Kicking Off the Festival Season in Minnesota

As usual, don't forget to look through the myriad opportunities offered at the Minnesota Historical Society, which has plenty of its own events to offer. Memorial Day events will be covered in an upcoming post.

Duluth
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
Now through May 6
This is one serious music festival: over 100 bands, all over the city. Surely there's something to satisfy every musical taste here. 

St. Paul
Festival of Nations
May 3-6
Back for its 86^th year, the Festival of Nations celebrates the diversity in Minnesota's heritage, with 90 different ethnic groups providing music, dance, crafts, and food.

Red Wing to Winona (and into Wisconsin)
The 100-Mile Garage Sale
May 4-7
Bargain hunters and Antique Roadshow dreamers, take note—this annual event is a treasure-hunter's joy.

St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo
May 5
St. Paul's District del Sol has plenty to entertain you with. A lowrider car show, fiesta parade, live music, salsa tasting contest, kids' activities, and plenty of fabulous, authentic Mexican food.

Lake City
Warbler Weekend
May 11-13
Join the St. Paul Audubon Society for a weekend full of informal bird watching and guided bird walks. This is a productive time for bird watchers—it's not unusual to spot 130+ types of birds over this weekend.

Lake Elmo
Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival
May 11-13
Sheep. Llamas. Angora bunnies. Woolen goodies, premade or ready to knit/crochet. Food, music, sheepherder dog demonstrations, knitting classes, and plenty of food.

Zimmerman
Spring Celebration
May 12
In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge has a fun day of events for kids and adults, including guided hikes, nature crafts, a bird tour, and a kids' photography workshop, among other events.

Detroit Lakes
Festival of Birds
May 16-19
Serious birders, take note—this festival offers the possibility of seeing any of more than 250 species of birds that live in the Detroit Lakes area. There will be guided tours, educational events, and field trips.

Minneapolis
Art-a-Whirl
May 18-20
Prowl around NE Minneapolis and explore its growing arts community in this varied collection of local and national artists' exhibitions, now in its 23rd year.

Whalan
The Stand-Still Parade
May 19
Food, music, games—and a parade that doesn't move. 

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.