Events
Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
Minneapolis, the vibrant heart of Minnesota, is known for its dynamic cultural scene, rich history, and welcoming Midwestern charm. The city’s calendar is packed with events that draw locals and visitors alike, ranging from seasonal festivals and art exhibitions to food fairs and sports competitions. Whether you’re visiting in the dead of winter or the height of summer, Minneapolis offers something special to experience, making it a must-visit destination for event enthusiasts.
January
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
- Date: January 25 – February 4, 2025
- Location: Various locations in Saint Paul, including Rice Park, 109 4th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Contact: +1 651-223-4700
- Description: This iconic event celebrates winter with ice sculptures, parades, and a snow maze. It’s one of the oldest winter festivals in the U.S., offering a magical experience for all ages.
- Highlights: Ice palace, Vulcan Snow Park, and the King Boreas Grand Day Parade.
The Great Northern
- Date: January 25 – February 4, 2025
- Location: Various locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
- Contact: info@thegreatnorthernfestival.com
- Description: A festival celebrating Minnesota’s winter culture, featuring outdoor adventures, art installations, and culinary experiences.
- Highlights: Cross-country skiing events, ice sculpture garden, and the Minnesota Cider Fest.
Art Shanty Projects
- Date: January 13 – February 4, 2025
- Location: Bde Maka Ska, 3000 E Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Contact: info@artshantyprojects.org
- Description: A unique event where artists transform ice fishing shanties into interactive art installations on a frozen lake.
- Highlights: Live performances, interactive art, and themed shanties.
February
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
- Date: February 10, 2025
- Location: Lake Harriet, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
- Contact: +1 612-230-6400
- Description: A colorful display of kites flying over a frozen lake, with activities for kids and hot chocolate to keep warm.
- Highlights: Kite flying, ice fishing demos, and snowshoeing.
Minneapolis Home + Garden Show
- Date: February 23 – 25, 2025
- Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: +1 952-933-3850
- Description: The perfect event for homeowners and gardening enthusiasts, featuring the latest in home and garden products.
- Highlights: Garden displays, expert seminars, and DIY workshops.
Twin Cities Auto Show
- Date: February 10 – 18, 2025
- Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: +1 651-291-2400
- Description: See the latest models from top car manufacturers, along with interactive exhibits and test drives.
- Highlights: New car models, classic car displays, and family-friendly activities.
March
Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis
- Contact: info@mplsparade.org
- Description: Celebrate Irish culture with a lively parade through downtown Minneapolis featuring bagpipers, dancers, and floats.
- Highlights: Parade floats, traditional Irish music, and cultural performances.
Lake Harriet Winter Yoga
- Date: March 9, 2025
- Location: Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
- Contact: +1 612-230-6400
- Description: Enjoy a serene yoga session on the frozen lake, blending wellness with the beauty of winter.
- Highlights: Outdoor yoga, wellness vendors, and hot beverages.
American Craft Show Minneapolis
- Date: March 22 – 24, 2025
- Location: RiverCentre, 175 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Contact: +1 651-222-1305
- Description: A premier event showcasing handcrafted works by over 230 artists.
- Highlights: Jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor.
April
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
- Date: April 4 – 20, 2025
- Location: Various theaters across Minneapolis and Saint Paul
- Contact: +1 612-331-7563
- Description: One of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, featuring films from around the world.
- Highlights: Independent films, international features, and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Craftstravaga
- Date: April 27, 2025
- Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Contact: info@craftstravaganza.com
- Description: An annual craft fair showcasing handmade goods from local artists and crafters.
- Highlights: Artisanal products, live demonstrations, and family activities.
Earth Day Cleanup
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Location: Various parks across Minneapolis
- Contact: +1 612-230-6400
- Description: Join thousands of volunteers in cleaning up the city’s parks and green spaces to celebrate Earth Day.
- Highlights: Community involvement, environmental education, and a cleaner city.
May
Art-A-Whirl
- Date: May 16 – 18, 2025
- Location: Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
- Contact: info@nemaa.org
- Description: The largest open studio tour in the U.S., offering a chance to meet artists and purchase unique pieces.
- Highlights: Open studios, live music, and local food vendors.
Minnesota Fishing Opener
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Location: Lakes across Minnesota, including Lake Minnetonka
- Contact: info@dnr.state.mn.us
- Description: Celebrate the start of the fishing season with events and competitions across the state.
- Highlights: Fishing contests, community breakfasts, and boat parades.
MayDay Parade and Festival
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Location: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Contact: +1 612-721-2535
- Description: A vibrant celebration of spring featuring a parade, live performances, and a festival in the park.
- Highlights: Giant puppets, live music, and community spirit.
June
Twin Cities Pride Festival
- Date: June 28 – 29, 2025
- Location: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@tcpride.org
- Description: The largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration in the Midwest, featuring a parade, live music, and vendors.
- Highlights: Pride parade, music stages, and community booths.
Rock the Garden
- Date: June 21, 2025
- Location: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@walkerart.org
- Description: An annual outdoor music festival featuring indie bands and artists, set against the backdrop of the Walker Art Center.
- Highlights: Live performances, art installations, and food trucks.
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
- Date: June 14 – 16, 2025
- Location: Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Contact: info@stonearchbridgefestival.com
- Description: A festival celebrating art and music on the historic Stone Arch Bridge, featuring artists, musicians, and food vendors.
- Highlights: Art booths, live music, and a car show.
