Soak in the Summer Fun in Saint Paul
Top 10 Things To Do This Summer in Saint Paul
Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun with this list of 10 ways to get the most out of this summer in Saint Paul.
![Summer hands up](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/summer_hands_up.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=cfc87275206b52e16098d7394522ddc2 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/summer_hands_up.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=78189ff521b69dc97e50bb77beb0b7be 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/summer_hands_up.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=2f9dfca67e8a218f7ddb98ea1200ec29 720w)
1. Take it outside and savor the summer weather
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/city_house_patio__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=762406a640976513ae03cd99d9145fce 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/city_house_patio__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d99741d706caa8742193c1c4a140c1fc 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/city_house_patio__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3580bd88503568ab57c9dd84946b412b 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/city_house_patio__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8cf0d61b7359565541cdf9a2559a0bf8 800w)
Minnesota is a state of four seasons, and we get outside during all of them, but there’s just something about the summer sun, luscious greenery and longer days that makes us want to be outdoors.
- Patio season is the best season! From restaurants to breweries and coffee shops, find the perfect one for you and enjoy dinner and drinks outside. Here are some of our favorites.
- Take a walk along historic Summit Avenue and enjoy this tree-lined road known for its Victorian architecture.
- Saint Paul is home to one of the country's top parks systems (ranked #2), and these amazing parks are great for hiking, biking, paddling, picnics and more. Fort Snelling State Park, Hidden Falls Regional Park, Swede Hollow Park, Crosby Farm Park and the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary are just a few, offering paved trails and a nature escape without leaving the city.
- If you’re more into taking in the scenery at a faster pace, get out on your bike! We’ve got 189 miles of bikeway for you to explore routes along the Mississippi River, the Gateway State Trail, downtown Capital City Bikeway and more.
- Enjoy the river view with a sightseeing cruise aboard the Padelford Riverboat. Mississippi River cruises are offered through Oct.
2. Get Festive
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/irish_fair_of_mn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=72b57ac1814e62e7717fdbc4f5fe8bad 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/irish_fair_of_mn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=67560e5c47b4c1aad3d83720aba92995 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/irish_fair_of_mn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b2ca9aae5b12c1b491fb46c7dff95ab2 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/irish_fair_of_mn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9d7593ad46eb2debba4131492df2903e 800w)
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! Check out our list of can’t miss summer events.
3. Spend the day with wildlife at Como Zoo
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/sea_lions_-_como_park_zoo__conservatory__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3da5b7f8ba1ad6071a7b2cdd57920dc4 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/sea_lions_-_como_park_zoo__conservatory__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=68cea5332abbde1f5219ab4e2256a402 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/sea_lions_-_como_park_zoo__conservatory__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ed638c3ac98a2d104f04bf61050f136e 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/sea_lions_-_como_park_zoo__conservatory__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=083e7510d7115d04d2c137c645bc94ca 800w)
Sea lions and tigers and polar bears...oh, my! Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is one of the last free zoos in the country and where you’ll also find zebras, giraffes, gorillas and penguins. Walk around the grounds to observe the animals at play and then stroll over to Como Town amusement park for rides, games and food. Find more free things to do.
4. Find a stage for outdoor music
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/keg__case_stage_@kegandcasemn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8d98da40104d70d227939be6a7a91532 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/keg__case_stage_@kegandcasemn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d6d4634527a2aeacf4e3aaf49e3f51a9 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/keg__case_stage_@kegandcasemn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1b48a94974f2ad0d7fbb72740284c1d3 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/keg__case_stage_@kegandcasemn__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c19507c9304807e23b954096fba55940 800w)
Doesn’t an outdoor concert just make a beautiful summer evening that much better? During this season, most nights of the week you can find an outdoor stage featuring local musicians. In June, don’t miss the beloved Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Find an outdoor show.
5. Find learning and fun all in one at a variety of amazing museums
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_childrens_museum_@diarli__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a2dbcaa462eaf37491f262d5ae0a7f35 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_childrens_museum_@diarli__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2d774f7cc5684b7726be8ffdcbe4dc8f 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_childrens_museum_@diarli__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3345332c6e56043ff2077c3dd3c97567 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_childrens_museum_@diarli__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b76082ec483b8eb77b68a062a1de0a40 800w)
Arts, science, history, trains, music, sports - take your pick from one of many local museums and leave with a deeper understanding of the world around us.
6. Did somebody say "ice cream"?
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/ice_cream_-_@caitabrams__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0b080a135a8ebbfe9f6d2ac4fe74017a 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/ice_cream_-_@caitabrams__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7dc60b5d2d445557686dc022793d47ed 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/ice_cream_-_@caitabrams__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=735b36731ad2b82d03c9e78b86c944a5 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/ice_cream_-_@caitabrams__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c866768cf70fe96146250c88382e42f7 800w)
The cherry on top of the perfect summer day in the Midwest includes a stop at an ice cream shop. Make your way to one of our favorites (or all of them!).
7. Cheer on the Loons at Allianz Field
Nothing beats the energy of MNUFC fans during a match at Allianz Field. Allianz Field is considered one of the best soccer stadiums in the country. They've hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup games, a World Cup qualifier, and even the 2022 MLS All-Star game drawing in fans from all over the world. Check out the schedule and get ready for an unforgettable and eventful gameday - no matter who they compete against!
