Best Bets: Aug. 8-14

Things to do this week: the Dakota County Fair, Irish Fair, outdoor movie at Surly Brewing, IndiaFest, and more

 

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County Fair

What: Dakota County Fair
When: Aug. 8-14
Where: 4008 220th St. W., Farmington

The Dakota County Fair is an annual event held in Farmington every August. Find fair food, carnival rides, music, and more.

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Film Screening

What: Free Family Movie Night
When: Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
Where: 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis

Bring lawn chairs and blankets for this outdoor screening of “Little Miss Sunshine.” Beer and pizza will be available at 6 p.m., with the movie stating at 7:30 p.m.

Irish Fair of Minnesota

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Irish Fair

What: Irish Fair of Minnesota
When: Aug. 12-14
Where: Harriet Island, St. Paul

This popular annual event features lively dancing, traditional music, food and beverages for purchase, a giant sheep mascot, and lots of fun – or “craic” as they say in Ireland.

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Food Truck Festival

What: Food Truck Festival
When: Aug. 12, 4-9 p.m.
Where: 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan

Enjoy live music, local beer, and more than 20 food vendors showcasing their menus and cuisines. 

Lakeside Guitar Festival

What: Lakeside Guitar Festival
When: Aug. 12, 6-9 p.m.; Aug. 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 1360 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul

This free outdoor music festival set at the Historic Como Lakeside Pavilion features a lineup of local and international artists and community activities.

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Open Streets

What: Open Streets Minneapolis
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Where: Second Avenue to 22nd Avenue South, Minneapolis

During these free, family-friendly events, local nonprofit Our Streets Minneapolis partners with the City of Minneapolis to temporarily close major roads, opening them to people biking, walking, and connecting with the community. 

 

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IndiaFest

What: IndiaFest
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Minnesota State Capitol Grounds, 75 Rev Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., St. Paul

This celebration of India’s rich culture, heritage, traditions, and diversity is free and open to all and includes a parade, authentic Indian food, and more.

Made in MN Beer Festival

What: Made in MN Beer Festival
When: Aug. 13, 5 p.m.
Where: 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee

Sample a variety of domestic, imported, specialty, and craft-brewed beers made by Minnesota brewers. Come for BeerFest, stay for the races, and enjoy live entertainment on the Mystic Lake Music stage.

Lizzo Drag Brunch

What: Drag Brunch
When: Aug. 13, 10 a.m.
Where: 731 Hennepin Ave. Suite 1, Minneapolis

With Lizzo’s new album coming out, Union Rooftop will celebrate the release with a special drag brunch featuring entertainers performing the entire album. 

Minnesota Children's Museum

Minnesota Children’s Museum’s Summer Block Party

What: Summer Block Party
When: Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul

Enjoy a live D.J., two giant blow-up slides, watercolor spray art, mini golf, and more on the street in front of the Children’s Museum. The block party is free but does not include museum admission.