If you're ever looking to try something new in the summer, Thrillist has put together an awesome list of things going on in the Twin Cities this summer! Check out some of our favorites below!
Namaste at Brit’s
June 8 - September 17
Brit’s Pub, Minneapolis
Saying “om” under the downtown Minneapolis skyline is a pretty nice way to start your summer. The popular pub once again hosts “Bend it at Brit’s,” where local yoga instructors lead a complimentary all-levels class to the beat of a live DJ on the rooftop lawn. Post-savasana, the pub will provide drink and food specials. No registration needed, so just grab a mat and your best, bendable bud.
Cost: Free
Light up the night at Northern Spark
June 14 - June 15
The Commons (East Town), American Indian Cultural Corridor (Franklin), Rondo (St. Paul)
Best described as a late-night arts festival, Northern Spark moves around town every year with a different theme. This year’s is “resilience, renewal, and regeneration,” taking place in diverse communities that have experienced change. This festival features dance, digital graffiti, poetry, jazz, film screenings, and more.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Father's Day at the Stone Arch Bridge Fest
June 14 - June 16
Father Hennepin Park
Don’t know what to do with Dad this Father’s Day? The annual Stone Arch Bridge Fest has music, food, craft brews, and a huge car show that’s sure to make him smile. Collectors will show off vintage to present-day vehicles and let you pose for a selfie. If your dad is also an art buff, the fest features more than 200 booths ranging from ceramics and photography to glass and metalworks.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Fourth of July at Red, White & Boom
July 4
Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront
What’s the Fourth without fireworks? The Red, White & Boom celebration by the Park and Rec Board has the best display in town - but be sure to stake out a spot early. Prime blanket space goes fast with nearly 75,000 people lining the river for the show that starts around 10pm. Also, theRed, White & Boom half-marathon, relay, and 5K goes off earlier in the day, with a post-race picnic along the Mississippi River.
Cost: Fireworks are free, races are $35-55
Get a colorful workout
July 7
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Wear a white T-shirt you never want to use again and prepare to get bombarded with every hue in the rainbow as you race the Color Run. Known as the “happiest 5K on the planet,” the race’s starting line is its own party with music, dancing, and giveaways before you even get going. Post-race, pose for your most colorful Instagram photo yet.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Take in a bucket list concert at the first-everTwin Cities Summer Jam
July 18 - July 20
Canterbury Park
Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Aerosmith walk into a park. What sounds like the start of a bad joke is actually the inaugural Twin Cities Summer Jam. Each night of the three-day fest will combine rock, pop, and country -- and, for it being the first year, organizers scored some pretty big acts. Thursday, catch Rascal Flatts and REO Speedwagon, then Aerosmith and Buckcherry on Friday, with McGraw and Pitbull headlining Saturday. There’s already a lot of buzz about this, and the mashup lineup ensures there’s something for everyone.
Cost: Tickets start at $149
Depending on your mood, sweat or sit at Aquatennial
July 24 - July 27
Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront
The official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis returns downtown with the midweek Life Time Torchlight 5K followed by theTorchlight Parade. The highlight, though, is the Saturday nightTarget Fireworks. Aquatennial has changed a lot in the 80 years since it began, but one thing remains the same: It always seems to fall during the hottest week of summer, so hydrate accordingly.
Cost: Fireworks- free, race- $30
Fill up at the St. Paul Food Truck Festival
August 17
Lowertown
If you’re a fan of getting your food from kitchens on wheels, look no further than this fest. With more than 40 vendors from wood-fired pizzas to mini doughnuts, there’s a truck for all in this parking lot. There are also festivals in Uptown and Anoka on different dates this year, but all of them have live music and family-friendly activities.
Cost: Calories in the form of fried food
Sip suds at the Summer Beer Dabbler
August 17
CHS Field
The 11th annual Summer Beer Dabbler returns with more than 130 craft breweries sampling over 400 beers, including hard-to-find brews and one-of-a-kind kegs. CHS Field will also offer live music, games for kids, and ballpark eats. Your ticket gets you unlimited samples, so come thirsty.
Cost: Tickets start at $50
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