8. Get tickets to a performance
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/circus_juventas.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=840ef58196d041638480e0c6a90e2824 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/circus_juventas.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=daea4ea8ca96abce486c056e4ba4752a 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/circus_juventas.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=55597a4bfd95cb7ee1dd4a1276effa15 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/circus_juventas.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=18a3e6d4a88c0dfe38417abfdf570e97 1024w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/circus_juventas.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d2dd112aabacaf3e58ef508769f2f8d5 1080w)
Theatre
There are few things like live theater and Saint Paul stages are ready to welcome you. From the Park Square Theatre and Penumbra to History Theatre and Circus Juventas, get ready for those standing ovations.
- Between Riverside and Crazy | Park Square Theatre | May 24 - June 18
- Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour | Ordway Performing Arts Center | June 16 - 17
- Jersey Boys | Chanhassen Dinner Theatre | June 16 - Feb 2024
- Holmes/Poirot | Park Square Theatre | July 19 - Aug 20
- Holmes and Watson | Park Square Theatre | Jul 12 - Aug 21
- Circus Juventas Summer Show | Arthurian Legends | July 26 - Aug 13
Concerts
Check out big touring acts and up-and-coming artists at Xcel Energy Center and Palace Theatre. Summer shows include Janet Jackson & Ludacris, Dude Perfect, Thomas Rhett, Paramore and more, Find dates and tickets for upcoming shows:
9. Get out to a Ballgame
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/chs_field_-_saints_baseball__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=151c6c5a0c1fac518a76a43fb536d31c 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/chs_field_-_saints_baseball__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c96df484c539df7dc3d39036499048d2 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/chs_field_-_saints_baseball__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1108a34aacb106eaa1126a4991498527 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/chs_field_-_saints_baseball__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=eb734a783d66f04875f880fcc652015b 800w)
The St. Paul Saints are celebrating a milestone season of 30 years, and their first full season as a Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. CHS Field hosts 150 home games at CHS Field between April and September - so there’s plenty of fun to be had - and Fun Is Good!
10. Go to the Minnesota State Fair
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_state_fair_-__will_wright__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=94c428a0eea0be5064d324ddf7a38279 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_state_fair_-__will_wright__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ef1f181918f3b15786134f53805be5e8 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_state_fair_-__will_wright__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2c71600a58c28e3dd9aa3fff7364ecbd 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/mn_state_fair_-__will_wright__wysiwyg.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9495af3cfbc5c390d66288fb6364c122 800w)
Our summer culminates in the world-renowned Minnesota State Fair, also known as The Great Minnesota Get-Together. This 12-day celebration at the end of August features everything we love about Minnesota, including lots of delicious (and sometimes unconventional) food on a stick, concerts, animals and everything in between. Check out our guide.
What's on your must-do list in Saint Paul this summer? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with #MYSAINTPAUL.
More to Explore
![The patio area of Bang Brewing, surround by various types of flowers.](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=9d95681dc20de1624f756eb2c10057f7 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=bed12df55b70fc5d12f6e19f1e7c850c 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=cb24286fd7f99f1252be1d64d9510e2d 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=4141b79a596b2f2ce9518db92b9533fa 1024w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=042c2ab7e7a2170b8da840ddb8cd68af 1200w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/Bang-Brewing-Patio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=508ad266e5820278196f42a232787447 1296w)
20 of Saint Paul’s Best Patios
Relax and unwind... you're on patio time. Find the perfect one for you in Saint Paul!
![International childrens festival](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=34f97632585cfb0c0e48982667062c3a 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=af397c4e63211ec96980814cedc6c97d 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=628dc7b899eed9e468c3c9560c7fa0e1 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=3cd3eb244ea0cc7c6a3a616e45d74814 1024w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=4cec27a94adf7731574d5bf86acdbd4c 1200w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/international_childrens_festival.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=f14d487d65718b6bc66ed98cf5ba7e24 1380w)
Festivals & Fairs
Celebrate Saint Paul
Festivals and events - with a distinctive Saint Paul flair - celebrating music, culture, art and life itself can be found throughout the city all year long.
![](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=201d6cd5d3e23d37e84d4cbb5773cc3b 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=b4b3058a9e7a6f7ae01ce0b25bc4faaa 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=7ecb2e08cfd8f61376e54080ed6021da 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=36ecbd0448bbcf22974e4b48731b744a 1024w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=7d13b435f3adf1e022dce82a71e9514c 1200w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=6ca8881de83b59a53c3ca578baa13a96 1440w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/outdoor-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=7c0a03a8aa0db25fe3676cdda9440bb0 1705w)
Outdoor Summer Music
There's no better way to enjoy beautiful summer weather than listening to live music outside.
![Minnesota State Fair lit up at night by rides and carnival games](https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/state-fair-059-3-0478.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5f859c8d159dbedaae6095960eb21a55 320w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/state-fair-059-3-0478.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=63ceb9a542451b11b74508802b90e587 540w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/state-fair-059-3-0478.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=894eea0215cfdb23c73af7168ad264d5 768w, https://saintpaul.imgix.net/images/state-fair-059-3-0478.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=04c900814a84396af812e16b4fbde667 885w)
Insider’s Guide to the Minnesota State Fair
Find out everything you need to know about the Minnesota State Fair with helpful links to specific information.