ExploraTots Nature Program
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
May 16 & 21, 10–11:30 a.m. Como Regional Park. Free.

Designed for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers, this outdoor program encourages exploration, socialization, and early learning through nature-based activities. More info: bit.ly/exploratots

Booked on Thursdays: What We Hunger For
2026-05-21 18:30 - 19:30
May 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.

This community book discussion invites participants to explore stories of food, family, and identity. Hosted by MNHS, the event fosters conversation and connection through literature by local authors. More info: mnhs.org/events

Flint Hills Family Festival
2026-05-29 00:00 - 2026-05-30 23:59
May 29–30, Various times. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts & Rice Park, St. Paul. Free–$8.

The Flint Hills Family Festival transforms downtown St. Paul into a vibrant celebration of arts and culture for all ages. Featuring both free outdoor performances and low-cost indoor shows, the festival includes returning favorite NOOMA—an interactive opera for babies—and the high-energy violin duo Sons of Mystro. Families can enjoy hands-on art activities, live music, dance, and performances representing diverse cultures. With School Week programming for students and a public Family Weekend, the festival continues its 25+ year tradition of accessibility and creativity. Whether attending a ticketed show or exploring free events in Rice Park, visitors will find an engaging, inclusive arts experience. More info: ordway.org/festival

West End Garage Sale
2026-05-30 09:00 - 2026-05-31 15:00
May 30–31, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. West 7th neighborhood, St. Paul. Free.

The West End Garage Sale invites residents to take part in a neighborhood-wide shopping event that draws bargain hunters from across the city. Participants who register by May 15 will have their sale included on a community map and promoted to maximize visibility and foot traffic. The event is an opportunity to declutter, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a lively weekend atmosphere along West 7th. Shoppers can explore a wide range of items while discovering different parts of the neighborhood. Whether you’re hosting a sale or just browsing, the event offers a fun and social way to kick off the summer season. More info: fortroadfed.org/west-end-garage-sale

6th Annual Soap Box Derby
2026-06-02 17:00 - 20:00
June 2, 5–8 p.m. Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul. Free.

Watch young racers take to the hill at the 6th Annual Soap Box Derby, where youth ages 9–14 compete in handcrafted cars they’ve spent weeks designing and building. Teams from St. Paul and Minneapolis gather for this exciting community event, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills. Each participant gets a chance to race, with awards given to the fastest teams in the Twin Cities. The event offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and an opportunity to cheer on local youth as they put their hard work to the test. Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the thrill of the race.

Skinner’s Music on the Patio – GB Leighton
2026-06-02 19:00 - 21:00
June 2, 7–9 p.m. Skinner’s Pub & Eatery, St. Paul. Free.

Kick off summer with live music from GB Leighton in a relaxed patio setting. Enjoy food, drinks, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.More info: skinnersmn.com

West 7th Community Fundraiser at Mancini’s
2026-06-04 17:00 - 21:30
June 4, Dinner 5 p.m.; music 7–9:30 p.m. Mancini’s Char House. $25–$75; VIP $500.

Support the future Dousman Park playground at this lively community fundraiser featuring live music by The Cellar Dwellers. Guests can enjoy a pasta buffet dinner, reserve VIP seating or attend the concert-only portion of the evening. The event blends entertainment with community impact, raising funds for a new playground space designed for families to gather and play. Attendees will also learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to support the project. With a welcoming atmosphere and classic West 7th charm, the evening offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying food and music. More info: saintpaulparksconservancy.org/mancinis

