Looking for entertainment ideas this week and into the holiday weekend? We’re extending our regular weekly Best Bets into next week for a full spectrum of fun.
DanceCo Returns
What: Dance Around Minnesota
When: July 1
Where: Outdoors in Minneapolis and St. Paul
After a three-year pandemic slumber, DanceCo is back with a series of free family-friendly performances. Meet Paul Bunyan and Babe and be ready to join the dancers onstage to learn fun facts about Minnesota through movement and fun.
Four Days of Music
What: Blues and Soul Festival
When: July 1-4
Where: Tattersall Distilling & Events Center, 1777 Paulson Road, River Falls, WI
For blues and soul lovers in the region, spend the weekend of the Fourth of July with a “dream lineup” of four live concerts over four days. The capacity is 400 per show in a beautiful, fenced area with a fantastic stage next to Tattersall Distilling.
Funfest
What: July Fourth Funfest
When: July 2-4
Where: Central Park Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan
Eagan’s July Fourth Funfest has grown to one of the largest community events around. Festivities on July 2 will include Paddle North, Kidstrong, live music all day, and a silent disco at night. A parade and fireworks will also be on July 3 and 4.
Great Eats, Sweet Treats
What: Taste of Minnesota
When: July 2-3
Where: Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
The Twin Cities’ signature Fourth of July event returns right in the heart of Minneapolis. This highly anticipated festival is a celebration of Minnesota culture and cuisine and features free live music across many genres
Dazzling Fireworks
What: The Island Block Party
When: July 3
Where: Treasure Island Resort and Casino, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch
Celebrate Independence Day at the annual Island Block Party. Before the night ends with the biggest fireworks display around, “Chase & Ovation: A Salute to the Music of Prince” will light up the stage with all the legend’s biggest songs.
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.
