So far it’s been a glorious summer in Minnesota. This is a great time to get out and enjoy all the family friendly events in the Twin Cities this July. From the tried and true festivals like the Minneapolis Aquatennial and the Basilica Block Party to newer gatherings like the Dragon Festival, get out and enjoy these wonderfully warm days while they last.
Events in the Twin Cities this July
When: July 8th and 9th
Where: Basilica of St Mary, Minneapolis
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.
Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: 980 Discovery Road, Eagan
When: July 9th and 10th | 10am – 5pm
Where:Â Lake Phalen and Lake Phalen Park, St. Paul
Lake Phalen Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, comes alive again in 2016, with two days of colorful, traditional dances and music to showcase the performance arts of Asia. Dances from the ceremonial to the theatrical and are as varied as the colors on the performers’ authentic clothing!
Each Asian country has its own indelible sound even though the instruments are rather similar. From the mesmerizing sound of the Chinese flute to the energetic Taiko drumming, Asian music with its pentatonic melody sounds.
When: July 12th – 16th
Where:Â 560 Concordia Avenue , Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103
Recognizing the Past, Honoring the Present, Soaring into the Future! Enjoy fun activities, food and the annual parade at the Rondo Days Celebration. The day will include the Frank Adams 5k Walk Run at 8 a.m., the Grand Day Parade at 10 a.m. Click here for more information about the various events.
When: July 15th – 17th
Where:Â 790 Cleveland Avenue South, St. Paul
Highland Fest is back and better than ever this summer, starting on Friday, July 15 and running through Sunday, July 17. Highland Fest is celebrating its 33rd 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 87 years of the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant in cooperation with Ford Motor Company .
When: July 20th – 23rd
Where:Â Hennepin Avenue between the Basilica of St Mary and 5th Street.
The Best Days of Summer return July 2016! The Minneapolis Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. Minnesota residents, workers and visitors have come to love and appreciate all that Minneapolis has to offer during the Aquatennial. We invite you to join in the celebration and enjoy The Best Days of Summer, happening July 20-23, 2016. CLICK HERE to view or download the 2015 Aquatennial Festival of Events Guide.
When:Â July 30th and 31st
Where:Â Loring Park, Minneapolis
The Loring Park Art Festival is produced by Artists for Artists LLP, an organization of experienced artists. The juried festival is a two day event in Loring Park near downtown Minneapolis. This years dates are July 30 and 31 and the hours are Saturday, 10-6 and Sunday 10-5.
The Festival consists of 140 visual artists displaying their orginal 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.
