Summer in the Twin Cities means one thing: it's festival season. From food truck rallies and county fairs to music festivals and cultural celebrations, there’s tons of events happening every weekend across the metro and beyond. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite events happening this summer; perfect for planning a day out, a weekend adventure, or just finding something new in your own neighborhood.

Music Festivals

Lakefront Music Fest
July 12–13 – Prior Lake, MN
Two nights of country and rock music at Lakefront Park with big-name headliners. This year features Foreigner, 38 Special, Miranda Lambert, and other great bands.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
July 19–20 – St. Paul, MN
A riverside music fest on Harriet Island featuring national acts and scenic views. This year is three days with bands like Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Hozier.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival 2024

Food Festivals

Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest
June 20–23 – Cottage Grove, MN
Kick off summer with parades, fireworks, and fresh strawberries in the southeast metro.

Taste of Minnesota
July 6–7 – Minneapolis, MN
Food, music, and local vendors celebrating everything Minnesotan in downtown.

Hopkins Food Truck Festival
July 20 – Hopkins, MN
Dozens of food trucks take over Hopkins for a day of good eats, drinks, and tunes.

Great Midwest Rib Fest
July 25–27 – Prior Lake, MN
A weekend of ribs, rock, and family fun outside Mystic Lake Casino.

Minnesota Garlic Festival
August 10 – Hutchinson, MN
A quirky, sustainable food fest celebrating all things garlic with chefs, vendors, and live music.

Minnesota Garlic Festival

Cultural Celebrations

Twin Cities Pride Festival
June 29–30 – Minneapolis, MN
A vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration with entertainment, food vendors, and a colorful parade.

Bastille Day
July 14 – Minneapolis, MN
Celebrate French culture at Alliance Française with live music, food, and family fun.

Bavarian Blast
July 18–21 – New Ulm, MN
Polka, beer gardens, and lederhosen—this German fest brings old-world charm to southern Minnesota.

Community & Family Events

Red, White and Boom
July 4 – Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis’s biggest Fourth of July celebration, with fireworks over the Mississippi.

Rivertown Days
July 19–21 – Hastings, MN
Carnival rides, live music, and a parade along the Mississippi in downtown Hastings.

Minnesota State Fair
August 21 – September 1 – St. Paul, MN
The Great Minnesota Get-Together! Packed with food, rides, concerts, and exhibits.

This is just a small sampling of everything happening around the Twin Cities this summer. From neighborhood block parties to pop-up markets and outdoor movie nights, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy the season. Keep an eye on your local city pages and community calendars. Chances are, there’s something fun happening right around the corner.