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.
St. Paul
Festival of Nations
May 1-2
Back for its 78th 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.
Minneapolis
Heart of the Beast MayDay Parade and Festival
May 2
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.
Duluth
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
May 2-9
This is one serious music festival: 150 bands, all over the city. Surely there’s something to satisfy every musical taste here.
St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo
May 7-8
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.
Gunflint Trail
Gunflint Green-Up
May 7-8
Help keep the Gunflint Trail full of nature and wonder—and bring your loppers and nippers.
Frontenac
Warbler Weekend
May 7-9
Join the St. Paul Audubon Society for a weekend full of informal bird watching and guided bird walks. This is a productive time for bird watchers—it’s not unusual to spot 130+ types of birds over this weekend.
Lake Elmo
Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival
May 8-9
Sheep. Llamas. Angora bunnies. Woolen goodies, pre-made or ready to knit/crochet. Food, music, sheepherder dog demonstrations, knitting classes, and plenty of food.
Minneapolis
Art-a-Whirl
May 14-16
Prowl around NE Minneapolis and explore its growing arts community in this varied collection of local and national artists’ exhibitions.
Whalan
The Stand-Still Parade
May 15
Food, music, games—and a parade that doesn’t move.
Stillwater
Rivertown Art Festival
May 15-16
Stroll along the banks of the St. Croix River and enjoy artwork from local and national artists.
Detroit Lakes
Festival of Birds
May 20-23
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 Pine to Prairie Birding Trail that extends up into Manitoba.
Farmington
Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games
May 22
Traditional Scottish games and competitions (both heavy and light), as well as music, dancing, and food.
Afton
Afton May Fair
May 22-23
Live music, art shows, hot air balloons, kids’ activities, and plenty of food.
Hibbing
Dylan Days
May 27-30
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. Oh—and the launch of Come Home Bob.
St. Paul
Festival of Nations
May 1-2
Back for its 78th 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.
Minneapolis
Heart of the Beast MayDay Parade and Festival
May 2
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.
Duluth
Duluth Homegrown Music Festival
May 2-9
This is one serious music festival: 150 bands, all over the city. Surely there’s something to satisfy every musical taste here.
St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo
May 7-8
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.
Gunflint Trail
Gunflint Green-Up
May 7-8
Help keep the Gunflint Trail full of nature and wonder—and bring your loppers and nippers.
Frontenac
Warbler Weekend
May 7-9
Join the St. Paul Audubon Society for a weekend full of informal bird watching and guided bird walks. This is a productive time for bird watchers—it’s not unusual to spot 130+ types of birds over this weekend.
Lake Elmo
Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival
May 8-9
Sheep. Llamas. Angora bunnies. Woolen goodies, pre-made or ready to knit/crochet. Food, music, sheepherder dog demonstrations, knitting classes, and plenty of food.
Minneapolis
Art-a-Whirl
May 14-16
Prowl around NE Minneapolis and explore its growing arts community in this varied collection of local and national artists’ exhibitions.
Whalan
The Stand-Still Parade
May 15
Food, music, games—and a parade that doesn’t move.
Stillwater
Rivertown Art Festival
May 15-16
Stroll along the banks of the St. Croix River and enjoy artwork from local and national artists.
Detroit Lakes
Festival of Birds
May 20-23
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 Pine to Prairie Birding Trail that extends up into Manitoba.
Farmington
Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games
May 22
Traditional Scottish games and competitions (both heavy and light), as well as music, dancing, and food.
Afton
Afton May Fair
May 22-23
Live music, art shows, hot air balloons, kids’ activities, and plenty of food.
Hibbing
Dylan Days
May 27-30
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. Oh—and the launch of Come Home Bob.
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