28 Things to Do in Minnesota in Summer 2022

Explore the state June through August, at events like the Northern Landscapes Festival, the Minnesota Garlic Festival, Twin Cities Summer Jam, and more
Dancer at a powwow at Granite Falls
Dancer at a powwow at Granite Falls

Courtesy of Explore Minnesota

June 3-5, Grand Marais

Northern Landscapes Festival

Spend the weekend learning more about the birds, wildlife, and plants of beautiful northern Minnesota.

 

June 9-12, Grand Rapids

Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday Celebration

Get ready to click your ruby slippers celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th birthday celebration.

 

June 16, Minneapolis

Fine Spirits Classic

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

 

June 16-19, Cottage Grove

Strawberry Fest

Have a berry good time at this festival that features food, bands, a carnival, and, of course, strawberries.

 

June 18, Granite Falls

Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow

Enjoy this amazing air show at the Fagen Fighters World War II Museum.

 

June 20-26, Duluth

Chum Rhubarb Festival

Support the anti-hunger organization CHUM with this week-long event filled with rhubarb treats, food trucks, and a carnival.

 

July 2-9, Traverse City, Mich.

National Cherry Festival

Hop over to Traverse City, Michigan, to see how they celebrate summer. Taste pies, peruse the arts and crafts show, and explore the car show.

 

July 4, Fourth of July Celebrations, throughout the region

Find exciting fireworks displays throughout the Midwest, including at Grand Marais Harbor, Madeline Island, Wis., La Crosse, Wis., and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

 

July 8-17, West Fargo, N.D.

Red River Valley Fair

Explore exhibitions, live music, amusement park attractions, and food at this classic summer event that runs for 10 days.

 

July 9-10, Stillwater

Wine Meets Art Festival

Enjoy local food, art, wine and more that this weekend festival.

 

July 15-17, Madison

Dragonfest and Stinker Day

This cleverly-named event features a 5K race, street dance, rib and wing fest, fireworks, and children’s activities.

 

July 21-23, Walker

Moondance Jam

This rock-music weekend features Daughtry, Collective Soul, Brett Michaels, and more.

 

July 21-23, Shakopee

Twin Cities Summer Jam

Head to Canterbury Park for country, rock, pop, and other performances. The lineup includes Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, and Trace Adkins.

 

July 23, Duluth

Festival by the Lake

Celebrate the rich history of Duluth through music, food, and cultural activities.

 

July 29-31, Ely

Ely’s Blueberry Arts Festival

Enjoy a variety of art and meet makers while sampling a menu of blueberry treats, grilled meats, seafood delights, and refreshing beverages.

 

July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, & Aug. 12-14, various Twin Cities metro locations

Midwest Home Luxury Home Tour

Explore some of the finest new home builds and renovations throughout the metro area on three luxurious weekends. Meet designers and builders, and find inspiration for your next project.

 

July 29- Aug. 6, Indianola, Iowa

National Balloon Classic

With more than 100 colorful hot air balloons filling the summer sky, this nine-day experience includes live music, displays, and balloon rides.

 

July 3031, Minneapolis

Loring Park Art Festival

For more than two decades, this festival has featured art by hundreds of artists, music, food, and entertainment.

 

Aug. 4-6, Detroit Lakes

WE Fest

Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan headline this three-day music festival that features camping and other entertainment.

 

Aug. 5-7, Minneapolis

Uptown Art Fair

Browse the works of more than 350 artists, plus enjoy a wide range of food and beverage vendors in one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant cultural districts.

 

Aug. 5-7, Granite Falls

Traditional Wacipi

Experience the Upper Sioux Community’s Pezhutazizi Oyate Traditional Wacipi Powwow at Granite Falls.

 

Aug. 12-14, Duluth

Bayfront Blues Festival

The weekend-long festival on the Lake Superior shores features 30-plus regional and national artists, including Shemekia Copeland, and Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers.

 

Aug. 12-14, St. Paul

Irish Fair of Minnesota

Celebrate the past, present, and future of the Irish community with an array of activities, performances, food and drink.

 

Aug. 12, Eagan

Eagan Food Truck Festival

Enjoy the night sampling from 23 Twin Cities food trucks, while sipping craft beers, and listening to live music.

 

Aug. 13, Hutchinson

Minnesota Garlic Festival

Celebrate all things garlic at this event featuring amazing foods, celebrity chefs, live music, games and more.

 

Aug. 13, Hackensack

Northwoods Art and Book Festival

From art to books to food, don’t miss this longest running art and literature festival in Minnesota.

 

Aug. 20-21, Chicago, Ill.

Chicago Air and Water Show

Get a front row seat on Chicago’s lakefront to see and hear the roaring U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly overhead at the two-day event.

 

Weekends Aug. 20-Oct. 2, Shakopee

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

The annual Shakopee experience showcases jousting knights, fire-breathing entertainers, and more costumed characters from centuries ago. The food and beverages are also feast-worthy.