This is just the tip of the iceberg for festivals and events in Minnesota in August. I’ve avoided the more routine festivals, Crazy Days, and city parties. You can find more information about those over at Explore Minnesota. What follows is a list of the more unique possibilities this month. If there’s something I’ve missed, please let me know. And don't forget to check out the events page at the Minnesota Historical Society--there's always something fun going on over there.
Minneapolis
Through Aug. 9
Original, independent artists and performers giving it all they’ve got during this non-juried 11-day festival.
Two Harbors
Two Harbors Kayak Festival
Aug. 7-9
All things kayak: races, demos, training, equipment swaps.
Minneapolis
Aug. 7-9
Aug. 8-9
Aug. 8-9
One weekend, three big art festivals. Bring your wallet and your patience—the crowds can be heavy, especially if the weather is nice. Take advantage of Metro Transit’s Art Hop bus, a free service connecting the three events:
Aug. 8-9
Duluth
Aug. 7-9
Annual blues festival in a lovely location. This year’s performers include Los Lobos and Lamont Cranston.
St. Paul
Aug. 7-9
Held on Harriet Island, Irish Fair celebrates the city’s Irish heritage with music, entertainment, dance, family activities, and of course food.
Walker
Aug. 8-10
Multiclass sailboat races for sailors of all skill levels.
St. Paul
Aug. 15
Celebrate National Relaxation Day by visiting the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, starting with a tour that examines how the home’s occupants would have relaxed 100 years ago, and finishing with a relaxation session lead by life coach Beth Freschi.
Crystal
Aug. 15
Live music and entertainment, fashion show, soccer tournament, children’s activities, comedy, all celebrating the varied African heritage present in the Twin Cities. Oh, and of course there’ll be food.
Hutchinson
Aug. 15
Kite flying, entertainment, old-fashioned children’s activities, and all things garlic. Did you know that there are over 100 varieties of garlic grown here? It’s pretty much guaranteed that vampires will not be present.
Scandia
Aug. 15
Smorgasbord, traditional Swedish music and dancing, and children’s activities.
Pipestone
Aug. 15-16
Battle re-enactments, educational programs, etiquette and ballroom dance lessons, a Grand Ball, children’s activities, and of course, food.
Shakopee
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Aug. 22-Oct. 4, weekends and Labor Day
Come lords and ladies! Followers of Sir Puke and Sir Snot! Lovers of turkey legs! Costumes, food, entertainment of the Renaissance style, at least by today’s standards. Come early, or you’ll be parking in South Dakota.
St. Paul
Aug. 27-Sept. 7
The granddaddy of Minnesota festivals. Go for the cheese curds, stay for the rides, the animals being born, the crafts and arts exhibits, Machinery Hill, the stage shows, the cheesy giveaways, and of course, the food on a stick.
Barnesville
Aug. 28-29
Three words: mashed potato wrestling. I’m SO there. Plus lots of lefse.
Norwood Young America
Aug. 28-30
Minnesota’s oldest festival, held annually for 146 years. Activities, arts and crafts, softball tournaments, bingo, and of course food.
Roseau
Aug. 29-30
This lovely recreated pioneer village celebrates its heritage with pancake breakfasts, parades, children’s activities, and of course food.
Thanks for all the tips, Amy - and for the restaurant reviews, etc. We're having our 20th anniversary next month, and now I have some ideas on what we're going to be doing to celebrate!
:)
Posted by: Eileen | August 03, 2009 at 07:36 PM
There's a National Relaxation Day? EXCELLENT!
Civil War Days sounds like fun and so does Potato Days. Why do I live in boring old CA and not MN? Why?
Posted by: Carrie K | August 06, 2009 at 02:11 PM