Sample St. Paul August 2024

MN 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. Through September 2.
Exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” Tickets are $16 on weekdays and $19 on weekends. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited. The next free date is August 4.

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
Church of Cash (The International Johnny Cash Tribute Show), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3. This high-energy international traveling show features Cash’s classic songs and lesser-known tunes, as well as captivating stories and anecdotes about his life and career. Performed by Minneapolis native and Minnesota Music Hall of Fame member Jay Ernest and his band. 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, Aug. 21. 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 concert featuring Honeybutter, held noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7. Free.
Woodturning demonstration in the Gallery of Wood Art, 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18. Free.
Human/Nature: Photographs from Western National Parks & Monuments is on display in the North Gallery. A collection of black and white photographs taken between 1992 and 2019 in western national parks and monuments that explore the conflict between preservation and development.

MN 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.
“Hilo de la Sangre (Thread of the Blood),” through December 1. Organized with Grupo Soap del Corazón, this exhibition brings together Latine visual artists to consider the significance of blood as the most essential component of life. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission is free.

Ordway Center
345 Washington St.
St. Paul
651-224-4222
ordway.org
Inside Out free performances at Rice Park. “Albert Herring,” by MN Opera, 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3. The story of a boy who learns to break free of the societal expectations of small-town England.
Sphinx Virtuosi – Generations, 7 p.m., Aug. 17. Inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes and Julia Alvarez, Sphinx Virtuosi brings a program showcasing the beauty and tradition of excellence inherent in classical music created and performed by Black and Latinx composers throughout history.

Science Museum of Minnesota
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:
“Deep Sky,” through October 31. Uncover the universe as never seen before through the awe-inspiring images of the James Webb Space Telescope.
“Ancient Caves,” August 1-February 14, 2025. Join scientists and cave divers to explore vast underground worlds and elaborate rock foundations in search of geologic clues about the planet’s climate history.
“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
Barry Manilow, 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2. From $14.50.
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper, 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25. From $34.50.

Summer Events

Outdoor Music & Movies
Movies in the Parks – St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting the following movies, beginning at dusk. “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, 221 5th St. E., St. Paul, every Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 14. The lineup features Falcon Arrow, July 30; Switchgrass, July 31; Olivia Quintanilla, Aug. 6; DJ Darling Nicque, Aug. 7; TBD, Aug. 13; and Matt Hannah, Aug. 14.

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. The lineup features 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.

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St., St. Paul, Dates are 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 Brueskes, Aug. 7; Skippin’ Stones Trio, Aug. 21; and Teddy Bear Band and The Resistors, Sept. 4.

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 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 are 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 Mendakota Park (crafts), July 30, and Marthaler Park (nature scavenger), Aug. 6. The events are held in partnership with TriDistrict Communty Education, the City of West St. Paul and the City of Mendota Heights.

Roller Disco, 5:30-8:30 p.m., each Friday in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St., St. Paul. Skate around St. Paul’s iconic park. A DJ will provide the tunes. Skate rental is free.

Patio Thursdays, noon-12:30 p.m., August 8 and 22, and September 19 on Kellogg Mall Plaza by the Science Museum of Minnesota. A lunchtime talk about the Mississippi River with a National Park Service Ranger. Bring a picnic or shop the food cart. Free.

Fairs & Festivals
The Dakota County Fair takes place Aug. 5-11 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, car and livestock shows, historic village and food. For more information, visit www.dakotacountyfair.org or call 651-463-8818.

Minnesota State Fair takes place Aug. 22-Sept. 2 at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. The Fair showcases Minnesota’s finest in agriculture, art and industry, hundreds of concession stands, a giant Midway, Grandstand concerts, giveaways, animal and product demonstrations, parades and much more. Grandstand performances include: Becky G, 7 p.m., Aug. 22 (from $44); Chance The Rapper, 7 p.m., Aug. 23 (from $48); Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour, 7 p.m., Aug. 24 (from $77); Blake Shelton, 7 p.m., Aug. 25 (from $77); Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, The Association, Badfinger, The Vogues and The Cowsills, 7 p.m., Aug. 26 (from $33); Ludacris & T-Pain, 7 p.m., Aug. 27 (from $44); Jon Pardi, 7 p.m., Aug. 28 (from $44); Motley Crue, 7 p.m., Aug. 29 (from $77); Matchbox Twenty, 7 p.m., Aug. 30 (from $67); Stephen Sanchez, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 (from $34); and Kidz Bop Live 2024, 3 p.m., Sept. 2 (from $24). For more information, visit www.mnstatefair.org.

IndiaFest is held 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The free event features performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, cultural displays, flag-hoisting ceremony, student achievement awards, activities and games, along with an Indian bazaar. Free. For more information, visit www.iamn.org or call 651-321-3421.

Irish Fair of Minnesota, is held Aug. 9-11, at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. The event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, children’s activities, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, and Irish food and drink. Bands will perform on six stages throughout the weekend. They include Skerryvore, The Jeremiahs, The Byrne Brothers, JigJam and Reverie Road. Hours are 3-11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Single day passes are $20, with discounts for youth and seniors. Weekend passes are $45, with discounts for youth and seniors. Free for youth under age 13. VIP tickets start at $130 and include main stage priority seating, indoor seating, valet parking, meals, snacks, beverages and a chance to meet featured entertainers. For more information, visit www.irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221.

Japanese Obon Festival is 3-9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The event features martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, food, lantern lighting and more. A shuttle will run from 1930 Como Ave. to the festival. The last drop off is at 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Mendota Heights Parks Celebration, August 9-11. Friday events at Mendakota Park include Food Truck Festival 4:30-8 p.m.; KidsDance Party 5-6 p.m. with live music from Big Mike & SS Express. Saturday features Passport to Parks and Sunday a free pickleball tournament at Marie Park. To register for the tournament, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/register.

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