Photo by Peter Gannushkin
Fourth of July Celebrations
What: Celebrations, carnivals, and fireworks
When: 4th of July weekend
Where: See local event details
All around Minnesota, Fourth of July celebrations are back!
In the Twin Cities, celebrations include Bloomington’s Summer Fete, featuring live music and food, and Eagan Funfest, spanning July 3-12. Also happening is the Ham Lake Freedom Festival, north of the Twin Cities, with kids’ activities and a pig roast, plus the two-day Coon Rapids’ 4th of July Celebration. On the St. Croix, visit the Hudson Booster Days, lasting all weekend, and Fireworks Dinner Cruises departs from Stillwater and Hudson, Wisconsin.
The Star Tribune has also published a list of places to see fireworks in and around the Twin Cities, and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board posted a list of events happening in lieu of Minneapolis’ annual Red, White, and Boom, which intends to return in July of 2022.
A Return to In-Person Theatre
What: Norma Jeane Baker of Troy
When: July 1-18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Historical Society’s Train Shed Space, 704 S. Second St., Minneapolis
Rough Magic Performance Company debuts Norma Jeane Baker of Troy, written by Anne Carson. The play is a “thrilling and thoughtful meditation on the destabilizing and destructive power of beauty and war, drawing together Helen of Troy and Marilyn Monroe, twin avatars of female fascination separated by millennia but united in mythopoetic force,” the press release reads. The play will be one of the first Actor’s Equity-approved productions in Minnesota this year.
Summer Jazz
What: jaimie branch’s FLY or DIE
When: Friday July 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center hillside, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis
Join jaimie branch and her quartet as she performs her album FLY or DIE on the Walker’s hillside for an evening of visionary and experimental jazz. The concert is part of the Walker’s Hillside Jazz Free Summer Concert Series.
Beach Party
What: Manitou Days Beach Dance
When: Friday July 2, 8-11 p.m.
Where: Memorial Beach Park, 4980 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake
This beach dance party is part of White Bear’s Manitou Days, which runs from July 1-11. There will be food and beverages, with music provided by the Free & Easy Band.
Food Truck Fest
What: Taste of Food Truck Fair
When: July 3-4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St., St. Paul
This Fourth of July celebration will feature some the Twin Cities’ favorite food trucks, including Eggroll Queen, Muddy Paws Cheesecake Co., Floyd’s Donuts, and more. The fair will have food and activities, according to the event’s Facebook page, so bring your appetite and join the fun.
A Feminist Comedy Series
What: Pay Gap Summer Series
When: Sunday July 4, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Keg and Case, West Seventh Market, 928 W. Seventh St., St. Paul
This free show is produced by Rock What You Got, a social enterprise that elevates female voices in the Twin Cities (including “BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people in business, entertainment, and community”). The series, featuring performances by comics and musicians, aims to combat the gender pay gap. Shows will be on Sundays through August 22.
Red, White & Sangria
What: Red, White & Sangria wine tasting
When: July 3-4, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater
Celebrate the holiday weekend with local wines by sampling the Stillwater vineyard’s range of reds and whites, including the wintery’s “favorite” sangria recipe.
