Wander Minnesota: Spring Festivals
This is one of the quieter months for festivals in Minnesota. But never fear--as spring fully arrives with the promise of summer ahead, the busiest festival time of the year is not far away.
Apple Valley
April 1-30
Farm Babies
All together now, let's practice: "Awwwwwwwwww!" This annual event brings out the warm fuzzies in everyone. April 18-19 will have special kid activities and a visit from the Easter bunny (April 19 only).
Minneapolis
April 3-19
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival
Two weeks of more than 100 films screened around the Twin Cities, including several entries by or about Minnesotans, as well as films from all over the world.
Owatonna
April 5-6
Minnesota Alpaca Expo
Get your quota of cute and fuzzy at the Alpaca Expo. See the alpacas, shop, eat, watch demonstrations, and wish you owned an alpaca yourself.
Lanesboro
April 11-13
Ibsen Fest
The Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro renews its commitment to Henrik Ibsen with this festival. You can see the world premiere of the rarely produced Ibsen epic Brand; attend lectures about it; play Viking chess; learn about the Sámi; try a high-ropes course; and, of course, try Scandinavian foods.
St. Paul
April 19
Easter Egg Hunt
What more festive place to hunt for Easter eggs than the James J. Hill House? Reservations recommended.
Winona
April 24-26
Mid West Music Fest
The lovely historic river town of Winona brings the Mid West Music Fest alive for the fifth year. A stellar list of performers includes Lizzo, Charlie Parr, Mark Mallman, and the Cactus Blossoms, among many others.
St. Paul
April 25-27
Minnesota Horse Expo
Don't like alpacas? Here's another animal event for you. Breed demonstrations, farrier demos, horse sales, even a rodeo.
Harmony
April 25-27
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
It's hard to imagine a more scenic art tour than this one, exploring the beautiful backroads of the southern Minnesota bluff region. Oh, and there's art, too.
St. Paul
April 25-27
St. Paul Art Crawl
This biannual event gives you the chance to visit artists in their native setting.
Mt. Iron
April 26
Iron Range Earth Fest
This is a relatively new event for the Iron Range, and they've put together an impressive list of exhibitors, demonstration, and vendors, all in support of helping people live greener, more sustainable lives. Plus there's food.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
