Best Bets: Aug. 15-21

To this week in the Twin Cities area: Taste of Lakeville, food truck festivals, an annual Wacipi, and more

Outdoor Concert

What: The Decemberists
When: Monday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Surly Brewing Festival Field, 520 Malcolm Ave., St. Paul

Colin Meloy and friends return to the Twin Cities with their folk-rock sounds for this outdoor summer concert. Jake Xerxes Fussell opens.

Photo by Rachel Marzahn
Taste of Lakeville

Photo by Rachel Marzahn

Tasting Event

What: Taste of Lakeville
When: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville

A fundraising event for the Lakeville Rotary Club, local restaurants and caterers supply all- you-can-eat samples, and live music is provided by Carolyne Naomi and Bruce Berniece.

Rhapsody on the River

What: Summer Music Series
When: Thursday, Aug. 18
Where: St. Croix River Boats, 525 S. Main St., Stillwater

The St. Croix River Valley’s summer music series continues with the music of the Lonesome Loners, with a tribute to Yacht Rock. Enjoy a dinner buffet on the river boat, taking in the views of the river and the tunes. 

Photo by City of Inver Grove Heights Staff
Food Truck Days

Photo by City of Inver Grove Heights Staff

Food Truck Days

What: Inver Grove Heights Food Truck Days
When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 4:30-7 p.m.
Where: Rich Valley Athletic Complex, 1841 105th St. E, Inver Grove Heights

Celebrate the end of summer with treats from food trucks, and have a picnic in the grass. This event has at least 10 confirmed vendors including Gray Duck Concessions, the Big Cheese, and Wonders Ice Cream, with musical entertainment to accompany the eats.

Photo by Mike Christenson
SMSC Wacipi

Photo by Mike Christenson

Annual Wacipi

What: SMSC Wacipi
When: Aug. 19-21
Where: Wacipi Grounds, 3212 Dakotah Parkway, Shakopee

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s annual gathering brings together new and familiar friends from tribes around the country. The Wacipi will feature competitive dancing, drumming, and singing as well as daily contests and displays of traditional beadwork and arts.

Photo by Wendy Composto
Art in the Gardens

Photo by Wendy Composto

Art Fair

What: Art in the Gardens
When: Aug. 19-21
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska

This artistic event will showcase more than 70 artists, highlighting culinary arts, creative crafts, and fine arts. Take a scenic walk around the arboretum grounds while viewing the works of  vendors. Live music will include musical artists Paul Imholde and the Abiders.

Photo by Nicholas J. Narog
Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Photo by Nicholas J. Narog

Renaissance Fest

What: Minnesota Renaissance Festival
When: Aug. 20-21
Where: Festival Grounds, 3525 145th St. W, Shakopee

Attend the opening weekend of the iconic Minnesota Renaissance Festival with royal daily events, a Shakespeare experience, and food and beverage. The festival features entertainment, games and rides, and an artisanal marketplace.

Photo by Natarah Lee
Anoka Food Truck Festival

Photo by Natarah Lee

Food Truck Festival

What: Anoka Food Truck Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, noon-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Anoka, 2015 First Ave., Anoka

This festival will showcase more than 50 food truck vendors, including the Muddy Tiger, Rebel Lobster, and Pretty Great Cheesecake. Craft brews will also be available, and live live music will include Whiskey Stone, the Emily Marrs Band, and Coyote Wild.