As we move toward the prime festival months of summer, spring ushers in many festivals, including lots of outdoor activities. As usual, don’t forget to look through the myriad opportunities offered at the Minnesota Historical Society, which has plenty of its own events to offer.
Duluth
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
Now through May 3
This is one serious music festival: 150 bands, all over the city. Surely there’s something to satisfy every musical taste here.
St. Paul
Apr. 30-May 3
Back for its 77th year, the Festival of Nations celebrates the diversity in Minnesota’s heritage, with 90 different ethnic groups providing music, dance, crafts, and food.
Red Wing to Winona (and into Wisconsin)
The 100-Mile Garage Sale
May 1-2
Bargain hunters and Antique Roadshow dreamers, take note—this annual event is a treasure-hunter’s joy.
St. Paul
May 1-2
OK, not exactly on May 5, but St. Paul’s District del Sol has plenty to entertain you with a couple of days earlier. A lowrider car show, fiesta parade, live music, salsa tasting contest, kids’ activities, and plenty of fabulous, authentic Mexican food. (For more information on District del Sol, see my recent column on WCCO.com.)
Minneapolis
Heart of the Beast MayDay Parade and Festival
May 3
Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre presents this each year: an extraganza with large-scale puppets and other kinds of entertainment. The Parade begins at 1 p.m., followed by a Tree of Life Ceremony and the festival itself, at Powderhorn Park.
Lake Elmo
Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival
May 9-10
Sheep. Llamas. Angora bunnies. Woolen goodies, pre-made or ready to knit/crochet. Food, music, sheepherder dog demonstrations, knitting classes, kids' activities, and plenty of food.
Detroit Lakes
May 14-17
Serious birders, take note—this festival offers the possibility of seeing any of more than 250 species of birds that live in the Detroit Lakes area. There will be guided tours, educational events, field trips, and an introduction to the newly defined Pine to Prairie Birding Trail that extends up into Manitoba.
Minneapolis
May 15-17
Prowl around NE Minneapolis and explore its growing arts community in this varied collection of local and national artists’ exhibitions.
Stillwater
May 16-17
Stroll along the banks of the St. Croix River and enjoy artwork from local and national artists.
Hibbing
May 21-24
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Robert Zimmerman’s (a.k.a. Bob Dylan) graduation from Hibbing High School. Don’t go expecting Dylan himself to be there, but enjoy a Dylan bus tour, enter a creative writing or songwriting contest, literary showcases, and live music.
Grand Marais
May 22-24
Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with a trip north for scenery and this festival, which includes plenty of live music and, new this year, an art crawl.
Richmond
May 29-31
One of four annual festivals run by the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association, the Homegrown Kickoff offers live music, jam sessions, music classes, camping, and crafts and food.
Afton
May 30-31
Live music, art shows, hot air balloons, kids’ activities, and plenty of food.
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