Folk Legend
What: James Taylor and His All-Star Band
When: June 17, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, 199 Kellog Blvd., St. Paul
Grammy award-winning folk artist James Taylor is playing at the Xcel Energy Center, where he will perform hits like “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Taylor will be joined by Tiny Habits, a Boston-based band.
Juneteenth on West Broadway
What: Juneteenth Minnesota West Broadway Block Party
When: June 19, 12 p.m.
Where: Various Locations in West Broadway, Minneapolis
Juneteenth Minnesota is celebrating Black cultural heritage with a block party on West Broadway. The festival features two live entertainment stages, dozens of Black-owned businesses, a historic exhibition, and traditional Juneteenth food. Kids can celebrate with a mini carnival and jubilee parade. For more ways to honor the holiday, read our roundup here.
Photo by Rebecca Rabb
Strawberry Season
What: Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest
When: June 19-22
Where: Kingston Park, 9195 75th St. S., Cottage Grove
It’s peak strawberry season, and Cottage Grove is celebrating with a four-day festival, complete with carnival games, food and merchandise vendors, hot air balloon rides, and a parade on Sunday morning. Even pets are welcome, and they can participate in the annual pet show contest or doggie dash race.
Mears Park Melodies
What: Twin Cities Jazz Festival
When: June 20-21
Where: Mears Park Lowertown, 221 Fifth St. E., St. Paul
Jazz will take center stage at Mears Park this weekend, transforming St. Paul into a live music celebration. The festival aims to keep jazz alive in the Twin Cities, and all performances are free and family friendly. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair and a bite to eat. Dancing is encouraged!
Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
Miles of Tradition
What: Grandma’s Marathon
When: June 21, 7 a.m.
Where: Start line at 893 Scenic Drive, Two Harbors, and finish line at 408 Canal Park Drive, Duluth
One of the largest marathons in the country, Grandma’s Marathon brings in more than 20,000 participants to Duluth every year. It’s more than just a race–spectators can participate in a wide range of activities, including a music festival overlooking Lake Superior and a health and fitness expo presented by Essentia Health.
Courtesy of Grandma’s Marathon
Taste of Hopkins
What: Hopkins Food Truck Festival
When: June 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Mainstreet between 11th Ave. N. and Eighth Ave. S., Hopkins
More than 50 food trucks will line Mainstreet in Hopkins this Saturday and will feature cuisine from all over the world, ranging from Maine lobster rolls to gyros and fro-yo! In addition to food, there will be fashion/vintage clothing trucks, a photo booth truck, life-size Jenga, and local cover bands.
Mardi Gras in Minneapolis
What: Krewe Du Nord
When: June 21, 2 p.m.
Where: 2700 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Experience New Orleans-style spirit, food, and dance in South Minneapolis. This free festival features a performance from The Soul Rebels, a globally renowned New Orleans brass band. Local bands St. Paul & the Minneapolis Funk All Stars, Brass Solidarity, and Hipshaker MPLS will also perform, and attendees can enjoy food trucks, beads, and beverages while they groove to the music.
Courtesy of Krewe Du Nord
