1. Music & Movies in the Parks

All month long

Grab a blanket, snacks and good company, and head to Minneapolis' parks for live music and movies. From local bands and orchestras to fan favorite films, like Inside Out and Wicked, there's something on the calendar for everyone.

2. Minnesota Fringe Festival

July 31 - August 10

Find modern twists on classic tales, politically driven story lines, crying-tears-of-laughter comedic productions, and surprisingly relatable narratives. With performances for all ages, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is a unique and spirited celebration of diversity, artistic expression and voice that connects adventurous artists with adventurous audiences on both a local and national level.

3. Minneapolis Food Truck Festival

August 2

Come hungry, because the MPLS Food Truck Festival will feature 45+ food trucks, a Craft Sips station offering cold brews, seltzers, and cocktails, and a lively lineup of live music, games, and activities for all ages. Dog stations and pet adoptions with Rescue Network will also be available.

4. Nershfest

August 2

Nershfest started in a backyard by three friends. Thirteen years later, it's one of the most popular annual community events for all music and craft beer lovers in the Twin Cities! Head to 56 Brewing on August 2nd for the 13th annual Nershfest Music Festival.

5. Open Streets Central Avenue

August 2

Come to Open Streets Central Avenue for a dynamic blend of local businesses, artists, and community groups coming together to infuse the streets with public art, dance performances, pop-up shops, games, delicious food and various activities.

6. Sierra Ferrell at Surly's Festival Field

August 2

Sierra Ferrell, one of the brightest young luminaries in roots music, is coming to Surly Brewing Co's Festival Field.

7. CatVideoFest

August 2

The world's #1 cat video festival is back with screenings at The Main Cinema! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.

8. Powderhorn Art Fair

August 2 & 3

The Powderhorn Art Fair celebrates 34 years of community and hyper-local art! The fair features over 200 local and regional artists and more than 20 food tucks.

9. SoMi Art Fair

August 2 & 3

A cherished tradition for over 60 years, the Uptown Art Fair is reimagining its format and location and announcing the SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Fair in partnership with Bachman’s at their flagship location on Lyndale Avenue. The event will take place in the Bachman’s parking lot off Lyndale Avenue and features over 300 juried artists, art demonstrations, live music, and food.

10. Minneapolis Vintage Market at Utepils Brewing

August 3

Minneapolis Vintage Market is heading to Utepils Brewing in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood. Find Minnesota's best vintage clothing, accessories and home goods vendors all in one spot. Plus we'll have coffee, cider and food available for purchase, Darin Kamnetz with a pop-up photo booth and DJ Buster Baxter spinning tunes.

11. Summer at the Cedar

August 6, 13 & 20

Summer at the Cedar is here, and it's for everyone! Hang out at the Cedar Cultural Center on select Wednesday evenings for free outdoor concerts at 6pm. Seating is limited, so feel free to bring your own chair.

August 6: Combo Daguerre
August 13: The Burroughs
August 20: Ukrainian Village Band

12. Disney's Beauty and the Beast The Musical

August 8-10

Be Our Guest at Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes.

13. Irish Fair of Minnesota

August 8-10 (Saint Paul)

The Irish Fair of Minnesota is a three-day cultural festival filled with all things Irish! Harriet Island in St. Paul houses six stages for Irish music and dance, pub tents for refreshments, a sports field for soccer, hurling and camogie demonstrations, marketplace tents and various other areas for kids activities and cultural programming.

14. Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival

August 9 & 10

Now in it's 7th year, the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival is a free and unique downtown art experience for residents and visitors that celebrates street art in all its forms. The festival features chalk and spray art, murals, performance, craft, food and fun. Don't miss the Jackalope Arts Fair. The indie artisan fair will feature over 100 local artisans to the festival streetways. Expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food and more.

This year's festival will be located along Nicollet Mall from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

15. O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co's 4th Anniversary Bash

August 15

Minneapolis' most popular whiskey distillery is celebrating four years! Head to O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co on August 15 for live music, $10 Old Fashioneds, yard games, birthday cake and more!

16. Kielbasa Fest

August 15 & 16

Join us for Minneapolis' premier family friendly sausage fest. A weekend filled with beer, music, fun, and of course, Kramarczuk's SAUSAGE! Entry is free on Friday, August 15, and $8 on Saturday, August 16.

17. Open Streets Cedar Riverside

August 17

Join Our Streets Minneapolis and the City of Minneapolis in a celebration of community at Open Streets Cedar Riverside. Play, eat, bike, walk, dance, sing, and more at this free, family-friendly event. More than a street festival, Open Streets Cedar Riverside allows neighbors to experience city streets as public spaces where communities thrive.

The event will be held on Cedar Avenue from Third Street South to Sixth Street South, and on Riverside Avenue from Cedar Avenue to 19th Avenue South.

18. Minnesota State Fair

August 21 - September 1

You can't miss the Great Minnesota Get-Together! The annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and most popular fairs in the country. From outrageous foods (deep-fried ranch dressing, anyone?) to big name concerts and first prize animals, there's a good reason why many Minnesotans look forward to the end of summer.

19. Ashley Gavin

August 22

Ashley Gavin is bringing the Hype Man tour to Minneapolis! Gavin is a comedian, writer, and host of the podcast "We're Having Gay Sex." She also hosts the podcast "Chosen Family" along with online creators Alayna Joy and Mak Ingemi.

20. Minnesota Lynx Games

The Minnesota Lynx are back for redemption and a title this year. Come cheer them on at Target Center.

21. Minnesota Twins Games

Come cheer on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Outdoor baseball games are quintessentially summer! Need more convincing? Check out our top reasons to come to Minneapolis for a Twins game.