August has come and in the Twin Cities that means festivals, farmers markets, and fairs. As summer comes to an end be sure to take your family out to the Minnesota State Fair for a fun filled day before the kids have to head back to school for another year. Or, if you’ve already been to the state fair, or you simply want a different experience, visit the Renaissance Festival for a great time in the sun.
Events in the Twin Cities for August, 2015
August in the Twin Cities is about three things. Festivals, Farmers Markets and of course the great Minnesota get together. Summer is slowly coming to an end and that means after you’ve gotten the back to school supplies and new school clothes it’s time to gather the whole family and head out to the Minnesota State Fair for one last fun filled day before the kids head back to school for another year. If food-on-a-stick and huge crowds aren’t your thing there’s the Renaissance Festival for a jolly good time.
When: July 30, 2015 – August 9, 2015
Where: Various Locations in the Twin Cities
The Minnesota Fringe Festival is a live stage performance, including theater, dance and performance art, puppetry, spoken word and storytelling. From the artist selection process (shows are selected by a lottery) to the festival’s vibe (the ushers are all volunteers who wear T-shirts and shorts), Fringe is about performing arts audiences can get close to. There are no barriers between the artists and audience, and shows are never longer than an hour, making Fringe the perfect place to discover a gem or have fun with a well-meaning clunker. A truly unique artistic experience that is a must-see for theatrical enthusiasts.
When: August 1st,2015 | Noon – 10pm
Where: Harriet Brewing
3036 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
From the backyard to the brewery. Nershfest is a unique music festival experience, combining live local music with streaming artists from around the globe. After two years as a private event, Nershfest has expanded into a full-blown music festival equipped with live music, craft beer, food trucks, games and more. We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Harriet Brewing to host this one-of-a-kind event. Oh, and did we mention all proceeds go to the MN Music Coalition!
So head on over to Harriet Brewing on August 1st for an unforgettable time and a great cause. Musical guests include the likes of Stevie Wonder, The Grateful Dead, Beastie Boys, Beck and many more!
When: August 7 – 9, 2015
Where: Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis
The Uptown Art Fair is the winner of over 120 International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacles recognize the highest quality in promotional programs and materials produced by IFEA’s more than 3,000 member festivals and events around the world. They are the most prestigious awards in the special events industry. Art Fair Sourcebook listed the 2007 Uptown Art Fair as 8th in the nation. The Harris Guide ranked it the #1 Art Fair in Minnesota. ATTENDANCE: Nearly 400,000 people attend annually, making the Art Fair #2 in statewide event attendance, second only to the Minnesota State Fair.
Features:
- Professional works of art ranging from limited editions to one-of-a-kind treasures in each of 12 media including sculpture, painting, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more. Over 350 talented fine artists from around the world!
- Tomorrow’s Stars youth art fair in Calhoun Square- the future of the Uptown Art Fair
- Festival food and ice-cold beverages from over 20 vendors
- Non-stop entertainment- ranging from reggae to magic- on the performance stage located in the Old Chicago parking lot
- Wine for tasting and purchase in the newly expanded outdoor wine garden located at Old Chicago
- Interactive art activities at the Family Imagination Station
- A Culinary Arts Competition pairing up local chefs and artists to compete while creating dazzling art
When: August 7 – 9, 2015
Where: St. Anthony Main
55 SE Main Street, Minneapolis MN 55419
The Twin Cities Polish Festival is a non-profit organization created to bring a world-class celebration of Polish culture and heritage to the Twin Cities. It also helps promote various community-service and Polish-American organizations.
The Twin Cities Polish Festival will immerse Minnesotans and visitors in “all things Polish”, presenting a kaleidoscope of unique cultural and educational displays, food and top-notch entertainment.
Bring a blanket, take a seat on the lawn along the Old Main Street in Minneapolis, visit with friends, watch outstanding musical and dance entertainment, enjoy traditional foods and beverages, and just simply have fun!
You’ll see for yourself why Poland has earned itself the reputation as one of the World’s most hospitable cultures. Free to attend.
When: August 7 – 9, 2015
Where: Harriet Island, St. Paul
The unique once a year celebration offers attendees an opportunity to celebrate authentic Irish heritage through a multitude of activities such as: step dance, traditional group dance, gaelic sports, Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, native Irish dogs, traditional tea room, Irish food and drink as well as several local and international bands.
When: August 8th and 9th, 2015
Where: Powderhorn Park
3400 15th Ave S Minneapolis MN 55407
Powderhorn Art Fair, one of the finest juried regional art fairs in the country, celebrates artistic expression and community engagement. Set in a pastoral, 66-acre city park, Powderhorn Art Fair features 184 regional and national artists of varied disciplines, as well as a Community Showcase and Group Exhibitors from the Powderhorn area. Free to attend.
When: August 8th and 9th, 2015
Where: Loring Park
1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Loring Park Art Festival consists of 140 visual artists displaying their orginial work in 12×12 booths, strolling musicians, scheduled stage performances, children’s activities and food booths. The art work presented will be from a variety of media including painting, photography, printmaking, handmade paper, wood, jewelry, clay, sculpture, fiber, mixed media and glass. Within these categories will be a variety of styles from traditional to abstract in a variety of price ranges with the goal being “something for everyone.”
Loring Park, with its beautiful ponds and formal gardens, makes an idyllic setting for art and music and the Loring Park Art Festival offers the greater metropolitan community an opportunity to enjoy this oasis just west of downtown Minneapolis.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
When: Saturdays and Sundays – August 22, 2015 – October 4th, 2015
Where: Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds
12364 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 45th Season! Come and be a part of this long-standing tradition by visiting the festival grounds in Shakopee, MN. This family friendly festival features more than 250 artisans and patrons, providing endless booths for shopping, entertainment, fun and food fit for a king! Also, enjoy 16 stages of live entertainment of magicians, musicians, jugglers, mimes and more.
When: August 27th – Sept 7th, 2015
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55108
What began in 1854 as a territorial fair to highlight agriculture and encourage farming in the region became the Minnesota State Fair in 1859, a year after Minnesota was granted statehood.
Today, often referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The fair attracts nearly 1.8 million guests annually. This end-of-summer tradition is always held the 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day.
Farmers’ Markets in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis Farmers Market
When: Every day 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 312 East Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
University of Minnesota Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Hmongtown Farmers Market
When: Every day, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Where: 217 Como Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55103
St. Paul Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m. – 1p.m.
Where: 290 E 5th St. St. Paul, 55101
For a complete list of Twin Cities Farmers’ Markets please click here.
