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.
