Summer Event Guide 2025

Summer Event Guide – St. Paul & surrounding cities
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | June 2025

Here comes the sun…and here comes the fun. If you’re searching for things to do in St. Paul and surrounding cities this summer, look no further. Our summer event guide has information on everything you need to make the most of the glorious days of summer, from music and movies in the parks to festivals and fairs and other outdoor events. The information was accurate as of press time. Be sure to call or check schedules online before you go.

Music in the Parks

Lowertown Sounds is a free concert series presented on Thursday nights in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Concerts run 6-9:30 p.m., and guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. The lineup features Flamin’ Oh’s, June 12; The New Standards & Friends, June 19; Dr. Mambo’s Combo, June 26; Dan Rodriguez, July 10; Annie and the Bang Bang, July 17; Turn Turn Turn, July 24; Salsa del Soul, July 31; Kiss the Tiger, Aug. 7; and Yam Haus, Aug. 14. Food trucks and local beer and wine will be available for purchase at each performance. For more information, visit lowertownsounds.com.

Mears Lunchtime Series – Free concerts are held noon-1 p.m. at Mears Park every Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-Aug. 20, except June 18. The lineup features The Jugsluggers, June 17; Santiago F-G, June 24; Talk of the Town Orchestra, June 25; Ariel Corrine, July 1; J-Mo on the Beat, July 2; Capital City Wind Ensemble, July 8; Brass Union, July 9; Jim Emery, July 15; Makeready, July 16; Zoe Says Go, July 22; Swing 6625, July 23; Stevens Family Band, July 29; Women’s Drum Center, July 30; Nancy Olson, Aug. 5; Drunk Girl Crush, Aug. 6; Niny Salem Jazz, Aug. 12; Lilianna Rindal & Lili Horizon, Aug. 13; The Gated Community, Aug. 19; and 29:11 International Exchange, Aug. 20.

Music on the Mississippi – This new music series is held Wednesdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 3 at the Harriet Island Stage. Performances run 5:30-7:30 p.m. The lineup is Funk N Spud, Aug. 13; Gentleman’s Anti-Temperance League, Aug. 20; TBD, Aug. 27; and Jazicality, Sept. 3.

Groovin’ in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday, June 11-July 30, at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The lineup is: Innocent Reggae Band, June 11; Maria & The Coins, June 18; Flamin’ Oh’s, June 25; Leslie Rich & The Rocket Soul Choir, July 2; Salsa del Soul, July 9; Jellyjacket, July 16; Favourite Girl, July 23; and School of Rock, July 30. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St. This year’s lineup is Pete Whitman & Mississippi, June 19; Ethno USA ‘On the Road’, June 26; Boiled in Lead, July 10; Kendra Glenn Band, July 31; Café Accordion Orchestra, Aug. 7; and International Reggae All Stars, Aug. 21. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org.

The City of Mendota Heights presents free concerts, 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at Market Square Park, 720 Main St. The lineup includes Darlene & The Boys, May 28; Swingin’ On A Star, June 11; Alligations, June 25; All Good Company, July 9; The Dirty Shorts, July 23; Russel Schmidt Band, Aug. 6; The New Mendota Heights Jazz Ensemble, Aug. 20; and M.T. Pockets & Loose Change, Sept. 3. For more information, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov.

Music on the Cortile free lunchtime concert series at Landmark Center begins June 25. All concerts are free and held noon-1 p.m. in Landmark Center’s Musser Cortile, 75 W. 5th St. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3063. Performers are Alicia Thao, June 25; Laamar, July 9; Laura Hugo, July 30; and Ray Bonneville, Aug. 13.

Ordway Inside Out – Several pre-recorded music performances by The Ordway, Schubert Club, Minnesota Opera and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will be streamed onto a giant 23’ by 13’ video wall in Rice Park this summer. The events are free and take place at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. In case of rain, each will be held the following day. People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The schedule is The String Queens: Our Favorite Things, July 12; Schubert Mixology @ Amsterdam with Bradley Greenwald and Friends, Aug. 2; Cruzar a la Cara de la Luna, Aug. 9; and Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos with Richard Egarr, Aug. 24.

Movies in the Parks

St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting the following movies, beginning at dusk. “The Parent Trap,” July 10 at Sibley Manor; “Clueless,” July 25 at Como Park; “Men in Black,” Aug. 8 at El Rio Vista Recreation Center; “Toy Story,” Aug. 15 at Edgecumbe Recreation Center; “Cool Runnings,” Aug. 22, TBD; “Jumanji,” Aug. 29 at Phalen Beach Area; and “Bad Boys,” Sept. 5 at Harriet Island Stage.

