Summertime brings out the best of the festivals in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. Get your fill of June family festival outings with this handy list of local celebrations around the Twin Cites. Most are free. If there is admission, it is listed. Family-friendly highlights are listed for each:
Twin Cities June festivals for families
Twin Cities summer festivals the weekend of June 1-2, 2024
ST PAUL Flint Hills Family Festival
345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 & Rice Park (downtown)
The whole shebang, from outdoor artist performances to the exhibit and activities tent, is great for kids. Gianna offers tips for bringing the whole family. May 31-June 1, 2024. FREE admission and tons of free family activities.
EDINA Edina Art Fair
50th & France district
Over 250 artists and crafters to shop and a Kids Zone with face painting, music and games. May 31-June 2, 2024.
EDEN PRAIRIEÂ Schooner Days
Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Carnival, market, face painting, faux tattoos, delicious food, insane ice cream creations, clothing and accessories, gifts, art, pottery, and more. May 31-June 2, 2024.
ST PAUL Art in the HollowÂ
Parking: Saint Paul Brewing, 688 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
Over 50 visual & performing artists, many creating works on site. Note: you will need to park above the hollow and walk down into this park. June 1, 2024, 10am-5pm.
BROOKLYN PARK Tater Daze ParadeÂ
The parade features emergency vehicles, visiting royalty, live music, community organizations and the city mascot. June 1, 2024, 11am.Â
More family fun in Brooklyn Park: Visit historic HISTORIC EIDEM FARM with your kids this summer. Take a self-guided tour of the working farm, check for spring baby animals and watch farm demos. Open gate hours begin May 20, 2024.
ST PAUL Lake Phalen Waterfest
Phalen Regional Park, 1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Featuring all kinds of fun activities on and around the water: Voyageur canoe and sailboat rides; watercraft check-out, fishing lessons and contest, water games, climbing walls, a jump castle, arts and crafts, face painting and lawn games. June 1, 2024.
More water fun at the park: PHALEN REGIONAL PARK has a large, sandy and free swimming beach and also a simple splash pad. Find more Twin Cities splash pads to cool off in this summer.
MAPLE PLAIN Party in the Park
Veterans Memorial Park, 5050 Independence St, Maple Plain, MN 55359
Live music, food vendors and family fun. June 1, 2024.
ST PAUL Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival
St Anthony Park neighborhood, Como & Carter Avenues, St Paul, MN 55108
Art sales and art activities, family activities, music and food in the highly walkable St Anthony Park neighborhood. June 1, 2024.
ST PAUL Union Depot Train Days
Train Days will include train equipment tours, a vendor marketplace, model trains, concessions, train photography exhibit, family friendly activities and more! Train fans will not want to miss this FREE summer festival. June 1-2, 2024. 10am-4pm.
More fun with trains: Where else does one go in the Twin Cities when they have little (or big) ones in the family who love trains? Try this: MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, A TRAIN LOVER’S DESTINATION.
ST PAUL Grand Old Day
The traditional St Paul summer street festival returns with its signature parade down the shopping and dining artery, live music tents and kids activities. June 2, 2024.
NEW BRIGHTON Rhubarb Fest
New Brighton History Center in Long Lake Park, 700 Park Drive, New Brighton, MN 55112
The historic train depot formally known as the NEW BRIGHTON HISTORY CENTER will be open and delicious rhubarb treats will be available for purchase. Come jump aboard the caboose! June 1, 2024, 1-4pm.
Twin Cities summer festivals the week of June 3-6, 2024
ALBERTVILLE Friendly City Days
The summer festival’s classic carnival starts Wednesday and runs through the weekend. Live music starts Thursday evening and the Friday night fireworks are at 10pm. Festival runs June 5-9, 2024.
BURNSVILLE Party on the Plaza
Free, all-ages event is free. Live music, food trucks, arts & craft vendors, games and more. June 6, 2024, 5-9pm.
More family fun in Burnsville: Are you aware that NICOLLET COMMONS PARK (host of Party on the Plaza) has an absolutely beautiful water feature for a centerpiece? Your kids won’t be able to resist it (so plan accordingly and bring towels).
Twin Cities summer festivals the weekend of June 7-9, 2024
ALBERTVILLE Friendly City Days
The festival continues over the weekend with Friday night fireworks, the Grande Day Parade on Saturday, 12:30pm. The carnival and live music also run through the weekend before wrapping up at the Sunday farmer’s market. June 7-9, 2024.
CHAMPLIN Father Hennepin Festival
651 West River Road, Champlin, MN 55316
Friday night parade, fireworks and a free outdoor movie. Saturday ice cream social and Sunday canoe and kayak races. Plus a classical carnival all weekend long in Champlin. June 7-9, 2024.
HUGO Good Neighbor Days
Hanfil Fields, 7032 137th St N, Hugo, MN 55038
You’ll probably find all your good neighbors at Hugo’s summer festival enjoying the parade, carnival rides, petting zoo, live music and fireworks. June 7-9, 2024.
