is a two-week-plus festival held every January or February since 1886, minus the WWII years. Enjoy the parades, medallion hunt, beer tents, giant snow slides, the ice palace, and other free and low cost family activities. Embrace the cold!

Winterfest is a yearly event that happens in January at the Springbrook Nature Center. It's to celebrate winter at a time when everyone can use a little pick-me-up. There are plenty of activities for everyone in the family, including a medallion hunt, snow painting, and the ingredients needed (and ability) to make S'mores. And because of the location, visitors can also hike and/or snowshoe. The event is free and a good way to have some fun in the winter with memebers of the community.

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a longstanding annual event that is hotly (coldly?) anticipated every year, and it first occurred in 1886. It was established to rebut East Coast reporters who stated that Minnesota was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation". Now, it is a two-week celebration of winter in Minnesota with highlights such as the ice sculptures and the ice carving competitions, a winter run, a giant snow slide, parades, and fireworks. The ice sculptures are the talk of the town, and they are quite a spectacular view.  The events happen all over Downtown St. Paul and in other St. Paul areas. The Landmark Center is available so you can warm up after all this winter outdoor fun.

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory hosts its annual winter flower show in the indoor Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Escape the cold weather and see the winter season come to life with a mixture of purple and red plants and flowers.

Ice Harvest Day is an annual event in January that has been hosted by the Richardson Nature Center of Three Rivers Park District for over twenty years. The purpose is to experience what Minnesota ice harvesters went through back in the day and to learn more about the entire process. There is a campfire and cocoa if you need to warm yourself while practicing these endeavors, and it's a great way to learn more about an interesting aspect of Minnesota history.

Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation and area sponsors in welcoming winter during the 15th Annual Winter Fete celebration. This year, Winter Fete activities will take place throughout the City from Saturday, January 19, through Sunday, January 27, 2019. All Winter Fete activities are free unless otherwise noted, and fun for the whole family! In case of inclement weather, call our weather line at 952-563-8878 for up to the date cancellation information.

The Citizen Academy is hosted by the City every other year in January and February. It's a free program that is spread over six nights. People from various departments (police, fire department, legal, finance, planning, and more) present about their work. It's a way for the citizens of the community to learn more about how the government works.

Family Skate & Sled Day is held in Cummings Park in January, and the meeting point is the pavilion. There will be skating; there will be sledding; there will be winter crafting. Bring your own skates and sled, and hot chocolate and a snack will be provided. It's a good way to celebrate winter with family and friends.

Winter is long and cold in Minnesota. So why not enjoy it as best you can? The Big Chill is put on every year by Brooklyn Center Recreation in January to take the edge off winter. This is a free event and it's fun for everyone in the family. There will be a candy scavenger hunt, glow-in-the-dark sports, s'mores, ice skating, and music.

Save the date for the 133rd Saint Paul Winter Carnival: January 24 – February 3, 2019! Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. Through city-wide special events, fun activities and more, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation celebrates winter like only Minnesotans can!
Most events are FREE, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

is an annual winter get together for the community. There is horse-drawn wagon rides, sledding, ice-skating, music, marshmallow roasting, and so much more. It's a great way to get the circulation going and to get to know your neighbors while enjoying many winter activities. There are warm beverages available as well to warm the stomachs and hands.

Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a marshmallow roast. This event is free and open to the public! No registration required.

Join us for the annual Frost Fest! The Kids Dance DJs will be here to get the party started with some "cool" and groovy tunes and contests. Food trucks and other vendors will offer a variety of menu options. The event features indoor and outdoor activities including reindeer sleigh rides, ice skating, carnival games, a cake walk, campfire with s'mores, and door prizes.

The City of Lakes Loppet is a festival of cross country skiing and includes winter activities for the whole family.

The Winter Ice Festival is an annual event in January to celebrate the coldest and longest season of the year. It has been held for almost three decades, and it's a frigidly fun time for everyone involved. It is held at Centennial Lakes Park, and there is lots of ice skating involved. And kick-sledding. And face-painting. And horse-drawn wagon riding. Another anticipated activity is the sculpting of ice, which is a hit with everyone.

Annual Chili Cook Off-Fundraiser is an annual event hosted by the Longfellow Community Council (LLC) that invites all the chili cooks in the neighborhood to show their mettle. If you like chili, this is definitely the event for you. There are vegetarian options as well. All the money from the event goes back into the community as the LLC uses the funds for future events. Tickets are reasonable, and children under five eat for free.

Crystal Winterlude is a yearly event in February that celebrates the season and gives members of the community something to look forward to during said (sometimes long) season. It's hosted at Valley Place Park and offers plenty of activities for everyone. Ice skating, Ice bocce, and a carboard sledding contest, for example. There is also a dance performance by Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue and donuts you can buy from the Hopper's Mini Donuts food trucks.

The IGH B.E.S.T.  Scholarship Foundation has been hosting the fundraising dinner and silent auction as one of their two fundraisers for nearly 30 years. It is held at the Shamrock Hall in the Church of St. Patrick in February, and it includes a raffle drawing, prizes, games, and more. The proceeds go to run the foundation and to fund scholarships for post-secondary education for Simley High School graduates.

The IGH Arts & Craft Fair has been a popular community event that has recently changed from being hosted by the City to being hosted by and held at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in February. The fair will feature local artists who make clothing, jewelry, art, and other products for you to browse and enjoy. It's a great way to break free from the winter doldrums.

Fire & Ice is the annual winter festival and a way to get out of the house during the coldest days of winters. Weather permitting, there is a sledding hill for the young ones to enjoy. There are plenty of activities during the fest, including ice skating, fire dancers and fireworks, hayrides, and a youth ice-fishing contest. Because it will be cold--it's February in Minnesota, after all--there will a bonfire to warm up by, and there will be s'mores and hot chocolate for as long as the supplies last.

The Minnetonka Kids' Fest has been hosted annually by the City of Minnetonka in February for over a quarter of a century. It is held at the Minnetonka Community Center and is fun for everyone in the family. It's free and there are tons of things to do, both indoors and out. There is face painting, sledding, s'mores over a bonfire, ice sculptures, snowshoeing, and more. It's both a celebration of winter and a way to break up the sameness of February.

The West St. Paul Winter Fun Fest is a fairly new tradition, but it's already a popular one. It happens in February, and it's a way to brighten the mood for the community near the end of winter. It is held at Harmon Park, and there is plenty to do for all who enjoy winter or are itching for spring to come. There is ice skating, kids rides, and live music with a DJ. There will be food and drinks a;s well as a heated tent and fire pits if your toes get a bit frosty. The event will end with fireworks, and there will be door prizes as well. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Join us in Hudson, Wisconsin, along the beautiful St. Croix River for Hudson Hot Air Affair, the premier winter ballooning event and winter festival in the Midwest. This family friendly event includes activities such as an evening Torchlight parade, hot air balloon launches, geocaching, marketplace and craft fair, smoosh boarding, 5K fun run, bingo, balloon moon glow or field of fire, just to name a few.

Fire & Ice takes place at Luxton Park, typically the first Saturday in February. This event brings together residents young and old to enjoy a family-friendly evening of fun. The event's signature draw is a huge bonfire made up of dried-up Christmas trees and wreaths, but the food, live music and horse-drawn hayrides are certainly of interest as well!

The Prior Lake Polar Plunge is part of the state-wide plunge which was started by law enforcement as a way to raise money for the Special Olympics Minnesota.  It is held in February, and the Prior Lake one takes place in at Sand Point Beach. Several thousand people jump in icy waters in the middle of winter, and it's all for a good cause. The Prior Lake Polar Plunge started in 2009, and it's being going strong ever since.

The Coon Rapids Snowflake Days is an annual event that first happened in 1964 as a way for the community to come together and celebrate. It was held in the winter because the cities surrounding Coon Rapids had their city celebrations in summer, and they wanted a way to stand out. The activities have changed over the years, and the latest include the Kids Ice Fishing Contest, Cookies & Canvas, and the Adult Medallion Hunt. It's a week of fun festivities for the whole family.

The Fire & Ice Festival is an annual event that usually takes place the first Saturaday in February at Luxton Park. It's a popular event in the neighborhood that is fun for the whole family. the first one occurred in 1995, and the tradition is to have a bonfire that is made of dried-up trees and wreaths from the past holiday as the focus point.

In addition to the bonfire, there are other activities such as horse-drawn hayrides, music, food and drinks, and a book exchange/sale. It's a way to gather in the dead of winter that will take the edge off the cold while interacting with other members of the community.

Minneapolis hosts its 50th St. Patrick’s parade along the refurbished Nicollet Mall—a 10-minute drive from pubs including Kieran’s, Keegan’s, and The Local, all brimming with Guinness and pipe bands—while St. Paul’s vehicle-minimal (and kid-safe) march down Kellogg Boulevard celebrates year 51, continuing a tradition of literally painting the street green, handing out buttons for charity, and crowning Ms. Shamrock before she embarks on her own float. At the capital, once known for its Irish immigrant population, hop the many pubs: Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook, the Dubliner, Emmett’s Public House, O’Gara’s, the Liffey. There’s no wrong turn.

Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon built with hundreds of thousands of icicles that brings fairy tales to life. Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction located in six cities across North America. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.

Every year on St. Patrick's Day, Hopkins Elk Lodge hosts the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade which is a mere four blocks from the American Legion to the Elks Lodge. It's short and sweet, and it's lots of fun for everyone.

Discover all four ways the Arboretum collects maple sap.
See if sap is flowing today on the self-guided Maple Walk.
Browse maple-themed goodies including Arboretum maple syrup and candies in the Gift Store and Balcony.

All together now, let’s practice: “Awwwwwwwwww!” This annual event brings out the warm fuzzies in everyone.

The St. Anthony Village WinterFest is a newly-created annual event that celebrates winter while simultaneously benefiting Nourish 282, a nonprofit that helps kids in District 282 with food insecurity. It is held at the Central Park Pavilion, and there are games, food and beverages, and the chance to gather with other members of the community.

There is a long history of the Lex-Ham Spaghetti Dinner annual event as a way to bring the community together. In 2021 because of the pandemic, it's been rebranded as the Lex-Ham Pasta Party and is online. It is hosted by the Lexington-Hamline Community Council in March and everyone is encouraged to make/buy pasta and post pictures of them enjoying said pasta on the LHCC's social media pages on FB and Insta. Everyone who participates will be eligible for a small token prize.

The Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair is an annual event hosted in April by the City of Farmington in order to highlight local arts and crafts. It is held at the Schmitz-Maki Arena, and it's free to the public. There are a variety of vendors, and all of the creations are made by hand. The categories include jewelry, art, crochet, and more.

