Can't-Miss Summer Events in Saint Paul

Looking for things to do this summer? Here are festivals and events in Saint Paul to make it a summer you won't forget!

A group of people in black and yellow tank tops dancing in the street during a celebration in Saint Paul, MN
Credit: @erindc
Art Festivals
Cultural Celebrations
Family-Friendly Fun
Outdoor Music
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Sporting Events

Saint Paul Loves to Celebrate

From creative gatherings and jazz music fests to cultural celebrations and tasty foodie experiences, this summer is jam-packed with endless fun, making this sunny season unforgettable in Minnesota's Capital City.

Art Festivals

St. Anthony Park Arts Festival

Date & Time: June 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: St. Anthony Park Library | 2245 Como Avenue

Join in celebrating the 57th Annual St. Anthony Park Arts Festival, a celebration of art, community, and creativity! This cherished tradition brings together talented artists, live music, delicious food, local beer and mead, family-friendly activities, and a huge book sale supporting the St. Anthony Park Branch Library Association.

Twin Cities Tattoo Fest

Dates: July 24-26, 2026
Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre | 175 Kellogg Blvd

Twin Cities Tattoo Festival offers a selection of over 200 of the best artists from all over the world right here in Saint Paul for three days of tattooing, art making, merch selling, and much more.

Art in the Hollow

Date & Time: June 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Swede Hollow Park | 665 Greenbrier St.

Experience a showcase of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, and more from over 100 local artists during the first weekend of June in Swede Hollow Park. Plus, watch live music and performances, enjoy kid-friendly activities, marvel at plein-air painting, and try tasty food from the food trucks.

American Craft Council Craft Fest

Dates & Time: June 13-14, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Union Depot | 214 4th Street East

Explore regional craft culture and engage with hands-on activities at this free, all-ages event. American Craft Fest is the summer’s best opportunity to discover crafts from across the region. Participate in fun hands-on activities for all ages led by local arts partners, shop handmade work by more than 50 emerging artists, and savor local beverages and food truck fare.

Chroma Zone Mural and Art Festival

Dates: September 18-19, 2026
Location: Creative Enterprise Zone

Chroma Zone is Minnesota’s first and largest mural festival, transforming an industrial area with large-scale public murals and community-centered arts programming.

Cultural Celebrations

Deutsche Tage (German Days)

Dates: June 13-14, 2026
Location: Germanic-American Institute | 301 Summit Avenue

Celebrate one of Saint Paul's longest-running cultural festivals on the grounds of the Germanic-American Institute. The festival explores how German heritage has shaped American culture, traditions, foodways, music, and community!

Hmong International Freedom Festival

Dates: June 27-28, 2026
Location: McMurray Fields | 1151 Jessamine Avenue W.

This festival is the largest Hmong sports event in the nation! Watch sports and breakdancing performances, shop merchandise, and enjoy tasty eats from a selection of local vendors.

Chicano Fest

Date & Time: July 11, 2026 | 3-9 p.m.
Location: 235 Marshall Avenue

A colorful celebration of the Chicano community where customized classic cars take center stage, culinary delights from local food trucks ignite your taste buds, and creativity runs wild from artisan vendors and performing artists.

Rondo Days

Date & Time: July 18, 2026 | 12-7 p.m.
Location: Penumbra Theatre | 270 North Kent Street

Held on the third Saturday in July, Rondo Days honors and celebrates the rich history of the Rondo neighborhood, a vibrant African American community that was divided by the construction of Interstate 94 in the mid-1960s.

Rondo Block Party

Date & Time: August 1, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Rondo Commemorative Plaza | 820 Rondo Avenue

This community party near the Rondo Commemorative Plaza celebrates the past, present, and future of the historic Rondo neighborhood through community collaboration, cultural performances, tasty local vendors, a thrilling kids' zone, and more.

Twin Cities Irish Fest

Dates: August 7-9, 2026
Location: Harriet Island Regional Park | 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd.

This annual 3-day Irish celebration on Harriet Island features a fantastic line-up of international, national, and local music, dance, storytelling, sports, children's activities, cultural exhibits, and marketplace.

Asian Street Food Night Market

Dates: August 8-9, 2026
Location: The Pan Asian Center | 3001 White Bear Ave BLDG A (location change pending)

The Asian Street Food Night Market Edition returns in 2026 with an expanded experience featuring street food vendors, desserts and drinks, local shopping, entertainment, and community activities.

