Community Reporter

Irvine Park Walking Tour
2025-09-11 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-09-07 10:15 - 11:45 (America/Chicago) | Alexander Ramsey House
Thursdays 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.

Music on the Patio
2025-09-09 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-09-02 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-12 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.

Nooks and Crannies Tour
2025-09-07 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.

Paws on Grand
2025-09-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Grand Avenue
September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grand Avenue. Free.
A Tail Wagging Good Time
Grand Avenue is going to the dogs this month when Paws on Grand returns to the corridor September 7.
Local businesses along Grand will be offering dog-gone good deals for you and your furry friends. Adopt a Pet, shop the Pet Marketplace, get pet portraits and cheer on the Wiener Dog Races.
In addition to the pet marketplace and deals along the Avenue, this year’s festivities run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. this year, and include:
11:30 a.m. – Wiener Dog Race
1 p.m. – Paws for a Cause Walk begins at Pet Marketplace
1 – 2 p.m. – Blessing of the Pets at St. Paul United Church of Christ
3 – 4:30 p.m. – Happy Yappy Hour at Red Rabbit Patio
Support local animal rescues and nonprofits at Paws for a Cause Walk
Get ready to enjoy a leisurely stroll while raising awareness and funds for our four-legged friends in need. Starting at 1 PM, walk a mile along Grand Avenue with your furry friends to help support a great cause. The cost is $25 per family and includes one special treat for your 4-legged friend.
Proceeds from this year’s event support local animal rescues and nonprofit organizations Animal Ark, Animeow Control, Inspire and Flourish, Last Hope, Legends Rescue, MACC Pack, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue, No Dog Left Behind, Pet Haven, Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, Safe Hands Rescue, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Snapt, The Bond Between, Tubman, Twin Cities Pet Rescue and Warrior Dog Rescue.
If you go:
Paws on Grand
September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Marketplace at Pet Evolution, 1074 Grand Ave.
More information, including a full list of vendors and how to sign up for the Paws for a Cause walk can be found at grandave.com/events/pawsongrand.

Farmers Market at St Luke’s Lutheran Church
2025-09-06 08:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-30 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.

Parks After Dark: Ultrasonic Bat Detector
2025-09-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Crosby Farm Regional Park
September 4, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Crosby Farm Park. Free. 12+. Registration required.
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Bat Sounds! Maybe you’ve seen them flying around the neighborhood at dusk. Maybe you live in fear that you’ll find one in the attic. Maybe you read a lot of Ranger Rick as a child and just think they’re neat. Whatever your experience with them, they’re bats!
Join staff from St. Paul Natural Resources to learn all about the world’s only mammals that can truly fly. We’ll talk about bat biology, practice using our ears to navigate, and employ an ultrasonic bat detector to find and identify local bat species. Everyone attending this program MUST be registered. This program takes place entirely outside. Please come prepared for the weather.
Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/ultrabats.

Pedro Park Ribbon Cutting
2025-09-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Pedro Park
September 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Pedro Park. Free.
Mark your calendars…Pedro Park ribbon cutting happening Sept. 4! After nearly two decades of planning, design, redesign and 14 months of construction, the brand-new Pedro Park will soon be ready to welcome visitors back! Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the official ribbon cutting and community celebration at Pedro Park on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 4-6 p.m.
Learn more at stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/design-construction/current-projects/pedro-park-project.

Irvine Park Walking Tour
2025-09-04 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-08-31 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.

2026 Budget Address
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Allianz Field
September 4, 10:00 a.m. Allianz Field.
On Thursday, September 4, Mayor Melvin Carter will deliver his 2026 Budget Address. The address is free and open to the public to attend.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. remarks begin at 10:00 a.m. Allianz Field, Stadium Club, 400 Snelling Ave N. St. Paul, MN 55104
Mayor Carter will also deliver the 2026 Library Budget Address at 1:00 p.m. at the Hayden Heights Library, 1456 White Bear Ave.