The Environmental Fun Fair happens every year in April (Earth Month) at the Springbrook Nature Center. It's hosted by Fridley Recreation, Springbrook Nature Center, and the Anoka County 4-H, and it's to bring awareness to environmental issues in a fun way. This is a free educational event, and it is informative for the entire family. There is an interactive hike, an event passport and prizes, a book swap, a bouncy castle, and more.

The Spring Egg Hunt is an annual event that takes place in April in Cummings Park. It's hosted by the City, and it's for kids, ages 1-12. It's a fun way for kids to run around, get some energy out, and hunt for candy-filled eggs that are brightly colored. There are gold eggs, too, and surprise presents. The Spring Bunny will also be there hopping around to bring smiles to the faces of all the children.

The Northeast Annual Easter Egg Hunt is hosted by the Mill City Church, and it includes much more than the usual egg hunting (for kids up to 12). There is racing, food, a bouncy house, face-painting, crafts, and other fun things to do. Come for the egg hunt, stay for the other activities.

The Maple Grove Ice Show is presented every year in April by the Maple Grove Skating School and The City of Maple Grove, and has been for nearly 20 years. It is a fun way to showcase the talents of the skaters at the Maple Grove Skating School, and it's a good way for family and friends to enjoy what the skaters have been working towards all year. It is held by at the Maple Grove Ice Arena and is open to the whole community.

Primavera is an annual art show that is sponsored by the Plymouth Arts Council at the Plymouth Creek Center in mid-April. It features local and regional artists, and it celebrates all the creativity that exists in the community. There is live music playing while people enjoy the art. The event is free and open to the public, and there is also a juried art show which hands out several coveted awards to artists in various categories. There are also art talks on different aspects of the creative fields (dance, painting, theater, etc.).It's a two-day art festival that brings out the best in the art community.

The Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair is an annual event that the City sponsors in April on or around Arbor Day. It's in Staring Lake Park, and it's a way to enjoy some nature while learning more about eco-friendly activities. There are green-themed vendors who sell plants and provide useful information about said flora. There is also live music, free seedlings, and concessions. You will also find information about tree health and renewable energy. In addition, there are family activities that everyone can enjoy.

The state’s biggest film festival is international: More than 350 films from more than 70 countries screen at venues across the Twin Cities over 17 days. That has included documentaries at Uptown Theatre, children’s movies at St. Anthony Main Theatre, and music videos at the Soap Factory. Also, Rochester participates with its own showings at a theater just outside of downtown. The nearly 40-year-old fest lines up filmmakers from across the globe for Q+As and highlights local talent with a “Minnesota Made” series.
Visit https://mspfilm.org/festivals/mspiff/tickets-passes/ for tickets.

is an annual Minneapolis tradition that has happened for over 40 years. It's a one-hour free concert by the Minnesota Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, and it's part of their week of free outdoor concerts for the community to enjoy. What's better than music in the great outdoors?

The annual Twin Cities Teen Lit Con is held at Henry Sibley High School in April, and the goal is to gather teens and their favorite authors in one fun-filled event. It is a free event open to everyone, and the activities are focused on teens. The aim is for teens to discover more about the writing world, learning about everything from writing skills to what happens in the publishing world. There will be concessions and books available for purchase onsite. Some of the events include Bingo for Books (teens only), Graphic Storytelling, and Hogwarts Hall of Quizardry. There will be authors presenting as well, and it's a jam-packed day of literature and literature-related activities.

The Oakdale Mystery Egg Hunt is a yearly event hosted by Oakdale, MN Recreation around Easter. It's held in the Oakdale Nature Preserve with the eggs hidden on the trails. It's for kids 10 and under, and when they find an egg, they can turn it in for a prize. If they find a golden egg, they get a special prize. It's a few hours of fun with a brisk walk along the way.

Run the Valley has been an annual event in Golden Valley for 25 years. There is a .2K kids run, a 5K walk, a 5K run, and a 10K run, all with staggered starting times. T-shirts, water, and post-race complimentary snacks are provided to keep the participants going. Run the Valley is sponsored by the Golden Valley Human Services Commission, and all the proceeds from the race are given to local human services organizations.

The At Ease Health and Wellness Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by At Ease Health and Wellness. It occurs around Easter, which is usually in April. It is a way to have fun with the whole family, especially the little ones. There is a coloring contest, cookie decorating, and, of course, an Easter egg hunt. It will be a day to remember for kids of all ages.

The Annual Spring Ice Skating Show is presented by the Champlin Skating School, the Three Rivers Figure Skating Club, and the Brooklyn Park Skating School. It's an opportunity for the students/members of each club/school to show what they have learned throughout the year in a fun way. There is a theme every year, and last year's was 'Skating Over the Rainbow'.

This free neighborhood-favorite takes place from 5:30-8pm on a Tuesday evening in April. The meeting features a Resource Fair, Board Member Elections, and Committee Updates. Remember, this is a pie potluck, please plan on bringing a pie (or two, or three) to share with your neighbors!

View fresh floral creations and the artworks that inspired them. Enter a world of timeless art and fresh flowers during the 35th annual Art in Bloom—a FREE four-day festival of fresh floral arrangements and fine art, presented by Friends of the Institute at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Delight in 165 floral designs that interpret objects from Mia’s collection. A Twin Cities rite of spring!

The Holz Farm Spring Festival is a yearly event celebrating the glories of spring. It's a great way to have some old-timey fun. You can churn butter, frolic with the barnyard animals, and grind up some corn. You can view the vintage equipment, bake some bread, and learn about honeybees. There are toy tractors for the kids and farm challenges for the teens (with prizes). It is held, naturally, at the Holz Farm.

The Maple Grove Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K is presented by the Maple Grove Lions Club in May, and it has been an event for over a decade. It has several sponsors, and it is an eagerly-anticipated event for the whole community. It takes place in the Maple Grove Senior High stadium, and the runs have staggered starting times. All participants receive a medal and a t-shirt upon completion.

The Liberian Girls Rock Honoring Awards Gala is hosted by Liberian Girls Rock at the PurpleRose Event Hall, and the mission is to fight hunger in Liberia. The event itself is to celebrate powerful Liberian people and to show the world the richness of the country that is Liberia. They want to empower Liberian women in the process and maybe change the world to boot through strengthened community.

The Festival of Nations is an annual event held in late April/early May in the Saint Paul RiverCentre and is eagerly anticipated every year since its inception in 1932. It is a celebration of cultures from all around the world over one weekend. There is a cafe (food booths), an international bazaar, performances from different cultures, folk art demonstrations, and cultural exhibits. It's an experience for all the senses, and you'll be able to have pierogies, mango lassi, and injera all in one meal while watching a dance from Thailand, see the crowd-pleasing Taiwanese cultural exhibit, and then buy baubles from Norway. There are also 'passports' that are issued which you can take to the cultural exhibits area and use to interact with people at the different exhibits.

The Friends of an Angel are a nonprofit dedicated to taking care of the Angel of Hope statue in Maple Grove Arboretum. The Walk to Remember is an annual event in May to honor and commemorate loved ones who have passed away. It starts at the Angel of Hope and continues along the shore of Rice Lake on a nice spring morning/afternoon.

Seward Garage Sale Daze (Seward neighborhood, 612-338-6205 x119) is a fun-filled garage sale throughout the Seward neighborhood, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). It's also called the Seward Garage Sale Days. This is a weekend in May where over 100 homes register themselves to be on the garage sale route. It's a great way to find some good deals and to get to know your neighbors better.

The MayDay Parade and ceremony in Powderhorn Park has become a joyous annual ritual for nearly 50,000 people in the Twin Cities. For many in Minnesota, the MayDay Parade is a time to celebrate the coming warmth with hand-built puppets and masks (some over 10 feet tall), music, and performance in the street. But the essence of the parade is rooted in the local community and contemporary issues, concerns, and visions for a better world.

The May Day 5K race is sponsored by the IGH B.E.S.T. Scholarship Foundation and held at the Inver Hills Community College in May. They have been sponsoring the run for over 20 years, and it is a booming success year after year. The proceeds go to support the foundation and to allow them to fund scholarships for Simley High School graduates.

The Big Red Barn Sale is an arts event in May and it's hosted by the Maplewood Area Historical Society at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm. There is, indeed, a big red barn and it's filled with exciting things to see and do. There will be dozens of different vendors displaying their wares. There will be crafters, artisans, sellers focusing on vintage items, and flea market items. There will be a live performance of country music and '50s music. It's a full day's worth of shopping and you can see the historic farm as well. If you need a bite to eat to keep up your strength, there will be picnic food for sale as well as deep-fried tacos.

Presented by the Ordway, the Flint Hills Family Festival is an annual multi-day event featuring performances, free activities, art-making, and more. Families will be swept away on adventures that spark imagination and inspire exploration, with performances by artists from all over the world and right here at home.

Arts in the Park is an annual event that occurs in May. It's held in the Purgatory Creek Park, and it showcases the artistic talents of several local and regional artists. The mediums include sculpture, jewelry, painting, and more, and there are vendors for every medium. There is also food trucks, wine tasting, arts for kids, and live entertainment. It is an event that the whole family can enjoy.

The Annual Heal a Hound Dinner is sponsored the Greyhound Pets of America MN (GPA MN) and is held at the North Metro Event Center in May*. There is a silent auction and a live auction, and all the proceeds go to benefit the Heal a Hound Fund. There is a Standard Experience Ticket and a VIP Experience Ticket, and the latter includes priority checkout after the live auction plus a glass of champagne with dinner (and more). This is a wonderful cause and a great way to spend an evening.

*In 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.

Celebrate diversity at the longest-running multicultural festival in the Midwest at the St. Paul RiverCentre. For almost 85 years, the Festival of Nations has inspired people to learn more about cultures from around the world. More than 90 ethnic groups showcase their rich heritage through performances, demonstrations, exhibits, ethnic cuisine and cultural bazaars. For tickets and free Metro Transit ride info, check their website.

Taste of Lakeville is an annual event that is hosted at and by the Lakeville Area Arts Center in May. It has been going on for nearly twenty years. It's a celebration of the vibrant restaurant/drinks culture of Lakeville, and it's 21+ (age) for attendance. It is a fundraising event for the Lakeville Rotary Club, and all the proceeds with help them continue to do important community work. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including live entertainment and a silent auction. Of course, food (and drinks) features prominently, and there are samples from roughly 35 restaurants/caterers in the community. The restaurants/catering companies include Bourbon Butcher, Divine Swine Catering, and Bowlero. On the drinks side, there is plenty to choose from, including 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, Shell's Brewery, and Lakeville Brewing.

