MidwestWeekends.com — Your Travel Guide to the Upper Midwest

Events for "Minneapolis, MN"

January

  • City of Lakes Loppet (Jan. 30 – 31)

    Minneapolis, MN

    For recreational skiers, the highlight of this big cross-country ski festival are the nightly Luminary Loppets on Lake of the Isles, with glowing ice pillars and "ruins.'' 

    There are also classical and free-style races, orienteering, fat-tire, snowshoeing and skijoring races in Theodore Wirth Park, location of most events.

     

     

     


February

  • City of Lakes Loppet (Feb. 5 – 7)

    Minneapolis, MN

    For recreational skiers, the highlight of this big cross-country ski festival are the nightly Luminary Loppets on Lake of the Isles, with glowing ice pillars and "ruins.'' 

    There are also classical and free-style races, orienteering, fat-tire, snowshoeing and skijoring races in Theodore Wirth Park, location of most events.

     

     

     


April

  • Outdoor Easter at the Castle (Apr. 3)

    Minneapolis, MN

    The American Swedish Institute hosts an Easter egg hunt in the 33-room Turnblad Mansion. There will also be crafts, storytelling and Easter tree-decorating. Register by March 22.


May

  • Virtual Wordplay Book Festival (May 2 – 8)

    Minneapolis, MN

    The Loft Literary Center hosts this family-friendly festival, featuring dozens of authors.

     


  • Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival (May 13 – 23)

    Minneapolis, MN

    More than 180 films from around the world are streamed and/or shown live outdoors.


  • Art-A-Whirl Studio Tour (May 14 – 16)

    Minneapolis, MN

    Up to 800 artists are taking part in this tour of studios in the northeast Minneapolis arts district.

    Some studios are opening for in-person visits and others online only. Check for updates.

     


  • Doors Open Minneapolis (May 15 – 16)

    Minneapolis, MN

    Get a free, behind-the-scenes look at 115 historic theaters, hotels, courthouses and mansions as well as new buildings and venues, including Target Field, Surly Brewing, the Prospect Park water tower and the Pillsbury A Mill. On-site docents lead tours or answer questions.


June

  • Stone Arch Bridge Festival (Jun 19 – 20)

    Minneapolis, MN

    On the banks of the Mississippi, 200 artists show their wares. There will also be music, art for kids and a car show.

    This year, the fair is not on the Stone Arch Bridge but on the west side of the river between Portland and North Fourth Avenue.

     


July

  • Aquatennial (Jul 21 – 24)

    Minneapolis, MN

    The City of Lakes holds a Wednesday Torchlight Parade, water-ski shows and Saturday fireworks.


  • ArtBike + ArtCar Parade (Jul 24)

    Minneapolis, MN

    Decorated bikes, cars and one Couchmobile will circle Lake Harriet at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring a decorated conveyance and join the parade; meet at 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden.


September

  • Basilica Block Party (Sep. 10 – 11)

    Minneapolis, MN

    Praise the Loud at this ticketed rock-music fest at the Basilica of St. Mary on the edge of downtown. 


  • Monarch Festival (Sep. 11)

    Minneapolis, MN

    This festival at Lake Nokomis celebrates the monarch migration from Minnesota to Mexico and includes a costume parade, music, dance, art activities and monarch games.


November

  • Art Attack (Nov. 5 – 7)

    Minneapolis, MN

    In the northeast arts district, 350 artists open their studios and offer demonstrations and workshops. 


  • Outdoor Adventure Expo (Nov. 19 – 21)

    Minneapolis, MN

    The expo at the Midwest Mountaineering store on the West Bank includes dozens of speakers and seminars about skiing, sled-dog racing and ice-climbing as well as camping, backpacking and other year-round adventures.