EXCELSIOR Art on the Lake
Water Street, downtown Excelsior
More family fun in Excelsior: While shopping Art on the Lake, take a break and jump on the historic EXCELSIOR STREETCAR LINE at Water Street for a trolley ride. The ride is about 15 minutes long and costs $3/pp to ride. All aboard! June 8-9, 2024.
MAPLE GROVEÂ Chalkfest at Arbor LakesÂ
12459 Elm Creek Boulevard N Maple Grove, MN 55369
Fantastic street chalk art with the typical food concessions and live entertainment. New this year is a Kids Zone so young ones can try chalk art, too. June 8-9, 2024.
More family fun in Maple Grove: Arbor Lakes is just a skip and a jump (definitely walkable) to CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE. This park, boasting an awesome playground, makes the list of our 10 BEST PARKS IN MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA. Check it out!
SPRING LAKE PARK Tower Days
Parade Thursday, hay ride & puzzle contest Friday, live music and fireworks, Saturday; family festival at Lakeside Lions Park on Sunday features interactive lumberjack shows, bingo, outdoor movie, live music and other kids activities. June 8-9, 2024.
ST PAUL Deutsche Tage (German Days)
301 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
A sampling of German food (not free), culture, music and games. Typically, the German model trains on the top floor of the Summit Avenue estate are running during this sprightly summer festival. June 8-9, 2024.
Twin Citis summer festivals the weekend of June 14-16, 2024
BUFFALOÂ Days
The carnival kicks off Thursday, plus there’s a kiddie parade and free movie in the park that evening. Friday follows with a DJ and fireworks in Sturges Park and Saturday wraps up the big events with a grand parade through downtown at 6pm. Family events run June 13-15, 2024.
More family fun in Buffalo, Minnesota: There’s plenty – a downtown splash pad, giant musical instruments in the park, and a nice swimming beach. We recommend 6 THINGS TO DO IN BUFFALO, MINNESOTA, WITH KIDS.
FARIBAULT Heritage Celebration
Highlights of the city’s annual summer festival include a carnival, soap box derby, live music, and the Saturday parade. June 13-15, 2024.
FRIDLEY ’49er Days
Commons Park, 555 61st Avenue Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432
Fridley festivities kick off Thursday with a parade and activities in the park. Movie in the park follows on Friday night and there are more family and kids activities than I can fit in this space on Saturday. June 13-15, 2024.
ST LOUIS PARK Parktacular
Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Dr St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Grand Day Parade, concert, art hunt and expo. June 13-16, 2024.
WHITE BEAR LAKE Manitou Days
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Activities at the festival include a beach dance, fireworks over White Bear Lake, a kids parade, medallion hunt and more. Festival funs June 13-July 4, 2024.
MINNEAPOLIS American Swedish Institute Midsommar CelebrationÂ
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Crafts, courtyard fun, dancing around Midsommar pole, concerts. $15 adult, $10 ages 62+, $6 ages 6-18 and students with ID. June 15, 2024.
More family fun: Can’t make it to the Midsommar Celebration? AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE is fun for families year-round. Especially during the KIDS AT THE CASTLE program, typically held one Friday per month. Please consult ASI’s website to confirm upcoming dates.
BROOKYLN CENTER Juneteenth Festival
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Celebration with live entertainment, food, vendors and activities for all ages.
Where else can your family celebrate Juneteenth? Try our roundup of TWIN CITIES JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS.
MINNEAPOLIS Stone Arch Bridge Festival
West River Parkway, Minneapolis MN
A weekend of art and music on the Mississippi riverfront. Kids can get into the family activities area. A Father’s Day weekend tradition in Minneapolis! June 15-16, 2024.
More family fun: There are myriad attractions near the STONE ARCH BRIDGE, including Mill City Museum, St Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, and Mill Ruins Park. Super easy to eat up a day and super fun, too.
Twin Cities summer festivals the weekend of June 21-23, 2024
EAGAN LakeFest
Trapp Farm Park, 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
In our state of 10,000 lakes, here’s a summer festival that celebrates them with all kinds of water-based activities for families. June 20, 2024.
COTTAGE GROVE Strawberry FestÂ
Kingston Park, 9195 75th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
So much to do at this summer festival: a car show, carnival, fireworks, petting farm, strawberry-pie eating contest and more fun. June 20-23, 2024.
ROGERS Rockin’ Rogers
Thursday Family Night has a kid band, a local band, carnival, and kid games. Parade Saturday at noon. Don’t miss all the summer festival fun in Rogers. June 20-22, 2024.
FARMINGTON Dew Days
Downtown Farmington, MN 55024
Tons of free family activities to celebrate summer at this festival including storytime and a movie in the park, crafting at the library, a family block party, concert with the Jolly Pops, kid-friendly contests and a big parade. June 20-23, 2024.