The Women's One Act festival is a newly-created festival hosted by the Eden Prairie Players as a way to highlight and celebrate dramatic works created by women. The Eden Prairie Players choose plays written by women from around the country, and they hire local female directors to direct them. They believe the themes are universal, however, and that the plays can be enjoyed by everyone.

The First Official Art Fair of the Year!
Ranked #1 in MN and one of the top fine arts fair in the Nation, featuring the top 280 fine artists from Minnesota, the U.S and Canada
Free Admission | Rain or Shine | Free Shuttle | Craft Beer Garden| Parking Ramps | Kids Zone | Food Trucks

Every year, the city holds a citywide garage sale. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors better and to get rid of things that have been piling up in your home. It's also a way to find hidden treasure that you might not be able to find otherwise. It's a weekend-long event that takes place all over the city.

West St. Paul Days take place in May every year, and it's a way for the community to celebrate all that is dear to them. There are several activities planned each year, including the Carnival, the Grand Parade, the Harmon Park Festival, and more. It's a week of joyous celebration that is fun for all members of the community, and it's highly anticipated each year.

Art-A-Whirl started as a small group of artists wanting to support one another's work, and it's grown into something that is truly amazing. It is now sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, and it's eagerly anticipated every year by arts lover throughout the Twin Cities. Three days. 800 artists. 60 locations. Lots of food and drinks to nibble on/eat/drink as you enjoy almost every medium of art possible. It's a big open studio tour of some of the most influential local artists, and thousands of Minnesotans participate in the annual event.

The Darkest Night of Your Life 4K is an annual event hosted by HOPE 4 Youth, a nonprofit that has the goal of ending homelessness for youths in the north metro suburbs, and it's held at the Bunker Hills Golf Club in May. The walk/run is to raise awareness of the issue and the experiences the youths go through as well as to raise funds to aid said youth not to have to go through it again.

The Taste of Edina is an annual event, and it is hosted by the Edina Chamber of Commerce and Edina Liquor every May. Several local restaurants and breweries are tapped, pun intended, for delicious treats, both edible and drinkable. Some of the past restaurants have included Pittsburgh Blue, Tavern on France, and The Good Earth. On the booze side, the breweries have included Surly, Able, and Fulton. You have to be 21+ to attend. It's a great way to sample all the delicacies that Edina has to offer.

Kite Day is an annual celebration of kites. Kite lovers across the city are encouraged to come and let their kites fly high and proud. There's free entertainment and activities as well, so get out and enjoy the sun on your face as you merrily fly a kite.

Mainstreet Days is an event that is sponsored by JCI Hopkins and is an annual event that happens in May. It is hosted on Mainstreet, naturally, and is a way to gather with other members of the community to celebrate what makes Hopkins a great place to live. One of the biggest draws in the Mainstreet Day Arts and Crafts Fair, which has over 150 arts and crafts vendors who participate. This includes fine arts, jewelry, garden decor, photography, and so much more. While this is going on, there is also live entertainment and kids activities, and food vendors around as well.

The Edina Art Fair has been held for over a half century, organized by the 50th & France Business and Professional Association, and it's one of the top art fairs in the state, if not the country. It's in June, and it's held in the heart of Edina. There are nearly 300 artists involved, and a quarter of a million people plus visit it every summer over a three-day weekend. The different kind of art on display includes paintings/drawings, glasswork, pottery/ceramics/clay, mixed media, and more. There are live performances, too, if you'd like a little music with your art. There is also Edina Art Fair merchandise available for purchase. There are also plenty of food vendors if you need something to boost your energy.

takes place at the end of June every year at the . The event offers free appetizers, a silent auction, and plenty of activities for kids. It’s a fun party that gets the community connected during the hottest days of summer. It's sponsored by the Longfellow Community Council (LCC).

The Prospect Park Garden Walk & Plant Sale is an annual event that happens throughout the neighborhood. It's usually the third Saturday in June, and it's a way to highlight different gardens within the community. These gardens are private and public, and they include vegetable, pollinator, and therapeutic gardens. The Prospect Park Garden Club has a raute for all the gardens that can be visited and organizes them in a way that they can be seen in one afternoon.

The plant sale is at the Pratt Community Center as is the information about the walk itlef. All proceeds from the sale will help with future neighborhood plantings.

Garden Tour and Tea Party is scheduled every year in June or July, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). At this event, attendees spend an evening strolling through different gardens in the Seward neighborhood, looking at the abundant and eye-catching flora, and receiving gardening tips. The profit made from the tickets for this event helps fund SNG projects.

Dairy Day Ice Cream Social is an event put on by the Maplewood Area Historical Society in June to celebrate dairy month, which is, yes, June. It's held at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm and if you want to learn about all things dairy, this is the event to attend. There will be exhibits; you can learn to milk a cow; you can also learn how butter is made. There will be lawn games and the opportunity to tour the 1912 farm house to get an idea of what life was like back then. There will be ice cream and picnic food available for purchase. You can meet the special guest, Princess Kay of the Milky Way as well.

is an annual festival hosted by the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council. It has been a community favorite for nearly half a century, and it's filled with activities that everyone can enjoy. It starts with the always fun Decorate Your Wheels, and Parade of Wheels and Pets. There's also a silent auction, live music, a used book sale, tons of food, and much more. All the proceeds go back into the neighborhood, so you can benefit the community while enjoying yourself at the same time.

Rib Fest is an event in June hosted by Borchert's Meat Market and it's a great way for the members of the community to gather and visit with their neighbors. They will be serving pork baby back ribs hot off the grill--and I do mean hot--until supplies run out. The ribs are coated in their original sauce and they are finger-licking good. If you like tasty ribs at a very reasonable price, this is the rib fest for you. All their meat is natural, locally raised, and grassfed.

Field Day marks the beginning of summer in June every year at Valley Park. It's free and open to everyone, a way to get to know the other members of the community. There will be plenty activities for everyone to enjoy, including Flag Football, Bubble Soccer, Tug-o-War and so much more. There will be BBQ and drinks for everyone.

Minnetonka Summer Fest is an annual celebration of all things Minnetonka that is held in June in Civic Center Park. It's a time for neighbors to get together and enjoy the best of their city. During the festival, there is live music as entertainment. For the younger set, there is a bouncy castle, a petting zoo, and rides. At the end of the event, there is a spectacular firework display that caps off a festive night.

EcoArts Fest is an annual art festival hosted by ArtStart at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It is in the twelfth year, and it's a celebration of art and nature. Artstart is a firm believer in arts (obviously) and being environmentally conscious, so what better than to combine the two? It opens with a pageant that showcases the creative works of the schools with Artstart residencies that they did with guidance from professional artists. There are also cultural dance and music performances for you to enjoy, and food trucks will be available as well. There will be activities that connect art and nature, such as making a Minnesota fish windsock and weaving a Minnesota river headpiece. This is a free event with the aim to celebrate art and the environment. It is also a zero-waste event, which is in keeping with ArtStart's ideals.

The Oakdale Summerfest Celebration is an annual festival in June at Richard Walton Park. It is a weekend-long event with several activities to do on each day. Everyone in the family will enjoy the event as they can watch the parade and get candy during it, go to the bandshell and dance to live music, go on a medallion hunt, race in the 5K, and more. There will be food trucks so you will not go hungry. At the end of the weekend,

WATERFEST IS A FREE FAMILY EVENT AT LAKE PHALEN INCLUDING:
Paddling: Try your hand at paddling a Voyageur canoe, kayak or canoe.
Fishing: Learn about different fishing techniques and the value of clean water. Then use your new skills to enter the fishing contest.
Games: Archery, mini golf and more!
Boating: Take a spin on a sailboat or paddleboat.
Arts and crafts: Make a plant print or a bead critter.
Live animals: Get acquainted with snakes, alligators, and members of the Minnesota Herpetological Society and Maplewood Nature Center.
Exhibits: Learn to identify an insect, recognize a bird song, tie a fishing lure and much more!
Native plant giveaway: Identify native plants and select one to take home.
Street sweeper: Climb in the cab and learn how clean streets keep lakes clean.
Food trucks: Buy tasty treats from local food trucks and vendors.
Music and dance: Enjoy a variety of performances throughout the day.

The Blaine Festival is an annual event that is held in June at Aquatore Park. It's a weekend-long event that is a joyous celebration for the community members, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The events range from a kid's pedaling tractor pull to a not-so-ugly dog contest, and there is also a carnival, a live petting zoo, food, and much more. The event is free and has free parking. It's a yearly popular event that is well-attended, rain or shine.

Spring Together is an annual event held in June at Curtiss Field. It is hosted by the Community Engagement Commission, and its purpose is to gather the community together in celebration. It's a potluck, so it's a fun way to chat with the neighbors and try several different dishes. There will be a Bounce House, Story Time with Seniors, and other fun activities.

The association organizes it and anyone can join and set up a booth for free. It usually takes place on a weekend in the middle of June and it’s great for people who want to clean out the closet and for those looking for good deals.

The Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K is hosted by the City, and the proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Minnesota by supporting their training and competition. It starts at the intersection of Main Street and Market Square (by The Village), and everyone is welcome to register and participate. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, and there will be awards for different age categories. There will also be prizes that can be won at the conclusion of the race.

The Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie is an annual musical event that takes place in June in the Staring Lake Park Amphitheater. It showcases six area big bands, including the titular Jazz on the Prairie, and traditionally, the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary has its annual fundraiser, the Rib Fest, at the same time. You can enjoy jazz music and ribs at the same time--what a great combination.

The Golden Valley Fire Relief Association Street Dance is an annual event that is free to the public and a way for the community to get to know the members of their fire department better. It is held at the Chester Bird American Legion in June, and there will be lots of family-friendly activities. For the kids, there is face painting, clowns, and balloons. There will also be a DJ playing music for the kids for a few hours, and live music (for adults) after that until the end of the event. The highlight of the event is a fireworks display at dusk.

Join our neighborhood-wide event! Residents of Cooper, Howe, Hiawatha, and Longfellow neighborhoods register their addresses and sale details with LCC and we provide a neighborhood map at local businesses to give shoppers a guide to all the amazing sales within one area!

The Fridley '49er Days is held each June to celebrate the year in which Fridley incorporated into a city (1949). It is hosted mostly in Commons Park, and is kicked off with a parade. There are a variety of activities for everyone in the family, including a car show hosted by Chevrolet. There are food trucks so you can buy some fun and festive food as you enjoy the activities.

