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Outdoor Art Festival
What: Loring Park Art Festival
When: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, August 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Loring Park, Minneapolis
Since 2000, the Loring Park Art Festival has combined creative expression and community connectedness to surprise and delight all who attend. The two-day event will feature 140 visual artists selling original work, with something for everyone. Festivalgoers can also enjoy food, live music and unique entertainment for the whole family in the beautiful outdoor setting of Loring Park. This year, the festival will also feature the Lakes & Legends Beer Garden, serving craft beer, local craft soda, and Kombucha on site.
Summer Feast
What: Summer Feast at Brother Justus
When: Saturday, July 31, 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Brother Justus, 3300 5th St., Northeast Minneapolis
Brother Justus is collaborating with rockstar local chefs Yia Vang, Jamal Hashi, and Amalia Obermeier-Smith to put on an incredible all-you-can-eat event featuring a whole hog, a whole goat, and a slew of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Order one of Brother Justus’ original, made-from-Minnesota single malts or cocktails to pair with your favorite dish as you gaze out over the rolling hills of Columbia Golf Course. Take time to celebrate all that makes this community unique, beautiful, and delicious. Tickets are $60 each for four hours of feasting (21+ and drinks available for purchase separately).
Water Lantern Festival
What: Twin Cities Water Lantern Festival
When: Saturday, July 31, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Phalen Park Beach House, 1400 Phalen Dr., St. Paul
The Twin Cities Water Lantern Festival is lighting up St. Paul’s Lake Phalen to close out July and lead into the final lap of summer. This event combines the magic of friends, family, great food, and a beautiful array of twinkling lanterns on the waterfront. Enjoy various local food trucks, relax while listening to live music, check out the local vendors, and decorate and release lanterns into the water. Tickets are $25.99 until Friday and $40 on Saturday.
BBQ Competition
What: Thor’s North Star State BBQ Competition
When: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Aamodt’s Apple Farm, 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater
Watch teams ranging from backyard chefs to national competitors compete for an epic trophy and the honor of being crowned the Ultimate Chicken & Rib Grill Master for the inaugural North Star State BBQ Competition. Plus: barbecue from Aesop’s Table, pork from Thor’s, and 12 hard ciders on tap.
Outdoor Market for Black-Owned Businesses
What: The Black Market: The Omega
When: Saturday, July 31, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 200 East Lyndale Ave N., Minneapolis
The Black Market is a unique shopping event whose mission is to assist in closing the wealth gap in Minnesota and increase the development of Black economics. They provide a unique experience where the community may eat, shop, gather, and learn about the multitude of services and products available from the black community. Say goodbye to July at this final market event of the summer, featuring over 70 vendors, food trucks, games, music, and space to relax for the entire family—including pets. Free tickets are highly encouraged as an RSVP.
The Circus Is Back On
What: Circus Juventas – GALAXIUM
When: Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 15
Where: Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Avenue, St. Paul
Circus Juventas’ summer show highlights the best of contemporary circus arts, with a strong blending of circus, dance, and theater. This year’s showcase—GALAXIUM takes audience members on an outer space adventure—blasting off from Area 51 and traveling to Planet X and beyond. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here.
Art Crawl
What: FLOW Northside Arts Crawl
When: Thursday, July 29 through Sunday, August 1
Where: West Broadway Corridor, North Minneapolis and satellite locations
FLOW is a self-guided tour of studios, galleries, theaters, and other spaces over a mile and a half of the West Broadway corridor and satellite locations off Broadway. The 15th year of FLOW brings a renewed focus on the grassroots arts organizations. The event is a program of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition that showcases Northside artists of all ages and experiences at various locations around the community with a weekend of indoor and outdoor activities. Visit the Facebook page for updates and more information.
