We’ve skipped right over spring and landed head first into summer in the Twin Cities. There’s still plenty to do this month no matter what the weather is like. From walking tours of the city past to summer time at the fair, there’s something for everyone this May in the Twin Cities.

Farm Babies
When: Now through June 5th, 2022
Where: Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN

Join us for this spring-time family tradition at the Minnesota Zoo on April 30-June 5! Your favorite spring tradition is back with exciting new elements. Celebrate the season with animals, farm demonstrations, and more. Your favorite spring tradition is back with exciting new elements. Gather friends and family and come visit the newly renovated Wells Fargo Family Farm. Explore the new Tractor Trail and learn about conservation efforts at Pollinator Park. Animals, farm demonstrations, games, music, and interactive exhibits await! Rain, shine, or snow the farm will be open. Tickets to the Zoo must be purchased online and in advance. ADA accessible.

Carmen
When: May 19, 21 and 22, 2022
Where: Ordway Music Theater
354 Washington Street
St. Paul, MN

Sultry, bold, daring. When affection turns to obsession, romance becomes dangerous. Carmen, an iconic and beautiful woman, is bound to live life on her own terms. But shortly after a corporal military officer falls for her, what begins as a passionate story of desire quickly turns into a struggle for liberation. Featuring some of the most popular music to ever grace the opera stage, Minnesota Opera’s Carmen brings every aspect of Bizet’s thrilling tale to life, from its tantalizing beginning to its devastating climax.
Sung in French with English captions.
Age Recommendation: 12 years and older
Runtime: Approximately 2 hrs 45 min with one intermission
Co-produced by The Glimmerglass Festival and Minnesota Opera.
Your safety is our top priority. Learn more about our Health and Safety Protocols to ensure we reopen in the safest way possible.
For more information about how we’re increasing access for people with disabilities, visit Accessibility Services.

Twin Cities Auto Show
When: Now through May 23rd, 2022
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Gate 16
St. Paul, MN

The 48th Twin Cities Auto Show presented by Speedway is taking a road trip to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Saturday, May 15 and run through Sunday, May 23, 2021. This road trip comes with some added bonuses: FREE parking, State Fair food, and almost 30 times more space! This is sure to be the biggest, boldest and best Twin Cities Auto Show yet, and we want you to come along for the ride.
The Twin Cities Auto Show is your chance to compare hundreds of vehicles from both foreign and domestic brands side by side – without driving all over town. If you are in the market for a new car or truck – or just thinking about it – this is the place to be. If you are an auto enthusiast or someone who likes to stay up-to-date with technology the Auto Show is a fun way to spend the day.

Valleyfair Opening Weekend
When: May 22nd, 2022
Where: 1 Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN

Looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis? With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come to play the Minnesota way!

The thrilling rides at Valleyfair are designed for one thing – absolute FUN! From roller coasters to swings, our thrill rides come in all different shapes and sizes. We are sure by the end of the day, you’ll find your new favorite thrill ride, whether you’re a child or an adult.

But, of course, you can also cool off at Soak City Waterpark, featuring thousands of gallons of awesome splish-splashin’ family fun!

Grillfest
When: May 21st, 2022
Where: CHS Field
360 N Broadway St.
St. Paul, MN

Taste your way through your favorite grilled foods and sample wines and specialty beers. Test out the hottest grills, gather recipes, and learn how to barbecue like a pro.

Every GrillFest features the latest grilling tips at the grilling stage and special pricing on grills and products that will make you the envy of your neighbors. GrillFest tickets are all-inclusive and include samples of food and beverage from all of our great vendors. Pre-packaged items are available for purchase.

Rain or shine! THIS EVENT IS 21+. We cannot admit anyone without a valid ID. NO ONE UNDER 21 WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE EVENT.

Saint Paul Farmers’ Market: Summer Markets
When: Weekends
Where: Lowertown, St. Paul

The award-winning Saint Paul Farmers’ Market allows only fresh, locally grown produce to be sold, directly from the grower to the consumer, making it unique among many farmers’ markets. The baked goods, artisan foods, confections and other products offered are produced locally as well. The market was recently chosen as one of the 10 Best Farmers’ Markets in the U.S. by a USA Today readers’ poll, coming in second. The Market operates year-round at the downtown Lowertown location.
Saturdays from 7am-1pm and Sundays from 8am-1pm

May Markets
When: May 21 & 22, 28 & 29, 2022
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Walk through spring blooms while shopping from up to 60 local artists and artisans on weekends throughout May at the Arboretum. See your favorite sellers from past years and discover new ones. An art installation from The Rainflower Project will also be on display during the markets.

Guide to the Gilded Age Walking Tour
When: Fridays and Saturdays in May
Where: Overlook Park on Summit Avenue

Join Sister Celeste on this historic walking tour as she goes “off campus” to explore the vast homes and singular landscapes on Summit Avenue and the Hill District’s southern edge. Learn about the conventions that shaped the Gilded Age and forever changed St. Paul’s cityscape.
A product of the Victorian Era who was “in the world but not of it”, Sister Celeste reveals the concealed messages that were hiding out in the open in the palatial homes and beautifully maintained gardens of some of the city’s earliest and most prestigious citizens. This tour unveils how the hidden languages of flowers, fans and gems conveyed secret messages in a society that demanded buttoned-down decorum over uncovered passion in polite society.
But all that glitters is not gold for everyone in the Gilded Age! Learn how first wave immigrants often worked behind the scenes to present a seamless image for the elite and were mindful to protect their Master’s jealously guarded reputations.
Explore the lasting influence of a host of noted architects who left their calling cards on the nation’s longest Victorian Boulevard. View the handiwork of Master Builders and celebrated architects including Cass Gilbert, J. K. Taylor, A. Gauger, Clarence Johnston, Thomas Holyoke and landscape architect Horace Cleveland .

Minnesota Songkran Festival
When: May 28th, 2022
Where: Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
St. Paul, MN

Happy Songkran สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์.
The Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota is proud to present Minnesota Songkran Festival, a two-day event held at the Minnesota State Capitol Saturday, May 28th, 2022, from 11 am-9 pm and Sunday, May 29th from 11 am-6 pm.
Thai New Year, or Songkran, is one of the most important holidays in Thailand and is celebrated through appreciation for the community, elders, and the concept of unity with food and music. The festival is celebrated across Southeast Asia and is especially important to the Thai community as people return to their hometowns to celebrate their elders, parents, and communities.

This FREE event will celebrate Thai and Southeast Asian cultures with guests from every nationality and background, celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity and embracing optimism for the new year.

Experience the excitement of Thai New Year firsthand with the sights, smells, and sounds of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Authentic street food, souvenir vendors, traditional arts and crafts will keep every member of the family busy for hours. Traditional dances and music will be performed on the main stage, brought all the way from Thailand. Check out the legendary papaya salad eating contest for those brave enough to dare. Finally, don’t leave without getting a few pics at our Songkran photobooth with an authentic sam lor and tuk-tuk the infamous 3-wheeled bikes, and motorized vehicles of Thailand!