Johnstock is Northeast Minneapolis's version of Woodstock for highlighting local artists every summer. They start with a family-friendly movie, and then it's tons of art, music, and food. It is sponsored by the Johnson Street Merchants, and it's been a yearly event for over a decade and a half.

Our most popular tour, this Magical History Tour, is a three-hour Segway exploration covering both sides of the fabled Mississippi River and the city’s downtown historic district. Immerse yourself in over a century of history on this six-mile adventure. Cross the graceful Stone Arch Bridge, visit the Minnesota Historical Society’s Mill City Museum for refreshments, and cruise by Gold Medal Park on the Mississippi riverfront below the world-famous Guthrie Theater. This tour sells out several times a day and is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Each of our tours starts with thirty minutes of Segway Certified Training™ by our professional guides to ensure a safe, confident experience.

The Twin Cities Pride Festival is an annual event hosted by Twin Cities Pride, a nonprofit, every year in Loring Park in June--during Pride month, of course. It has a long and storied history, and it's highly anticipated every year. There is a parade full of pomp  (and pumps) and circumstance, and it wends its way from Como Park to Loring Park, dancing down Hennepin Avenue in the meanwhile. Other activities include concerts, dancing, and the Annual Rainbow Run 5K.

The Eagan Art Festival has been around for 25 years, and it has a different theme every year. All artists are invited to submit an application, and a jury will select up to 100 artists from all over the country (but mostly the Midwest) to participate. They encourage artists from all different media to apply, and the finished products are an amalgamation of crafts, jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculptures, and so much more. At the festival itself, there will be live performers, art for sale, and the Children's Activity Tent. There will be music at the bandshell, and plenty of food to snack on as you enjoy all the arts. It takes place in Central Park.

The Stone Arch Bridge Festival is an annual arts and music festival that takes place in June at the Stone Art Bridge, of course. It's been happening for a quarter of a century, and it's a way to celebrate arts and music at a historic landmark. It is a two-day festival, usually held on Father's Day weekend. There will be arts and crafts in several different mediums, including glass, beadwork, pastels, ceramics, and more. There will be jewelry, furniture, and paintings, just to name a few. There will also be live musical performances, and there is a culinary market with plenty of food/drinks to enjoy.

The Lexington-Hamline Annual Ice Cream Social has been an annual event in July for nearly 50 years. It's a time for the members of the community to come together around a common cause--tasty ice cream. With the current situation, the event is more a 'we'll bring it to you' situation with volunteers driving around the neighborhood on a schedule to hand out the ice cream to the people in the community. The volunteers are masked up and gloved up. Since the people can't go to the ice cream, the ice cream will go to the people instead.

The Ice Cream Social & Hot Dog with a Deputy is an annual event hosted by the City at the Falcon Heights Community Park every year in July. The City recently partnered with the the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, which combined the Ice Cream Social (city-hosted) and Hot Dog with a Deputy (Sheriff's Office event). It allows for members of the community to mingle with the officers of the Sheriff's office and to have ice cream and/or a hot dog as well.

The Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration is hosted by the City in July, of course, and it's held at the Coon Rapids Ice Center & Recreation. It kicks off with a parade two days before the 4th, and it ends with one of the best fireworks displays the night of the 4th. In between these bookends are activities such as a 10k run and a 5k run/walk, carnival midway rides, and live music. It's fun for the whole family.

The Hopkins Raspberry Festival has been an annual event, the third weekend in July, since 1935. It was started as a way to bolter community during the depression at the height of raspberry-picking season. Nowadays, it brings together members of the community and celebrates everything that makes Hopkins special. There are plenty of events scheduled for the weekend, including the coronation of Raspberry Royalty, a Grande Day Parade, and a Marketplace Fair. There are food vendors who sell all kinds of fare and the festival is run by volunteers. It's a fun weekend for everyone.

The Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games is an annual event that celebrates all thing Scottish. There will be plenty to do for everyone, including heavy games such as sheaf tossing, highland dance, pipe bands, and much more. There is a Clan Row that represents many of the various Scottish clans, and it includes a parade to display the tartans of the different clans. There will be live Celtic music and a children's activity tent. The festivities will be held in Central Park.

Whiz Bang Days has been hosted in July by the City of Robbinsdale for over 70 years to celebrate all that is good in the community. There is much to enjoy, including the block party, the parade, and the fireworks. It's a festival with the parade as the culmination of everything that precedes it, and it's something that everyone in the community enjoys. The parade marches down West Broadway, and it's a sight to behold. The fireworks are in Hollingsworth Park.

Share the River Gorge has been an annual tradition since 2004, featuring an ice cream social for the whole neighborhood to enjoy. There are free canoe rides, free ice cream, and free tours, enjoyable walks in nature, and other outdoors experiences. It is sponsored by the Longfellow Community Council (LLC) and its River Gorge committee.

Crystal Frolics is an annual weekend event at Welcome Park and Becker Park at the end of July to celebrate all that makes Crystal a great place to live. There are plenty of events during the weekend for everyone in the family. There is live entertainment, including musical groups and a cheer team. The activities include the a softball tournament, free yoga, a job fair, and an LED light show. There are food trucks and vendors as well. It's a good time for everyone.

Slice of Shoreview Days is an annual festival celebrated in July at the Island Lake County Park. It was established in 1989 as a one-day celebration of a slice of life in Shoreview, reminiscent of Taste of Minnesota. The event grew and blossomed over the years, and, now, it's a three-day event that has many different fun activities. It is no longer officially sponsored by the City, but they are the biggest financial sponsor. Some of the activities included are Art in the Park, Tour de Trails, a parade, a classic car show, and so much more. There are food vendors for when you get hungry, and it'll be a good time for everyone.

Bark and Rec Day is hosted annually by the Arden Hills Park and Rec Department in July in Perry Park (which has a dog park area). It's a day filled with events that will be fun both for you and for your canine friend. The dogs can play and run while you craft adorable things for them to wear. There are free refreshments and snacks.

The Arbor Lakes Art Fair is presented by the Maple Grove Arts Center and hosted by The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes (an open shopping center) in July. Anyone can apply to participate, and the judges strive hard to include a balance of artists with different media and perspectives. There will be art of all kind, including jewelry and crafts. There will be entertainment and food, and there will be an area for children's art event which will be free.

Pan-O-Prog stands for Panorama of Progress, and it's an annual celebration of how far Lakeville has come. Pan-O-Prog is a week-long festivity, and it's happened every July for over 50 years. There is a grand parade, a carnival, cruise night and so much more. There is fun for everyone in the family, and it's a great way to meet other members of the community. Enjoy the events around Independence Day in the sunny days of a Minnesota summer.

The Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival happened for the first time in 2005 (originally called Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Festival), organized by promoter Steven Heckler, in Minneapolis. Then, it wasn't able to be held for a few years starting with 2012 because of location issues, and it landed in Mears Park in Lowerton, St. Paul, in 2014. It has become incredibly popular and grown since then, and they have included the Youth Performance Stage to highlight up-and-coming talent. Some of the acts featured throughout the years have included Shemakia Copeland, Boogie Wonderland, and Big Walter Smith.

Summer Walks Across Seward is a way to showcase all that is unique and special about the neighborhood. The walks take place once a week throughout July and August and is planned by the Seward History Committee. Each week the group, guided by a committee member, walks to different areas of significance in Seward, learning and growing as a community.

Tater Daze Festival is an annual event that has happened every year since 1964. It's to celebrate the potato and the fact that Brooklyn Park used to be one of the nation's top producers of the humble spud. The Tater Daze Festival is sponsored by the City of Brooklyn Park, and it's three days of fun for everyone. There is a parade on the first day in Noble Sports Park, and a Spud Run & Kids Fun Run in the same park on the second day. The evening activities plus the activities on the final day are at the Community Activity Center and include food, live music, teen activities, and so much more.

Bloomington's Summer Fete kicks off Independence Day with fun and festivities. It's held on July 3^rd at Normandale Lake Park, and it's hosted by the city. The fete starts with a Carnival with two stages--one for kids and the main stage. For the kids, there will be inflatable buildings for bouncy fun as well as a DJ dance party. There will be other musical performances as well to keep the kids busy and happy, and musical performances on the mains stage for the adults. There will be plenty of food, too, and a family sandcastle building competition. The fete ends with fireworks at dusk, which will send everyone home with a smile on their faces.

The Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair was dreamed up in 1998 and officially named the Anoka Riverfest in 1999 in honor of the Rum River and the Mississippi River and where they intersect. It has grown to be a highly-anticipated event every year that celebrates the artistic endeavors of local crafters. There are activities for everyone and some are specifically aimed at children, such as free spin art. There are booths with crafts to peruse and all the artists are juried. There is free live music and plenty of food to buy as well. It's a good time for the whole family.

The Northeast Food Truck Rally was started by the MN Food Truck Association in 2016 and is sponsored by Able Seedhouse & Brewery (where it's held) and Meals On Wheels. There is food from a dozen food trucks, fine crafted beers, live music, and games. The event is free, and there is a wristband fee if you intend to imbibe. All proceeds go to Meals on Wheels, which is a program that delivers food to the elderly and people with disabilities. It's a great summer event that benefits a great cause.

Minneapolis Aquatennial is an annual event in July, hosted by mpls downtown council (mdc). It started in 1940 as a way to express pride in Minneapolis and to showcase it to people around the country. It is a yearly favorite, especially the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. It's the largest Minnesota nighttime parade, and it wends it way downtown. It includes floats, bands, and displays, and it's always an amazing spectacle. There are family fun night activities in Loring Park, which includes canoe rides, tennis, and food trucks.

Lakefront Music Fest is an annual musical festival hosted by the Prior Lake Rotary Club. It is held in July in the Lakefront Park, and it was known as the Lakefront Jazz & Blues Festival until 2010. Two years later, the festival expanded to two nights--one for country and the other for classic rock. The festival is one of the most popular events in the city, and all the proceeds go to the Prior Lake Rotary Foundation. The Prior Lake Rotary Foundation gives funds to humanitarian, environmental, and educational causes.

The annual Sidewalk Sale happens every July and is a way to gather the community in a fun fashion, so to speak. Many of the local merchants are involved and it's a way to gab with your neighbors while also finding some hidden treasures to take home with you.

Richfield Red White & Blue Days is held at the Richfield American Legion Post 435 in Veterans Park, and it is to celebrate the Fourth of July. It will include the 40^th annual Richfield Red White & Blue Days parade, family night, street dancing, the 18^th annual car show, fireworks, and much much more. It's a great way for members of the community to gather and get to know each other, and to have a lot of fun while doing so.

