Summer is finally in full swing and hopefully the temperature will catch up. Hard to believe the kids are out of school already but here it is — summer! Whether you spend your warm days on a boat up north or at the neighborhood pools across the region there’s plenty of family fun to be had this summer. There are many great art festivals going on this summer as well as the opening of local farmer’s markets. There are some great music festivals taking place this summer too!

June is a great month to see some beautiful homes. This year is the second annual Artisan Home.

Artisan Home Tour

When: June 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 | 1-7pm
Where: Various homes throughout the Twin Cities

This year marks the second annual Artisan Home Tour, a tour of stunning executive level homes well designed and well built. The 2015 Artisan Home Tour features 22 of the region’s most exquisite homes. Tour stunning new homes designed and constructed by exceptional homebuilders, and new this year are four amazing remodeled homes by the regions top remodelers (open the final weekend only). Whether new or remodeled, these are all incredible residences which truly combine artistic vision with master craftsmanship, and do it perfectly. Each has been reviewed by our Architectural Review Panel to assure they meet the exacting standards of design, high-level finish, and impeccable craftsmanship, which make them Artisan Homes.

Minnesota Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets are open for the season. Spend the morning with a cup of coffee and a stroll through some of the most fragrant booths in the Twin Cities. Find fruits, veggies, meats, crafts and don’t forget balloons for the kids! The Farmers Markets are a great way for people to buy locally grown produce. Buy from the growers and eliminate the middleman. Click here for a list of Farmers Markets around the Twin Cities.

Minnesota Antiques Dealers Association Antiques Show

Where: 1442 Cosgrove St.. St. Paul, MN 55108 (Fine Arts Building of the MN State Fairgrounds)
When: June 6 – 7, 2015

After you seen the stunning homes on the Artisan Home Tour you’ll want to furnish your home with exquisite furnishings. Poke around the Minnesota Antiques Dealers Association Antique Show to find that perfect piece to complement any decor. Admissions is $6 and the event is handicap accessible.

Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival

Where: Como Avenue and Carter Avenue, St. Paul, MN
When: June 6th, 2015 | 10am – 5pm

Now in its 46th year, the Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival brings together artists, musicians, art lovers, families and a supportive community. The festival benefits the historic St. Anthony Park Branch of the St. Paul Public Library. It engages children and adults alike with fun activities for the whole family. Watch in wonder as you learn how to throw a pot! In addition to art activities there is a well stocked used book sale, a plant sale and great music and good food. Click here for more details.

Bike MS: C.H. Robinson MS 150 Ride

Where: Duluth to the Twin Cities
When: June 12 – 14

Bike MS: C.H. Robinson MS 150 Ride 2015 is a two-day, fully supported cycling adventure that starts in Duluth and finishes in the Twin Cities. You’ll enjoy a free bus ride to Duluth Friday, where your bike and friends await. Saturday, you’ll join nearly 4,000 cyclists and travel the scenic Willard Munger Trail to Hinckley where you’ll celebrate your halfway victory at a festive overnight. Sunday, when you cross the finish line, you’ll have helped change the world for people with multiple sclerosis.

This ride is open to cyclists of all levels of expertise. To increase safety and reduce congestion on the Willard Munger Trail, participants may also choose an alternative route option using Highway 61, starting in Carlton. Click here for more information.

Rock Island Swing Bridge Trailhead Grand Opening

Where: 4465 66th St, Inver Grove Heights, MN
When: June 18th | 5pm – 8pm

Swing from past to present and celebrate the opening of the newest addition to the Mississippi River Regional Trail — the Rock Island Swing Bridge Trailhead. Enjoy great food, free swing dance lessons and music by the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra. Click here for more details