Explore Minnesota Events Report as of Tuesday, June 17

[mudbrook]

Explore Minnesota Events Report as of Tuesday, June 17


The 300-acre Moondance event and camping grounds near the city of Walker will be the site of the Moondance Jammin’ Country Fest, Thursday through Saturday, June 19–21. This annual country music and camping festival features country music stars, including Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio and Sawyer Brown. To find out more, dial 1-877-666-6526, or check out www.jammincountry.com

The 11th Annual International Friendship Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, June 20 & 21, throughout the town of Pelican Rapids. Come celebrate the diversity of Pelican Rapids, with world music and dance, Good Neighbor picnic, children’s crafts and games from around the world, a Naturalization ceremony, the 125th Anniversary Walking Tour of Historic Pelican Rapids, a performance by the Red River Dixieland Band, and an Ethnic Marketplace, with food booths and world craft demonstrations. To learn more, dial 218/863-1221, or visit www.pelicanrapidschamber.com

The city of Little Falls will host the Little Falls Dam Festival, Friday through Sunday, June 20–22, in a celebration of the area’s river history. Festivities include live entertainment, living history demonstrations, fine arts, a parade, fireworks display, children’s and family games and activities, pony rides, a carnival, free airplane rides, karaoke, street dances, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows, and much more! For further information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or check out www.littlefallsmn.com

Red Eye River Days will be held throughout the town of Sebeka, June 20–22, with a parade, pageant, duck races, free ice cream, children’s events and family activities, a street dance, the 3rd Annual Kids’ Triathlon Competition, a pancake breakfast, and a kiddie tractor pull. For more information, dial 218/837-5937, or visit www.sebeka.com

The Corn and Clover Carnival will be held Friday through Sunday, June 20-22, in the city of Hinckley, with a large midway, live entertainment, lots of food vendors, a street dance, grand parade, kiddie parade, Little Miss contest, talent contest, the Hinckley Field of Dreams Fly-in & Drive-in Breakfast, and more! For further information, dial 320/384-7837, or check out www.hinckleychamber.com

The North House Folk School and the city of Grand Marais will be the site of the Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival, June 20–22. This festival includes programs, courses, speakers, demonstrations, workshops, food, dancing, displays and lots of great conversation. To find out more, dial 1-888-387-9762, or visit www.northhouse.org

The Holmes City 150th Celebration will be held Saturday, June 21, throughout Holmes City, with lots of great food, a grand parade, kiddie parade, beer wagon, free kayaking and pontoon rides, a vintage car and tractor display, children’s activities, live music, a flea market, dance, and fireworks over Grant Lake. To learn more, dial 320/759-1576, or check out www.holmescity.com

The city of Alexandria will offer a Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 & 22. Highlights will include a grand parade, the Alex-150 Exhibit, an ice cream social, outdoor church service, an Old-Time Sing and Service, Dad’s Belgian Waffles, 150th Anniversary Crock silent auction, and a chance to win lots of prizes. For more information, dial 1-800-235-9441, or visit www.paulajackson.info

The Land of the Loon Arts & Crafts Festival will be held June 21 & 22, throughout the city of Virginia. Festivities will include an eighty-unit parade, delicious ethnic foods, music from countries around the world, hundreds of exquisite art and craft booths, and a variety of family entertainment and activities. For further information, dial 218/749-5555, or check out www.landoftheloonfestival.com

The city of Grand Rapids will host the 33rd Annual Judy Garland Festival, Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28, in a celebration of Judy’s life in Grand Rapids. Highlights include a Get Acquainted fundraiser banquet, Breakfast with the Munchkins, a display of gowns worn by Judy Garland, a Judy Jeopardy Game, the Toto Too Dog Talent Contest, A Salute to Judy Garland & Friends concert, a showing of the Wizard of Oz, a Children’s Lunch with the Munchkins, Children’s Oz Fair and Dance, a Munchkin Marketplace, and much more. For rates and times, dial 1-800-664-5839, or visit www.judygarlandmuseum.com. And while in Grand Rapids, head to the Central School on June 28 for the annual Peter Pan Tree Festival, and to the Forest History Center, June 28 & 29, for a Children’s Weekend. To learn more, dial 1-800-355-9740, or check out www.visitgrandrapids.com

The 40th Annual Osakis Festival will be held Thursday, June 26 through Sunday, June 29, throughout the city of Osakis. Just some of the highlights include a salad luncheon, Ladies Bunko, kids’ day events, a flea market, antique tractor show, fire department water fights, a street dance, a theatre performance of "Pinnochio" in the park, a concert in the park, and a grand parade. To find out more, dial 1-866-784-8941, or visit www.visitosakis.com