Irvine Park Music Series – Yazmin and Beat Zero
2025-09-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Irvine Park
September 2, 6 p.m. Irvine Park. $15 suggested donation.
We’re excited to welcome Yazmin and Beat Zero to the gazebo stage! Yazmin is an accomplished pianist, vocalist, dancer, teacher, and award-winning singer-songwriter. Performing since the age of eight, she has taken the stage as both a solo artist and in collaboration with bands, theaters, and productions across a wide range of styles. Expect an evening of rich rhythms, soulful vocals, and an incredible musical journey you won’t want to miss. Bring a chair or blanket. Pack a picnic. Suggested donation: $15 per person (or whatever feels fair—your support keeps these concerts going!). 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.

4th Annual Festival of Rights & Community Block Party
2025-08-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Beautiful Laundrette
August 23, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Beautiful Laundrette. Free.
Learn about: Our rights & our community resources
Bouncy house
Free backpacks – while supplies last
Community picnic: Free grilled cheese sandwiches from all square
Family fun
Live music from The Skruffians
Free event – open to all community members
Learn more at instagram.com/beautiful.laundrette.

Hmong 50 Festival
2025-08-23 11:00 - 2025-08-24 18:00 | Minnesota State Capitol
August 23-24. Minnesota State Capitol. Free.
Celebrating 50 Years of Hmong American history
Hmong 50 Festival is a one-time event created to mark 50 years of Hmong American history. This special celebration focuses on reflecting the community’s journey and bringing people together to honor their shared heritage.
By concentrating on this milestone, the festival offers a rare and meaningful experience that stands apart from regular events. It highlights the significance of this moment in a way that resonates deeply with the community.
Celebrating the Hmong American story – 50 years in the making. Join us for an outdoor music festival featuring art exhibitions, art installations, and cultural foods and drinks. We’re paying homage to the generation that brought the Hmong to America and the generations since 1975.
Enjoy a beautiful weekend at the state capitol with music, dance, fashion shows, art and food that illuminate 50 years of Hmong life in America.
FREE entry and open to all ages!
August 23rd 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
August 24th 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Learn more hmong50festival.org.

Open Air Music
2025-08-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Grand Avenue
August 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Grand Ave. Free.
Enjoy live music by The OK Factor from 7-8:30 PM at Victoria East Crossing.
Participating businesses on Grand Avenue will provide a special for patrons during the event. Learn more at grandave.com/events/open-doors-szx7t-rzl6g-sz2ha-jpxzf-maz64

Summer Nights in Rice
2025-08-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Rice Park
Select Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Rice Park. Free.
Summer Nights in Rice is a free outdoor summer concert series occurring on select Thursdays from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, June through September. Grab a hot dog at Deb’s Hot Dogs in the park, visit local downtown Saint Paul restaurants for happy hour, and head to Rice Park for FREE live music, community connections, and hot summer night dancing! In case of rain or inclement weather, concerts will be moved into Landmark Center. Restroom facilities for the concerts will be available at Landmark Center throughout the series. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/summer-nights-in-rice.
2025 Schedule

June 19: Pete Whitman & Mississippi (contemporary jazz)
June 26: Ethno USA ‘On the Road’ (folk, world and traditional music by international musicians)
July 10: Boiled in Lead (Celtic punk and world music)
July 31: Kendra Glenn Band (R&B, blues and soul)
August 7: Café Accordion Orchestra (French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude)
August 21: International Reggae All Stars (Reggae, dancehall and Bob Marley classics)

Downtown Action Series
2025-08-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Union Depot
August 21, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Union Depot.
Join fellow neighbors for the launch of the Downtown Action Series, a new initiative led by Council President Rebecca Noecker to bring community members together around the future of downtown St. Paul.
This series of public meetings is designed to keep you informed and engaged in the progress of Saint Paul’s Downtown Investment Strategy. Whether you’re a downtown resident, business owner, employee, or simply care about downtown’s future—your engagement matters.
All meetings are held at Union Depot (214 4th Street East) from 4:30 – 6 PM.

Thursday, August 21
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, December 11

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/hpTbTkt92m?origin=lprLink
Together, we’ll share updates, collaborate across sectors, and build momentum toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown. Please feel free to share this invitation and bring others who care about downtown’s future. The more people at the table, the stronger our path forward.
Let’s shape the future of downtown—together, hope to see you there!

Free Sweet Treats for Local Seniors
2025-08-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Shalom Home East Campus
Sholom Celebrates National Senior Citizen’s Day with Free Sweet Treats for Local Seniors
In honor of National Senior Citizen’s Day on Thursday, August 21, Sholom invites seniors from the local community to stop by and enjoy complimentary baked goods as part of a celebration recognizing their contributions and value in our community.

