Sample St. Paul: July 2024

Children’s Museum
10 7th St. W.
St. Paul
651-225-6000
mcm.org
Monsters on Summer Vacation – Monsters of all shapes and sizes are spending their summer vacation at the museum. Maneuver through the monster obstacle course, show off your best moves at the monster disco, feed the giant monster and more.
Other exhibits include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” Tickets are $16 on weekdays and $19 weekends. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited. The next free date is July 7.

History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul
651-259-3000
mnhs.org
“Reframing our Stories” is featured through October 2025. The exhibit was created from a decades-old box of photographs simply labeled “Indians.” Inside the box were dozens of pictures of Native community members, organizations, activities, and events that are relevant today.
“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic and contemporary photographs, maps, and artifacts that show how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.
Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.

History Theatre
30 E. 10th St.
St. Paul
651-292-4323
Historytheatre.com
“Glensheen” is presented through July 14. Set in 1977, this dark musical unravels the mystery of an heiress and her night nurse who are found dead in the Glensheen mansion in Duluth. Tickets start at $30.

Landmark Center
75 5th St. W.
St. Paul
651-292-3225
landmarkcenter.org
Climb to the Top, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, July 3. Enjoy a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes exploration of Landmark Center’s North Tower and a bird’s eye view of downtown. Accessible only via stairs, 61 steps total from the 6th floor landing to the top, or 198 stairs from the first floor. Free.
Music on the Cortile concerts, held noon-1 p.m.: Courtney Burton, Wednesday, July 10; Clare Doyle, Wednesday, July 24. Free.
Woodturning demonstration in the Gallery of Wood Art, 1-4 p.m., Sunday, July 21. Free.
Human/Nature: Photographs from Western National Parks & Monuments is on display in the North Gallery. A collection of black and white photographs made between 1992 and 2019 in western national parks and monuments that explore the conflict between preservation and development.

Museum of American Art
350 Robert St. N.
St. Paul
651-797-2571
mmaa.org
“Together,” is a new exhibit on view through October 13. It consists of mixed media artwork created by 10 Minnesota artists with the help of their children. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (closed for summer break though July 10). Admission is free.

Ordway Center
345 Washington St.
St. Paul
651-224-4222
ordway.org
“SIX The Musical,” July 16-28. The six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power. From $56.
Phulani, 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 26. Musician and composer Nyttu Chongo presents a series of original works about connecting to each other, the world, and ancestors who came before us through the language of music. From $21.50.

RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul
651- 265-4800
rivercentre.org
Twin Cities Tattoo Festival, July 12-14. More than 200 artists from around the world will converge for three days of tattooing, art making, merchandise selling, and more. $30, cash only.
Modest-Premium Automotive Showcase, 2-8 p.m., Saturday, July 20. The largest indoor car show in St. Paul. $20 in advance, $30 at the door. $10 for ages 13-17.

Science Museum
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul
651-221-9444
smm.org
“Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” is on display through September 4. Presented in English and Spanish, it features more than 200 authentic artifacts, hands-on activities, lifelike simulations and more.
Virtual Reality Transporter – Use the VRT to hurtle through the cosmos at fantastic speeds, scuba dive into prehistoric seas, and join the astronauts of Apollo 11 as they moonwalk for the first time. $9.95.
Omnitheater films – “Great Bear Rainforest” through July 30. Experience the beauty, diversity and fragility of the Great Bear Rainforest through the eyes and voices of the peoples who have lived there for millennia.
“Recombination,” 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. The film features the work of fractal artist Julius Horsthuis and seven of his favorite musicians.
“Stellar Tours: A Star is Born,” Wednesday-Sunday. Follow the life cycle of a star through this live digital telescope show.
Omnitheater tickets are $9.95. Free for children ages 3 and under. Museum tickets are $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for ages 4-17.

Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul
651-726-8240
xcelenergycenter.com
Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13. From $24.50.
Niall Horan, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 7. From $44.50.
WWE Monday Night RAW, 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 29. From $30.

Summer Fun

Summer fun heats up in July with music and movies in the parks, outdoor festivals and more. Here’s what’s happening.

Movies in the Parks – St. Paul Parks and recreation is hosting the following movies, beginning at dusk. “Elemental” (PG), Thursday, July 18 at Sibley Manor Apartments; “Selena” (PG), Friday, July 26 at El Rio Vista Recreation Center; “Barbie” (PG-13), Friday, Aug. 2 at Raspberry Island; “Black Panther” (PG-13), Friday, Aug. 9 at Como Midway Pavilion; “Turning Red” (PG), Friday, Aug. 16 at Phalen Beach House; “Muppet Treasure Island” (G), Friday, Aug. 23 at Edgcumbe Recreation Center.

Mears Lunchtime Series – Free concerts are held noon-1 p.m. at Mears Park every Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 14, except July 3. The lineup features St. Paul Getdown Showcase, July 2, 30 and Aug. 13; Capital City Wind Ensemble, July 9; Hot Toddies, July 10; Splash!, July 16; Demolition Means Progress, July 17; Falcon Arrow, July 23; Ems, July 24; Switchgrass, July 31; Olivia Quintanilla, Aug. 6; DJ Darling Nicque, Aug. 7; and Matt Hannah, Aug. 14.