CLUES Fiesta Latina

Date & Time: September 19, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: CHS Field

This family-friendly event on the East Side celebrates Latine culture through the arts, health and wellness, food, and entertainment.

IndiaFest

Date & Time: August 15, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Minnesota State Capitol | 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This free, outdoor event is a celebration of Indian Independence Day. Head to the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol to enjoy a day filled with over 100 booths, including food and bazaar vendors, and a cultural stage.

Cultural Destinations Presents Many Rhythms

Date: September 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Join for one celebration. featuring various music genres (including Afrobeats, Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Hip Hop, Bollywood, and Reggae) with dance lessons, the Culture is Cool Fashion Show and a Culture Lab (offering ideas to integrate culture into everyday life), and a collaborative art canvas of belonging.

Family-Friendly Fun

Summer Plaza on Payne

Dates: June 1 through August 30
Location: 926 Payne Avenue

Enjoy a free place to connect with locals, play lawn games, delve into delicious cuisine from nearby restaurants on the plaza patio, and tune in to the World Cup soccer games during outdoor viewing parties for the 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. games on Fridays-Saturdays at the Plaza on Payne Avenue.

St. Paul Saints Home Games

Dates: All Summer Long
Location: CHS Field | 360 Broadway Street

Catch Saint Paul's own minor league baseball team home game at CHS Field in Lowertown. The St. Paul Saints have played professional minor league baseball in a unique outdoor setting in Saint Paul for years, drawing crowds of all types with a family-friendly, fun atmosphere.

Minnesota United FC Home Games

Dates: All Summer Long
Location: Allianz Field | 400 Snelling Avenue North

Cheer on Saint Paul's own men's professional soccer team and experience an exhilarating game-day experience at one of Minnesota United FC's home games in the heart of the Midway neighborhood. Scarves up!

Minnesota Wind Chill Home Games

Dates: June - July
Location: Sea Foam Stadium | 281 Hamline Avenue North

Cheer on Saint Paul's own championship-winning Men's Professional Ultimate Frisbee team!

Flint Hills Family Festival

Dates: May 29-30, 2026
Location: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Rice Park, and Landmark Plaza | 345 Washington

This summer kickoff in Rice Park is the ultimate celebration of fine arts, featuring thrilling outdoor performances, student matinees, art workshops, and countless activities to spark your creativity.

GrillFest

Dates: May 30-31, 2026
Locations: CHS Field | 360 North Broadway Street

Venture to the home of the St. Paul Saints to kick off the start of the summer season in style. Enjoy two full days of delicious burgers, beer, barbecue, and Bloody Marys.

WaterFest

Date & Time: May 30, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Lake Phalen Park | 1530 Phalen Blvd

This free, family festival celebrating our clean lakes offers an opportunity for hands-on outdoor learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation. Paddle a kayak, learn to fish, get a prize from the Passport Odyssey, make and take an art project, get your face painted, or check out a performance. Food trucks will be available for food and drink purchases.

Train Days

Dates: June 6-7, 2026
Location: Union Depot | 214 4th St. E.

Explore large-scale model train displays, shop curated rail-themed goods, and enjoy food trucks throughout the weekend. Families can visit the kids' activity zone featuring crafts, coloring, a bounce house, sidewalk chalk art, and a DJ dance zone.

Grand Old Day

Date & Time: June 7, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Grand Avenue

For over 50 years, Grand Old Day has been a beloved Saint Paul tradition led by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Join for a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and endless fun for the whole family!

St. Paul Water Lantern Festival

Date & Time: June 13, 2026 | 6-10 p.m.
Location: Phalen Park Beach House | 1400 Phalen Dr

The Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life come together for one emotional and memorable night. You'll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting on the water.

Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day

Date & Time: June 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Como Park East Pavilion | 1199 Midway Parkway

This free, family-friendly celebration honors LGBTQIA2S+ families with a collection of engaging activities, a delicious community meal, pride merch to shop, and more at Como Park.

4th in the Park

Date & Time: July 4, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Langford Park | 2180 Knapp Street

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Minnesota's Capital City! Enjoy a free day filled with family-friendly festivities to ring in America's 250th birthday like a lively parade, an afternoon of live music, pony rides, horseshoe/volleyball/pickleball tournaments, and a picnic featuring tasty bites from local food truck vendors.

