Top 10 Things to Do in The Twin Cities for 2019

There are plenty of things going on this year to keep yourself occupied and enjoying the outdoors! For those of you looking for local things-to-do, we’ve got the list for you. Here’s our breakdown of this season’s top events to keep in mind:

NCAA Final Four – April 5th-8th

Just a little over a year since hosting Super Bowl LII, Minneapolis is back capturing national spotlight once again. Practice will be open to the public beginning Friday, April 5^th. If practice isn’t your thing, they’ve got a whole range of events over the 4-day period to keep you entertained. You can check out the event schedule here. If you’re heading into the city, make sure to consider travel plans and expect Nicollet to be busy.

Cinco de Mayo West Side St. Paul Festival – May 4^th

This year will be the 20^th anniversary of this annual celebration on Cesar Chavez Street in St. Paul. You can expect to join in with thousands of others in experiencing family-friendly events and entertainment while enjoying some tasty food. If you’re planning to attend be sure brush up on attractions.

Art-A-Whirl – May 17^th-19th

Every third weekend in May, Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), hosts the nation’s largest open studio tour right within Northeast Minneapolis. It provides an opportunity to interact with over 800 artists working in more than 20 different mediums. If you’re looking to take this opportunity to get out, keep in mind that there are multiple displays in a variety of different areas. you can locate these sites by referring to the Art-A-Whirl Map – they also have options to download a mobile app.

Open Streets Minneapolis – June 2^nd; July 21^st; August 4^th, 25^th; September 8^th, 14^th, 22^nd

If you’ve yet to experience Open Streets Minneapolis you’re in for a treat. There is a surplus of events, each offering a unique experience and open free to the public: Lyndale, Lake Minnehaha, Northeast, Franklin, U of M, West Broadway, and Nicollet. FYI – bring a bicycle if you have one.

Grand Old Days – June 2^nd

If you like Sunday Funday events, make sure to mark this one on your calendar; Grand Old Days is the largest one-day festival in the upper Midwest. Join a quarter-million strong and explore approximately 30 blocks along Grand Avenue, Dale Street, and Prior Avenue. Admission is open to the general public.

Twin Cities Pride Festival June 22^nd-23^rd

You can check out this year’s activities for free in Loring Park – where the city’s first GLBT march was held 1972. Over the years the movement has grown, and the tradition has continued. If you’ll be staying in town, check out this link to find a list of suggested hotels for potential deals or discounts.

Red White and Bloom – July 4^th

This is currently the largest Fourth of July celebration in the Twin Cities, attracting more than 75,000 people along the riverfront of downtown Minneapolis. The annual event is spearheaded by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and is offered free to the general public. Live music and entertainment begin at 6:00 PM in Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. General information can be found for the event here.

Minneapolis Aquatennial – July 24^th-27^th

Since 1940, the city of Minneapolis has been hosting this annual outdoor festival during the third week of July. There will be a variety of events spanning across the 4 days, and the fireworks display is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Uptown Art Fair – August 2^nd-3^rd

Now approaching its 56^th consecutive year, the Uptown Art Fair has grown to become the 2^nd most attended event within the State of Minnesota – second to the Minnesota State Fair. Make sure you keep up to date with the weekend’s activities.

The Irish Fair of Minnesota – August 9^th-11^th

This Irish Fair of Minnesota festival has been taking place over at Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul for almost 20 years. Approximately 100,000 people were in attendance in 2018 and live music was played on a few different stages over multiple days along with several other activities. Admission last year was free to the general public throughout the majority of the festival – there was a $2 fee required to obtain a wristband for alcohol purchases.