Courtesy Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Jazz in Lowertown
What: Twin Cities Jazz Festival
When: June 20-22
Where: Mears Park, 221 Fifth St. E., St. Paul; Saint Paul Union Depot, 214 E. Fourth St., St. Paul
Since its beginning in 1998, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival seeks to connect jazz lovers from and around Minnesota. The three-day event, which has grown into one of the largest free jazz festivals in the Upper Midwest, has garnered support from every generation. The festival’s commitment to diversity is reflected in their lineup: There’s a jazz prodigy (Grace Kelly) in her mid-twenties and a six-time Grammy Award nominee (Nnenna Freelon) set to perform. Learn more.
Summer SKOLstice
What: Summer SKOLstice 2019 Concert Series
When: June 20-22
Where: Viking Lakes, 815 Vikings Pkwy, Eagan
With the development of the Viking Lakes multi-purpose building comes the first three-day summer concert series located at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Stadium. Music will cross genres and generations. Standout artists include Elle King, Judith Hill, and Rick Springfield. Expect Nordic flair, and food stands. Learn more.
Cheer at Special Olympics Summer Games
What: Special Olympics Minnesota 2019 Summer Games
When: June 21-23
Where: University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul
After training for several months, Minnesota Special Olympic athletes will showcase their abilities at the Summer Games for the full three-day event. Sports to watch include track and field, swimming, basketball, and more. Children and adult superfans welcome. The event is free and encourages family to stay and cheer on the athletes. Learn more.
Concert under the Old Oak Tree
What: Grand Oak Opry Presents Dua Saleh for 2019 Kick-Off Show
When: June 22
Where: 273 Goodhue St., St. Paul
Bring a picnic blanket, drinks, and sit back underneath the almost 250-year-old oak tree to listen to a live performance from Dua Saleh. Dua, who identifies as non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns, will most likely perform newly released songs from their recent EP “Nūr” (Arabic word for light). After five years of operation, the Grand Oak Opry has attracted a growing number of music lovers. In recent years, it has come with T-shirts designed by a neighbor, a website created by another neighbor, and six local sponsors. Learn more.
Jokes with Colin Jost
What: Comedy show hosted by Colin Jost
When: June 22
Where: Mystic Showroom, Mystic Lake, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake
Besides giving us our “Weekly Update” on SNL, Colin Jost additionally writes for the show with wit, sarcasm, and satire. Colin has been writing for the show since 2005 and performs his own stand-up comedy which he delivered at the Emmy Awards last year as a host. Learn more.
Pride at the Park
What: 2019 Twin Cities Pride Festival
When: June 22-23
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis
Read our roundup of Pride events.
Minneapolis Comedy Festival
What: Minneapolis Comedy Festival
When: June 24-30
Where: Orpheum Theatre, Pantages Theatre, Woman’s Club Theatre, Target Center, State Theatre
For the first time ever, Minneapolis will bring to you a week long comedy event filled with a star-studded lineup (Seth Myers, George Lopez, Bob Newhart, and more). Learn more.
