Aug.
07
El Rancho Mañana Campground hosts this four-day celebration of bluegrass and old-time string band music in central Minnesota. The festival preserves and promotes traditional American music while offering camping options and multiple performance stages for both seasoned musicians and newcomers to the genre.
Aug.
08
Harriet Island becomes the epicenter of Irish culture with this three-day outdoor celebration recognized as one of the largest and most authentic Irish festivals nationwide. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance, comedy, and authentic Irish cuisine across six performance stages, with Gaelic Storm headlining Saturday's entertainment.
Aug.
16
Transport yourself to the 16th century with this beloved weekend festival that runs through September 28th. The festival features period entertainment, artisan demonstrations, an authentic Renaissance fare, and immersive theatrical performances that bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Aug.
21
The Great Minnesota Get-Together returns with its famous foods on sticks, agricultural competitions, and impressive lineup of free entertainment across six stages. Over 100 free acts will perform alongside major Grandstand shows featuring artists like the Avett Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Hank Williams Jr., Def Leppard, and Meghan Trainor.
Sep.
03
Beloved Twin Cities icons Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson reunite for a limited run of A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, Love Letters, at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. This poignant and witty two-character drama follows a lifelong relationship through decades of heartfelt correspondence, offering audiences an intimate and moving theatrical experience in the Playhouse Theatre.
Sep.
12
The Germanic-American Institute hosts this traditional German celebration featuring authentic food, beer, music, and cultural demonstrations. Families can enjoy children's activities, games, and carnival rides while adults sample traditional German cuisine including bratwurst, schnitzel, and locally brewed beer.
Sep.
20
This milestone 40th-anniversary concert brings together Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price for Minnesota's first-ever Farm Aid event. The celebration supports family farmers while featuring additional performances by Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and Trampled by Turtles in a day-long festival format.
Oct.
04
Dakota County Fairgrounds hosts this immersive celebration of the Viking Age that brings Norse history to life for visitors of all ages. The festival features historical reenactments, traditional crafts, authentic Viking demonstrations, and educational experiences that transport attendees back to the era of Nordic exploration and culture. Weekends of Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12.
Oct.
11
Downtown Stillwater comes alive with this family-friendly autumn celebration featuring a world-famous Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off and spectacular Pumpkin Drop from a 100-foot crane. The weekend includes live music performances, a bustling vendor market, and seasonal activities that have made this one of Minnesota's most beloved fall traditions.
Oct.
25
This official Halloween celebration takes participants through multiple venues across Minneapolis from 4 pm to 11 pm, featuring costume contests, themed drinks, and special entertainment. The event includes over four participating bars, a $2,000 social media costume contest, live music, and professional photography to capture the spine-chilling fun.