Saint Paul Rotary Fireworks

Date: July 4, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Hill Park | 215 Summit Ave

Saint Paul Rotary Club will host the 4th of July Fireworks for our capital city on the highest point in Saint Paul, Cathedral Hill Park. Come early to picnic in the park with food trucks lined up on Dayton Avenue starting at 6:00 PM. The fireworks will begin at dusk.

Minnesota State Fair

Dates: August 27 - September 7, 2026
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds | 1265 Snelling Avenue N

Head to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to experience the most anticipated get-together of the summer season. Taste classic fair foods, delve into unique bites, watch live music, browse crop art, shop local merchants, see farm animals, and so much more during this 12-day celebration of community fun!

Saint Paul Pride Festival & Parade

Dates: June 13-14, 2026
Location: Various Locations

STPL Pride Festival & Parade is a LGBTQIA+ Pride event that educates and celebrates our diverse world. Join for a weekend of live music, family-friendly activities, educational programs, food from local vendors, arts & crafts, and more!

Back to the 50s Weekend

Dates: June 19-21, 2026
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds | 1265 Snelling Avenue N

The MSRA Back to the ’50s Weekend is a yearly three-day classic car festival held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. It is one of the Midwest’s largest vintage car shows, showcasing more than 10,000 custom, classic, and street rod vehicles from 1964 and earlier.

Outdoor Music

The Great Lawn Series

Dates: Various dates, May-September
Location: Allianz Field | 400 Snelling Avenue N

Enjoy an all-star lineup of tribute bands all summer long at Allianz Field.

Groovin in the Garden

Dates & Times: Wednesdays, June-July | 6-8 p.m.
Location: Como Zoo & Conservatory | 1225 Estabrook Dr

Head to Marjorie McNeely Conservatory for free outdoor concerts and activities. Other attractions include a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula hoops.

Lowertown Sounds

Dates & Times: Thursdays, June 4-July 30, 2026 | 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: Mears Park | 221 5th St E

This free concert series, presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and produced by One Simple Plan, features local musicians, delicious food trucks, and drinks.

Como Lakeside Pavillion Concert Series

Dates: Various dates, May-September
Location: Como Lakeside Pavilion | 1360 Lexington Pkwy N.

Enjoy live performances amid open-air waterfront seating at Dock & Paddle. There is music scheduled most nights, so check the calendar.

Train Days Music Fest

Date: June 6, 2026
Location: Union Depot | 214 4th St. E.

Celebrate summer and 100 years of Union Depot with a free, all-ages outdoor concert on the South Lawn as part of Train Days weekend. Enjoy live performances from local artists (lineup to be announced) in a unique track-side atmosphere.

Breakaway Music Festival

Dates: June 26-27, 2026
Location: Allianz Field | 400 Snelling Avenue N

Get ready for an unforgettable two-day experience packed with tons of live music, activities, and so much more at Allianz Village.

Hairball

Date: June 27, 2026
Location: CHS Field | 360 N Broadway St

For more than 25 years, Hairball has thrilled fans with electrifying recreations of rock’s greatest anthems. Expect lights, fire, smoke, and the ultimate rock ’n’ roll party in this two-hour homage to Van Halen, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, and more.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Dates: June 19-20, 2026
Location: Mears Park | 221 5th Street E

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns for its 28th year to Saint Paul’s historic Lowertown neighborhood for two days of free and family-friendly live music entertainment.

Minnesota Country Club & Yacht Club Festival

Dates: July 17-19, 2026
Location: Harriet Island Regional Park | 49 Harriet Island Rd

Catch your favorite bands as they perform along the Mississippi River. Saint Paul transforms into the ultimate concert destination with two back-to-back festival weekends featuring major headliners and incredible city-line views on Harriet Island.

Selby Ave JazzFest

Date: September 12 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Selby and Milton Avenues

Celebrating its 25th year, the Selby Ave JazzFest is a vibrant day filled with live outdoor music from dynamic regional talent, delicious food from local vendors, and a community celebration along the historic Selby Avenue. This year's headliner features Stokley Willams, a former Selby resident in his youth and the founder, vocalist, and drummer of Mint Condition.

Don't let summer pass by without checking out at least one of these events. Let us know when you’re around on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.

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Visit Saint Paul

Author

Visit Saint Paul

Visit Saint Paul is the official convention & visitors bureau for Minnesota's capital city of Saint Paul. Our mission is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul, and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination for all cultures and groups.

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