It’s finally spring! We’ve made it through the long winter and just about all of the snow is finally melted. Time to get out and enjoy all the events in the Twin Cities this May. Whether you’re celebrating mom or Cinco de Mayo, there’s something to do for everyone. Of course Memorial Day takes place later this month – the official beginning of summer.

Events in the Twin Cities this May

Festival of Nations
When: May 3^rd– 6^th, 2018
Where: RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd

The International Institute’s annual Festival of Nations is the most diverse, oldest and longest running multicultural festival in the Midwest. Since 1932, its goal has been to inspire people to discover more about our world and embrace the rich cultural diversity in our community. Nearly 100 ethnic groups will come together for a unique, 4-day experience that celebrates cultural heritage through dancing, performances, exhibits, demonstrations and cuisine. The Festival is a department of the International Institute of Minnesota, whose mission is to “help New Americans achieve self-sufficiency and full membership in American life.”

Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5^th, 2018
Where: Cesar Chavez Street
Between Robert Street and Highway 52
Saint Paul’s West Side
St. Paul, MN

Cinco de Mayo – West Side Saint Paul celebrates the Westside community’s Mexican heritage and the traditional annual celebration of Mexico over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Join us on Cesar Chavez street in Saint Paul for a day filled with cultural entertainment, excitement and exploring all the Westside has to offer!

Union Depot Train Day
When: May 5^th, 2018
Where: Union Depot
214 4^thStreet East
St. Paul, MN

Train Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, fun annual event will offer guests a glimpse of history and future of passenger train travel, the historic and current role of freight railroads in our region, and changing transportation trends and needs. The day will include exhibits of train equipment, historic railcars, new and vintage buses, bike test drives, and other activities for all ages. Concessions will be available in the Head House and on the train platform.

Grillfest
When: May 5^thand 6^th, 2018
Where: CHS Field
360 N. Broadway Street
Saint Paul, MN

Fire up the outdoor entertaining season for the return of Minnesota Monthly’s 7th Annual GrillFest! Taking place at CHS Field, the home of the St. Paul Saints, this two-day outdoor festival provides guests with the opportunity to taste their favorite grilled foods and sample summer wines and specialty craft/seasonal beers. Guests will be able to test out new grills, gadgets and smokers, savor a variety of sauces & rubs and gather recipes while enjoying live grilling demonstrations. This unique covered outdoor space is perfect for kicking off the grilling season, yet protected from the elements.

Karaoke for All Ages
When: May 6^th, 2018
Where: Can Can Wonderland
755 Prior Avenue North Suite #4
Saint Paul, MN

Karaoke has become a community tradition at Can Can. Come sing your heart out, enjoy the participatory sing-a-longs and spontaneous dance parties, cheer on other singers, and HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME! And now, it’s ALL AGES! This is held on the Wee Stage at the very end of the boardwalk by the amazing Illuminated Reef. Hosted by the always amazing Silly Miss Tilly!

May Day Parade
When: May 6^th, 2018
Where: Bloomington Ave S between 25^thand 34^thstreets
Minneapolis, MN

Every spring, the MayDay Parade explodes onto Bloomington Avenue! We own the street for the day, dancing and playing instruments with fiery verve. We tell our story, section by section, each designed musically and visually by MayDay staff artists as a walking theatrical performance. The Join In Section follows, where community groups proclaim their names and causes. All together, 2000 participants march, boogie or roll down Bloomington every year!

Mother’s Day Weekend
When: May 12^thand 13^th, 2018
Where: Oliver Kelley Farm
15788 Kelley Farm Road
Elk River, MN

Explore the Kelley Farm as it springs to life on Mother’s Day Weekend. Help plant seeds in the gardens, harvest the first spring greens, and meet the baby animals on the historic farmstead and at the Farm Lab Barn. And be sure to see what’s cooking in the historic farmhouse and the Learning Kitchen in the visitor center.

Mothers are admitted free when accompanied by a child.

World’s Largest Day of Catch
When: May 17^th, 201
Where: CHS Field
360 N. Broadway Street
Saint Paul, MN

The event will take place on Robert Street between 6th street and 7th place in Downtown St. Paul. Join us for $1 lunch and free beverages! Bring your glove to participate in the World’s Largest Game of Catch, in which everyone will receive a free softee ball! Meet the 2012 four-legged mascot as we reveal winning name from the Name The Pig Contest.

Art-A-Whirl
When: May 18^th, 2018
Where: Various Art Studios in Minneapolis

View artwork of over 650 artists in every medium at more than 50 locations throughout Northeast Minneapolis, including studio buildings, art galleries, homes, storefronts, and local businesses. The artists’ open studio tours may include demonstrations, mini workshops, installations, and special exhibitions. Studio tours offer a great opportunity to ask questions, discuss techniques, experience art first-hand, and purchase unique artwork directly from the artists.