Top Things to Do in Minneapolis this May
Spring is here and we couldn't be happier. Between big name concerts, new art exhibits, festivals, and baseball season, there isn't a shortage of things to do. Here are our picks for the top things to do this May!
1. Kentucky Derby Party at O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
May 3
Celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports at O'Shaughnessy's Annual Derby Party — and the fun starts long before the race! Enjoy live music, a photo booth, Keeper's Heart Whiskey Mint Juleps and more. Plus, watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen.
2. Star Wars Day at Inbound BrewCo
May 4
Celebrate Star Wars Day with other fans at Inbound BrewCo! There will be themed drinks, vendors selling Star Wars products, Star Wars trivia, bingo, cosplay contests and DJs. May the Fourth be with you.
3. Mayday Parade
May 4
For 50 years, South Minneapolis has celebrated Mayday with an annual parade, ceremony and festival to honor the coming of Spring on the first Sunday in May. Take in the puppet floats and bask in the festivities aferwards!
4. Asian Phoenix Festival at Arbeiter Brewing
May 10
It's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Arbeiter Brewing — the only Asian-owned brewery in Minneapolis — is hosting a free festival to celebrate. Enjoy flavors from Asian food vendors (Bao Bao Buns, Caphin Vietnamese Coffee, and D’s Bahn Mi), performing artists, an Asian craft market and more.
5. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
May 10-22
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair is back for it's second year over Mothers Day Weekend! Shop the art of 180 talented artists, indulge your taste buds from sweet and savory food trucks, shop a botanical marketplace and enjoy live music!
7. Mother's Day Brunch
May 11
Many Minneapolis restaurants want to help you make Mother's Day special. Celebrate at home with a family-style takeout meal or treat mom to a delicious brunch at her favorite local restaurant.
8. Momatica's Market
May 11
Celebrate Mom at Graze! They’re hosting a Mother’s Day market with vintage vendors, custom hats by Hat Trix Chix and Dynamic Drips. Plus, the first 50 guests receive a free B12 energy shot boost. Drink specials at the bar, plus their seven different food vendors make for a perfect Mother’s Day in the North Loop.
9. & Juliet
May 13-18
This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
10. Katy Perry's Lifetimes Tour
May 13
Iconic singer, songwriter Katy Perry is bringing her "Lifetimes Tour" to Target Center on May 13, 2025.
11. Art-A-Whirl
May 16-18
The largest open studio tour in the country, Art-A-Whirl happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis the third weekend of May. Over 1,600 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at 100+ locations! Plus, local breweries host live music events and markets! Here's everything you need to check out at Art-A-Whirl this year.
12. Doors Open
May 17 & 18
Doors Open Minneapolis is your chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give you a FREE behind-the-scenes look at dozens of exciting venues.
13. Minnesota Wind Chill Home Opener
May 17
Come cheer on the Minnesota Wind Chill as they take on the Chicago Union at Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul!
14. Post Malone's Big Ass Stadium Tour
April 24-27
Post Malone is coming to U.S. Bank Stadium with special guest Jelly Roll.
15. Minnesota Lynx Home Opener
May 21
The Minnesota Lynx face the Dallas Wings during their first home game at Target Center.
16. Kickoff to Summer at the Fair
May 22-25
The fifth annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is coming up! This slice-of-the-fair event features more food than ever, including the ultra-popular hit from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair – Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing – and new-to-Kickoff vendors.
17. Ute-Palooza
May 23-24
Utepils Brewing Company is throwing a music festival that's bigger than ever. Ute-fest is two days filled with incredible bands and great beer. What more do you need?
18. Oddities & Curiosities Expo
May 24-25
For lovers of the strange, unusual, and bizarre...The Oddities & Curiosities Expo showcases hand selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses from all over the country with all things weird.
19. Breizh Fest
May 30
For the fifth year, Breizh Fest, a festive celebration of French Brittany, will be celebrated at the Minneapolis Cider Company! Come Friday, May 30th, from 4 to 10pm for a family-friendly evening with delicious food, live music, awesome kids activities, and traditional Breton dance with lessons...exactly as you would experience it in French Brittany during 'a 'Fest Noz''!
20. Hennepin Fest
May 31
Hennepin History Museum presents Hennepin Fest, a women-led music festival celebrating the diverse history and culture of our community! This free outdoor festival features music and spoken word by local women artists. Hennepin Fest will also include a Vendor Village with local artists, artisans, and food vendors.
21. Minnesota Twins Game
Come cheer on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Let's just say... they need all the happy thoughts. Regardless of the score, baseball games are quintessentially spring! Need more convincing? Check out our top reasons to come to Minneapolis for a Twins game.