Community Reporter

Smash Bros. Showdown
2025-09-11 16:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Harriet Island Pavilion
September 11, 4:30 p.m. Free for ages 15-24.
Do you have what it takes to be the victor in a Super Smash Bros. tournament? Prizes will be given to the top 3 places. Doors at 4:30 p.m., tournament at 5:30 p.m. Ages 15-24. Learn more at
stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-centers/recreation-motion-pop-programs#unrec.

Music at the Bridge
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Highland Bridge
September 11, 6:00 p.m. Highland Bridge. Free.
Save the date for live music from The Space Force on September 11 at 6 p.m. near the water feature in Highland Bridge. Food available for purchase from Cold Front ice cream; Twin Cities Tacos; and Pizza Karma; and beer and wine from Tiffany’s. Weather-related updates will be posted here and on HDC’s Facebook page by 4 p.m. the day of the event.

24th Annual Selby Ave Jazzfest
2025-09-12 17:00 - 2025-09-14 17:00 | Selby Ave.
September 12-14. Selby Ave. Free.
A full, free day of great jazz from “just down the block,” local, regional, national, and international performing artists. Since 2002, The Fest stage has featured over a dozen Grammy award winners and nominees as well as numerous national and regional award winners.
September 12 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
September 13 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
September 14 3:00 PM Free Special Masterclass with Cory Henry
Learn more at selbyavejazzfest.com.

Farmers Market at St Luke’s Lutheran Church
2025-09-13 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-20 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-27 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-04 08:00 - 13:00 | St. Luke Lutheran Church
Saturdays through October 4, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
The 2025 St. Luke’s Farmers’ Market is held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m from June 14 to Oct. 4. Since 2015, St. Luke has sponsored a farmers’ market in its parking lot in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul. The vendors and selection varies throughout the season, but these are some of the choices you can expect:

Locally grown, freshly picked fruits and vegetables
A variety of artisan breads from St. Paul’s La Boulangerie Marguerite
Hand-crafted soaps, candles, and home decorations

SNAP customers who use their EBT cards can get up to $10 in matching Market Bucks on SNAP-eligible purchases and up to another $10 in matching Produce Market Bucks on produce.
Learn more at saintlukechurch.org/farmers-market.

West End Food & History Tour
2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Forepaugh’s
September 13, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Forepaugh’s Restaurant. $45.
Explore past and present culinary traditions along the West End, one of St. Paul’s oldest neighborhoods, built along one of the city’s oldest roads. From the early days of the Upper Landing to today’s bustling West 7th Street, this neighborhood has a unique story to tell through food! Learn about the diverse culinary traditions of the people who have lived and worked here and sample food from some of the best restaurants the West End has to offer.
Learn more and purchase tickets at mnhs.org/events.

Capital City Fest 2025
2025-09-13 11:00 - 18:00 | 425 Rice Street
September 13, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 425 Rice Street. Free.
Capital City Fest, the Twin Cities’ premier outdoor community celebration, returns on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the historic Sears Lot – 425 Rice St, St. Paul, MN. Now in its biggest year yet, this free, all-ages event will bring together local music, food, art, cars, and community organizations for a high-energy, family-friendly day in the heart of Minnesota’s capital. Learn more at CapitalCityFest.com.

Irvine Park Walking Tour
2025-09-14 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-09-18 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-09-21 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-09-25 10:15 - 11:45 | Alexander Ramsey House
Thursdays and Sundays through September 25, 10:15 AM – 11:45 a.m. Alexander Ramsey House. $0-$20.
The Irvine Park District was one of St. Paul’s first residential neighborhoods. Walk with our knowledgeable guides on a tour to learn about the history of the land and architecture. You’ll hear stories of the residents throughout time and take a deeper dive into the preservation efforts of this beautiful historic district.
Tours do not include house tours or self-guided access to building interiors.
All areas are accessible, but some side streets are cobblestone and have historic stone curbs.
Tickets and more at mnhs.org/events.

Ward 2 Community Picnic
2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Pedro Park
September 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Pedro Park. Free
Join us at Saint Paul’s newest Park for our yearly Ward 2 Picnic!
Featuring amazing food from across the ward, lawn games, face painting, entertainment and fantastic conversations with your neighbors. Learn more at facebook.com/events/s/9th-annual-ward-2-community-pi/1677176966334776.

Nooks and Crannies Tour
2025-09-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-09-21 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-09-28 15:30 - 17:00 | James J. Hill House
Sundays through November 16, 3:30-5:00 p.m. James J. Hill House. $16-20.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the James J. Hill House that are not featured on the standard house tour including the attic theater space, gate house and storage areas generally off-limits to visitors. Guides will highlight artifacts and fixtures in the home with personal stories from the Hill family and domestic workers. Tour runs 90 minutes.
Get tickets and learn more at mnhs.org/events.

Music on the Patio
2025-09-16 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-09-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Skinner’s Pub
Tuesdays through September 23. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Skinner’s Pub & Eatery. Free.
Skinner’s Pub is hosting live music on the patio every Tuesday all summer long, rain or shine, from 7-9 p.m. More at facebook.com/skinnerspub.

Irvine Park Music Series: Chastity Brown
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Irvine Park
September 23, 6:00 p.m. Irvine Park. $15 suggested donation.
Join us for the final concert of the season with acclaimed singer-songwriter Chastity Brown, whose music defies easy categorization—merging folk, Americana, soul, and blues into a sound that’s both tender and explosive.
Based in Minneapolis and celebrated across the U.S. and Europe, Chastity brings raw emotion, poetic songwriting, and a powerful stage presence. Her songs speak to love, struggle, and resilience—with a voice that’s rich, searching, and unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to close out the summer—surrounded by neighbors, music, and the magic of Irvine Park at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket Pack a picnic. Suggested donation: $15 per person. All are welcome – no tickets required. Presented by the Historic Irvine Park Association, a 501(c)3 organization.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/irvineparkmusicseries.