The Anoka Food Truck Festival is an annual event that happens in July in Historic Downtown Anoka. What could be better than sampling foods from a bunch of different food trucks with various kinds of food including Indian, Japanese, local food, and much more. There are also other trucks such as a shoe shine truck and clothing trucks. In the past, the event has been paired with the Sidewalk Sale and there have been fun activities such as a tarot reader and a mechanical bull.

The International Festival of Burnsville was dreamed up in 2006 to celebrate the diversity of the city. It takes place in the Nicollet Commons Park every summer, and it has dancing and music from different cultures worldwide. There are culture displays and art exhibits, and food as well. There is also a Kids Village that has fun activities for children. Artists are invited to submit their works for the art exhibits, and they are encouraged to center their work around family and community. The food is global, and there is a raffle, too.  The festival kicks off with a parade of flags.

The Golden Valley Ice Cream Social is held every year in July at Brookview Park. In case of inclement weather, it's held at Brookview Golden Valley instead.  This has been a community event for over a decade, and a good time is had by everyone. It's a free event, and the Sebastian Joe ice cream is free as well. There will be music provided by the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, and it's a great time to catch up with friends and neighbors. Bring your own chair or blanket, and prepare to have a fun evening with the neighborhood.

Duk Duk Days is a three-day annual event that happens in July in Northwood Park. It started in 1969 and troubles at the 50th anniversary of the event led to speculation that there would be no further Duk Duk Daze. Then, the pandemic happened, but it's back in 2022 with a slate of activities that will be fun for the whole family. There is a volleyball tournament that is well-known, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Activities in the past have included an Arts & Crafts Fair, Live Music, Giant Jenga, Happy Trails Petting Zoo, and Carnival Rides, just to name a few.

The Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K is an annual event, and all proceeds go to the Wood Lake Nature Center. This is the 17^th year these events have been held, and they take place in the Richfield Ice Arena. All participants receive finisher medals and race shirts.

is a yearly weekend event held mid-summer featuring an art fair, live music, a beer tent, petting zoo, business fair, inflatable rides and games along with a 5K road race and a weiner dog race, more food than can possibly be listed, and many, many other fun festivities for the whole family.

The annual Picnic in the Park is a fun filled evening with something for everyone. This event features live a band, carnival games and a DJ for the kids, and an awesome line up of food trucks and concessions. In addition, there will be neighborhood resource booths, door prize drawings and much more fun for all ages. This will be one of the best community events of the summer - don't you dare miss it!

Minnesota's Great Get Together! This is the largest fair in the U.S. by daily attendance and 2nd largest in the U.S. by total attendance- 2nd only to Texas's fair which runs twice as long! The Minnesota State Fair is 12 days of Anything-You-Want-On-A-Stick, vendors for miles, rides, fabulous concerts, livestock exhibits and more. There's a great reason that over 2 million people attend- Come find out why!

The New Brighton Stockyard Days is a week-long celebration of New Brighton's history in the stockyard industry. The Stockyard Days started in 1981, and it is still going strong today. There are plenty of events at several different venues including a duck race at Creekview Park, a softball tournament at Lion's Park, karaoke qualifying at Adagio's Pizza Factory, and the Antique Car Run that starts in Long Lake Regional Park and goes for 120+ miles. The week starts with a parade and ends with a coronation, and there is much fun to be had in between. There are crafts and merchandise vendors in Long Lake Regional Park, and there will be concessions as well. It's a great place for family and friends to congregate and to celebrate an integral part of New Brighton's history.

Woodbury Days has been an annual event for nearly half a century, and it's a great opportunity for members of the community to gather and have fun together. It takes place in Ojibway Park, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are floats and fireworks, live music and raffles. There is a parade and there are rides, and, of course, there are foods and drinks. There is a bingo tent and there is a beer tent, and there's enough to enjoy for the entire weekend.

The Dakota County Fair is a much-anticipated annual event that happens in August. It is the largest county fair in MN and the largest fairgrounds in the state as well. There is a carnival with a ton of rides and other carnival fun. There are demolition derbies, barrel racing, and mutton busting for the kids. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the list of things to do is endless. If you like animals, you'll find plenty to love here as well. Same with food; there will be food. It's a week of fun for the whole family and friends.

is also known as the Big Corn Feed, and it's an annual community tradition. it's a night full of family entertainment such as face painting, inflatable structures to jump in, and of course, delicious corn on the cob. What could be better on a Minneapolis summer night?

takes place every August in Longfellow Park, and it has been doing so for over four decades. There is obviously corn, but there are also food trucks in addition. There are activities for kids planned as well as live entertainment and other festivities. There is a Resource Fair as well.

The Art and all that Jazz Festival first occurred in 2003, and it has grown into one of the most highly-anticipated events in Burnsville every summer. It draws over 15,000 people, and they are all eager to hear the top-notch jazz that is performed at the festival. In addition to the music, there is a variety of food, a 'petting zoo' of instruments by Groth Music, and plenty of arts and crafts being sold as well. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and listen to some groovy music at the same time.

is a nationally-recognized juried art fair held annually by the Uptown Association. It features over 350 artists from around the world in 12 different media, and no matter your taste in art, you are sure to find something you like. There is a Youth Fair that features artists between 8-18 as well, so younger artists can have exposure for their work as well. Different kinds of music is played all day long, and there is a variety of food to buy from 25 different food vendors (and beverages, too!). There is plenty more to do, including swing dancing and family activities, and there's plenty to see such as the Kitchen Window Culinary Arts Competition. The Uptown Art Fair has won several prestigious awards.

is an annual event in which the members of the community gather in order to enjoy autumn together. Who doesn't love making s'mores by a nice toasty fire while chatting with their neighbors? There is also a bouncy house and a food truck. In addition, you can vote for members of the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council while you're there.

The Kaala Art Show is presented every year by the Hindu Society of Minnesota, and it's a way for them to interact with members of the community. Anyone is invited to submit an original artwork in any medium, and the winners will be shown in an art exhibit at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota is August. There will be a vote among all the people who visit the art exhibit for their favorite pieces, and there will be winners determined by this vote. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Hindu Temple.

PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture is a yearly festival celebrating the different cultures within the community. It's held at different venues including the Eden Prairie Community Center, the Staring Lake Park Amphitheater, and the Eden Prairie Art Center. Some of the programs include a performance from the Somali Dance Troupe, Salsa del Sol, and Muslims in Minnesota: Many Cultures, One Community. There are also library-related events. In addition, there are different camps for activities from around the world. There is something for everyone here.

The Tour de Tonka is an annual bike ride through in August through the west metro. It started in 2006 with 816 riders and has grown to nearly 3,500 people who eagerly anticipate it every year. There are several rides, including The Family Ride (16 miles), The Road Trip (42 miles) and Tonka Century (100) miles among others. It is run by the Minnesota Public Schools and a portion of the proceeds are given to the ICA Food Shelf. The MPS takes their responsibility to provide safe routes seriously and makes sure to emphasize that it's a ride, not a race. There are rest stops along the way, filled with music and refreshments! It's fun for the whole family.

The  St. Anthony VillageFest first occurred in 1989, and it's a weekend of fun, frolic, and festivities to celebrate all the things that make St. Anthony Village unique and a great place to live. There are a ton of activities, ranging from the Classic Car Get Together that kicks off the festival to the Kiwanis Waffle Breakfast that signals the end of the festivities. Other activities include the VillageFest Parade, the 5K Fun Run, the Bean Bag Tournament, and fireworks. There are also musical performances, food and beer vendors, and a petting zoo. Most of the activities take place in Central Park.

Braham Pie Day began in July of 1990 as a pie and ice cream social, funded by a Celebrate Minnesota tourism grant. In 1992 the date changed to the first Friday in August. The event has grown to include crafter’s,a small quilts display, recycled pie tin art contest, antique bicycle, and car show. Tusen Tack’s fashion show, performances and demonstrations from folk artists, storytellers, and musicians. There are also pie baking and pie eating contests, as well as a pie trivia contest.
We serve over 1100 homemade and artisan pies.

A wonderful summer get-together, including a car show!

Nickel Jamboree is hosted at Commons Park and is a way to harken back to the old timey days when things cost under a dollar. There will be plenty of activities for everyone, including face painting, hayrides, popcorn and drinks, puppet shows, and carnival games. There isa a punch pass available for five bucks, and you do not need to sign up ahead of time. It's fun for people of all ages.

The best regionally juried art fair for nearly three decades takes place right in South Minneapolis in picture-perfect Powderhorn Park. It attracts artists from twenty-six states and 216 cities making it a local and regional favorite. The success of the fair comes from PPNA’s long-standing collaboration with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and a portion of proceeds support youth programming at Powderhorn Park.

Lakefront Days is a summer celebration that takes place in Lakefront Park every August. It was established in 1984, and it's now a two-day fest that is jam-packed with activities for everyone to enjoy. These activities have in the past included wine tasting, a parade, a carnival, a silent auction, live music, a medallion hunt, and so much more. It's a fun way to get to know your neighbors while also having a good time.

The Minnesota State Fair, also known as The Great Minnesota Get-Together, is an annual event that happens in late August/early September at the Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights. Roughly 2 million people attend every year, and there is a dazzling array of events available for the fair-goers. In other words, there is definitely something for everyone. There are barns full of animals, carnival rides, and exhibitions. There is live music and other performances, including the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals. Of course, the star of the show is the variety of food offered, everything from the classic cheese curds to everything possible on a stick, including tater tots, alligator, teriyaki ostrich, and a scotch egg. It is fun for everyone in the family.

The Highwood Performance Series is a weekly series in the month of August and is hosted by the East Side Area Business Association (ESABA). It's a series that focus on local artistic talent, ranging from taiko drumming to African and African American storytelling, and much more. These events are outdoors at the Highwood Hills Recreation Center  so be sure to bring a chair to sit on and a picnic if you want to eat during them.

The Landmark of Fridley Annual Car Show is an annual car show, obviously, that is held at The Landmark of Fridley in August. It is a way to have fun while viewing classic cars and eating hot dogs and chips, and then ice cream. The Northstar Camaro Club help out in putting on this event, and it's enjoyable for members of the community.

This year’s Monarch Festival will occur on Saturday, September 7, 2019, from 10 am to 4 pm. The Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, hands-on art, native plant sales and plenty of opportunities to get up close with monarch butterflies, learn about their habitats, and what you can do to make a difference.

Not Your Grandma's Garage Sale! Come shop Minnesota's largest rummage sale at the State Fair Grounds, at the new West End Market!