Lowertown Sounds – Dr. Mambo’s Combo
2026-06-04 18:00 - 22:00
June 4, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Kick off the Lowertown Sounds summer concert series with an evening of live local music in the heart of St. Paul. Featuring performances by Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Purple Funk Metropolis, and Lips Speak Louder, this weekly event blends diverse musical styles with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy a rotating lineup of food trucks, local beer and wine, and a welcoming community vibe. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and settle in for a night of music and connection. Produced by One Simple Plan and presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, the series highlights the Twin Cities’ vibrant music scene. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Union Depot Train Days & Music Fest
2026-06-06 00:00 - 2026-06-07 23:59
June 6–7, Union Depot. Free.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Union Depot with train displays, tours, family activities, and a new outdoor music festival. This weekend event highlights transportation history and community fun. More info: uniondepot.org/100

Everything is Free – Buy Nothing Event
2026-06-06 09:00 - 13:00
June 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Free.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church invites the community to participate in a “Buy Nothing” event where everything is free and open to all. This unique gathering encourages sustainability, reuse, and neighborly connection by offering household items, clothing, and other goods at no cost. Attendees are welcome to browse and take what they need, while donations of gently used items are also encouraged ahead of the event. The goal is to reduce waste while strengthening community ties through sharing. Organizers can assist with arranging item drop-off or pickup prior to the event. Whether you’re looking to declutter or discover something useful, this event offers a simple and meaningful way to give and receive. More info: Email njcheesebrow@gmail.com.

Grand Old Day 2026
2026-06-07 08:00 - 18:00
June 7, All day. Grand Avenue, St. Paul. Free.

The Midwest’s largest free street festival returns with live music, food vendors, a parade, family activities, and more. Drawing over 200,000 attendees, Grand Old Day celebrates community and local businesses along Grand Avenue.

More info: grandave.com/events/grandoldday

Skinner’s Music on the Patio – Kurt Jorgenson
2026-06-09 19:00 - 21:00
June 9, 7–9 p.m. Skinner’s Pub & Eatery. Free.

Enjoy an evening of live music and drinks on the patio with Kurt Jorgenson. A casual, welcoming event perfect for a summer night out.More info: skinnersmn.com

Lowertown Sounds – Poliça
2026-06-11 18:00 - 22:00
June 11, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park Free.

The Lowertown Sounds series continues with an eclectic night of music featuring Poliça and Sophie Hiroko. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and strong local following, this free concert series brings together music lovers from across the Twin Cities. In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of food trucks and beverages while relaxing in the scenic setting of Mears Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for an evening of community and sound. Each week offers a unique lineup, making Lowertown Sounds a staple of St. Paul’s summer arts scene. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Highland, Mac-Grove, Summit Hill Community Garage Sale Weekend
2026-06-12 09:00 - 2026-06-13 15:00
June 12–13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Multiple locations, neighborhoods. $25–$30 registration.

Join a citywide tradition as the Macalester-Groveland Community Council partners with Summit Hill and Highland Park for a multi-neighborhood garage sale weekend. Residents and businesses can register to be included on the official sale map, making it easy for shoppers to explore dozens of sales across the area. The event offers a chance to declutter, find unique items, and connect with neighbors. Participation is open to renters and homeowners alike, and financial assistance is available for registration fees. Rain or shine, this community-driven event brings together bargain hunters and sellers for a lively weekend. More info: macgrove.org

Lowertown Sounds – The New Standards and Black Market Brass
2026-06-18 18:00 - 22:00
June 18, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Enjoy another evening of live music at Lowertown Sounds with performances by The New Standards and Black Market Brass. This popular Thursday night series showcases top-tier regional talent across genres, from jazz and funk to indie and soul. With food trucks, beverages, and a welcoming outdoor environment, the event offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime fan or first-time visitor, Lowertown Sounds provides a vibrant way to experience St. Paul’s music culture. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

16th Annual West End Neighbors’ Garden Tour
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00
June 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. West End neighborhoods. Free.