Music on the Cortile lunchtime concert series at Landmark Center begins June 26. All concerts are free and held noon-1 p.m. in Landmark Center’s Musser Cortile, 75 W. 5th St. Performers are Nolen Sellwood, June 26; Courtney Burton, July 10; Clare Doyle, July 24; and Honeybutter, August 7. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org/music-on-the-cortile or call 651-292-3063.

Lowertown Sounds is a free concert series presented on Thursday nights in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Concerts run 6-9:30 p.m., and guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. The lineup features Mary Bue, July 11; The Orange Goodness, July 18; Rogue Valley, July 25; Annie and the Bang Bang, Aug. 1; Champagne Confetti, Aug. 8; Flamin’ Oh’s, Aug. 15; Salsa del Soul, Aug. 22; and Dan Rodriguez, Aug. 29. Food trucks will be at each performance. For more information, visit www.lowertownsounds.com.

Groovin in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday through July 24 at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The lineup is Craig Clark Blues Band, July 3; The Foxgloves, July 10; Ben Cook-Feltz, July 17; and School of Rock, July 24. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St. This year’s lineup was unavailable as of press time. Dates are June 27, July 11, July 18, Aug. 15, Aug. 29 and Sept. 12.

The City of Mendota Heights presents free concerts, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Market Square Park, 720 Main St. The lineup includes The Barsolo Brothers, July 10; Buster Phalen, July 24; The Brueskes, Aug. 7; Skippin’ Stones Trio, Aug. 21; and Teddy Bear Band and The Resistors, Sept. 4.

St. Paul Food Truck Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., July 13-14, at lot C of the Union Depot, 390 E. Kellogg Blvd. Enjoy food and drinks from more than 50 food truck vendors. The MN Lottery Stage will feature music all day. The event will also feature giveaways, and a handful of games including Hammerschlagen and giant Connect 4.

The Minnesota Yacht Festival is held July 19-20 at Harriet Island Regional Park. Friday’s line-up includes Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette, The Black Crowes, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Head and the Heart, Durry, Morgan Wade, Michigander, Gully Boys, and Harbour & Home. Saturday features Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, Hippo Campus, Gary Clark, Jr., The Hold Steady, Soul Asylum, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Wilderado, and Nico Vega. Tickets start at $135. For more information, visit minnesotayachtclubfestival.com.

Breakaway Minnesota, June 28-29 at Allianz Field, 400 Snelling Ave. N. Two days of live music, events and more. Tickets start at $65. For more information, visit BreakawayFestival.com

Mendota Days is held July 12-13. A parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, starting at St. Peter’s Church on Highway 13 and ending just after the VFW. A car show with music from an Elvis impersonator will be held 1-4 p.m. following the parade. The event will also feature a bouncy house, doubles bean bag tournament ($10 registration), arts and crafts, food trucks and more. Live music takes place both nights at Lucky’s and the VFW. The lineup at the VFW includes Elijah Adam Band, 7-11 p.m., July 12; and Greazy Gravy, 1-5 p.m., and The Authorities, 7-11 p.m., July 13. For more information, visit cityofmendota.org.

Magic in the Park, 3 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at Thompson Park, 360 Butler Ave. E. Magician Brian Richards will perform, and crafts and snacks will follow. This free event is organized by West St. Paul Parks and Recreation, Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation and ISD 197 Community Education. 

Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby, 4-7 p.m., Thursday, July 18, at Rogers Lake Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail, Mendota Heights. A prize will be awarded to the angler who catches the most fish and the biggest fish. Registration is required and space is limited to 35. $10.

Safe Summer Nights – This is the 10th year the St. Paul Police Department is collaborating with the Safe Summer Nights organization to offer free food and beverages at parks and recreation centers throughout the city. Events are 5-7 p.m., Thursdays, and feature activities for children, first responder vehicles, bike giveaways, and the chance to meet police officers. The schedule is Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center, 800 Conway St., July 18; Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy., July 25; Battle Creek Rec Center, 75 S. Winthrop St., Aug. 1; and West Minnehaha Rec Center, 685 Minnehaha Ave. W., Aug. 15. For more information, visit www.stpaul.gov or call 651-266-5485.

Tour de Rec – Free games, activities and arts and crafts for youth ages 6-12 will be offered this summer at parks in West St. Paul and Mendota Heights. No registration required. Hours are 1:30-2:30 p.m. The program will be at Mendota Elementary (yard and field), July 9; Harmon Park (splash pad), July 16; Wentworth Park (science), July 23; Mendakota Park (crafts), July 30; and Marthaler Park (nature scavenger), Aug. 6.

Roller Disco, 5:30-8:30 p.m., each Friday in Rice Park. Skate around St. Paul’s iconic park. A DJ will provide the tunes. Skate rental is free.

Jazz on the River, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 27 at Upper Landing Park, 226 Spring St., St. Paul. Free performance by Steve Clarke & the Working Stiffs.

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