The Burnsville Fire Muster has been around officially since 1980, but the seeds of it were sown in the late 1970s by one man, Roger Jackson, who collected fire equipment, and his friends. They planned an annual summer event where they showed the fire equipment to the neighborhood children, and it was always a rousing success. In 1980, Jackson suggested a fire muster when the city was looking for a city-wide celebration. His suggestion was accepted, and it's been a staple of the summer ever since. Over the years, it's grown and expanded, and there is fire equipment from all over the Midwest. In addition, there is food, a parade, and an activity area for children. There is a fun time to be had by everyone in the community.

The City-Wide Garage Sale is hosted by the City, of course, every year in September. The process is simple in that everyone who wants to participate holds a garage sale on the same day (or more) and has a sign, flag, or balloons out front to signify that they are participating in the event. The City will advertise which houses are taking part as well. It's a like a neighborhood treasure hunt, which benefits everyone involved.

The Annual Lebanese Festival has been happening for nearly 30 years, and it's hosted by St. Maron's Catholic Church. It's a weekend in September of Lebanese food, Arabic music, and convivial drinks. There is also a traditional Middle Eastern Market, a silent auction, and a raffle. There's plenty for the children as well, including games, treats, and an inflatable slide. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

Inver Grove Heights Days is an extravaganza celebrating the community, spread over four days in September. There are a ton of activities prepared, including a treasure hunt that lasts all weekend, bean bag & volleyball tournaments, Bike the Bridges, a street dance, a pet contest, and a classic car show. There will be a royal coronation, a kids court with activities such as music and face painting, and there will be more practical activities such as a public safety display and a blood drive. Everyone is welcome to come and have a good time.

The Edina Fall into the Arts Festival is held at Centennial Lakes Park, and all proceeds go to the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. It is held in September to celebrate the beauty of autumn. It has happened for the past decade and a half, and it's grown steadily in size every year. Hundreds of artists and vendors display and sell their wares, and the setting is as vibrant as the art. The many different kinds of media include fiber arts, wood, jewelry, and photography.

You can easily spend an entire day with us at our festival and even pick up your pumpkins, gourds, squash, apples, and honey locally grown and produced by our family on your way out!

Bloomington Heritage Days has been held every September since 2010 to celebrate the rich heritage of Bloomington. It started with one man's vision (Tom Kendall) after he visited his wife's hometown year after year and watched the grand parade the town had every year. He decided to bring the idea of celebrating the heritage of a city back to Bloomington, and thus, in 2010, the first annual Bloominton Heritage Days was celebrated. A parade was added in 2012 and has been a community favorite ever since. The festivities include dancing, live music, other performances, food, activities for children, and much more. It is held on the grounds of the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church and School.

Tapped & Uncorked is an annual event hosted by the Friends of Roseville Parks (under the name Pour for Parks)  as a way to raise money for the betterment of the local parks. It is held in the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, and there is a general admission ticket that includes unlimited responsible sampling of wines, ciders, and beers. There will also be food trucks (not included in the general admission price), and the return of the ever-popular Human Foosball is confirmed. There will be live music all night long, so you can dance as you sample the drinks--all in the name of a good cause.

The Lakeville Art Festival is one of the best arts festivals in the south metro, and it's held in the Lakeville Area Arts Center in the third weekend of September. There are over a hundred artists featured (juried), and the booths are arranged attractively to catch the passersby's eyes. In addition, there are art exhibits, performances, a Youth Art Tent, wonderful food, and more. It's a good way for the community to come together to support the arts and to have a fun time while doing it.

Every other September, the Seward neighborhood celebrates a much anticipated festival at Matthews Park known as King’s Fair. This eclectic family-friendly event features costume parade, artwork by our creative community, interesting history about our neighborhood, and plenty of fun activities organized by our local businesses and neighbors.

The St. Louis Park Art Fair is a new tradition that has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Over sixty local artists were featured in the first one, and the art fair showcased the different talents of the community. It is held at the Recreation Outdoor Center in The Rec Center, and the contact point is Alysha Boie, a local creator who is using a St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grant to host the art fair. The different mediums include woodworking, painting, baked goods, and crocheting. There will be a community art project and food trucks as well. If you are a lover of arts, you'll want to check out this art fair.

The Wild Rice Festival is a celebration of Native American culture, the Minnesotan history of harvesting, and wild rice, and it's hosted by the Harriet Alexander Nature Center in September. The food has been supplied by Pow Wow Grounds (a partner of the event), including fry bread, wild rice brats, and wild rice yogurt parfait. There will be food trucks as well. The programming is the past has included Native American cooking demos, Little Thunderbirds Drum & Dance Troupe Village Games, Bluedog Native Blues Band, and traditional crafts.

is going to the dogs in the best of possible ways. It's an annual puppy fest sponsored by the Linden Hills Business Association and several other co-hosts. It's a highly-anticipated yearly event when all the pooches in the neighborhood come out to play. There are more than 40 booths in the Woodstock Exhibition. There is live music that is guaranteed to make your hound howl in glee. There are internet-famous dogs who will gladly race about with the local dogs. If you are a dog lover, this is definitely the event for you.

The Fall Festival is hosted by Pahl's Market to kick off the fall with a bang. There will be a corn pit and a straw maze for the enjoyment of everyone, and there will be a bouncy castle for the little ones. They will also have face painting, story time, and sampling of apples and salsa. It's a fun time for everyone and a way to welcome the changing of the leaves and the cooling of the weather.

The Blaine WorldFest is hosted by the city every year in September at the Tom Ryan Park. The city enjoys recognizing and celebrating the growing diversity in the city. It is a popular eventevery year with over 2,000 people attending in 2022. There are different activities from different cultures, and the activities include music, dance, demonstrations, cultural learning booths, and food from a variety of cultures. The event is free.

PawPADS Going to the Dogs! is an annual event hosted by PawPADS (Pawsitive Perspective Assistance Dogs in September, and it's free to the public. It is held in the Lakeville Area Arts Center and service dogs are welcome to attend. It is a family fundraiser picnic, and there is an art sale and a silent auction. There are concessions with food, yard games, and group painting activities for which you can preregister. The proceeds go to PawPads to match service dogs with people who need them. This is a fun way to support a great cause.

The Monarch Festival is a particular favorite of the community. It is a celebration of the monarch butterfly and its Mexican heritage. Children are encouraged to dress up as butterflies; there is Latin food, a parade, art activities, and the University of Minnesota even brings in real butterflies for the event. This usually takes place at the beginning of September.

Glow Dash is a new event that is hosted in Garlough Park in September. It's fun for the whole family, and it's a 1.36 mile 'dash' that you can walk, run, jog, or push a stroller through the lit up path. You'll want to put on your best glow gear as you do the dash, and participants will get a glow swag bag as a nice treat. There will be refreshments after the dash as well.

The Tiger Tracks 5K and family Run/Walk/Roll is hosted by the Minnesota Zoo and starts at the Shady Oaks Picnic Area in the zoo, continuing along the trails within the zoo. The proceeds go to benefit the animals, and it's a good time for the whole family. If you participate, you get free admission to the zoo on the day of the race and a free t-shirt, too. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you helped the wildlife around you.

The Heart of the City Race started in 2012 and became A Run to Remember two years later after a tragic event for one of the founders, Trish Wehling. Participants are encouraged to celebrate the lives of lost loved ones, and all proceeds go to the Kids Feeding Kids program (Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities). The races are 5K, 10K, and 15K, and they wend their way through the Heart of the City streets. The HOTC Race is always the first Saturday after Labor Day.

The Golden Valley Arts & Music Festival is an annual festival sponsored by Golden Valley Arts at the Golden Valley City Hall campus. It's a way to celebrate the local artists while having a ton of fun doing so. It's been celebrated for over 15 years, and it's in September. On the arts side, anyone can apply, and it's a juried show. For the festival itself, there is plenty to do for everyone. There is a parade, live music, food trucks, and beer and wine. There are kids activities as well, so the younger set will have fun, too.

The Harvest Festival is an annual event that takes place at the CityPlace Shopping center. It is free to the public, and there is plenty to do for everyone. For the younger set, there is face painting, a prize wheel, games, and free pumpkins (while they last) for kids up to ten years old. There will be crafts and other activities for the adults, and it will be a good time for all.

The Coon Rapids Love My Pet Fair is hosted by the City and is a fairly recent annual event that happens in September. It is held in Riverview Park, and all well-behaved pets are invited to attend. There will be plenty of fun activities, including a smart pet tricks contest, a sidewalk chalk art contest, a pet parade and contest for best-dressed pet, and a K9 agility demo. It will be a great time for all people and animals involved.

The Candy Crawl is a fun Halloween event that takes place, of course, in October. It starts at City Hall where a Candy Crawl map is handed out so that you can see all the businesses participating in the crawl. At the City Hall, there is trick-or-treating as well as voting on decorated pumpkins. The fun times continue at the Police Station and Prior Lake Library, and then to dozens of businesses after that. It is fun for kids of all ages, and it's free to kids in costumes who are accompanied by an adult.

Spooky Sanborn is a celebration of Halloween that was started in 2021 and will hopefully become a yearly favorite. There will be several family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy, including movies,  crafts, and trunk-or-treating, The last includes decorated tables spread around the park and candy. There will also be two contests--pumpkin decorating and costumes. It should be an enjoyable evening for the whole family.

The East Side Neighborhood Services sponsor this annual fall event in which they provide food, craft beers, and live music. It is a time for community members to gather, have fun together, and play hammerschlagen while eating and drinking. All the proceeds go to the East Side Neighborhood Services so they can continue to help out the community.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon was started in 1982 and was an instant hit. It's since been called, "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America", and it strives to live up to its moniker. It is planned and executed by Twin Cities in Motion, and it occurs in October every year. The marathon starts near the US Bank Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis and ends at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Thousands of people participate every year, and everyone who finishes receives a medal that is not revealed until after the marathon concludes. It is a highly-anticipated marathon that attracts runners from around the country.

The Pumpkin Fest is an annual event in October that has been organized by the 50th & France Business and Professional Association for nearly four decades. It's to celebrate the autumn and Halloween, and it's a good time for everyone in the family. There are plenty of activities, such as Mystery Box & Bath Bombs (by Lush), live performances by Hearts Performing Arts, a costume competition and parade, and face painting. There is also an area for trick-or-treating for the kids so they can romp around in their costumes and get lots of sweet treats.

Strange things are astir at Valleyfair! On select nights, the fun takes a terrifying turn as the park transforms into ValleySCARE, the upper Midwest’s largest Halloween event. With more than 75 rides, haunted mazes, scare zones and monsters prowling the park, there is something to satisfy everyone’s devilish desire. Note: Halloween Haunt attractions are “Rated PG-13” and not intended for kids under 13 years of age.