Fort Road Happy Hour
2025-09-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Waldmann Brewing
Thursday, September 25, 4:00–6:00 p.m. Waldmann Brewery
Join us for our third Fort Road Happy Hour of 2025! Enjoy a casual gathering with neighbors, business owners, and community members—no agenda, just great conversation. The Federation will provide appetizers, and beverages will be available for purchase. All are welcome! Learn more at fortroadfed.org/fort-road-happy-hour.

Ward 2 Budget Meeting
2025-09-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Baker Community Center
September 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Baker Community Center.
How does Saint Paul spend your tax dollars? What challenges and priorities are shaping next year’s budget? Join Council President Rebecca Noecker and City staff for the Ward 2 Budget Meeting. Come learn about the City’s operating and capital budgets, ask questions, share feedback, and help shape the year ahead.
RSVP here: forms.office.com/g/6xa31Tqt7a?origin=lprLink

36th Annual Czech and Slovak Festival
2025-09-28 11:00 - 17:00 | C.S.P.S. Hall
September 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. Free.
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota will be celebrating our 36th annual fall festival on September 28th! Ethnic food • Czech-style Beer • C.S.P.S Hall Gift Shop • Dance and Gymnastics Performances • Children’s Games • Silent Auction • Street Vendors • Exhibits • Special Guests. Interested in volunteering? Contact festival@sokolmn.org.
Learn more at sokolmn.org/all-events.

Fall Open Air Music
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Victoria Crossing
Tuesdays through October 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Victoria East Crossing. Free.
Enjoy an evening of live music at 857 Grand Avenue Outdoor Patio (Victoria East Crossing) featuring local bands. Come enjoy an evening of dining, shopping, and community! Thank you to Center of the Block, Summit Hill Association, and Afton Park Development for partnering on this event. Learn more at grandave.com/events.

Free Produce Distribution
2025-10-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Summit Brewing
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday through October. Noon-2:00 p.m. Summit Brewing.
All are welcome to pick up free fruits and vegetables at Neighborhood House’s bi-weekly distributions hosted at Summit Brewing. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday through October. August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2, October 16. Noon – 2 p.m. (first come first served). Summit Brewing parking lot — 910 Montreal Circle, St Paul, MN 55102. These distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate. Please consider bringing your own large, reusable bags.
Learn more at neighborhoodhousemn.org/programs/food-support/fresh-produce-events.
More information (PDF)

History Play: Not in our Neighborhood
2025-10-02 19:00 - 2025-10-04 16:00 | Landmark Center
October 2-4, Thurs. & Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Landmark Center. $10
In 1924 St. Paul, Nellie and William Francis, prominent African American leaders, confront violent opposition after moving into an all-white neighborhood. Cross burnings, threats, and intimidation cannot shake their resolve. With the NAACP’s backing and eventual city action, they challenged the neighborhood’s segregated barriers. This powerful play retraces their courage and lasting fight for justice. For tickets and more info, visit ticketleap.events/events/landmarkcenter.

Fall Scary Movie Series - Hocus Pocus
2025-10-03 19:30 - 22:00 | Como Midway Pavillion
Fridays through October, Various St. Paul Parks. Free.
Our fall Movies in the Parks Scary Movie series kicks off this month! We are excited to continue on our 90s theme with the following line-up:

Friday, October 3 – Hocus Pocus at Como Midway Pavilion
Friday, October 10 – Scream at Hidden Falls Regional Park
Friday, October 17 – I Know What You Did Last Summer at Mears Park
Friday, October 24 – The Sixth Sense at Harriet Island Regional Park

Shows are free and all are welcome. Costumes are encouraged (especially for “Hocus Pocus”!) Rated R movies are 18+ events. Movies in the Parks are pet friendly events (unless otherwise noted), but pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times. See the full lineup at stpaul.gov/moviesintheparks.

Coat Drive
2025-10-04 00:00 - 2025-12-06 23:59
October 4 – December 6

Donate new or gently used coats! Collection sites:

The Odd Couple Team – 1460 Grand Ave

Nina’s Cafe – 165 Western Ave

Jimmy John’s – Grand & Highland locations

Donations will be given to Joseph’s Coat, a local organization that provides goods to those in need. Learn more at theoddcoupleteam.com/about/doing-good-in-the-neighborhood.

Lowertown Chili Cook-off
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Pedro Park
October 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Pedro Park. Free/$5.00
Bring the heat to Lowertown! This event is free to attend with $5 wristbands available to sample and vote for your fave chili. Proceeds will go to a local non-profit! There will be live music, lawn games, beer and wine for purchase from Gambit Brewing and Lost Fox,and a chance to check out the newly opened St. Paul park! Learn more at facebook.com/events/1735049380510213

In Good Company - a Walking Performance
2025-10-04 15:00 - 19:00 | Germanic-American Institute
October 4, 3:00-7:00 p.m. Germanic-American Institute. Free.
On October 4, one-of-a-kind theater performance will turn the streets of St. Paul into a moving stage. In Good Company, a participatory walking performance, invites local residents to reflect on belonging, democracy, and how we move forward—together. The walk begins at 3 p.m. at The Germanic-American Institute in St. Paul and travels by foot to Raspberry Island, returning around 6 p.m. for a free meal of soup and bread together. The performance will conclude around 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. RSVP required for meal planning. Register Here: eventbrite.com/e/in-good-company-st-paul-tickets-1442424984959?aff=GIA