ST PAUL Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Mears Park, 221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
Free live jazz shows, perfect for a summer evening. There are two outdoor stages at Mears Park and one outdoor stage next to the Farmers Market. June 21-22, 2024.
MINNETONKA Summer Fest
Minnetonka Civic Center Campus, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
Inflatables, live music, food trucks and fireworks. All activities are free except food! 4pm-10:30pm. June 22, 2024.
SCANDIA Gammelgarden Midsommardagen
20880 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073
Traditional Swedish music and dances celebrate the long days of summer! Building Tours are FREE. Kids will delight in searching out the colorful Swedish Dala horses around the property. Learn more about what kids will enjoy at Gammelgarden Museum. June 22, 2024, 10am-4pm.
AFTON Strawberry FestivalÂ
3418 St. Croix Trail South, Afton, MN 55001
Food, live music and fun activities for the entire family in Afton Town Square Park. For more strawberry fun, see below. June 22-23, 2024.
More family fun in Afton: Did you know that June is typically a spectacular month for strawberries in Minnesota? AFTON APPLE ORCHARD has a sweet strawberry patch that we visit every couple years to pick our own. Find the BEST STRAWBERRY PATCHES IN MINNESOTA TO PICK YOUR OWN.
EAGAN Art Festival
1501 Central Parkway, Eagan Festival Grounds
Art for sale in all mediums, live entertainment and food for purchase. This is another one of those summer art festivals hosted by a park with a splash pad. If you bring the kids, they won’t be able to resist it! June 22-23, 2024.
Twin Cities summer festivals the week of June 24-27, 2024
OAKDALE Summerfest
Walton Park, 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale MN
Live music, kids events, food trucks, parade & fireworks to cap off the summer festival. June 24-29, 2024.
ROSEVILLE Rosefest
Roseville’s epic annual summer festival includes these kid-friendly events during the week: the Rose Parade (Monday), Touch A Truck (Tuesday), Superhero Carnival (Wednesday), and community theater in the park (Thursday). More events to come over the weekend (see below). June 24-27, 2024.
More family fun in Roseville: Before heading out to the summer festival, arm yourself with our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA, TO VISIT WITH KIDS.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Jamboree
Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
The medallion hunt starts Wednesday and the carnival on Thursday. More to come over the weekend! Festival runs June 26-30, 2024.
More family fun in Columbia Heights: Make sure to bring your kids’ swimsuits if you decide to attend this summer festival at HUSET PARK. They won’t be able to resist the colorful splash pad!
Twin Cities summer festivals the weekend of June 28-30, 2024
BLAINE Festival
Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
It’s the biggest summer bash in Blaine: A family beach party, carnival, petting zoo, dance party and parade. June 28-30, 2024.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Jamboree
Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Jamboree fun continues over the weekend with the big parade on Friday night, fireworks on Saturday and a visit from the Columbia Heights fire department on Sunday. Plus a classic carnival all weekend long. June 28-30, 2024.
ROSEVILLE Rosefest
Summer festivities continue this weekend with a free family skate on Friday and the huge Roseville Party in the Park on Saturday with bands, inflatables, food trucks and fireworks. Please note that this is the culmination of Rosefest – the party and fireworks have moved to June 29 from their historical date of July 4. June 28-29, 2024.
SOUTH ST PAUL Kaposia Days
Parade, Kaposia Kids Stuff, kids fishing clinic, kite fly, pancake breakfast and fireworks. June 28-30, 2024.
APPLE VALLEY Freedom Days
Saturday is Family Fun Night 5pm-9pm: petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, kids dance & games, touch a truck.
More Fourth of July fun: Plan ahead for this exciting holiday with our 2024 GUIDE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY & FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS, especially where to find the parades and dazzling fireworks displays!
TBD or Cancelled for 2024
Blaine Discover Aviation Days
Anoka County Airport, 8891 Airport Rd NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Free celebration of aviation – donation requested to cover parking.
See more planes: The official aircraft viewing area for the MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT can be fun for kids and flying buffs alike! And yes, it’s FREE.
Scandinavian Summer Fest
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Performances, raising of Midsommar Pole and crowning of Midsommar Queen. Swedish foods and crafts for sale.Â
More family fun in Minnehaha Regional Park: There is so much to do at this beautiful urban park! Follow the waterfall downstream to find the perfect place to wade on a hot summer day. Grab lunch at Sea Salt Eatery, on our list of the BEST PLACES IN THE TWIN CITIES FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER DINING WITH KIDS. We also like to bring our bikes for a pedal around the Grand Rounds trail.
Minneapolis Open Streets
East Lake Street from 2nd Ave S to 22nd Ave SÂ East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408
The streets are closed to motor vehicles and open for pedestrians and cyclists to explore area businesses (many of which will have some kind of family-friendly activity to draw you in.)