in several categories, including stained glass, paintings and illustrations, jewelry, pottery, home decor, woodwork, and more. Visitors can enjoy live music and food from Asian Invasion, and will have access to free mini massages and winery tours. July 11 and 12, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Saint Croix Vineyards, scvwines.com
Auxiliary Private Garden Tour
Find inspiration for your next garden project through the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Auxiliary Private Garden Tour, available at select departure times from July 12 through July 14. The program includes travel by motor coach to three private home gardens in the Twin Cities area, as well as brunch and live music. Tickets also include a discount voucher to present at the Arboretum Gift & Garden Store, free post-tour admission to the arboretum, and a chance to win one of four gift certificates to a local garden center. July 12-14, times vary @ University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, arb.umn.edu
Minnehaha Falls Art Fair
Explore the artistic prowess of painters, ceramicists, woodworkers, and photographers at the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, returning to Minnehaha Regional Park from July 17 to July 19. This zero-waste event is set against a majestic 53-foot waterfall in one of Minneapolis’ oldest parks, and this year visitors will find more than 250 participating artists, live music, food, and kid-friendly activities—not to mention affordable finds under $30 at every booth. Friday, July 17, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Minnehaha Regional Park, homespunevents.com
Minneapolis Aquatennial
Loring Park Art Festival
A beloved community event, the Minneapolis Aquatennial brings visitors together for several days of citywide programming and family-friendly fun. Specific highlights include Floating Lanterns & Night Market Festival (July 18) and Twin Cities Beach Blast (July 19) along the shores of Bde Maka Ska, Summer Snowball Classic (July 21) at The Commons, Torchlight Parade (July 22) at Nicollet Mall, Aqua Night with the Minnesota Twins (July 24) at Target Field, and the Loring Park Art Festival (July 25), plus many other events. July 18-26, mplsaquatennial.com
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