Best Bets: June 24-30

Things to do this week around Minnesota: Cass County Fair, Water Ski Days, Ham Lake Freedom Festival, and more

Celebrate Minnesota Music

What: Reign: Celebrating Minnesota Music Royalty 
When: June 25 (5-10 p.m.)
Where: 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington

Visit Mall of America to celebrate Prince’s legacy and hear live performances from Cassandra Cole, Jojo Green, Nur-D, and Chase & Ovation.

Fair Fun

What: Cass County Fair 
When: June 26-29
Where: 198 Main St., Pine River

Enjoy four days of fun in Pine River! This annual fair includes scavenger hunts, rides, a cornhole tournament, a mini farm, and more.

Enjoy a night of fun at the annual Cass County Fair

Courtesy of Cass County Fair

A Night at The Opera

What: Suor Angelica
When: June 26-29
Where: 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

Experience Puccini’s one-act opera about a mysterious nun’s crisis of despair and redemption at the Basilica of St. Mary.

Rehearsal of "Suor Angelica"
Rehearsal of “Suor Angelica” by Out of the Box Opera, performed at Basilica of Saint Mary

Photo by Glen Stubbe Photography

Summertime Skiing

What: Water Ski Days 
When: June 27-30
Where: 100 Park St., Lake City

Head to Lake City to celebrate the invention of water skiing. This family-friendly event features a carnival, live music, food vendors, a parade, and a water-ski show.

Celebrate the invention of water skiing at this annual festival

Courtesy of Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Run in the Sun

What: Granite City Days
When: June 27-30
Where: Waite Park

Join St. Cloud’s four-day event featuring an orchestra concert, 5K Run, parade, and more!

Run in the sun at the Granite City Days 5K

Courtesy of St. Cloud Granite City Days

Minnesota Monthly‘s Fine Spirits Classic

What: Fine Spirits Classic
When: June 28 (5-9 p.m.)
Where: Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Eagan

Join us for an unparalleled celebration of craft spirits and artisanal cocktails at Minnesota Monthly’s Fine Spirits Classic, hosted at the exquisite Omni Viking Lakes Hotel and Patio.

Minnesota Monthly's 2024 Fine Spirits Classic
Join us at Minnesota Monthly’s 2024 Fine Spirits Classic on June 28

Photo by Darin Kamnetz

Fireworks for Freedom

What: Ham Lake Freedom Festival 
When: June 29 (3-11 p.m.)
Where: 1220 157th Ave. NE, Ham Lake

Spend your Saturday enjoying fireworks, food, obstacle courses, inflatable fun, and more at Ham Lake Lions Park.

Sweet Treats at Canterbury

What: Coffee, Chocolate, and Cupcakes Festival 
When: June 30 (12-5 p.m.)
Where: 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee

Sample a variety of treats and coffee from local vendors at Canterbury Park.

Sample local treats at Canterbury Park
Sample local treats at Canterbury Park

Courtesy of Canterbury Park

Julia Jacobson is a rising senior at the University of Notre Dame, studying political science and journalism. Outside of her coursework, she participates in her school’s mock trial team and works as a teaching assistant for an introductory political science course. Julia was born and raised in Minnesota, and loves traveling both domestically and internationally. In her free time, she enjoys reading and journaling.