Grand Old Day Kicks Off Summer in St. Paul

Since 1973, Grand Old Day has been the “unofficial kickoff to summer” on the first Sunday in June. This year’s event, happening June 1, builds on last year’s two-mile block party along Grand Ave., stretching from Dale to Snelling, bringing back some old favorite events and a few new things along the way. 

Fun run 5K and kids 1/2 Mile

Start your day at 8:00 a.m. with an all ages 5K run/walk along the avenue. Participants of all ages can participate at their own pace, including a 1/2 mile kid’s race.

Grand Old Day parade

From floats, art cars and bouncing teams to Irish wolfhounds, marching bands and celebrities, the Grand Old Day Parade has something for everyone. This year’s parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at Dale St. and works its way up to Snelling, passing out goodies and, if your lucky, a garlic clove or two, along the way. Bring our lawn chair and find a spot to take in the action.

Wiener Dog races

You heard that right – dachshunds will compete to see who is “top dog,” this year. Get there early to find a good spot to watch all the adorable action. Races start at noon near Grand and Syndicate St. 

Live music on six stages

Minnesotans love nothing more than outdoor music on a nice summer day, and Grand Old Day doesn’t disappoint in the department this year. The entertainment zone will feature live music on six stages from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Passes are required to access five of the live music stages as well as the beverage gardens. Purchase your pass before June 1 for a discount. The Grand Stage is free to all ages. Buy tickets at tickets.grandave.com/p/tickets. 

All day fun

Enjoy family friendly activities from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. all along the avenue. There will be food and arts vendors galore, area arts organizations and nonprofits, activities at the sports and wellness zone, two family fun areas, one in the Kowalski’s lot featuring 3M Visiting Wizards and a mini kids zone at Grand and Oxford and even a car show.

Get the app

Download the new Grand Old Day app for everything you need for St. Paul’s biggest summer event, all in one place. Plan your day in advance with an interactive map and customizable schedule, skip the lines and buy your music passes, find vendor lists and more. Download the app at ambit.community/grand_old_day/home. 

If you go

Grand Old Day

June 1, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Grand Ave. from Dale St. to Snelling Ave.

Find more info, including where to park, free Metro Transit passes, rideshare options, tickets and more at grandave.com/events/grandoldday.