The Halloween Hoopla is a new tradition that takes place in Ojibway Park. It is an afternoon fun for the little ones, and it's sure to put a smile on everyone's face. The kids are encouraged to attend in costumes, and there will be a secret judge who will give away prizes. There will be trick-or-treating in the parking lot, and there will be mini pumpkins hidden so the kids can find them and then decorate them. There is a small entrance fee for each child, and the suggested ages are 3 - 8.

Trunk or Treat is a fun alternative to Trick or Treat. This one is held in Mercy Hill Church around Halloween and they like to see how many trunks they can get involved. The more the merrier, of course. The trunks are decorated and there is candy to be had. While the kids are enjoying the trunk-or-treating, there will be hot drinks and pizza which can be enjoyed by everyone.

Halloween in Hopkins is an annual event that takes place in October, of course. It's hosted by the Hopkins Business and Civic Association, JCI Hopkins, and the City of Hopkins. There is plenty for the kids to do, including trick-or-treating from the small businesses, kids games, and a haunted drive. It's the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season.

Burwell Spooktacular is a yearly Halloween event hosted by the City of Minnetonka in the historic Burwell House right before Halloween. It is under their Entertainment in the Park category, and it's an annual favorite. It's recommended for kids under 12, who should come in costumes, of course. It's free and family-friendly, with a scavenger hunt, story telling, treats, and so much fun for the whole family.

LCC Autumn's Winter Warming Party happens every year, though the name may change. It's a good way to get to see what the members of the Longfellow Community Council do behind the scenes, as well as chat with your neighborhoods while sampling tasty holiday treats. It is held by the LLC.

Boo Bash and Trick-or-Treating is an annual Halloween event hosted by the Inver Grove Heights Park and Rec and by the City of Inver Grove Heights in October. It is held in the National Guard Armory Gymnasium at the Veterans Memorial Community Center. It has been a community favorite for nearly 20 years, and it's a great way to enjoy a family-friendly night of fun spooks. The kids are invited to come in costume, and there will be trick or treating. There will be food, crafts, and games as well, so everyone will have a good time.

Trunk & Treat is a yearly Halloween activity hosted by the Cornerstone Church. It's held in their parking lot, naturally, and adults are encouraged to decorate their trunks and dress up in a fanciful costume. They offer other activities some years, once it was Saturday morning cartoons. It's a fun way for the whole family to enjoy Halloween.

Arts in Autumn is held in West Palmer Park in October to celebrate autumn--and art. This event is free and family-friendly. There will be artistic activities music, refreshments and treats, and the opportunity to take picttures. Autumn in Minnesota is dazzling, and this is the perfect way to appreciate the season.

The Autumn Art & Craft Fair is an annual art fair that is hosted by Elevat and Hope Christian Church in October. It is also held at the Hope Christian Church, and it's a way to get a jump on your Christmas shopping.  There are several arts and craft vendors who sell homemade crafted items, such as jewelry, knits, and wood carvings. You can buy something for yourself or for someone else, and it's a wonderful way to support local crafts people who are fair trade.

The Halloween Monster Mash (formerly the Boo Bash) is held annually at City Hall in October, and it's fun for the whole family. Come in costumes and win prizes. There is also ghost bingo, pumpkin carving, carnival games, and a pizza dinner. Put on your favorite costume and have a great time.

Halloween Party is an annual celebration in October to celebrate the autumnal season. It's at Centennial Park and sponsored by Brooklyn Center Recreation. It's a family-fun event with trick-or-treating along the trail. There will be booths with volunteers who will hand out treats. There will be BOOgie-ing in the ampitheater, which should be enjoyabel for everyone. There is a limit of 300 tickets to be sold, so get them early.

Fall Storybook Trail is an event that happens in October at Bassett Creek Park and is hosted by the City of Crystal's Recreation Deportment. The idea is to have a nice autumn walk on the trail while a story is being read out loud. It's a fun way for families to enjoy the crisp air and a good story.

Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka is known as the Halloween Capital of the World because it is known to have thrown the first public Halloween celebrations in America is 1920. Anoka Halloween is a nonprofit dedicated to making the celebration joyous and fun for everyone every year. The festivities have included the Grande Day parade, house decorating contests, costume contests, races, and much more.

The Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) is an annual event that is highly anticipated all year round by local movie buffs. The members of TCFF are passionate about supporting the visual arts in the community and about nurturing local talent. They show fresh and innovative films that you won't be able to see anywhere else. They have short films as well as more standard-length movies, and they include films from all around the country. They have several programs and events to promote film-making, including Filmmaker Academy: Free Day For Youth, TCFF Film Fellows Program, and panels, workshops, and college fairs. If you are a movie buff, this film festival is for you. The office is located in The Shops at West End.

The annual Halloween Bonfire is hosted by the City in October, and it is held in the vacant lot behind Mendota Plaza. It is free to the public, and it's a fun way to catch up with the neighbors around a roaring fire. There will be hot dogs and pop available, and the City will provide oak pallets for building the fire. Participants should not bring brush for this purpose.

The Cooper Art and Craft Fair is held at Robbinsdale Cooper High School and is sponsored by the New Hope Women of Today. The fair is filled with artists in several different media, including glass, wood, canvas, and more. There are many items available for purchase, including (but not restricted to) prints, candles, and jewelrly.

The Haunted Forest Festival is an annual event hosted by the City of Lakeville at Steve Michaud Park in celebration of all things spooky. There are ghouls, ghosts, and goblins at every turn, and the suggested age is 9 and older because of the spooks. They also have a maze for the trick-or-treaters, bonfires and puppet shows, hayrides, food (concessions, cash only), and warming drinks. Costumes are encouraged and a good time will be had by all.

The Annual Sun Ray Spooktacular is held in October at the Sun Ray Shopping Center and hosted by the Southeast Community Organization along with the Ramsey County 4-H. It's a Halloween event that promises a fun time for the entire family. The activities include trick or treating for the kids who are in sixth grade or younger as well as other family-friendly activities. There will be music provided by the Twin Cities Radio Network.

Pumpkin Night in the Park is a Halloween tradition at the Springbrook Nature Cener that has been enjoyed by up to 4,000 people in the community every year. It's in October to celebrate autumn in all its colorful glory. There are a thousand carved pumpkins dotting the trail, lit, so they will guide the visitors as well as being festive. There are food trucks and live entertainment. There are costumed volunteers as well. There is a campfire to warm yourself, and there is fun to be had by the entire family.

St. Louis Park is including the Little Goblin Bash in their annual Halloween party this year. It will be held at The Rec Center and the ROC. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy the festive activities. DJ Bob will be spinning the spooky tunes, so put on your best dancing shoes if you are attending. There will also be carnival games as well as trick-or-treating on the Mother's Nature Trail with cheerful characters in animal costumes. There will be food supplied by Lunds & Byerlys, and the evening will end with a puppet show. It will be a scarily fun time for everyone in the family.

Drive Thru Halloween Party is sponsored by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and the Battle Creek Recreation Center in October at the Battle Creek Recreation Center. Well, outside the building, at any rate. It was a trick-or-treat situation of a sort with the cars lining up for bags of goodies. The children were encouraged to dress up for added jollity and cheer.

The West St. Paul Halloween Extravaganza is an annual event on Halloween, and it is fun for the whole family. It takes place in Harmon Park, and the festivities include a trick-or-treat trail, a costume contest, a photo booth so everyone's creative costumes can be captured on film. The winning of the coloring contest will also be announced, and there are bonfires and free hot dogs. Food donations are accepted.

The Winter Lighting Ceremony takes place every year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, a tradition for over 20 years, and it's about bringing some warmth to the community during the coldness of the winter. The ceremony takes place at Nicollet Commons Park, but the lighting happens all over the Heart of the City with over 200,000 mini-lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes, and a 30-foot-tall tree awash with lights. It is sponsored by the Burnsville Community Foundation, who have made it possible through donations from businesses and residents.

The Salem Covenant Church Arts and Crafts Fair is an annual event that showcases the artistic talents of the community just in time to get a jump on holiday shopping. In addition to the arts vendors, there will concessions and a bake sale as well. It's highly-anticipated every year, and an event that the whole family can enjoy. All proceeds go to the Salem Covenant Church Youth Mission Trip/CHIC fund.

Holiday in Hopkins is an annual event that takes place on Small Business Sunday in November and is hosted by Hopkins Business and Civic Association (HBCA). It kicks off the holiday season and is a party in the streets (Mainstreet, to be precise). There are plenty of activities for everyone. Past activities have included ornament decoration, an art scavenger hunt, wagon rides, Santa Claus, and much more.

The New Brighton Art & Gift Boutique is an annual event that is a great way to get the bulk of your holiday shopping done as it occurs in November. It is held in the Banquet Room at the Eagles Club, and it's a great way to highlight and support local artists. The products include baked goods, jewelry, stained glass art, carved items, crocheted items, and so much more.

The Central Park Art Fair is held to showcase local artists and to support the arts in the community. There will be paintings, pottery, jewelry, and crafts available for your perusal and purchase. It's a great way to find gifts in time for the holiday season while simultaneously supporting the local artists.

Seward Spread Joy Fund (SNG headquarters, 2323 E Franklin Ave., 612-338-6205 x119) is an anonymously donated fund that is given to a community member every year to give them a meaningful experience they otherwise couldn't afford. Members of the Seward neighborhood must apply and every November, the $1,000 prize is given to an applicant that desires to do something that would otherwise be outside their budget, and guidelines as to appropriate ideas for application are outlined on their website page. The Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG) coordinates the practical aspects of the donation.

The Plymouth Arts Fair is an annual event scheduled for the end of November. It features more than 30 local and regional artists, and it's a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping. The art fair has many different mediums on display, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and much more. There will be live music as well as activities for the children. It's a great way to spend the day with family and/or friends.

The Tonka Turkey Trot has been an annual event for over a decade. It's held the morning of Thanksgiving and it starts--and ends--at Minnetonka High School. It's a USATF-certified 5K course that runs through the nearby neighborhoods. It's a much-anticipated race that is enjoyed by many people before their Thanksgiving activities. After the race, there are snacks, music, and a photo booth you can visit before continuing with your Thanksgiving Day.

LoLa Art Crawl is the art crawl hosted by the League of Longfellow artists since 2009. It's one of the best lesser-known art crawls in the Twin Cities, and it's attended by thousands every year. Last year, they had over a hundred artists at more than sixty sites, including businesses and backyards. If you are an art lover, then you have to check it out.

