Looking for family friendly events in the Twin Cities this August? There’s plenty to choose from! August is the time when Minnesotan come together at the Minnesota State Fair for all things on a stick and the best people watching in the country. If the fair isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other fun events in the Twin Cities this August taking place. From the Stillwater Flea and Craft Market to Ki-Chi-Saga Days, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Events in the Twin Cities this August

Washington Co Fair
When: August 2nd – August 6, 2023
Where: Washington Co Fairgrounds
12300 40th St N
Lake Elmo, MN

The Washington County Fair has been bringing fun to the Twin Cities region and beyond for 152 years, starting in 1871! Join us for the talent show, the rides, the truck pull, the food and the craft brew!!

Canadian Days
When: August 4 – 6, 2023
Where: Spooner Park
350 Eli Rd
Little Canada, MN

Canadian Days is Little Canada’s festival to celebrate its sister-city relationship with Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Little Canada Canadian Days has been held every year since 1977. The Medallion has been found but there’s still the 5k, pickle ball tournament, and the grand parade!

Uptown Art Fair
When: August 4 – 6, 2023
Where: Uptown Mpls
Hennepin and Lake
Minneapolis, MN

The fair began in 1964 as a way to increase awareness of the arts while raising money for Uptown projects. Although the event has grown and changed over the years, its core mission remains the same. Each year, much of the proceeds from the fair are returned directly to the community to enhance numerous programs and activities.

Aside from showcasing amazing art, the fair is a celebration of the hip, refreshingly unconventional Uptown community. Uptown is a crossroads that connects the energy of the city and the calm of the lakes. It’s a destination that combines shopping and dining with nature and lifestyle. Centered around Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, Uptown blends the sophisticated, the scenic and the stylish into a decidedly urban environment—a perfect potpourri of places to go and people to see. We urge you to explore our community during your visit and experience this fabulous neighborhood for yourself!

The Uptown Art Fair is a labor of love made possible by hundreds of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, the kindness of local businesses, and supporters of the arts. In our humble (and admittedly biased) opinion, it’s the best art fair around and we think our tens of thousands of patrons agree. We hope you enjoy it!

Summer Tuesdays at Lowell Park
When: August 8 & 15, 2023
Where: Lowell Park
101 Water Street S
Stillwater, MN

Summer Tuesdays – Tuesday nights in July and Aug. at Lowell Riverfront Park – Music, Food, Fun, Vendors. Join the fun! First-rate movies at dusk for the entire family. Bring a blanket/chairs to sit on the grass or anchor your boat for viewing from the water.

Irish Fair
When: August 11 – August 13, 2023
Where: Harriet Island
151 Water Street
Saint Paul, MN

The Irish Fair of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating Irish culture and our community. Every second weekend of August, we invite everyone to join us for a celebration of all things Irish with music, dance, family activities, and good craic!

Our annual festival is recognized as one of the most family-friendly events in the Twin Cities, one of the largest and most authentic Irish festivals nationwide and an amazingly great time.

Ki-Chi-Saga Days
When: August 17 – August 20, 2023
Where: Moberg Park
10625 Railroad Avenue
Chisago City, MN

Join our community to celebrate Ki-Chi-Saga Days, a great city festival with activities for all ages! This celebration hosts many events throughout the city. Hear a just a few highlights. Enjoy one of the biggest craft/food/display shows in the area over 100 vendors where you will also find fantastic music concerts, children’s area in PARADISE PARK with a movie on Friday night and Fireworks Saturday night, skateboard competition held by Maranatha Church at Chuckie Lundquist, street dance and fishing contest at Frankie’s, citywide garage sales, a grand day parade on Sunday finished off with a pie eating contest! This community celebration has been a great success because of our volunteers and donations from local businesses and others. Don’t miss this wonderful community celebration!

Minnesota State Fair
When: August 24 – September 4, 2023
Where: MN State Fairgrounds
1256 Snelling Avenue N
Saint Paul, MN

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. Learn more about the State Fair’s rich history.

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. Check out recent attendance figures.

This end-of-summer tradition is held the 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day. The 2023 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 24-Labor Day, Sept. 4.