Sure we're known for being the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but we've got some amazing festivals too (just not 10,000 of them).

#1 - Minnesota State Fair - Frequently ranked as the best fair in America, the Great Minnesota Get Together is second only to Texas in attendance, and that's likely only because the Texas fair runs more days. Last Year the MN event topped 2-million visitors. Food, entertainment, and attractions galore. If you've been, you get it. If you haven't, no words I can write would do it justice. Get there in 2019 from August 22- September 2. More info here!

#2 - WE Fest - Nowhere else in America do more than 160,000 country music fans gather annually over three days to celebrate summer, friends, beer, and the best of the best of live country music. This August 1-3 will feature Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Currington, Jake Owen, Jamey Johnson, Big & Rich, LeAnn Rimes, LANCO, Walker Hayes, Jimmie Allen, Dylan Scott, and more. More info & tix here.

WE Fest
WE Fest
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#3 - Renaissance Festival - The 2019 MN Renaissance Festival will run Weekends & Labor Day from August 17th through September 29th. Celebrating its 48th year, it's one of the longest running Renaissance Festivals in the country (because it's awesome). King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of live entertainment, and over 250 artisans. More info & tix here.

Caerlaverock Castle Hosts Spectacular Jousting Tournament
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#4 - Little Falls Arts & Crafts Fair - I went for the first time five years ago, and I'll never miss it. After the State Fair, this is my favorite Minnesota event (and it may surprise you, but I'm not an artsy-crafty guy). Literally, all of the heart of Little Falls is transformed into this annual extravaganza featuring over 600 artists and vendors. I'm not alone, as 100,000 other Minnesotans show up for the 2-day event. Get the deets here.

couple drinking beer at outdoor bar
rez-art/ThinkStock
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#5- Stone Arch Bridge Festival - The annual Stone Arch Bridge festival spans the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis on Father's Day weekend June 14-16. Over 200 artists will show off the best of food, art, and live music over the three day celebration. More than 100,000 people will celebrate again in 2019. Grab a Stone Arch Beer Sampler from various local breweries while you’re there! More info here!

#6 - Bayfront Blues Festival - 2019 will be the 31st time Duluth's Bayfront Park comes alive for the BBF, drawing over 20,000 visitors to one of the coolest settings in Minnesota for an outdoor 3-day music jam. The Bayfront Blues Festival has been showcasing a who’s who in the blues and rock including Buddy Guy, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Jonny Lang, Blues Traveler, Little Richard, and 500 other artists. Get the rest here.

#7 - Uptown Art Fair - Gotta see it to believe it! The fair began in 1964 as a way to increase awareness of the arts while raising money for Uptown projects. Aside from showcasing amazing art, the fair is a celebration of the hip, refreshingly unconventional Uptown community. The Uptown Art Fair is a juried arts festival with a reputation as one of the most exceptional art fairs in the United States. 380,000+ visitors agree – making the Uptown Art Fair the 2nd most attended event in Minnesota (only second to the State Fair). 2019's fair runs August 2-4. Get more info here.

Knitted mittens and other souvenirs at the Riga Christmas market
Roman Babakin/ThinkStock
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MY BONUS - Pierz Freedom Fest - Of course there are bigger festivals and events in Minnesota, but there aren't many I enjoy more than this one. One day at the Genola Ball Fields in Pierz, featuring small-town hospitality, friends & neighbors, guaranteed great summer weather, plenty of food & cold beer, and an annual music live-up that steals the show. The July 13, 2019 stage will feature the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Thompson Square, and more. Get your tickets here now.

 

The snow has melted, the temperatures have warmed, and it's time to get back outside and spend time with our Minnesota friends and neighbors.

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