Summer Event Guide

Now that we’re drawing closer to the sun, you can expect longer days, warm nights — and a boatload of events to keep you entertained all summer long. Events have returned full force across the city and our annual Summer Event Guide helps you navigate them all. Read on, then join the fun.

Music in the Parks

Mears Lunchtime Series – Free concerts are held noon-1 p.m. at Mears Park every Tuesday and Wednesday, June 11-Aug. 14, except June 19 and July 3. The lineup features Sweet Rhubarb, June 11; St. Suburbia, June 12; Stevens Family Band, June 18; Jmo on the Beat, June 25; Jugsluggers, June 26; TBD, July 2; Capital City Wind Ensemble, July 9; Hot Toddies, July 10; Splash!, July 16; Demolition Means Progress, July 17; TBD, July 23-24; 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 to enjoy the show. The lineup features Dan Israel, June 6; Erik Koskinen, June 13; The New Standards, June 20; The Scarlet Goodbye, June 27; 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 lowertownsounds.com.

Groovin in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday, June 7-July 26 at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The lineup is Innocent Reggae Band, June 5; Flamin’ Oh’s, June 12; Eleganza, June 19; Cole Diamond, June 26; 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.

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 Alligations, May 29; The Patience Band, June 12; All Good Company, June 26; 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.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park and other venues throughout the city June 21-22. For more information, visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com.

– Jazz88 Main Stage at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. On Friday, June 21: Claudia Medina’s Peruvian Project, 4 p.m; Karrin Allyson, 6 p.m.; Stefon Harris & Blackout, 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 22: Joe Lovano master class, 11 a.m.; youth performances from Walker West Music Academy and MacPhail Center for Music, noon; Kavyesh Kaviraj Quintet, 2 p.m.; Walker West Jazzwomen Collective, 4 p.m.; Kandace Springs, 6 p.m.; and Joe Lovano Quartet, 8:30 p.m.

– United Healthcare Jazz on 5th St. Stage at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. June 21: Gypsy Mania Hot Club Quartet, 5 p.m.; Jack Brass Band, 7:30 p.m. June 22: The Avant Garde, 3 p.m.; Salsa del Soul, 5 p.m.; and Swingin’ on a Star, 7:30 p.m.

– The Jazz88/MPSVoices.com Stage will be at Twin Cities PBS, 172 4th St. E. June 21: Washburn High School Jazz Combos, 2 p.m.; Aberration Combo, 3:45 p.m.; Take That Back, 7 p.m,; and Connie Evingson, 8:45 p.m. June 22: Zorevo, 11 a.m.; Southwest High School Jazz Combo, 12:45 p.m.; South High School Jazz Combo, 2:30 p.m.; Courtney Burton and Court’s in Session, 5:30 p.m.; Omar Abdulkarim Quartet, 7:15 p.m.; and Lenore Raphael Trio, 9 p.m.

– The Walker West Music Academy Youth Stage will be in Saint City, 281 7th St. E. June 21: Karrin Allyson Master Class with Walker West Jazzwomen Collective, 12:30 p.m.; Walker West Women in Jazz, 2 p.m.; Walker West Youth Jazz Ensembles, 2:45 p.m.; Kamoinge Strings of Walker West Music Academy, 4 p.m.; and MN Hard Bop Collective Sit-in Series, 5 p.m. June 22: High School for Recording Arts & Purple Playground, 11 a.m.; Matthew Bennett Quartet, noon; Collin Roycraft Quintet, 1:30 p.m.; Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands, 3:15 p.m.; Parkview Center School Jazz Band, 4:15 p.m.; and Minnesota Hard Bop Collective Sit-In Series, 5 p.m.

The St. Paul Get Down, free hip-hop concert is held 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug 16, at Harriet Island Target Stage, 110 Harriet Island Rd. For more information, visit wfnu.org.

Fairs and Festivals

The Flint Hills International Family Festival is held May 31-June 1 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., and surrounding areas. Performances include Davina and the Vagabonds, 7-8:15 p.m., Friday, May 31 (from $39); “NOOMA,” an opera for babies, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., May 31, and 9:15 a.m., June 1, (from $5); 123 Andrés: Actívate, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., June 1 (from $5); and Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque, 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., June 1 (from $5). B2wins, Salsa del Soul and other local musicians will perform free performances on two outdoor stages both nights. The event also features free craft activities, henna artists, face painting, food trucks and more. For more information, visit ordway.org/festival.

WaterFest is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at Lake Phalen Park Pavilion, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free, family festival offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat, and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. Experience activities on and around the water with Voyageur canoe rides; paddleboats, canoes and kayaks for checkout, fishing lessons, a fishing contest with prizes, water games, inflatables, face painting, lawn games, arts and craft activities, a water bar featuring water flights, weaving water with indigo and fibers, a footprint water pledge photobooth, the Passport Odyssey with prizes, food trucks and more. Live performers include Bato Bato from Breck High School, the Farnsworth Marching Band, Kids Dance and Aztec Dance Group Kalpulli Tlaloctecuhtli. Parking is limited but free shuttles are provided from nearby park-and-rides. For more information, visitrwmwd.org/get-involved/waterfest or call 651-792-7950.

Grand Old Day celebration will be held 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, June 2, featuring eight music stages, a parade, car show, beer garden, a 3K, family zone, sports and wellness district, vendors and more. For more details, visit grandave.com and search Grand Old Day.

