Festivals have laid dormant since the pandemic started, but as things start to open up and the weather is getting better, there’s more opportunity to attend all your favorite festivals that make the Twin Cities the best place to be in the summer.
April/May
Fashion Week MN (April 28 – May 1): Fashion Week MN is a biannual event full of runway shows, presentations, panels and shopping events highlighting the most recent collections of Minnesota-based designers, brands and retailers.
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (May 13 – May 23): The 40th annual international film festival will take on a hybrid format with an array of virtual and outdoor screenings in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The full line up and ticketing will be announced April 22. Student all-access passes are currently at the discounted price of $19.99.
June
Stone Arch Bridge Festival (June 19 – June 20): The Stone Arch Bridge Festival is a Father’s Day weekend tradition that has been going on for over 25 years on the Minneapolis riverfront. Over 200 visual artists, 40 musical acts and countless food vendors can be seen at the festival. Keep an eye out for the vintage and vinyl market — along with the art of the car show!
Twin Cities Pride Festival (June 26 – June 27): All LGBTQ people and allies are welcome for the premier celebration of the LGBTQ community in downtown Minneapolis! The festival is currently reviewing options for this year’s pride celebration. Twin Cities Pride doesn’t believe it will be able to host the large festival at Loring Park like in past years, but it is looking at alternatives like a series of smaller gatherings.
July
Basilica Block Party (July 9 – July 10): Come ye sinners and worship at the best party ever held at a church. Back in 1995, the Basilica Block Party began as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of the Basilica of Saint Mary. Now, 26 years later, it’s one of the best summertime events in the Twin Cities with an incredible lineup of indie rock.
Loring Park Art Festival (July 31 – August 1): Loring Park Art Festival consists of 140 visual artists selling their original work in 12-by-12-foot booths, strolling musicians, scheduled stage performances, children’s activities and exceptional food. The artwork presented will be from a variety of different media, including painting, photography, printmaking, wood, jewelry, clay, sculpture, fiber and glass.
August
Uptown Art Fair (August 6 – August 8): The Uptown Art Fair, produced by the Uptown Association, is a fine arts festival known as one of the most exceptional art fairs in the United States. The Uptown Art Fair showcases a variety of unique art for everyone.
Edina Art Fair (August 20 – August 22): The fair is held annually in the streets of 50th and France in Edina. The neighborhood is a hot shopping destination in the Twin Cities, known for all the luxury and lifestyle boutiques.
