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.

1. Take it outside and savor the summer weather

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

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

Photo credit: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

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

Photo credit: @kegandcasemn

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

Photo credit: @diarli

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"?

Photo credit: @caitabrams

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. Join in the excitement of MLS All-Star Week

That’s right! Saint Paul is hosting the all-stars of Major League Soccer for the 2022 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target at Allianz Field. A week-long celebration of soccer culture will be highlighted by the MLS All-Star Concert headlined by Khalid and MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, as well as community events and social impact initiatives. Find out more about the 2022 MLS All-Star Game

8. Get tickets to a performance

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.

Ashe Lab Festival | Penumbra Theatre | June 14 - 26
Holmes and Watson | Park Square Theatre | Jul 12 - Aug 21
Glensheen | History Theatre | July 9 - July 24
Circus Juventas Summer Show | July 29 - Aug 14
Footloose | Chanhassen Dinner Theatre | through September 24

Concerts
Check out big touring acts and up-and-coming artists at Xcel Energy Center and Palace Theatre. Summer shows include Alanis Morissette, Alan Jackson, Brandi Carlile, Fitz and the Tantrums,Machine Gun Kelly, The Lumineers, Maroon 5, New Kids on the Block, One Republic, Primus, Rod Stewart, Shawn Mendes, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Twenty One Pilots and Violent Femmes. Find date and tickets for upcoming shows:

9. Get out to a Ballgame

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

Photo credit: Will Wright

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.