The official first day of summer may be June 21, but this weekend marks the unofficial launch of the summer festival season in the Twin Cities. The weather forecast shows a chance of scattered showers, but let’s hope the sun wins out! See below for this weekend’s lively roster:
North Minneapolis Greenway Open Streets, May 31
This weekend marks the first of the Open Streets Minneapolis events, providing an opportunity for people to explore the proposed North Minneapolis Greenway route free of automobiles. Enjoy the streets on bike, foot or blade, while sampling great food, art, music and activities! For more information and free Metro passes, go here.
North Girard/Humbold Avenues from West Broadway Avenue to North 42nd Avenue.
10 am – 4 pm; Free
Open Streets – Jordan Area Community Council
The Jordan Area Community Council will be participating in this year’s Open Streets and invites you to partake in their festivities! A talent show, kick ball, scavenger hunt, hula hoops, double dutch and prizes are just some of the activities you can expect. Call 612-886-4539 for more info about the event.
Jordan Park, 2927 Irving Ave North, Minneapolis
10 am – 4 pm; Free
WaterFest, May 31 If you and/or your kids enjoy the outdoors and want to learn more about nature, this event might be just what the doctor ordered! Waterfest, created in 2000, is a free event that celebrates nature with interactive exhibits and activities about water and community projects, plus a parade, miniature golf, all-ages fishing contest, and much more. Go here for more details.
Lake Phalen in Saint Paul
11 am – 4 pm; Free
Mounds Park Tree Trek, Saturday, May 31
Speaking of nature, the Mounds Park Tree Trek provides a great opportunity for nature lovers to gather and explore the various species of trees. The event includes food, tours, and a trail identifying 25 species of trees in the park, with markers and QR codes next to each tree. The event also includes tree planting. Go here for more info.
Pavilion near children’s playground at Earl and Mound Streets, Saint Paul
11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Bedlam Lowertown Grand Opening, May 31
Bedlam Theater is finally opening their Lowertown location after moving two years ago, and they invite you to join the celebration! Sponsored by KFAI 90.3, the grand opening will feature a wide array of kid and adult friendly puppet workshops, performances, a tour of the new space, food sampling and more.
Bedlam Lowertown, 213 East Fourth St., Saint Paul
Grand Opening Opening Ceremony from 6-7 (see a schedule of events here)
Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, May 31 – June 1
The Ordway will host the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival featuring global performing artists inside the theater. The parks around the Ordway showcase family-friendly art activities and exhibits, performances and more.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., Saint Paul
10 am – 5 pm Both days
$5 for shows inside the Ordway; Free arts activities, art exhibits, and performances in the parks.
Go here for more info.
Grand Old Day, June 1 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul
Hey, hey, hey, it’s Grand Old Day –- the largest one-day festival in the Midwest and a true sign of summer! Outdoor music, delicious food, parades and interactive fun for all ages.
Parade starts at 9:30 am at Dale Street and Grand Avenue in Saint Paul
Free Metro passes are available – go here to download yours!
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