Wander Minnesota: August Festivities
Hard to believe that August is almost here, and the summer is winding down. Never let it be said that Minnesota lets summer go by without a lot of celebration. The number of events around the state reaches a peak this month. There are some biggies, like the Renaissance Festival opening Aug. 16, and, of course, the Minnesota State Fair, opening Aug. 21. The following is only a selection of some of the events taking place around the state in August. And don't forget to check out the events page at the Minnesota Historical Society--there's always something fun going on over there.
Brooklyn Park
Afrifest
Aug. 1-2
Live music and entertainment, fashion show, soccer tournament, children's activities, comedy, all celebrating the varied African heritage present in the Twin Cities. Oh, and of course there'll be food.
Minneapolis
Metris Uptown Art Fair
Aug. 1-3
Powderhorn Park Art Fair
Aug. 2-3
Loring Park Art Festival
Aug. 2-3
One weekend, three big art festivals. Bring your wallet and your patience—the crowds can be heavy, especially if the weather is nice. Take advantage of Metro Transit's ArtPass, a free service connecting the three events on Aug. 2-3: Metro Transit Art Pass
Red Wing
River City Days
Aug. 1-3
Red Wing's annual celebration of summer, with a drive-in, fly-in breakfast, movies under the stars, Segway tours, arts and crafts show, and of course plenty of food.
Twin Cities
Minnesota Fringe Festival
Aug. 1-11
Original, independent artists and performers giving it all they've got during this non-juried 11-day festival.
Northfield
Vintage Band Festival
Aug. 2
Outdoor concerts all over Northfield—for free!—and dancing, vaudeville, and old-time "base ball".
Two Harbors
Two Harbors Kayak Festival
Aug. 2-3
All things kayak: races, demos, training, equipment swaps.
Detroit Lakes
WE Fest
Aug. 7-9
Huge country music festival, this year featuring Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean.
Duluth
Bayfront Blues Festival
Aug. 8-10
Annual blues festival in a lovely location. This year's performers include Canned Heat, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, and Los Lonely Boys.
St. Paul
Irish Fair
Aug. 8-10
Held on Harriet Island, Irish Fair celebrates the city's Irish heritage with music, entertainment, dance, family activities, and of course food.
Walker
Leech Lake Regatta
Aug. 8-11
Multiclass sailboat races for sailors of all skill levels.
Hutchinson
Minnesota Garlic Festival
Aug. 9
Kite flying, entertainment, old-fashioned children's activities, the Peculiar Pragmatic Promenade, and all things garlic. Did you know that there are over 100 varieties of garlic grown here? It's pretty much guaranteed that vampires will not be present.
Pipestone
Civil War Days
Aug. 9-10
Battle re-enactments, educational programs, etiquette and ballroom dance lessons, a Grand Ball, children's activities, and of course, food, all in beautiful historic Pipestone.
Minneapolis
Twin Cities Polish Festival
Aug. 8-10
All things Polish, old and new: polka and European disco, food, Chopin concerts, baking contest, and a Polish film fest.
Barnesville
Potato Days
Aug. 22-23
Three words: mashed potato wrestling. Plus lots of lefse.
Norwood Young America
Stiftungsfest
Aug. 22-24
Minnesota's oldest festival, held annually for 153 years. Activities, arts and crafts, softball tournaments, bingo, and of course 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.