From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, seniors who are new to Sholom are welcome to drop in for rugelach, brownies, lemon bars, cookies, and other bakery favorites.

St. Paul Campus will feature goodies from Cecil’s Deli, located at 740 Kay Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102.

St. Louis Park Campus will feature treats from Crossroads Deli, located at 3620 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
“National Senior Citizen’s Day is the sweetest day to pause and honor older adults in our community,” said Ali Lilja, Community Liaison. “We’re excited to welcome new faces to Sholom and share a taste of warmth, connection, and community.”

This free event is open to seniors in the neighborhood. No registration required—just stop by, say hello, and celebrate with us!

Community Conversations with Council Member Rebecca Noecker
2025-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Minnesota Boat Club
August 21, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Minnesota Boat Club
Join Council President Noecker for these informal opportunities to ask your questions or share your concerns. Learn more at stpaul.gov/department/city-council/ward-2.

Thursday, August 21 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Minnesota Boat Club (Raspberry Island – 1 Wabasha Street South)

Depot Dance Nights - Ballroom Night
2025-08-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Union Depot
August 20, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Union Depot. Free.
Ready to get your groove on? Join us this summer for Depot Dance Nights! Union Depot is excited to be hosting free dance nights in the Waiting Room. Each dance night will feature a different dance style and will begin with 30 minutes of free professional dance instruction followed by two hours of dancing to a live band. Depot Dance Nights are free to attend and will feature live music by many of the Twin Cities’ most popular dance bands, offering great entertainment! Dance lessons will be taught at all 3 events by professional instructor, Denny Hukriede.
Tuesday, August 20: Ballroom Night with live music from The Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra
Learn more at uniondepot.org.

Roller Skating FUN Night
2025-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | El Rio Vista Recreation Center
El Rio Vista Rec Center. July 9 & August 20. 6-8 p.m. Free.
Join us for a fun night of roller skating at El Rio Vista! A limited amount of skates will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring skates from home if possible. Snacks and tons of fun will be provided! Free | All are welcome
For more summer events, please visit stpaul.gov/summer-events.

Minnesota Children's Museum Annual Summer Block Party
2025-08-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Minnesota Children’s Museum
August 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Minnesota Children’s Museum. Free.
The block party is free to everyone and takes place right outside the museum on West Seventh Street. Museum admission is not included. For more information and museum tickets, visit mcm.org/events/summer-block-party-2025.

IndiaFest 2025
2025-08-15 11:00 - 21:00 | Minnesota State Capitol
August 15, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Minnesota State Capitol. Free.
“Experience India in a Day.” The event marks the celebration of Indian Independence Day. This event is an outdoor, free event, which is open for all. The entire upper and lower mall of the State Capitol Grounds in downtown St. Paul gets transformed into a mini-India, with over a hundred booths showcasing scores of non-profit organizations, scores of food and bazaar vendors, a cultural stage that showcases an array of cultural performances from the community groups and professional dance schools throughout the day. One of the main attractions of the evening is the Bollywood Night, which runs towards the end of the event, from 6-9pm, when the upper mall converts into an open dance floor with either a DJ belting out popular Bollywood songs or an established Bollywood band performs the songs for the crowd.
The event culminates at 9pm. Learn more at iamn.org/event/indiafest-2025.

Lowertown Sounds
2025-08-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Mears Park
Select Thursdays, June 12-August 14. 6:00 p.m. Mears Park. Free.
Lowertown Sounds is a free, independent community concert series featuring live, local music plus food trucks and local beer and wine — benefiting Cookie Cart, all in St. Paul’s Mears Park. Learn more and see the full schedule at lowertownsounds.com.

Music on the Cortile - Ray Bonneville
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center
August 13, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Music on the Cortile (previously known as Music from the Porch and Music in the Café) presents live performances by musicians in the picturesque Musser Cortile at Landmark Center. Taking place over four Wednesday lunch hours, these concerts offer an opportunity to hear talented local musicians. Best of all, they’re free and open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the concert. All concerts are 12-1 pm.
August 13: Ray Bonneville
Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/music-on-the-cortile.