July
Minneapolis Aquatennial
Basilica Block Party
- Date: July 12 – 13, 2025
- Location: Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@basilicablockparty.org
- Description: A two-day music festival hosted by the Basilica of Saint Mary, featuring local and national acts.
- Highlights: Live music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere.
Hennepin County Fair
- Date: July 24 – 27, 2025
- Location: Corcoran Lions Park, 7205 County Rd 101, Corcoran, MN 55340
- Contact: info@hennepincountyfair.com
- Description: A classic county fair with carnival rides, animal exhibits, and live entertainment.
- Highlights: Midway rides, 4-H exhibits, and live music.
August
Minnesota State Fair
- Date: August 21 – September 1, 2025
- Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55108
- Contact: info@mnstatefair.org
- Description: The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” is one of the largest state fairs in the U.S., featuring rides, food, livestock shows, and more.
- Highlights: Giant slide, livestock competitions, and over 500 food vendors.
Irish Fair of Minnesota
- Date: August 8 – 10, 2025
- Location: Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55107
- Contact: info@irishfair.com
- Description: The largest free Irish fair in the United States, celebrating Irish culture with music, dance, and traditional food.
- Highlights: Irish dance performances, Gaelic sports, and cultural exhibits.
Uptown Art Fair
- Date: August 2 – 4, 2025
- Location: Hennepin Ave and Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Contact: info@uptownartfair.com
- Description: A renowned art fair featuring works from hundreds of artists, live entertainment, and food vendors.
- Highlights: Art installations, live music, and interactive art activities.
September
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
- Date: Weekends from August 17 – September 29, 2025
- Location: 12364 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379
- Contact: info@renaissancefest.com
- Description: Step back in time at this immersive festival featuring jousting, costumed characters, and artisan crafts.
- Highlights: Jousting tournaments, artisan market, and themed weekends.
Twin Cities Marathon
- Date: September 28, 2025
- Location: Starts in downtown Minneapolis and ends at the State Capitol in Saint Paul
- Contact: info@tcmevents.org
- Description: Known as the “Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” this event draws runners from all over the world.
- Highlights: Scenic route, cheer zones, and a post-race festival.
Harvest Fest and Corn Maze
- Date: September 20 – October 31, 2025
- Location: Twin Cities Harvest Festival, 8001 109th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Contact: info@twincitiesmaze.com
- Description: Celebrate the harvest season with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and fall activities for the whole family.
- Highlights: Giant corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.
October
Zombie Pub Crawl
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Downtown Minneapolis
- Contact: info@zombiepubcrawl.com
- Description: One of the largest zombie-themed pub crawls in the world, featuring thousands of participants in costume, live music, and food trucks.
- Highlights: Costume contests, themed bars, and live entertainment.
Minneapolis Haunted Basement
- Date: October 3 – 31, 2025
- Location: 2010 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Contact: info@hauntedbasement.org
- Description: An immersive horror experience that challenges participants to navigate through a terrifyingly realistic haunted basement.
- Highlights: Interactive horror experiences, professional actors, and a truly terrifying atmosphere.
Twin Cities Film Fest
- Date: October 16 – 26, 2025
- Location: ShowPlace ICON Theatre, 1625 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
- Contact: info@twincitiesfilmfest.org
- Description: A celebration of independent film, featuring screenings of new releases, documentaries, and short films, with opportunities to meet filmmakers.
- Highlights: Film premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and red carpet events.
November
Holidazzle
- Date: November 29 – December 22, 2025 (weekends)
- Location: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@holidazzle.com
- Description: A beloved holiday tradition in Minneapolis, Holidazzle features festive lights, ice skating, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Highlights: Holiday lights, Santa Claus visits, and a festive market.
Minneapolis Holiday Boutique
- Date: November 7 – 9, 2025
- Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@minneapolisholidayboutique.com
- Description: Kick off your holiday shopping at this boutique event featuring gifts, home decor, fashion, and more from local and national vendors.
- Highlights: Unique holiday gifts, DIY workshops, and festive atmosphere.
Turkey Day 5K
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Location: Downtown Minneapolis
- Contact: info@turkeyday-5k.com
- Description: Start your Thanksgiving Day with a fun 5K run or walk through downtown Minneapolis.
- Highlights: Family-friendly run, Thanksgiving costumes, and post-race treats.
December
Holiday Lights on the Lake
- Date: December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Location: Lake Harriet, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
- Contact: info@holidaylightsonthelake.com
- Description: A beautiful display of holiday lights around Lake Harriet, with festive music and hot cocoa stands.
- Highlights: Light displays, holiday music, and winter walks.
The Nutcracker Ballet
- Date: December 13 – 21, 2025
- Location: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Contact: info@orpheumtheatre.com
- Description: Enjoy a classic holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” by a renowned ballet company in the historic Orpheum Theatre.
- Highlights: Stunning choreography, beautiful sets, and a magical holiday atmosphere.
North Loop Holiday Market
- Date: December 6 – 7, 2025
- Location: North Loop, Minneapolis, MN
- Contact: info@northloopholidaymarket.com
- Description: A festive outdoor market featuring local artisans, holiday treats, and live entertainment.
- Highlights: Unique holiday gifts, live music, and a cozy winter atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Minneapolis offers a diverse range of events throughout the year, each providing a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to winter festivals, summer music celebrations, or the rich traditions of fall and the holidays, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. Plan your visit to coincide with one of these exciting events to make the most of your time in Minneapolis. Book early, dress appropriately for the season, and immerse yourself in the local culture for an unforgettable experience.