Rosé Fest, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at Kellogg Mall Park, 62 Kellogg Blvd. The event features a handpicked selection of rosé wines, marketplace with local vendors, music by DJ Keezy, food and more. Tickets are $60 and include 10 wine samples. VIP tickets are $125 and include early admission, unlimited samples and exclusive wines, a commemorative wine glass and more. For more information, call 651-632-5111.

St. Paul Food Truck Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., July 13-14, at lot C of 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. Performances were not available as of press time. The event will also feature giveaways, and a handful of games including Hammerschlagen and giant Connect 4.

Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 1-2 at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The free event includes train equipment tours, model trains, an exhibit featuring photos of steam locomotives, family-friendly activities, DJ, food trucks and more. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/traindays.

Deutsche Tage, returns for its 66th year. It’s held 11 a.m.-9 p.m., June 8, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., June 9 at the Germanic American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, family-friendly games, musicians and dancers, and more. Special guest is the Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt song and dance group from Wisconsin. Admission is free. Adults may purchase $10 wristbands for beer and wine purchases. German folk-wear is encouraged. For more information, visit gaimn.org or call
651-222-7027.

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.

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.

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
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 $89); 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); 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 mnstatefair.org.

Irish Fair of Minnesota, is held Aug. 9-11, at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This 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 irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221.

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.

Japanese Obon Festival is 3-9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. 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. Prices were not available as of press time.

Other events

C.O.P.S in the Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Aug. 23, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. The event is an acronym for Community Outreach with Public Safety. Meet public safety employees such as police officers and firefighters. Following the events, the City of West St. Paul will host an outdoor movie (TBD based on community vote) at 8:45 p.m. Both events are free. In case of bad weather, call 651-259-2671 for updates.

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.

Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 7-9. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger. Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St. Paul. For more information visit, dnr.state.mn.us/takeakidfishing or call 651-296-6157.

The St. Paul Saints have a full schedule of zany promotions all summer at CHS field in Lowertown, 360 N. Broadway St. Fireworks are featured at Friday home games and on June 8, July 3 and 4 and September 21. For a complete schedule of games and events, visit milb.com/st-paul.

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. This year’s schedule is Griggs Recreation Center, 1188 Hubbard Ave., June 11; McDonough Rec Center, 1544 Timberlake Rd., June 13; Palace Rec Center, 781 Palace Ave., June 20; 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 Rogers Lake (fishing), June 11; Thompson Park (storytime), June 18; Garlough Elementary (recycling day), June 25; 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. The events are held in partnership with TriDistrict Communty Education, the City of West St. Paul and the City of Mendota Heights.

West St. Paul Pool – Whether you’re looking for a place for the kids to cool off or want some aquatic exercise, you’ll find it at the West St. Paul Swimming Pool, 92 West Orme St. It’s open June 10-Aug. 27. Hours are noon-7 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and noon-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. The pool features a water slide, zero depth splash pool, separate lap pool and concessions. The grounds outside the pool have a playground and picnic tables. Admission $6. For more information, visit wspmn.gov and search “pool” or call 651-552-9650.

Padelford Riverboats, moored at Harriet Island, feature daily narrated 90-minute public sightseeing and dinner cruises through Oct. 20. Themed cruises include Father’s Day cruise, margarita cruise and more. Prices vary. For more information, visit riverrides.com or call 651-371-5305.

Como Park

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, lions, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through September and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., October-March. Admission is a suggested donation of $3. Sensory friendly mornings are offered 9-10 p.m., June 11 and 23. For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org or call 651-487-8201.

Como Town amusement park is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sun. with kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, including the Soaring Eagle zip line, which travels 420 feet across the park, peaking at 85 feet. It also features attractions such as Dinosaur Expedition which displays life-size models of dinosaurs, some of which are more than 28 feet tall and 60 feet long.

Summer Flower Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory runs June 14-Sept. 22, featuring cherry red and pink annuals adorning the sunken garden. Angelonia, petunias, begonias, impatiens, coleus, salvia and verbena will be on display.

Historical tours

The Sibley Historic Site is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Sunday, through Sept. 2 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older and veterans or active military, $6 for children 5-17, and free for children 4 and under. The site will host the Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste event 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 23. It features singing and dancing demonstrations that celebrate French Canadian, Canadian and French culture. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blanket and a picnic. For more information, visit www.dakotahistory.org/events.

Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., through June 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.-Sun., June 8-Sept. 2, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 3-Dec. 31. It is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and up and active military; $8 for children 5-17. Veterans and children 4 and under are free.

Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S. Exchange St., is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. Summer dates are June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. Guided tours are available, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, call 651-296-8760.

The James J. Hill House at 240 Summit Ave. in St. Paul offers 60-minute guided tours 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sundays. It is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors ages 65 and up; $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, visit mnhs.org.

Walking tours

The Landmark Center offers 60-minute guided walking tours, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June through August. The following tours are free, but reservations are required.

– The Rice Park Tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held the first Wednesday of each month: June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7. It departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W.

– The Great River Tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. The tour is held the second Wednesday of each month: June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Eagle Parkway.

– Heart of the City Tour winds along historic landmarks such as Mickey’s Diner, Candyland, the Hamm Building and more. It’s held June 19 and Aug. 21, and departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W.

– It Happened Here First Tour explores downtown St. Paul and provides stories about the city’s first settlers. The tour is held the fourth Wednesday of each month, departing from the Kellogg and Robert Street entrance to Kellogg Park. Dates are June 26, July 25 and Aug. 28. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3276.

<<< Back to Home