Photo courtesy of Brienna Schuette, Minnesota State Fair
Mosaic Throughout summer, this multiculti festival brings out the best of the Twin Cities’ cultural scene. More than 100 theater, dance, spoken word, and arts events take over the city, giving Minnesotans a taste of the world in their own backyard.
612-673-3379 Dragon Festival
Sure there are arts, crafts, music, and food—all celebrating the best of Asian culture—but the stars of the midsummer festival are the elaborately decorated, forty-foot-long dragon boats that race across Phalen Lake. Each year, more than twenty teams build their boats and hit the lake to honor the 2,400-year-old tradition. July 12–13. Phalen Lake Park, St. Paul
The Art Fairs
Just pick one—each art fair offers an opportunity to explore every art medium imaginable, plus enjoy some great performances, people-watching, and food. Uptown Art Fair, Aug. 1–3; Loring Park Art Festival, Aug. 2–3. For more events, mnartists.org.
Minnesota State Fair
This one is a no-brainer. Even if the animal barn isn’t your thing, there are plenty of opportunities for fun. Check out your favorite TV newscasters during a live broadcast, let the kids have a chocolate chip cookie or two (but wash it down at the milk stand!), and take in a ride at the midway. And if that fun fails, there are always the educational buildings all around the grounds. Going to the fair after dark? The Grandstand acts—Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Backstreet Boys—should keep you entertained. Aug. 21–Sept. 1.
Fringe Festival
It’s the hottest theater event of the year, with more than 150 shows taking over nearly every venue in the cities. A lot of shows really are, well, out there, but there is surely something for everyone—from fans of the Bard to fans of Broadway—including a dozen family-friendly shows. July 31–Aug. 10.
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