Fairs and Festivals

The Flint Hills International Family Festival is held May 30-31. Headliner performances are NOOMA, an opera for babies; Japanese taiko drummers GOCOO; 2025 Grammy winners Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band; 360 All Stars; and Ada Twist, Scientist. All outdoor activities at the festival are free. Indoor performances start at $8 per person. Tickets for Lucky Diaz start at $15. For more information, visit ordway.org.

WaterFest is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 31 at Lake Phalen Park Pavilion, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free family festival is hosted by Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District and offers opportunities to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. It features canoe and paddleboat rides, fishing lessons, exhibitors on water conservation, information about native plants and wildlife, local artists’ market with craft activities and face painting, bouncy house, performances, dance party and more. Kids are encouraged to participate in the Passport Odyssey for a chance to win a special prize. Food trucks will be available. Parking is limited but free shuttles are provided from nearby park-and-rides. For more information, visit rwmwd.org or call 651-792-7950.

Grand Old Day celebration will be held 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, June 1, featuring a parade, car show, 5K, family zone, sports and wellness district, vendors and live entertainment on six stages. Bands are The Cactus Blossoms, Them Coulee Boys, Yonder, FènixDion, The 4onthefloor, 13 Arrows, Ladies of the 80s, The Scarlet Goodbye, The Goombas, The Cellar Dwellers, Ashley DuBose, Brandon Commodore’s NRG, Mike Munson, T. Mychael Rambo, Maryann and the Money Makers, Trevor McSpadden, International Reggae All Stars featuring Singing Tony, Devotion, Miloe, Lasalle, Dem Atlas, Poetic Roots, Obi Original, 0308, St. Paul House Band, Eden Prairie House Band, St. Paul Youth Road Crew and Plymouth House Band. For more details, visit grandave.com.

Breakaway Music Festival, 4-11 p.m., June 6-7, at Allianz Field, 400 Snelling Ave. N. Friday’s lineup features Tiësto, Alison Wonderland, Acraze, Bunt, Jev, J. Worra, Kream, Mojave Grey, Skilah, Surf Mesa, Troyboi and Zella. Saturday features John Summit, Cassian, Disco Lines, Grabbitz, Hedex, Hol!, Linska, Mary Droppinz, Max Styler, Caiked Up, Cristian Baca and Gemini Danger. From $134. For more information, visit breakawayfestival.com.

Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 7-8 at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The free event includes train equipment tours, model trains, an exhibit featuring photos of steam locomotives, family-friendly crafts and activities, DJ, food trucks and more. For more information, visit uniondepot.org.

Deutsche Tage returns 11 a.m.-9 p.m., June 14, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., June 15 at the Germanic American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, family-friendly games, musicians and dancers, and more. This year’s theme is “Spotlight on Switzerland!” and will feature Swiss music, a garden gnome hunt kids’ adventure and Saturday crafts. Performers include the Bavarian Musikmeisters, The Squeezettes, B+ Brass band, Narren with Jimi the Polka Pirate, River’s Ballet, Minnesänger, Alpenhorns, and Tim O’Keefe and Hristo Alexiev. Admission is free. Adults may purchase $10 wristbands for beer and wine purchases. German folk-wear is encouraged. For more information, visit gaimn.org or call 651-222-7027.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park and other venues throughout the city June 20-21. The Jazz88 Main Stage is at 221 5th St. E. The lineup features Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra, 4 p.m., June 20; Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, 6 p.m., June 20; Emmet Cohen Trio with special guests The Four Freshmen, 8:30 p.m., June 20; Society of Chemists, 2 p.m., June 21; Jazz Women All Stars, 4 p.m., June 21; L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE, 6 p.m., June 21; and Catherine Russell with Sean Mason, 8:30 p.m., June 21. Las Guaracheras will perform at 7:30 p.m., June 20, on the Jazz on 5th Street Stage. Leslie Parker Dance Project is hosting “an experiment pt. II,” at 4 p.m., June 21, at Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. The free event features improvised dance performances, and a post festival show will take place at the Center at 7:30 p.m., June 22. For more information, visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com.

Mendota Days is held July 11-12, featuring a parade, live music, car show, food trucks, bounce houses, treasure hunt and more. For more information, visit cityofmendota.org.

The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is held July 18-20 at Harriet Island Regional Park. Friday’s lineup includes Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Train, Sheryl Crow, Father John Misty, Gigi Perez, The 502s, Hamilton Leithauser, Mike Kota, and Maygen & The Birdwatcher. Saturday features Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Remi Wolf, O.A.R., Cory Wong, Motion City Soundtrack, Silversun Pickups, Jake Clemons, Raffaella and Laamar. Sunday features Green Day, Sublime, 311, Garbage, Semisonic, Beach Bunny, The Beaches, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, Winona Fighter and Landon Conrath. One-day general admission tickets start at $150. For more information, visit minnesotayachtclubfestival.com.