The Minnesota Bluegrass Fall Jam is an annual music festival in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in November. There are theme jams with a variety of people, including Clawhammer Mike, Eric Platt & Pamela Longtine, and Mable Houle, among others. There are also workshops on techniques such as fiddle bowing, playing the bass, and how to take care of wood instruments. Some of the live acts include The Canote Brothers, The Pale Ales, and Lil Rev. The weekend is a paean to the blues, and it's enjoyable for the whole family.

Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair takes place in the middle of November. The fair represents the work of 48 different indie artists and crafters. Admission is free but there are many items that are showcased and even for sale such as jewelry, art, ceramics, sweets, woodwork, soaps, textile glass, paper goods, candles and more. This gives artists a chance to showcase their work and it involves the whole community. Combined with this event is the Lake Nokomis Craft Crawl. This crawl takes participants to three different locations, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minnehaha United Methodist Church, and Nokomis Square Coop to make, buy and sell crafts. These are the main ways that NENA contributes to the artistic bent of the community. Live music also takes place in several restaurants and at special events.

The Winter Celebration is an annual event celebrated in late November in the Tom Ryan Park and tinside Blaine City Hall. In Tom Ryan Park, there will be the Winter Holiday Celebrtion that starts with the lighting of the park by former mayor, Tom Ryan. There will be live holiday music inside city hall, s'mores by the fire, and more. There will also be a kids shopping spree inside City Hall. Admission into the event is free.

At the end of November each year is the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Oxendale’s Market. The community Christmas tree is lit up at this time and then there is free root beer, an opportunity to get your picture with Santa and free books for children. This is a fun event for the community to welcome in the Christmas season.

This magnificent 36,000 sqft home was built in 1891 by James J Hill. Hill made his fortune in the rail road, and purchased the lots on Summit Avenue for it's commanding view of St. Paul. He built the house using state of the art technology back in those days, incorporating electric lighting and a unique ventilation / heating system. This Richardsonian Romanesque style home is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a museum worth visiting.

The Secret Holiday Shop is an annual event in early December to prepare kids for the holidays. It is held in the Dakota Lounge in Thompson Park. Kids are brought by their parents or guardians, and there are volunteers to help the kids while the parents/guardians wait in a nearby area. There are tickets for 50 cents each, and all the items are between 50 cents and $12. The gifts include things like coffee mugs, and they will be wrapped for the kids at the end of the visit.

DecemBRRR Dazzle is a celebration of the winter holidays hosted by the City in December, naturally. It is held at Lakefront Park, and there is a Santa (with a few of his reindeer) available for pictures with the kids. There is plenty to do and see including ice carving demonstrations, mini-golf, a bonfire with the fire department, and more.  There will be concessions sold as well as a collection of new youth winter clothing and new unwrapped toys for the CAP Agency and the Tree of Warmth. It's a great way to warm up on a chilly Minnesota Winter evening.

Crystal Light Show is a Christmas light show that is staged in, of course, December for the Christmas holiday. It's hosted by a Crystal family because their kids love Christmas lights, and it runs through the whole month of December. There is a coordinated radio show at the same time belting out jolly Christmas music. It's a sight to see and enjoy.

Holiday Lights on York Ave, also known as the Schultz Family Lights, aka the Christmas Show is put on by the Schultz family every Christmas on, yes, York Avenue. They put on a display that is highlighted every night for a month. They fill their yard with plastic Santas, other Christmas characters, and roughly 90,000 lights. They coordinate with 91.5 FM to play "The Rocking Rudolph" throughout the night. In addition, they collect food every night for the Merrick Food Shelf, which supports needy families in the Greater East Side. It's a way to both enjoy the holiday festivities and help those in need at the same time.

Snow Many Traditions is an annual event in December held at the Brooklyn Center Community Center to celebrate winter traditions from around the world. It's a free, drop-in, family-friendly event in which you can stroll around te displays and take pictures with your family members. Santa will be there for the kids; there's a magic show and crafts; and you can enjoy a cup of cocoa with a treat. It's a great way to enjoy (inside!) the winter wonderland.

The Minnesota Hmong New Year was celebrated for the first time in 1979 and is now an annual event in late November/early December. It is hosted by The United Hmong Family, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting Hmong culture. St. Paul has the largest Hmong population of any city in the United States, and the Minnesota Hmong New Year is a great way to highlight this fact. There are vendors who dispense food, flowers, and other merchandise. There are also opportunities to have your picture taken, toss a ball, and participate in other ways.  There is a dance competition, a singing competition, and an essay contest as well.

Mall of America® invites you to Skate the Star presented by UCare! Bring your friends, family + coworkers to skate at the MOA® north entrance around the iconic star sculpture from Saturday, December 8 – Monday, February 18. *All skaters must complete waivers before skating. Minors under the age of 18 must have waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers are available on-site.
A drivers license, state ID card or $20 deposit is required for skate rental. *Student ID's will not be accepted.
Please be aware of the Parental Escort Policy. These policies apply to the Ice Rink.

Seward Winter Frolic & Art Crawl is an art crawl that takes place every December throughout Seward neighborhood for a weekend, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). It's an event in which members of the community can view the work of many different local artists, including music, dance, painting, and more. It's a festive time in which everyone can come together and enjoy the creativity of the neighborhood.

The Holiday Craft Fair is an annual event hosted by the Harriet Alexander Nature Center, and it's located at City Hall. It is in the 16th year, and it's a great way to meet some creative local people and get your holiday shopping done at the same time. All the proceeds from the vendor fees go to the Harriet Alexander Nature Center. There will jewelry, photography, handmade crafts, pottery and sculptures, jams and jellies, and more.

The Crystal Winerfest is an annual event hosted by the City of Crystal in December in the Crystal Community Center. It's a way to celebrate winter with fun outdoor activities such as a horse-drawn hayride, a candy cane hunt, an outdoor petting zoo, and more. there will be refreshments you can buy as well, and Santa will be there. The whole family will have a good time at this event.

Christmas Crafts is hosted by the Presbyterian Church of the Way in their church as part of their Christmas activities. It occurs in December, and it's a fun way for kids and adults to unleash their creative side just in time for the holidays. PCOTW provides the materials and there is a $5 fee ($20 for the family) to cover for the materials. It's a low-key way to have a good time being creative and to get a jump-start on the holiday season.

Breakfast With Santa is an annual event that takes place at the City Hall in December. There will be a North Pole breakfast which includes fruit, juice, and donuts. There will also be a variety of games to play and activities to participate in. At the end of the breakfast, you can have your picture taken with Santa in order to remember the day.

The U.G.L.Y. Sweater Dash is exactly what the name implies--a race in ugly sweaters. It's in December with the celebrated ugly Christmas sweater tradition, and most participants go all-out in pairing their ugly sweaters with other holiday-related attire. It's a 5K race that runs through Louisiana Oaks Park and by the lighted trees of Oak Hill Park, and a good time is had by all who run. The Park Tavern is one of the sponsors, and they generously offer their location as a place for the runners to gather and warm up after the race. Dig out your ugliest sweater and join in the fun.

St. Anthony Winter in the Village is an annual event that celebrates the joys of winter in St. Anthony Village. It is held at the St. Anthony Shopping Center. There is a very popular trolley ride, and some of the other ongoing activities include the Happy Feet Scavenger Hunt, hot chocolate and food sampling, painting, and S'mores. There are activities at specific times, such as making snowflakes out of recycled books, meeting Santa, and a snowball fight. The hosts urge attendants to bring a wrapped gift to donate to seniors. Select stores have collection barrels for this specific purpose.

The Christmas Boutique is an annual event that is hosted by the Guardian Angels Catholic Community in December. It is a two-day event (a weekend), and it's enjoyed by members of the  community. Many artists and crafters apply to be venders every year. There is a bake sale with cookies and other baked goods, hot chocolate, carolers, and Santa Claus.

Santa's Workshop is a yearly event at the Battle Creek Recreation Center in December, right before Christmas. It's hosted by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Battle Creek Recreation Center. Kids between the ages of 5 and 18 are invited to come and buy gifts for all the special people in their lives. They gifts are all $1 and they can spend up to $10. There is an area for the adults to wait in while the kids search for the perfect gifts. All presents will be wrapped by the staff.

The 2nd Annual Joyful Gifts Holiday Market! Vendor and Craft Show! will be held at the Valleywood Golf Course in December so you can get all your holiday shopping done. The event will showcase South Metro talent and creativity. It will be hosted by South Metro Events of Minnesota, and it'll be a fun time for everyone.

Holidazzle has been a yearly winter staple that happens in November/December. The first one occurred in 1992 and was thought up as a way to bring people downtown to shop during the holiday season. It's hosted by the mpls downtown council. It used to be a triumphant parade up and down the Nicollet Mall, including floats, and it has recently moved to Loring Park with a broader array of activities. Now, it's less of a parade and more of a gathering to meet and celebrate all that makes Downtown Minneapolis unique. The activities include musical performances, movies, and visits from Santa Claus.

Christmas is a magical time, one in which you want to bestow good fortune on those around you. That is what the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train does as it wends its way across the country, gathering food and raising money. It donates its profits to local food banks, which adds to the Christmas cheer for those in need of a boost. It stops at the New Hope Ice Arena along its way, providing entertainment for the whole family.

Winter Wonderland is an annual event hosted by the City of Oakdale and the Oakdale Recreation Center. It is held at the Oakdale Discovery Center in December, and it is free to all members of the public. There are plenty of activities planned as a way to celebrate winter. These activities include hayrides, a petting zoo, a candy cane hunt, and more. There will be a visit from Santa, too. It's a fun event for everyone in the family.

The Shakopee Holiday Fest is celebrated every year in December as a way to kick off the winter holidays. It's in the open streets of Downtown Shakopee, and there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. There are fireworks and the lighting of the tree. There is a parade through the open streets, and there will be a vendor market as well. Plus, there will be pictures with Santa for the little ones.

Annual Tree Lighting and Sing Along is a yearly event, naturally, that happens every December in celebration of the holidays. It's usually the first Tuesday in December and it happens at City Hall. There are refreshments to keep you warm, a singalong, and the highlight is the lighting of the enormous tree. It's a great start to the holiday season and is enjoyed by the entire community.

the Night Before New Year’s Eve has been a popular event in NENA for 16 years now. On December 30th there is a big party that is both free and kid friendly to celebrate the coming New Year. There is always music, games, food, hayrides, a photo booth, marshmallow roasting and even a countdown. This is great for parents that want to celebrate the New Year with their small children and still go out on New Year’s Eve.