Best Bets: Aug. 5-11

Things to do in Minnesota this week: National Night Out, Luxury Home Tour, an Irish Fair, and more

National Night Out

What: National Night Out at Union Depot
When: Aug. 6 (4-7 p.m.)
Where: 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul

With food trucks, live music, free prizes, and local artisans, National Night Out at Union Depot is the perfect place to spend your summer evening. Plus, the first 100 people can enjoy free hot dogs and lemonade.

Summertime Strings

What: Lakes Area Music Festival
When: Aug. 7 (7:30-9:30 p.m.)
Where: 484 E. River Road, Brainerd

Head to the Mississippi Landing Amphitheater to enjoy a block party. Admire the sweet sounds of the string orchestra, try new food trucks, and hang in the beer tent with family and friends.

Dog Days of Summer

What: Bark in the Park
When: Aug. 8 (5-8 p.m.)
Where: 9191 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine

The perfect event for your furry, four-legged friends, Bark in the Park welcomes pups (and their owners) for a night of socializing. Get your dog’s nails trimmed, browse vendor booths, and enjoy ice cream while you sit back and listen to music from The Backyard Band.

Luxury Awaits

What: Midwest Home‘s Luxury Home Tour
When: Aug. 9-11 (12-6 p.m.)
Where: Various locations

It’s the final weekend to experience the stunning new builds and remodels featured in Midwest Home‘s 2024 Luxury Home Tour! Purchase your passport now for access to all the homes on the tour, and get ready to be inspired.

Courtesy of Midwest Home

Sláinte!

What: Irish Fair of Minnesota
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: 49 Harriet Island Road, St. Paul

This annual event is one of the largest Irish festivals nationwide. Hosted by a charitable nonprofit organization, the Irish Fair promotes community and Irish culture with a collection of family-friendly activities.

Fun in New Brighton

What: New Brighton Stockyard Days
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: 1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton

Check out this annual multi-day festival at Long Lake Regional Park. From parades and fireworks to crafters and a bags tournament, this family-friendly event is sure to be fun for all.

Clothing vendor at New Brighton Stockyard Days

Courtesy of New Brighton Stockyard Days

Support Local Art

What: Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival
When: Aug. 10-11
Where: Fifth Street to 11th Street, Minneapolis

Head to downtown Minneapolis to celebrate street art in all forms—from chalk and spray paint to murals and performance art. New in 2024 is an indie artisan fair featuring over 100 local, hand-selected artisans and their creations.

Minneapolis Street Art Festival

Photo by Tony Nelson

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.