Bloomington, Minnesota

The true "ringing in" of Independence Day in the Twin Cities, the Bloomington Summer Fete occurs every year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. A carnival, two entertainment stages with musical performances, and a fireworks display provide fun for the whole family.

The week-long Winter Fete welcomes winter to Bloomington with a fat tire bike race, ski jumping, and the Pond-Dakota Winter History Festival. All activities are free, and almost all take place outside, so don't forget to bundle up with a coat and get ready to experience January in Minnesota!

There’s no better place than the Minnesota State Fair to get a feel for what Minnesota is all about! The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” draws over 1.5 million attendees every year and is the largest 12-day fair in North America. The annual celebration features endless games and rides, animal exhibits, and over 400 free concerts. The fair celebrates everything that is special about Minnesota. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t find anywhere else, visit the North Woods area to see lumberjack and stunt dogs performances, and make sure to catch the State Fair Parade at 2 P.M. every day. Popular musical artists visit the Grandstand each year to play to sold-out crowds. Food is also a highlight of the State Fair; new food items last year included SPAM sushi, deep fried grilled cheese bites, and a Reuben pickle dog!

Transport yourself back to the 16th century with a trip to the annual Renaissance Festival in nearby Shakopee, Minnesota. Laugh at court jesters, shop for handicrafts, watch a joust and enjoy some delicious, authentic fare. The festival opens in late August and finishes up in early October.

Twin Cities Pride, one of the largest Pride events in the country, includes a parade, several concerts, a 5k race, and a host of other activities. Special guest appearances in the past few years have included Kathy Griffin, The Pointer Sisters, and more. Pride is held annually during the last weekend of June.

Join in the fun at the Minneapolis Aquatennial, a summer festival celebrating the city of Minneapolis. Founded in 1939, the Minneapolis Aquatennial is one of the largest festivals in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy a variety of events, including Target Fireworks show, CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Life Time Torchlight 5K, Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show and more. The festival occurs annually in mid-July.

The Zombie Pub Crawl is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Gathering of Zombies”. Thousands of people dress up in their best zombie attire and roam through downtown Minneapolis, listening to live musical acts and participating in events like a "brain" eating contest.

This annual outdoor music festival has featured alternative acts such as The Flaming Lips, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. Held on the grounds of the Walker Art Center, the festival is sponsored by local favorite 89.3 The Current. Families are welcome at Rock The Garden, and food trucks, beer tent, and view of the city skyline make this a unique festival to remember.