Can't-Miss Summer Events in Saint Paul

Art in the Hollow | June 7

Proclaimed “the best hidden art festival in the Twin Cities”, this is one you’re going to want to find! Swede Hollow Park will be filled with local art. You can park your car at Saint Paul Brewing (one of the coolest patios around) and make your way to the park for art, nature, food history and community.

St. Anthony Park Arts Festival | June 7

Make a trip to the St. Anthony Park Library for this outdoor celebration of fine arts and community. The festival features over 70 juried artists, delicious food, live music, used book sale, garden club plant sale, art activities for children, and activities for all.

American Craft Fest | June 28-29

Discover unique handmade objects and support emerging artists at this creative gathering at Union Depot.

Chroma Zone Mural & Arts Festival | September 18-20

The Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival returns this fall with new murals and 3 days of programs and events held in Saint Paul's Creative Enterprise Zone.

Deutsche Tage | June 14-15

Join the Germanic-American Institute on their beautiful Summit Avenue grounds for Deutsche Tage (Deutsche Tage? Oh, German Days!). The annual celebration of German heritage and community will feature art, music and delicious food.

Little Mekong Night Market | June 28-29

Inspired by the night markets in Southeast Asia, this Night Market will feature cultural performances, delicious food, vendors and more.

Hmong International Freedom Festival | June 28-29

Considered the Olympics of the Hmong American community, the Hmong International Freedom Festival returns with all sorts of sports, food and entertainment at McMurray Fields in Como Regional Park.

Rondo Days | July 19

Connect with neighbors and celebrate the rich history of the community throughout this eventful week.

Rondo Block Party | August 2

Celebrating the rich and diverse history of Saint Paul's historic Rondo community, block party style.

Little Africa Fest | August 3

Little Africa Fest is a day of free art, music, food and dance along Hamline Park, Snelling and LaFond. The annual family-friendly event put on by the African Economic Development Solutions of Minnesota will include an African fashion show, entertainment and more.

Irish Fair of Minnesota | August 8-10

Join in the fun at this annual 3-day celebration of all things Irish on Harriet Island! Bigger and better than ever, the event features a fantastic line-up of international, national and local music, dance, storytelling, sports, children's activities, cultural exhibits, marketplace activities and more.

IndiaFest | August 16

Organized by the Indian Association of Minnesota is India Fest, which celebrates India's Independence Day. Head to the Minnesota State Capital Grounds for delectable Indian Cuisine, a colorful Bazaar featuring Indian crafts, clothing and jewelry, live performances and more.

Japanese Obon Festival | August 17

Bonsai, martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food and other aspects of Japanese culture, will be featured at this family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, held on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park, don’t miss capturing the most stunning photo of the summer at dusk when the lanterns are lit and released in the Japanese Garden and Frog Pond.

CLUES Fiesta Latina | September 13

Gratis para toda la familia (free family fun!) at Fiesta Latina celebrating the richness of Minnesota Latinos through arts, health and wellness, fitness, food and entertainment.

Flint Hills Family Festival | May 30-31

World-class performances from around the world return to downtown Saint Paul for the Flint Hills Family Festival’s 23rd year. This popular event sponsored by the Ordway will include low-cost indoor performances, face painting and balloon artists, food trucks and more.

GrillFest | May 31-June 1

Burgers, beer, barbecue and Bloody Marys at the baseball field. Taste your way through your favorite grilled foods and sample refreshing drinks at CHS Field for the 11th annual GrillFest.

WaterFest | May 31

Bring the family to Lake Phalen for WaterFest, a free event offering a variety of watersports including paddling, fishing, sail boating and more. The fun doesn't stop once you're back on land—the event also features arts and crafts, exhibits, performances and food trucks.

Grand Old Day | June 1

It's the largest one-day festival in the Midwest! This giant block party along Grand Avenue includes a fun run, parade, family area, art fair, car show, festival gardens and a plethora of food and drink.