The Dakota County Fair takes place Aug. 4-10 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, car and livestock shows, historic village and food. For more information, visit dakotacountyfair.org or call 651-463-8818.

Irish Fair of Minnesota is held Aug. 8-10 at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, children’s activities, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, and Irish food and drink including a cheese and whiskey tasting. Bands will perform on six stages throughout the weekend. The lineup as of presstime includes Talisk, Friday; Emma Langford, Fri.-Sun.; Ally the Piper, Fri.-Sun.; Gaelic Storm, Sat.; Eileen Ivers & The Universal Roots, Sat.; The Diddley Idols, Sat.; The High Kings, Sun.; and Eileen Ivers and the Brigideens, Sun. Hours are 3-11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Single day passes are $25 and weekend passes are $60, with discounts for youth and seniors and groups. Free for youth ages 12 and under. VIP tickets start at $60 per day and include main stage priority seating, indoor seating, valet parking, private bathrooms, meals, snacks and beverages. Additionally, Ceol on the River concert featuring The Coronas, Róisín O and The Belfast Cowboys is held Aug. 7. Tickets start at $50. For more information, visit irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221.

IndiaFest is held 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The free event features performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, cultural displays, flag-hoisting ceremony, student achievement awards, activities and games, along with an Indian bazaar. Free. For more information, visit iamn.org or call 651-321-3421.

Japanese Obon Festival is held 3-9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The event features martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, food, lantern lighting and more. A shuttle will run from 1930 Como Ave. to the festival. Tickets are $8, with discounts for children ages 3-12 and seniors 65 and older, and must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org.

Como Park

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, lions, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through September and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. October-March. Admission is a suggested donation of $3. Sensory friendly mornings are offered 9-10 p.m., June 7 and 18. For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org or call 651-487-8201.

Como Town amusement park is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sun. with kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, including the Soaring Eagle zip line, which travels 420 feet across the park, peaking at 85 feet. It also features attractions such as Splash Zone and Dinosaur Expedition, which displays life-size models of dinosaurs, some of which are more than 28 feet tall and 60 feet long. Day passes start at $14 for adults and $24 for children, and season passes start at $70.

Cafesjian’s Carousel is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. This historic carousel features 68 horses and two chariots that have been fully restored to the way they looked when new in 1914, and a fully restored organ that plays waltzes, marches and popular tunes. Tickets are $4; infants age one and under ride free with a paying adult, and adults age 90 and older ride free. Enjoy free rides on June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30. The Carousel will not be in operation when temperature is below 45 or above 95 degrees. For more information, visit ourfaircarousel.org or call 651-489-4628.

Summer Flower Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory runs June 13-Sept. 14, featuring bromeliads, hibiscus, and citrus growing among a brightly colored assortment of tropical annuals. Colors will include orange-red canna, coral flowered fuchsia, purple salvia, begonias, impatiens, purple gomphrena and coleus.

St. Paul Historical tours

The Sibley Historic Site is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs.-Sunday, through Sept. 1 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older and veterans or active military, $6 for children 5-17, free for children 4 and under. The site will host the Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste event noon-4 p.m., Sunday, June 22 with singing and dancing demonstrations that celebrate French Canadian, Canadian and French culture. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blanket and a picnic. For more information, visit dakotahistory.org.

Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., through June 6; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.-Sun., June 7-Sept. 1; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 2-Dec. 31. It is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Juneteenth, June 19, but closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and up and active military; $8 for children 5-17. Veterans, Blue Star families, Native Americans and children 4 and under are free. For more information, visit mnhs.org.

Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S. Exchange St., is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. Summer dates are June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Guided tours are available, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, visit mnhs.org.

The James J. Hill House at 240 Summit Ave. in St. Paul offers 60-minute guided tours 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sundays. It is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors ages 65 and up; $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, visit mnhs.org.

Walking tours in St. Paul

The Landmark Center offers 60-minute guided walking tours, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June through August. The following tours are free, but reservations are required. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3276.

Heart of the City Tour visits historic landmarks such as Mickey’s Diner, Candyland, the Hamm Building and more. It’s held June 4 and Aug. 6, and departs from the Landmark Center’s North Hamm Foyer at 75 5th St. W.

It Happened Here First Tour explores downtown St. Paul and provides stories about the city’s first settlers. The tour is held the second Wednesday of each month, departing from the Kellogg and Robert Street entrance to Kellogg Park. Dates are June 11, July 9 and Aug. 13.

The Great River Tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. The tour is held the third Wednesday of each month: June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Eagle Parkway.

The Rice Park Tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held the fourth Wednesday of each month: June 25, July 23 and Aug. 27. It departs from the Landmark Center Visitor Information Center at 75 5th St. W.