Ironworld Discovery Center in Chisholm will host the 31st Annual Polkafest Celebration, Friday through Sunday, June 27–29. Join polka enthusiasts as they converge on the Iron Range, and enjoy three-days of polka music and dance. For more information, dial 1-800-372-6437, or check out www.ironworld.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The city of Farmington will host Farmington Rambling River Days through Sunday, June 22. Highlights include the Flavors of Farmington, performances by CBO and Hairball, a children’s area filled with inflatables, a medallion hunt, Burgers, Bingo & Beer, bed races, an art show, a Battle of the Bands, dunk tank, BBQ rib contest, and much more! For further information, dial 651/253-7419, or visit www.ramblingriverdays.org

The Minneapolis Mosaic, a celebration of cultural diversity through the arts, will be held at venues throughout the city of Minneapolis all summer long, with over 100 music, dance, theater, visual arts, film and literary arts events offered. For more information, please check out www.minneapolismosaic.com

The James J. Hill House in St. Paul will be the starting point for Summit Avenue Walking Tours each Saturday and Sunday, through September 28, with guided tours focusing on the architecture, original owners, social history, and current preservation issues facing this nationally-recognized historic district. For rates and times, dial 651/297-2555, or visit www.mnhs.org/hillhouse

The 81st Annual Midsummer Days Swedish Celebration will be held Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 22, in the city of North Branch, with a block party, street dances, a carnival and midway, grand parade, a family fun show, karaoke, a kiddie parade, and water fights. To find out more, dial 651/674-4077, or visit www.NorthBranchChamber.com

The city of Buffalo will hold the 54th Annual Buffalo Championship PRCA Rodeo, Thursday through Saturday, June 19–21, at the Buffalo Rodeo arena and grounds. Minnesota’s oldest rodeo will feature a chuckwagon breakfast, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, specialty acts, and a free rodeo dance and party under the big top tent. To learn more, dial 763/682-7032, or check out www.buffalorodeo.com

Dan Patch Days will be held Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 22, in the city of Savage. Featured will be a Wine Tasting fundraiser, Dinner in the Park, a wings eating contest, live music, a family fun walk, kiddie carnival, inflatables, the Teddy Bear Band, water fights, a petting zoo, Kaptain Kirby train rides and pony rides, a burger eating contest, juried art show, Frisbee Dog Disc Championship, the Taste of Savage, and fireworks display. To find out more, dial 952/440-6255, or visit www.danpatchdays.org

The 35th Annual MSRA Back to the 50’s Car Show will be held Friday through Sunday, June 20–22, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Featured will be over 10,000 street rods and custom cars, as well as commercial vendors, swappers, crafters, live entertainment, and much more. For further information, dial 651/641-1992, or check out www.msra.com

The 2008 Twin Cities Juneteenth Celebration and Festival will be held at various locations throughout Minneapolis on Saturday, June 21. This family-oriented community festival celebrating freedom from slavery includes a parade, a free community breakfast, celebration music on two stages, an African Map Room, African American History Pavilion, food courts, community organizations, and special guest appearances by Fox News Anchor Robyne Robinson and others. For more information, dial 612/226-7734, or visit www.juneteenthminnesota.org

The Gammel Garden Museum in Scandia will host Midsommar Dag on June 21, with Swedish food, choirs, fiddlers and dancers, as well as children’s activities, 120 Dala horses, Dala horse crafts, and 1850’s historic buildings. To find out more, dial 651/433-5053, or check out www.gammelgardenmuseum.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
The Monster Truck Challenge at Raceway Park in Shakopee, June 20
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, June 27
John Hiatt at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 28
Lucinda Williams at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, June 30
Merle Haggard at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
The Steve Miller Band at the Target Center in Minneapolis, July 3
George Michael at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 7
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 14
Chris Rock at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 18
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Neil Diamond at the Xcel Energy Center, July 20
Marc Cohn at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 22
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center, July 23
Dave Koz and Friends at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 25
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26
Hootie and the Blowfish at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 27
The Gear Daddies at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 1
Judas Priest at The Myth in Maplewood, August 2
Nine Inch Nails at the Target Center, August 2
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 4
Chaka Khan at The Epic in Minneapolis, August 5
The Wiggles at the Target Center, August 7
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Chris Isaak at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 13
Three Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 21
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 22
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 23
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 24
Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 25
The Counting Crows and Maroon 5 at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, August 26
The PRCA Championship Rodeo at the Minnesota State Fair, August 28
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 29
NBC’s Last Comic Standing at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 29
The Black Crowes at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 30
Donna Summer at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 31
Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live at the Target Center, August 31
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
Cirque Du Soleil-Saltimbanco at the Target Center, September 24
Defending the Caveman at the Hennepin Stages in Minneapolis, October 1
My Morning Jacket at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 2
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3
The Music Builds Tour featuring Third Day and Switchfoot at the Target Center, October 10
Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, October 12
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, October 19
New Kids On the Block at the Xcel Energy Center, October 21
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre, November 5-9
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12 & 13
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Southern Minnesota

