Flipping Flap Jacks
What: Fourth of July Flying Pancake Breakfast
When: July 4
Where: Wayzata Depot, 402 Lake St. E., Wayzata
Begin your Fourth of July with a revolutionary “Flying Pancake Breakfast” at the Wayzata Depot from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be flying pancakes, historical reenactments, and family fun for all.
Fabulous Fireworks
What: Rock and Rockets
When: July 4
Where: Mystic Lake Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake
This free Fourth of July celebration returns this summer with music, food, and fireworks. Get your groove on with free concerts by Gin Blossoms and Lit, try treats from local food trucks, and watch the skies sparkle.
Feeling Patriotic
What: Fourth of July Parade
When: July 4
Where: Starts at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina
The hour-long parade features veterans, marching bands, floats, horses, musicians, clowns, and more. It’s recommended that spectators arrive early, since an estimated 20,000 people will attend the parade. There also will be a dazzling firework show in the evening.
Book Worms Rejoice
What: Minnesota Antiquarian Book Fair
When: July 8-9
Where: University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul
Minnesotans can find a variety of books from underrepresented voices and different eras of history at the Minnesota Antiquarian Book Fair. This event, held at the Schoenecker Arena, connects local vendors with beginner and seasoned collectors.
Get Crafty
What: Anoka Riverfest and Craft Fair
When: July 8
Where: Downtown Anoka
With free admissions and parking, the 24th annual Anoka Riverfest and Craft Fair in downtown Anoka draws in over 20,000 people each year. Over 150 crafters’ original work will be available including jewelry, glass work, pottery, paintings, woodwork, and more.
Fine Art and Wine
What: Wine Meets Art Festival
When: July 8-9
Where: Saint Croix Vineyard, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater
Local arts and crafts, winning wines, and food come together at the Wine Meets Art Festival. Be sure to beat the heat by trying one of their signature wine slushies. This free event also features live music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
International Experience
What: Grand Carnivale
When: Now through July 9
Where: Valley Fair, 1 Valleyfair Dr., Shakopee
This large, international festival celebrates Italy, China, Spain, and Germany through a parade, live music and entertainment, delicious food and drinks, crafts, and games. There will also be a firework show on July 4. All events are included with park admission.
Discover More About The Dalai Lama
What: “The Buddha Prince”
When: Now through July 9
Where: Washburn Fair Oaks Park, 200 E. 24th St., Minneapolis
This “walking play” presented by TigerLion Arts and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota examines the life of the 14th Dalai Lama from his youth in Tibet to his exile in India. The performance for all ages includes puppetry as well as live Tibetan music and dance.
Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’ Wows
What: “Into the Woods”
When: Now through Aug. 13
Where: The Guthrie, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis
With beloved music and classic fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood, this Sondheim musical provides a sophisticated and novel look at fairy tales and explores what happens after “happily ever after.”
Summer in the City
What: “It’s Not the Heat, it’s the Stupidity”
When: Now through Aug. 5
Where: Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
For improv and comedy group Brave New Workshop’s 308th show, summer in Minnesota is worth the skewering and shout-outs. With road construction, mosquitos, and cabin culture, summer in Minnesota is always fun to celebrate.
Provided
One-of-a-Kind Collection
What: “Highlights of the Cafesjian Art Trust Collection” exhibit
When: Now through Oct. 14
Where: Cafesjian Art Trust, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview
This unique free museum opened last year in Shoreview featuring the private collection of Minnesotan Gerard Cafesjian. This exhibit highlights the art Cafesjian acquired over his lifetime, including those of glass artist Dale Chihuly along with Sam Gilliam, Jennifer Bartlett, William Morris, and more.