Train Days | June 7-8

All aboard to Union Depot for a weekend of train-inspired activities including tours of locomotives, model railroads, family activities, vendor marketplace and special events for all ages.

STP Pride Festival | June 14-15

St. Paul Pride Festival is a LGBTQIA+ Pride event that inspires, educates, and celebrates our diverse community and world. Spend the day in Rice Park for vendors, food and drink and live entertainment at Dual Citizen Brewery.

Back to the 50's Weekend | June 20-22

Step back in time at USA Today's #1 Best Car Show, hosted annually at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. With over 12,000 classic cars, live music and lots of vendors, this is a can't-miss for car enthusiasts and just about anyone who enjoys an old-fashioned good time.

Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day | June 22

The Twin Cities Pride Festival is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the nation. Each year, it includes a Family Fun Day in Saint Paul’s Como Park with food, fun and games for kids.

4th in The Park | July 4

Join the city of Saint Paul in celebrating the Fourth of July at one of the longest running parades in the state. Kick off the day with a long-distance race, head to the colorful parade and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon with live music at Saint Anthony Park.

Circus Juventas: Lumière | July 25-August 10

This iconic circus is making a dazzling return for the summer show, Lumière. This story follows a ghostbuster-style gang of teens stumbles upon an abandoned, decaying hotel once steeped in the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood. Intrigued by the paranormal, the crew attempts to uncover the truth behind the mystery of a vanished starlet who disappeared from the red carpet at her first film premiere. Going back in time to 1939, the teens will race against time to save the starlet.

One World Lantern Festival | July 26

Enjoy delicious eats from a selection of food trucks, listen to live music, design your lantern and launch it one the water with an LED candle amongst hundreds of others at the Phalen Beach House at Phalen Park.

Minnesota State Fair | August 21-Labor Day, September 1

For 12 days, eat cheese curds, enjoy live music, ride through the sky and watch people be people at the Minnesota State Fair. It’s been voted one of the 10 best fairs in the country, and Princess Kay of the Milky Way is waiting for her selfie with you.

Breakaway Music Festival | June 6-7

Returning for its second year at Allianz, Breakaway is bringing two jam-packed days of headliners, parties, and a lot of Celsius. Bobby Hendrickson returns to host John Summit, Tiësto, Alison Wonderland, and a ton of other talented artists. The biggest multi-city musical festival in the nation, Breakaway touches down in cities commonly overlooked by other major musical events to bring the bops to everyone.

Lowertown Sounds | June 12-August 14

Head to Mears Park in Lowertown for this free community music series throughout the summer, bringing great live, local music and a food truck and beverage showcase to visitors and music seekers.

• June 12 - Flamin' Oh's
• June 19 - The New Standards & Friends with Tina Schilieske
• June 26 - Dr. Mambo's Combo
• July 10 - Dan Rodriguez
• July 17 - Annie and The Bang Bang
• July 24 - Turn Turn Turn
• July 31 - Salsa Del Soul
• August 7 - Kiss the Tiger
• August 14- Yam Haus with The Thirsty River and Haley E Rydell

Summer Nights in Rice | Select Thursdays June 19-August 21

Enjoy live music in the heart of Downtown Saint Paul in Rice Park! From R&B and Blues to Jazz and Reggae, there is something for everyone to jam out to!

• June 19 – Pete Whitman and Mississippi
• June 26 – Ethno USA ‘On the Road’
• July 10 – Boiled in Lead
• July 31 – Kendra Glenn Band
• August 7 – Café Accordion Orchestra
• August 21 – International Reggae All Stars

Twin Cities Jazz Festival | June 20-21

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival spans across the city, but most of the action is in Lowertown. In this two-day musical extravaganza, national headliners and local legends will attract music lovers near and far.

Minnesota Yacht Club Music Festival | July 18-20

Back for its second year, but this time for three full days of fun! This festival will bring fans together for performances from big name artists like Hoizer, Train, Fall Out Boy, Green Day and Weezer at Harriet Island Regional Park in the heart of downtown Saint Paul.