The city of Atwater will be the site of Atwater Festival Days from Tuesday through Saturday, June 17–21. Come celebrate with fireworks, a parade, street dance, pet show, a community supper, and much more. For further information, dial 320/974-8760, or check out www.kandiyohi.com

A Western Fest Celebration & Stampede Rodeo will be held Wednesday through Saturday, June 18-21, at Lee Mar Ranch in the city of Granite Falls, with six rodeo events each day! In addition to bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and barrel racing, enjoy a parade, street dances, children’s activities, free pony rides, and prize drawings. For more information, dial 320/564-4039, or visit www.granitefallsprcarodeo.com

Central Park, in the city of Faribault, will be the site of a Heritage Celebration, June 18-21, to honor the rich and diverse heritage of Faribault. Highlights include a parade, carnival games and rides, great music, a beer garden, and lots of food and fun. To learn more, dial 1-800-658-2354, or check out www.visitfaribault.com

The 61st Annual Steamboat Days celebration will be held Wednesday through Sunday, June 18–22, throughout the city of Winona, in a celebration of its steamboat history. Just some of the festivities include a huge parade, fireworks display, power boat races, a carnival, arts and crafts, car show, exhibits, and a kiddie parade. To find out more, dial 507/452-0735, or visit www.winonasteamboatdays.com

The city of Mankato will be the site of a National Brew Fest, Friday and Saturday, June 20 & 21, with a three-hour sampling of nearly 100 beers by roughly 30 brewers from across the country. In addition, there will be performances by eight national and regional acts, including The Marshall Tucker Band, The Lamont Cranston Band, Canned Heat, and The Butanes. For rates and times, dial 507/625-4762, or check out www.nationalbrewfest.com

The 38th Annual Medford Straight River Days will be held Friday through Sunday, June 20-22, throughout the city of Medford. Featured will be a parade, street dance, a carnival, petting zoo, garage sales, a car show, BBQ cook-off, food vendors, beer stands, tournaments, raffles, and much more! For further information, dial 1-888-423-6466, or visit www.medfordminnesota.com

The city of Zumbrota will be the site of the annual Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival, June 20–22, with Arts in East Park, a flea market, crafts & antique sales, tournaments, children’s games, a petting zoo, medallion hunt, parade, a free street dance, fireworks show, and a Cemetery Walk. For more information, dial 507/732-7318, or check out www.ci.zumbrota.mn.us

The Fulda Wood Duck Festival will be held June 20–22 in the town of Fulda. Highlights include a burger feed and live music in the park, BBQ & pie at City Hall, a carnival, fireworks, street dance, craft vendors, kiddie tractor pull, silent auction, pancake feed, races and tournaments. To learn more, dial 507/425-2504, or visit www.murray-countymn.com

The city of Lake Lillian will hold their annual West Central Antique Power Show, Saturday June 21, with an antique tractor pull, log sawing, rock crushing, and a parade. Food stands and primitive camping are also available. To find out more, dial 320/664-7040

Willmar Fests will be held Wednesday, June 25 through Saturday, June 28, throughout the city of Willmar, with a variety of activities during three great festivals! Just some of the festivities offered during Aqua Fest, the Kaffe Fest, and the International Festival include lakeside ski shows and water events, Music in the Park, a block party, parade, pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, a Firefighter’s Challenge, the Willmar Idol Karaoke Contest, a kiddie parade, International Banquet, a DJ and dance, a fishing derby, and midnight beach party. For more information, dial 320/979-2268, or check out www.willmarfests.com

The city of Springfield will host Riverside Days, Thursday through Sunday, June 26–29, with a carnival, street dance, firefighter water fights, a flight breakfast, bull riding, a sauerkraut feed, softball tournament, and grand parade. To learn more, dial 507/723-3508, or visit www.springfieldmnchamber.org

A Watertower Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, June 27 & 28, throughout the city of Pipestone. Featured will be a street dance, arts & crafts show, a parade, kids’ tractor pull, mini train rides, prize drawings, a car show, and more! For further information, dial 507/825-3316, or check out www.pipestoneminnesota.com
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism.”