Other events in St. Paul & surrounding cities

Safe Summer Nights – The St. Paul Police Department collaborates with the Safe Summer Nights organization to offer free food and beverages at parks and recreation centers throughout the city. Events are 5-7 p.m., Thursdays, and feature activities for children, first responder vehicles, and the chance to meet police officers. This year’s schedule is McDonough Rec Center, 1544 Timberlake Rd., June 5; Griggs Recreation Center, 1188 Hubbard Ave., June 10; Hazel Park Rec Center, 945 Hazel St. N., June 12; Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center, 800 Conway St., July 10; El Rio Rec Center, 179 Robie St. E., July 24; West Minnehaha Rec Center, 685 Minnehaha Ave. W., Aug. 7; and North Dale Rec Center, 1414 St. Albans St. N., Aug. 14. The event at Griggs Recreation Center is designed for families with special needs. For more information, visit stpaul.gov or call 651-266-5485.

Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 6-8. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger. Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St. Paul. For more information visit, dnr.state.mn.us/takeakidfishing.

Tour de Rec – Free games, activities and arts and crafts for youth ages 6-12 will be offered 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at parks in West St. Paul and Mendota Heights. The program will be at Rogers Lake (fishing), June 10; Garlough Park (recycled crafts), June 17; Wentworth Park (outdoor games), June 24; Victoria Highlands (chalk and lemonade), July 8; Marthaler Park (scavenger hunt), July 15; Mendakota Park (painting and planting), July 22; Harmon Park (splash pad fun), July 29; and Thompson Park (magic shows), Aug. 5.

MSRA Back to the Fifties Weekend, June 20-22, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event showcases street rods, customs, classics and restored vehicles, and features food, live music, a classic car marketplace, car part swap meet, model car contest, craft fair and collector’s alley. T-6 Thunder Planes will make several passes over the fairgrounds around 11 a.m. on Saturday, and the nationally renowned Great Race kicks off June 21 – pitting teams of classic car drivers against one another in a race to South Carolina to win a prize of $50,000. For more information, visit MSRABackToThe50s.com.

Wednesdays in West St. Paul – Free events featuring games, food and community resources will be held Wednesdays 1-3 p.m., June 25-Aug. 6 at Southview Park, 275 Westview Dr., West St. Paul. Slip ’n’ Slide is slated for July 9 but other details weren’t available as of press time.

Circus Juventas presents “Lumiere,” 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays; noon and 6 p.m., Saturdays; and noon on Sundays, July 25-Aug. 10, at the Big Top at 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul. A ghostbuster-style gang of teens stumbles upon an abandoned, decaying hotel once steeped in the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood. Intrigued by the paranormal, the precocious crew attempts to uncover the truth behind the mystery of a vanished star who disappeared from the red carpet at her first film premiere. They are transported back in time to 1939 where they find themselves amidst the dazzling iconic stars of the Golden Age in the bustling hotel and in their race to save the star learn that true beauty and value lie not in fame or status but in the character-defining moments revealing what is truly important when everything else fades. Tickets go on sale June 23 and start at $30, with discounts for seniors, children and military.

C.O.P.S in the Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Aug. 29, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. The event is an acronym for Community Outreach with Public Safety. Meet public safety employees such as police officers and firefighters.
West St. Paul Police K9 Foundation Walk, 9:30 a.m., Sept. 21, at Thompson County Park, 1200 Stassen Lane. Bring your dog and the entire family to complete a 2-mile walk around the park with police K9s Bear and Cecil. Afterward, participate in a silent auction and raffle, and enjoy food and games. Registration is $45 for individuals or $55 for families. Prices increase on July 15. All proceeds support the West St Paul Police K9 Foundation.

River cruises – Padelford Riverboats, moored at Harriet Island, 205 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd., features daily narrated 90-minute public sightseeing and dinner cruises through Oct. 20. Themed cruises include Father’s Day cruise, margarita cruise and more. Prices vary. For more information, visit riverrides.com or call 651-371-5305.

The St. Paul Saints have a full schedule of zany promotions all summer at CHS field in Lowertown, 360 N. Broadway St. Fireworks are featured at Friday home games and on June 28 and September 13. For a complete schedule of games and events, visit milb.com/st-paul.

West St. Paul Pool, 92 West Orme St., is open through Aug. 24, and beginning June 14, hours expand to noon-7 p.m. Admission is $6. For more information, visit wspmn.gov or call 651-552-9650.

Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby, 3-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9, at Rogers Lake Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail, Mendota Heights. A prize will be awarded to the angler who catches the most fish and the biggest fish. Free.

Roller Disco with DJ Presto at Rice Park, 109 W. Fourth St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. every Friday, June 6-Sept. 26. Free.

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