Best Bets: July 31-Aug. 6

Things to do this week include Legalized It cannabis celebration, Minnesota Fringe Festival, Uptown Art Fair, Circus Juventus, and more
Lori Barbero of Babes in Toyland

Cannabis Kickoff

What: Legalized It
When: Aug. 1
Where: First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis

Fans of legalized recreational marijuana can gather to celebrate the first day it’s officially legal in the state at this music and dancing extravaganza featuring bands, DJs, and political figures who made it happen.

“Big Dad Energy”

Minnesota Fringe Festival

On the Fringe

What: Minnesota Fringe Festival
When: Aug. 3-13
Where: Various locations based on performances

Now celebrating its 30th year, the Minnesota Fringe Festival has expanded from 52 shows its first year to more than 600 performances last year. The productions are selected via a random lottery and feature comedies, tragedies, musicals, one-person shows, and a head-spinning array of talent. Don’t like the show you stopped in to check out? Like Minnesota weather, wait a few hours and you’ll have something completely different.

Uptown Art Fair

Streets of Art

What: Uptown Art Fair
When: Aug. 4-6
Where: West Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Uptown, Minneapolis

For nearly 60 years, fans of fine art and street shopping have been stopping by this juried festival for fun finds, food, and entertainment. Browse photographs, paintings, arts and crafts, fabric arts, and more for unique items as every budget level.

PHOTO Minnesota Zoo

Reconnect with Nature 

What: The Treetop Trail
When: Now open
Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley   

The “world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop” officially opened to the public last week and is attracting rave reviews. 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: Through 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.