Can you believe the year is already half over? The days are beginning to get shorter, even if they’re also beginning to get warmer. Hopefully you’ll get out this month and enjoy some of what the Twin Cities has to offer. We’re just beginning festival season so be sure to take in county fair or community get-together this month.

Events in the Twin Cities this July

Basilica Block Party
When: July 7^th and 8^th, 2017
Where: Basilica of St. Mary

The Basilica Block Party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary. Today, proceeds from the event benefit The Basilica Landmark, which preserves, restores and advances the historic Basilica of Saint Mary for all generations. In addition, a portion of all proceeds from The Basilica Block Party go to The Basilica’s St. Vincent de Paul outreach program, which provides services to those in need.

Art Crank
When: July 8^th, 2017
Where: Fulton Brewing
2540 Northeast 2^nd Street
Minneapolis, MN

Our 2017 show marks the 10th anniversary of ARTCRANK. We’re going back through 10 years of Minneapolis shows to pick out a greatest hits album of bike poster art for what we hope will be our biggest and best show ever.

SATURDAY, JULY 8 at the Fulton Production Brewery in Northeast Minneapolis. Fifty posters by Twin Cities artists. All poster prints will sell for $40 each ‘til they’re gone. Obviously, there’s going to be beer. And admission, as always, is free.

Highland Fest
When: July 14 – 16^th, 2017
Where: Highland Park
St. Paul, MN

Highland Fest is back and better than ever this summer, starting on Friday, July 14 and running through Sunday, July 16. Highland Fest is celebrating its 34th year. Highland Fest marks summer’s mid point with a place to gather with friends and neighbors, with so many great activities there is sure to be something for everyone.  The line up for the weekend includes live music, a beer tent, the juried art fair, a petting zoo, wiener dog races, the business fair, Home Expo inflatable rides and games, the 5k road race and an exciting array of food and beverage vendors, community picnic, a meat raffle/bingo, Zumba in the park,  wine tasting, movie in the park, the book mobile, a yoga class and the inaugural All Ford Car and Truck Show, commemorating 88 years of the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant in cooperation with Ford Motor Company .

Como Fest Art Fair 2017
When: July 15^th, 2017
Where: Como Dockside
1360 Lexington, Pkwy N
St. Paul, MN

Arts and crafts for sale, plus live music. On the Promenade of the Como Lakeside Pavilion-Como Dockside. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., 1360 Lexington Parkway N, Saint Paul

Event is free and open to the public. A full line up of Como Fest events (every weekend in July) and the Art Fair registration can be found at comfest.org.

Minneapolis Aquatennial
When: July 19^th – 22^nd, 2017
Where: Various Locations in Minneapolis

The Aquatennial features more than two dozen events in four days. They are located on or nearby the Mississippi Riverfront in downtown, celebrating along the banks where our city was born. The close proximity in a jam-packed four-day period offers a walkable and bike-able experience to several different events while you’re there! Search the tabs below for all the info you need to experience all that the Aquatennial has to offer!

Rock the Garden
When: July 22^nd, 2017
Where: Walker Art Center
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

This year Rock the Garden returns to the Walker on July 22 headlined by Bon Iver, aka Justin Vernon, who just released his third album—22, A Million—to rapturous acclaim. Don’t miss the festival of the summer at the newly renovated Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Find out about all the latest details here.

Anoka Country Fair
When: July 25^th – 30^th, 2017
Where: Anoka Fair Grounds
3200 St. Francis Blvd NW
Anoka, MN

Great county fair for family fun, food and entertainment.