Top Summer Conventions Held In Minnesota
There are plenty of conventions to attend in Minnesota this summer. It's hard to keep up with everything going on around the state. When you're not up at a cabin or enjoying a day at the beach or lying beside a pool, sign up or show up to some of these local events, festivals, and conventions.
2016 North Star Bicycle Festival
www.northstarbicyclefestival.com
June 10-19, 2016
Cyclists from all around the globe will converge on the Twin Cities in June. 6 cities around the state will play host to two-wheeled excellence. Starting off in Blaine with the Fixed Gear Classic, the festival culminates with the 5-day North Star Grand Prix. For bike enthusiasts, it doesn't get much better than this. But even if you're just a casual cyclist, or just enjoy incredible displays of human achievement, this is a great event to be a part of.
Participating cities are as follows, and more information can be found using the link above.
Saint Paul: Wednesday, June 15
Cannon Falls: Thursday, June 16
Uptown, Minneapolis: Friday, June 17
North Mankato: Saturday, June 18
Stillwater: Sunday, June 19
Back To The Fifties
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave
St Paul, MN 55108
(651) 288-4400
www.msrabacktothe50s.com
June 17-19, 2016
You don't have to wait until the State Fair to enjoy the expansive fairgrounds. Thousands of people will partake in one of the largest retro auto shows in the Midwest. There will be plenty of events to take part in, including a swap meet, art fair, car auction, and Kids World for the youngsters, but the best part might just be getting up close and personal with some of the coolest American cars of the century. You can spend the entire time looking at hot rods and Camaros, Cadillacs and Studebakers, and not see the same car twice.
Meta Con
Hyatt Regency
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 370-1234
metaconvention.com
Sep. 2-4, 2016
Tech, Anime and Steampunk fans unite! This four-day convention brings the best of Sci-Fi, comic books, video games and other entertainment to Minneapolis' front door. You'll be able to meet many of the names behind your favorite shows and literature (with photo and autograph opportunities), and there will be plenty of discussions and events to take part in as well. Tagging itself as "...the hottest nerd celebration to hit Minneapolis," it promises to have a little something for everyone to geek out about.
Related: Ask An Expert: Upcoming Summer Fashion Trends In Minnesota
Minnesota Irish Music Weekend
The Center For Irish Music
836 Prior Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 815-0083
www.centerforirishmusic.org
June 10-12, 2016
Celebrate Irish music and culture at the ninth annual Irish Music Weekend. You don't have to have a Celtic background to be able to enjoy this world-class musical presentation of flute, accordion, fiddle, piano and vocals. Visiting artists will put on quite a show, but you can also get in on the action by taking part in the classes and lectures offered. There are programs for all ages and skill levels, so even if you have just a passing fancy in Irish music, this is sure to be a great weekend.
CONvergence 2016
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
7800 Normandale Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55439
(612) 234-2845
www.convergence-con.org
June 30 - July 3, 2016
This ultimate celebration of everything science fiction and fantasy returns to the Twin Cities on June 30. This year focuses on "...and how did we GET there?" as a look into the many vehicles and transportation devices that have graced the pages and screens of some of our favorite stories. A most comprehensive look at the logistics, and simply awesome gadgetry that brilliant minds have come up with to push the boundaries of our imaginations, it's a convention sure to bring out your inner nerd. Different than the aforementioned Meta Con, this is truly and specifically a Sci-Fi lover's paradise.
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
