Best Bets: Aug. 19-25

Things to do this week: the return of the State Fair, wine tastings, a chalk art festival, and more

Hit the Dance Floor

What: Depot Dance Nights – Ballroom
When: Aug. 20 (6:30-9 p.m.)
Where: 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul

The final installment of Depot Dance Nights at Union Depot will focus on the art of ballroom dance. Enjoy a free, 30-minute lesson before dancing the night away to the sounds of The Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra.

Seasonal Flavors

What: Seasonal Wines: Late Summer Sips
When: Aug. 22 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Where: 4351 France Ave. S., Minneapolis

Savor the final days of summer with this interactive class from France 44 Wines + Spirits. Learn about different summer wines, take a self-guided tour through the tasting stations, and top off the evening with cheese and charcuterie from the Cheese Shop. Ages 21-plus.

France 44 Seasonal Wine Series

Photo by Indi Rudduck

Return of the Great Minnesota Get-Together

What: Minnesota State Fair
When: Aug. 22-Sept. 2
Where: 1265 Snelling Ave., St. Paul

It’s that time of year again: everyone’s favorite end-of-summer tradition is back! The 2024 Minnesota State Fair opens this Thursday, with plenty of new bites, sips, and experiences to enjoy. Keep an eye on Minnesota Monthly‘s social media profiles for our team’s live coverage of opening day!

Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

When the Sun Goes Down

What: Park After Dark
When: Aug. 23 (8-10:30 p.m.)
Where: 2400 Crosby Farm Trail, St. Paul

This event welcomes visitors to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park’s nocturnal side with science, culture, and art. Learn about bugs, bats, and other nighttime wildlife, take a ranger-led night hike, listen to teachings about Dakota botanical knowledge and moon journaling, eat s’mores by the beach bonfire, and check out a sound-art installation.

Park After Dark

Courtesy of Mississippi Park Connection

Huzzah!

What: Bold North Adventure Weekend at Minnesota Renaissance Festival
When: Aug. 24-25 (9 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Where: 12364 Chestnut Blvd., Shakopee

Put on your best medieval attire and channel your inner Viking warrior this weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Indulge in legends, lore, daring competitions, and of course, a turkey leg or two.

Chalk About It

What: Monticello, Let’s Chalk
When: Aug. 24-25 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Where: 505 Walnut St., Monticello

This two-day street art festival in downtown Monticello will feature food, entertainment, and chalk masterpieces from local and international artists.

Courtesy of Shawn McCann

As Managing Editor of Minnesota Monthly, Macy strives to capture the Spirit of Minnesota through impactful storytelling and engaging content. Obsessed with all things entertainment and pop culture, her editorial background encompasses a wide variety of arts and lifestyle coverage—from interviewing local musicians and Broadway actors to exploring that trend you can’t stop hearing about. With her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the Twin Cities, Macy is passionate about the people, places, and ideas driving Minnesota’s culture. You can often find her cuddling her two cats, seeing a local band, or crossing movies off her ever-growing watchlist.