Explore the creativity and diversity of local gardens during the West End Neighbors’ Garden Tour. This self-guided event invites visitors to walk or drive between participating gardens, each showcasing unique styles—from native plantings and pollinator habitats to vegetable plots and ornamental landscapes. The tour highlights the beauty and individuality of neighborhood spaces while fostering community connections. Gardeners within the designated area—roughly bounded by Armstrong Avenue, Interstate 35E, and the Mississippi River—are encouraged to participate by registering their gardens and sharing their stories. Each featured garden will be included in a printed tour booklet, making this both an educational and inspiring experience for visitors and hosts alike. More info:fortroadfed.org/west-end-garden-tour

Lowertown Sounds – Flamin’ Oh’s
2026-06-25 18:00 - 22:00
June 25, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Close out June with live performances by Flamin’ Oh’s and Christy Costello & the CC Club. Lowertown Sounds continues its tradition of bringing diverse, high-quality music to downtown St. Paul. Guests can enjoy food trucks, beverages, and a relaxed community setting under the summer sky. This free concert series remains a favorite for locals looking to unwind and connect through music. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Lowertown Sounds – Ashley DuBose and Mae Simpson
2026-07-09 18:00 - 22:00
July 9, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

The July lineup kicks off with Ashley DuBose and Mae Simpson, offering a soulful blend of R&B and contemporary sounds. As always, Lowertown Sounds pairs live music with a curated selection of food trucks and drinks. The open-air park setting makes it an ideal summer outing for friends and families alike. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Minnesota Country Club Festival
2026-07-10 00:00 - 2026-07-11 23:59
July 10–11, Harriet Island Regional Park. Varies.

This inaugural two-day festival brings a wide-ranging country music lineup to the Mississippi riverfront. Headlined by The Red Clay Strays and Treaty Oak Revival, the event blends traditional country, Americana, and modern crossover sounds. With two stages and no overlapping sets, attendees can enjoy a seamless music experience featuring national acts and regional favorites. The scenic setting at Harriet Island adds to the appeal, offering space to relax, dance, and take in the performances. Ticket tiers range from general admission to premium VIP experiences, including riverboat access and exclusive amenities. More info:minnesotacountryclubfest.com.

Lowertown Sounds – The Scarlet Goodbye
2026-07-16 18:00 - 22:00
July 16, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Catch The Scarlet Goodbye and High on Stress for another lively installment of Lowertown Sounds. With its mix of established and emerging artists, the series continues to highlight the region’s rich music scene. Bring a chair, grab a bite from a food truck, and enjoy a free night of entertainment. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
2026-07-17 00:00 - 2026-07-19 23:59
July 17–19, Harriet Island. $155–$305+.

This three-day music festival features headliners The Lumineers, Matchbox Twenty, and The Strokes, along with a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and alternative artists. With two stages and a carefully scheduled lineup, attendees can enjoy continuous live music throughout the weekend. The festival combines big-name acts with local talent, creating a dynamic and inclusive music experience. Set against the Mississippi River, it’s one of the Twin Cities’ premier summer events. More info:minnesotayachtclubfestival.com

Rondo Days 2026
2026-07-18 12:00 - 19:00
July 18, 12–7 p.m. Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Free.

Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the historic Rondo neighborhood with live music, food vendors, art, and community activities. The annual festival honors resilience and history while bringing people together. More info:rondodays.net/events-1/rondo-days-2026

Lowertown Sounds – Salsa del Soul
2026-07-23 18:00 - 22:00
July 23, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Dance the night away with Salsa del Soul and Tropical Zone Orchestra. This high-energy evening celebrates Latin rhythms and community connection. Lowertown Sounds offers a welcoming environment for all ages to enjoy live music, food, and summer evenings in downtown St. Paul. More info: lowertownsounds.com.

Lowertown Sounds – Pert Near Sandstone
2026-07-30 18:00 - 22:00
July 30, 6–10 p.m. Mears Park. Free.

Wrap up the series with Pert Near Sandstone, Cole Diamond, and Jack Klatt. This final show brings a mix of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music to the park. Lowertown Sounds closes out another successful season celebrating local music and community. More info: lowertownsounds.com.
