30 Things to Do this Summer
Festivals and events you don't want to miss!
Photo Credit: Flint Hills Family Festival
Can't-Miss Summer Events in Saint Paul
Looking for things to do this summer? Here are 30 festivals in Saint Paul to make it a summer you won't forget!
We love to celebrate in Saint Paul, so most weekends throughout the summer you'll find us gathering at festivals in neighborhoods throughout the city. From the arts to craft beers, jazz and blues to classic cars, the many cultures of the city to our beloved state fair, these festivals are the perfect experiences to immerse yourself in entertainment, food, and fun - and many of them are free to attend!
Art Festivals
Art in the Hollow | June 1
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 1
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.
Chroma Zone Mural & Arts Festival | September 19-21
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.
Cultural Celebrations
Minnesota Songkran Festival | May 18-19
Experience the excitement of Thai New Year firsthand with the sights, smells, and sounds of Thailand and Southeast Asia at the Minnesota Songkran Festival. In addition to authentic street food, souvenir vendors, traditional arts and crafts and entertainment, don't miss the infamous papaya eating contest.
Deutsche Tage | June 8-9
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.
Hmong International Freedom Festival | June 29-30
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.
Little Africa Fest | August 4
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 9-11
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.
Japanese Obon Festival | August 18
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.
Fiesta Latina | September 14
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.
Fun for the Whole Family
Flint Hills Family Festival | May 31-June 1
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.
WaterFest | June 1
Bring the family to Lake Phalen for WaterFest, a free event offering a variety of watersports including paddling, fishing, sailboating 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.
Train Days | June 1-2
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.
Grand Old Day | June 2
It's been 50 years since the first Grand Old Day, and 3 years since it was last held, so there's lots of excitement for the return of this event, long known as the largest one-day festival in the Midwest. Includes a fun run, parade, family area, art fair, car show, festival gardens and a plethora of food and drink, all along Grand Avenue.
STP Pride Festival | June 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.
Back to the 50's Weekend | June 21-23
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 23
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.
Minnesota State Fair | August 22-Labor Day, September 2
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.
Food & Drink Events
GrillFest | June 2
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.
Rosé Fest | June 8
This celebration of everyone's favorite summer sippers returns to Kellogg Mall Park in downtown Saint Paul. Now in its second decade as an annual rite for the city’s wine drinkers, Rosé Fest is back and bigger than ever before. Tickets include 10 wine samples, a light bite catered by Revival and access to live entertainment and other activities.
St. Paul Food Truck Festival | July 13-14
Head to Union Depot for the 6th annual St. Paul Food Truck Festival. Over 40 food trucks - plus craft beers, live music, and games and giveaways adds up to a whole lot of truckin’ fun.
Music Festivals
Twin Cities Jazz Festival | June 21-22
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.
Don't let summer pass by without checking out at least one of these events. Let us know when you’re around on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.
More to Explore
Related Content:
Minnesota State Fair
1265 Snelling Ave N Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 (651) 288-4400 Como Park Website >
Germanic-American Institute
301 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 222-7027 Cathedral Hill Website >
Rice Park
109 4th St. W. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 632-5111 Downtown Website >
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Harriet Island Regional Park 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107 Downtown Website >
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 224-4222 Downtown Website >
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
287 6th Street E , Suite 390 Sant Paul, Minnesota 55101 Lowertown Website >
State Capitol Historic Site
75 Rev Dr MLK Jr Blvd Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 651-296-2881 (tours) North End/State Capitol Website >