Best Bets: June 14-20

Things to do this week: Fine Spirits Classic, Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest, White Bear Lake Marketfest, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, and more

Comedy Festival

What: Minneapolis Comedy Festival
When: Through June 8, hours vary
Where: State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

Get ready for the funniest week in Minneapolis. You won’t want to miss this incredible lineup of comedic talents including “Impractical Jokers” star Sal Vulcano, actress and renowned comedian Maria Bamford, and creator of Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening,” Ari Shaffir.

Wimpy Kid on Stage

What: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical”
When: June 15-18
Where: Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis

It’s the last week to see Jeff Kinney’s popular character take center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical.

Get in the Spirit

What: Fine Spirits Classic
When: 6:30-9 pm June 16
Where: Machine Shop, 300 Second St. SE, Minneapolis

Sip craft cocktails and sample new brands and spirits at the 10th anniversary of this event presented by Minnesota Monthly.

Strawberry Festival

What: Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest
When: June 16-19
Where: Kingston Park, 9195 75th St. S., Cottage Grove

This four-day, family-focused event offers something for everyone, including food, live music, a carnival, and, of course, strawberries.

St. Louis Park Parktacular
St. Louis Park Parktacular

Parktacular

What: St. Louis Park Parktacular
When: June 16-19
Where: Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park

The Parktacular Festival includes concerts, a Grande Day parade, an expo, and other summer activities.

White Bear Lake Marketfest
White Bear Lake Marketfest

Lisa Beecroft

White Bear Lake Marketfest

What: White Bear Lake Marketfest
When: Thursdays, June 16-28
Where: 4701 Hwy. 61 N., White Bear Lake

From food trucks to original art to local merchants, Marketfest hosts 160-plus vendors each week. Different local bands will perform from a variety of genres and intermission acts feature community organizations and entertainers each week as well.

Studio Hop

What: Studio Hop 2022
When:  4-9 p.m. June 17; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18
Where: Studio locations in Willmar, Spicer, and New London

This annual event includes paintings, sculpture, pottery, mixed media, photography and more. This free event is an opportunity to tour local artists’ workshops, visit with the creators and possibly purchase some of the artwork.

Car Show

What: Back to the 50’s Weekend
When: June 17-19
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave., St. Paul

Minnesota State Street Rod Association’s Back to the 50’s car show brings more than 12,000 1950’s-era cars to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The annual event also features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Provided

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

What: Stone Arch Bridge Festival
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 19
Where: West River Parkway, Minneapolis

The festival includes juried artists within three specialty markets, two live music stages featuring 28 performances, car displays, a fun run, and more.

Midsommar Celebration

What: Midsommar Celebration
When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. June 18
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis

Enjoy the longest day of the year by making fresh-flower head wreaths, singing songs, live music, and dancing around the maypole.

Juneteenth Celebration at Midtown Global Market

What: Juneteenth Celebration at Midtown Global Market
When: Noon-3 p.m. June 19
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis

Midtown Global Market will host an entertaining and educational celebration of Juneteenth with a dance performance, music, free kids crafts, a presentation by African American storyteller Beverly Cottman, and readings by author Crown Shepherd.