Can't-Miss Summer Events in Saint Paul

Art in the Hollow | June 1

Proclaimed “the best hidden art festival in the Twin Cities”, this is one you’re going to want to find! Swede Hollow Park will be filled with local art. You can park your car at Saint Paul Brewing (one of the coolest patios around) and make your way to the park for art, nature, food history and community.

St. Anthony Park Arts Festival | June 1

Make a trip to the St. Anthony Park Library for this outdoor celebration of fine arts and community. The festival features over 70 juried artists, delicious food, live music, used book sale, garden club plant sale, art activities for children, and activities for all.

American Craft Fest 2024 | June 8-9

Discover unique handmade objects and support emerging artists at this creative gathering.

Chroma Zone Mural & Arts Festival | September 19-21

The Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival returns this fall with new murals and 3 days of programs and events held in Saint Paul's Creative Enterprise Zone.

Minnesota Songkran Festival | May 18-19

Experience the excitement of Thai New Year firsthand with the sights, smells, and sounds of Thailand and Southeast Asia at the Minnesota Songkran Festival. In addition to authentic street food, souvenir vendors, traditional arts and crafts and entertainment, don't miss the infamous papaya eating contest.

Deutsche Tage | June 8-9

Join the Germanic-American Institute on their beautiful Summit Avenue grounds for Deutsche Tage (Deutsche Tage? Oh, German Days!). The annual celebration of German heritage and community will feature art, music and delicious food.

Little Mekong Night Market | June 22-23

Inspired by the night markets in Southeast Asia, this Night Market will feature cultural performances, delicious food, vendors and more.

Hmong International Freedom Festival | June 29-30

Considered the Olympics of the Hmong American community, the Hmong International Freedom Festival returns with all sorts of sports, food and entertainment at McMurray Fields in Como Regional Park.

Rondo Days | July 15-20

Connect with neighbors and celebrate the rich history of the community throughout this eventful week.

Taste of Rondo Block Party | August 3

Celebrating the rich and diverse history of Saint Paul's historic Rondo community, block party style.

Little Africa Fest | August 4

Little Africa Fest is a day of free art, music, food and dance along Hamline Park, Snelling and LaFond. The annual family-friendly event put on by the African Economic Development Solutions of Minnesota will include an African fashion show, entertainment and more.

Irish Fair of Minnesota | August 9-11

Join in the fun at this annual 3-day celebration of all things Irish on Harriet Island! Bigger and better than ever, the event features a fantastic line-up of international, national and local music, dance, storytelling, sports, children's activities, cultural exhibits, marketplace activities and more.

IndiaFest | August 17

Organized by the Indian Association of Minnesota is India Fest, which celebrates India's Independence Day. Head to the Minnesota State Capital Grounds for delectable Indian Cuisine, a colorful Bazaar featuring Indian crafts, clothing and jewelry, live performances and more.

Japanese Obon Festival | August 18

Bonsai, martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food and other aspects of Japanese culture, will be featured at this family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, held on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park, don’t miss capturing the most stunning photo of the summer at dusk when the lanterns are lit and released in the Japanese Garden and Frog Pond.

Fiesta Latina | September 14

Gratis para toda la familia (free family fun!) at Fiesta Latina celebrating the richness of Minnesota Latinos through arts, health and wellness, fitness, food and entertainment.

Flint Hills Family Festival | May 31-June 1

World-class performances from around the world return to downtown Saint Paul for the Flint Hills Family Festival’s 23rd year. This popular event sponsored by the Ordway will include low-cost indoor performances, face painting and balloon artists, food trucks and more.

WaterFest | June 1

Bring the family to Lake Phalen for WaterFest, a free event offering a variety of watersports including paddling, fishing, sail boating and more. The fun doesn't stop once you're back on land—the event also features arts and crafts, exhibits, performances and food trucks.

Train Days | June 1-2

All aboard to Union Depot for a weekend of train-inspired activities including tours of locomotives, model railroads, family activities, vendor marketplace and special events for all ages.

Grand Old Day | June 2

It's the largest one-day festival in the Midwest! This giant block party along Grand Avenue includes a fun run, parade, family area, art fair, car show, festival gardens and a plethora of food and drink.

STP Pride Festival | June 15

St. Paul Pride Festival is a LGBTQIA+ Pride event that inspires, educates, and celebrates our diverse community and world. Spend the day in Rice Park for vendors, food and drink and live entertainment.

Back to the 50's Weekend | June 21-23

Step back in time at USA Today's #1 Best Car Show, hosted annually at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. With over 12,000 classic cars, live music and lots of vendors, this is a can't-miss for car enthusiasts and just about anyone who enjoys an old-fashioned good time.

Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day | June 23

The Twin Cities Pride Festival is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the nation. Each year, it includes a Family Fun Day in Saint Paul’s Como Park with food, fun and games for kids.

4th in The Park | July 4

Join the city of Saint Paul in celebrating the Fourth of July at one of the longest running parades in the state. Kick off the day with a long-distance race, head to the colorful parade and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon with live music at Saint Anthony Park.

Circus Juventas: Jangala | July 26-August 11

This iconic circus is making a dazzling return for the 30th anniversary summer show in the secret jungle realm of Jangala. The story follows three adventurous children on a journey to aid guardian spirits against the island's destruction.

One World Lantern Festival | July 27

Enjoy delicious eats from a selection of food trucks, listen to live music, design your lantern and launch it one the water with an LED candle amongst hundreds of others at the Phalen Beach House at Phalen Park.

Minnesota State Fair | August 22-Labor Day, September 2

For 12 days, eat cheese curds, enjoy live music, ride through the sky and watch people be people at the Minnesota State Fair. It’s been voted one of the 10 best fairs in the country, and Princess Kay of the Milky Way is waiting for her selfie with you.

Chroma Zone | September 19-21

As the first and largest mural festival in Minnesota, Chroma Zone welcomes local, national and international artists to share and create their talents with the neighborhood through a variety of programs, artist talks, demonstrations and community collaborations.

GrillFest | June 2

Burgers, beer, barbecue and bloody marys at the baseball field. Taste your way through your favorite grilled foods and sample refreshing drinks at CHS Field for the 11th annual GrillFest.

Rosé Fest | June 8

This celebration of everyone's favorite summer sippers returns to Kellogg Mall Park in downtown Saint Paul. Now in its second decade as an annual rite for the city’s wine drinkers, Rosé Fest is back and bigger than ever before. Tickets include 10 wine samples, a light bite catered by Revival and access to live entertainment and other activities.

St. Paul Food Truck Festival | July 13-14

Head to Union Depot for the 6th annual St. Paul Food Truck Festival. Over 40 food trucks - plus craft beers, live music, and games and giveaways adds up to a whole lot of truckin’ fun.

Lowertown Sounds | June 6-August 15

Head to Mears Park for a community summer concert series featuring music accompanied by food trucks and local beer and wine vendors.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival | June 21-22

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival spans across the city, but most of the action is in Lowertown. In this two-day musical extravaganza, national headliners and local legends will attract music lovers near and far.

Breakaway Music Festival | June 28-29

For the first time ever, Allianz Field will be hosting concerts with this two-day festival filled with loads of music and activities. The lineup includes electronic music artists like Illenium, Kaskade, Slander and local artist duo, Twinsick.

Minnesota Yacht Club Music Festival | July 19-20

This inaugural event welcomes two days of performances across two stages between 20 artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gwen Stefani, Alanis Mosissette and Hippo Campus at Harriet Island Regional Park in the heart of downtown Saint Paul.