1. Minnesota State Fair

Now - Labor Day, September 7

A cherished end-of-summer tradition, the Minnesota State Fair welcomes 1.8 million guests annually. A world-class showcase of agriculture, entertainment, food, art and industry, the Minnesota State Fair is a whole lot of fun! Need more convincing? Here are our picks for why you should go to the Minnesota State Fair.

2. Dinner Du Nord

September 10

Dine at America's longest dinner table, one stretching seven blocks, at Dinner Du Nord. Enjoy your choice of signature dishes from a variety of over 40 Minneapolis restaurants and food trucks, served al fresco on the bus-free Mall.

3. Taste of Greece Festival

September 11-13

Each year, the Taste of Greece Festival welcomes more than 30,000 attendees, transforming St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church (3450 Irving Ave. S., Minneapolis) into a lively "horio" (Greek village) filled with authentic Greek flavors, live music, dancing and “kefi” – the joyful spirit of Greek culture.

4. Minneapolis Monarch Festival

September 12

The Minneapolis Monarch Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly's 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, hands-on art and native plant sales.

5. Open Streets West Broadway

September 12

Open Streets West Broadway is a free, family-friendly event that offers a variety of activities such as biking, walking, playing, eating, dancing, and singing. The event covers 13 blocks on West Broadway and attracts over 250 participants and vendors with over 3,000 attendees. This event is not just a street festival, but it is a celebration of community and allows neighbors to experience city streets as public spaces where communities thrive.

The event will stretch along West Broadway from Logan Avenue to Lyndale Avenue North.

6. Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

September 13

The Minnesota Vikings open their season at U.S. Bank Stadium with a game against the Green Bay Packers. Stop by Umbra for a free fan experience with live music, drinks, and airbrush Vikings tattoos before the game!

7. Lily Allen

September 16

Lily Allen is bringing her West End Girl tour to Minneapolis at the Armory on Wednesday, September 16.

8. Taco Tour on Lake Street

September 19

Celebrate the street where Minneapolis' soul stretches wide, where global flavors meet Midwestern familiarity, and every bite supports immigrant entrepreneurs who have enriched our neighborhood at the annual Taco Tour on Lake Street.

9. Art on the Edge Festival

September 19

Enjoy a full day of art, creativity, and soulful connection at the 5th Annual Art on The Edge Festival, now taking place next to the stunning Father Hennepin Bluff Park, right beside the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis! Shop from local vendors, vibe to live music performances and more.

10. Oktoberfest celebrations

Throughout September

Bust out the Lederhosen and show off your love for polka music at one of Minneapolis' Oktoberfest celebrations! Notable events can be found at Utepils Brewing, Surly Brewing and at other breweries around the city.

11. Mamma Mia!

September 15-20

Mamma Mia! is coming to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.

12. John Crist Live

September 18

Combining sharp wit, tactfully unhinged stand-up and viral sketches, John Crist is one of today’s most distinctive, fastest-rising comedic voices. With more than one billion video views and 8 million followers, he consistently ranks among Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. See his live show, the John Crist Live! Tour, at the State Theatre.

13. Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty

September 18

Cheer on the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center when they host the New York Liberty.

14. MODE: The World's Photography Festival

September 18-20

MODE is a photography festival unlike any other: A three-day party across downtown Minneapolis dedicated to art, experimentation, and community. Try gear you've been eyeing. Join a photo walk at sunrise. Catch a sold-out concert. Talk business over a beer. Pick and choose from speakers, performances, workshops, and masterclasses to build your one-of-a-kind MODE experience.

15. Kacey Musgraves

September 22

"Rainbow", "Dry Spell", and "Butterflies" artist, Kacey Musgraves is bringing the "Middle of Nowhere" tour to Target Center on September 22, 2026 with special guest Carter Faith.

16. Twin Cities Arab Film Festival

September 23-27

This September, Mizna celebrates the 20th edition of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival. The festival continues to consider what has been overlooked, discovering liberatory lessons the past might offer the present and future. The 20th anniversary edition of our festival presents special screenings, guests, and more. Screenings take place at The Main Cinema and the Walker Art Center.

17. Cocktails at the Castle

September 25

More than just a night out, Cocktails at the Castle brings together a diverse community of music, art, and craft lovers at the Twin Cities’ only castle. Explore the American Swedish Institute's historic Turnblad Mansion and festival grounds, featuring top local musicians, interactive art demos, make n’ takes, food, curated cocktails (and mocktails!), and craft beers.

18. Dakota Block Party

September 26

Get jazzy in downtown Minneapolis at the Dakota Block Party! The festival will feature a lineup of more than a dozen musical acts throughout the afternoon and evening, along with food and beverage offerings! Plus, there will once again be a local Makers’ Market, and kids “Treble Makers” play area with family-friendly activities! This is a free, all-ages celebration.

19. Bleachers

September 26

Bleachers is coming to the Amory in Minneapolis with special guest This Is Lorelei on Saturday, September 26.

20. Red Bull Flugtag

September 26

Red Bull Flugtag challenges wacky engineers and fearless pilots to fulfill their dream of flying. First they build their flying machine. Then they take a leap of faith. Or, as is more often the case, plunge into the waters below. See the spectacle at Bohemian Flats Park!

21. Foster the People

September 28

“Middle Child” and “No Role Modelz” rapper, singer and songwriter J. Cole is bringing “The Fall-Off Tour” to Target Center on August 18.

22. Back from the Underworld: Mia's Dante Tapestry Restored

Now - January 31, 2027

Tim McGraw is bringing the Pawn Shop Guitar Tour to Target Field on August 23, 2026.

23. Go to a Minnesota Twins Game

Baseball season is winding down and the Minnesota Twins are trying to clinch a spot in the MLB Playoffs. So catch a Twins game at Target Field before summer is over! Take advantage of gameday promotions, like Tuesday Dollar Dog Night and pregame beers that only cost you $2 on Friday and Saturday games.