Best Bets: July 24-31

Things to do this week include Circus Juventus performance, FinnFest, the Treetop Trail, and the Twin Cities Minnesota Water Lantern Festival

PHOTO Disney

Animated Attraction 

What: Immersive Disney Animation
When: July 24-Sept. 4
Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace, 1517 Northeast Central Ave., Minneapolis 

Immerse yourself in Disney’s hit films, including “Frozen”, “Encanto”, “Zootopia”, and more, through music and story. Experience this traveling tour led by Oscar-winning producer J. Miles Dale with tickets starting at $23.  

From Finland  

What: FinnFest
When: July 26-30
Where: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth 

Embrace Nordic culture through exhibits, food, musical performances, and more beside Lake Superior. A full itinerary can be found on FinnFest’s wesbite.  

Listen on the Lakefront  

What: Concert on the Pier
When: July 26
Where: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Road, Duluth 

For our readers on the North Shore, sit back, relax, and listen to Minnesota-based Erik Koskinen on the pier or in the lake at Glensheen Mansion. The event is free and fun for all ages.  

Take a Tour

What: Mayowood Historic Home Tour
When: July 26, July 29-30
Where: Mayowood Mansion, 3720 Maywood Road Southwest, Rochester 

Learn more about the history behind the Mayo Clinic at the Mayowood Mansion, originally home to cofounder of the Mayo Clinic Dr. Charlie Mayo. One-hour guided tours highlight the mansion’s 23,000 sqaure feet, 38 bedrooms, and massive estate.  

Small-Town Charm 

What: Crazy Days
When: July 27-30
Where: Downtown Cannon Falls 

Halfway between the Twin Cities and Rochester, seven businesses in downtown Cannon Falls will be offering discounted deals, promotions, and special activities. This charming small town along the Cannon River is sure to pleasantly surprise you.  

PHOTO Minnesota Zoo

Reconnect with Nature 

What: The Treetop Trail
When: July 28 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley   

The World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop officially opens to the public this Friday. This new, 1.25-mile trail at the Minnesota Zoo is an immersive experience that will bring guests up to 32 feet above the ground and provide them with an accessible pathway to nature. 

Hand balancing by Circus Juventus members

Dan Norman

A Circus Act 

What: “Excalibur” 
When: July 28-Aug. 13
Where: Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul

At Circus Juventas, the legend of King Arthur takes the stage with “Excalibur,” preformed by a highly-qualified youth circus troop. This summer extravaganza is the culmination of the students’ studies.

Grief into Beauty

What: Midsummer Memory Mandalas
When: July 29-30
Where: Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

Transforming grief into beauty, Earth art created by artist Day Schildkret uses rocks, seeds, and flowers gathered on the cemetery’s sacred grounds. Check out the community celebration for free on Saturday and participate in an artist workshop on Sunday.

Lantern Love  

What: Twin Cities Minnesota Water Lantern Festival
When: July 29
Where: Phalen Park Beach House, 1400 Phalen Drive, St. Paul  

Create your own lantern and watch it drift out into the water at this event, which signifies hope, healing, and love. While tickets can be purchased on site, save money by getting your tickets ahead of time online.  

Music to My Ears 

What: Vintage Band Festival
When: July 29
Where: Bridge Square in downtown Northfield  

Featuring 12 bands, this free, family-friendly event celebrates wind and brass band music. In between acts, guests can visit nearby vendors selling local art at the Riverwalk Market Fair.