If you’ve experienced a summer in the Twin Cities, however fleeting they may be, it’s hard to deny the sort of Midwestern magic that accompanies them. From the fireworks of the Stone Arch Bridge Festival to an evening ride on the Betty Danger’s ferris wheel, there’s a multitude of experiences that embody that summer experience. Cap off your summer at one of these events.
1. August Lawn Party at the American Swedish Institute
Play some lawn games, browse the museum galleries and listen to East European folk-rock band Slovczech at the American Swedish Institute. Find festival food for purchase from FIKA. $20 admission per person. Aug. 12
2. Vintage On A Dime
Tandem Vintage founder Amanda Baumann is hosting her sixth annual Vintage On A Dime sale this month. Stop by if you’re in the mood to dig through a carefully-curated backyard garage sale. Other vendors include Bekah Worley, Rare Press, Glam Diggers Vintage, Salty Vintage and There’s A Party In My Plants. Aug. 13
3. Gimme Gimme Disco at the Varsity Theater
Shake it out to ABBA’s greatest hits at the Gimme Gimme Disco, a disco party inspired by the Swedish band. Tickets start at $17. Aug. 13
4. The Decemberists at Festival Field
Baroque pop band, The Decemberists, is set to play old hits and tease some new tracks at Festival Field. Tickets start at $45. Aug. 14
5. Wild Nights at the Minnesota Zoo
Have you ever wanted to explore the zoo after-hours? Here’s your chance. Wild Nights, the Minnesota Zoo’s 21+ festival series, offers attendees the opportunity to wander the grounds, listen to live music and grab a drink. Tickets start at $40. Aug. 18
6. Irish Fair
Head on over to Harriet Island Park for the craic of it and celebrate the good ol’ Irish at the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Admission is $20. Aug. 12-14
7. Sounds for Silents
Grab a blanket and head to the hillside of the Walker’s Wurtele Upper Gardens to soak in Sounds for Silents, an event of live music and films from the Ruben/Bentson Moving Image Collection. Food trucks on site. Free admission. Aug. 18
8. Market After Dark
Browse the Northeast Farmer’s Market at night, hosted every fourth Tuesday of the month from May to October at Bauhaus. Grab a drink, check out a variety of local vendors and jam to DJ sets by the Ring Toss Twins. Aug. 23
9. Leon Bridges at the Armory
Neo-soul singer-songwriter Leon Bridges, perhaps best known for his 2015 hit “Coming Home,” is in town for The Boundless Tour with Little Dragon. Tickets start at $67. Aug. 25
10. Portugal. The Man at the Grandstand
Feeling it still? If so, catch Portugal. The Man at the Minnesota State Fair. Other guests include Manchester Orchestra and local trio Bad Bad Hats. Tickets start at $27. Aug. 27
