The best part about summer in Minneapolis is the abundance of things to do outside. That’s also kind of the worst part: there are so many events! How does one begin to choose? 

Don’t worry! We are here with seven of the hottest things to do in the Twin Cities this summer. 

Open Streets

It’s hard to believe that Open Streets started a mere 11 years ago, considering how ingrained this event has become in Minneapolis summer culture. Whether you stop by one for a few hours or plan a third of your year around all five, you’ll always leave in a better mood and with a warm sense of community. 

This year’s dates are June 5, July 10, August 13, September 10, and October 1. Yes, we realize a few of the dates are in the fall. Don’t let that stop you from hanging out with a few thousand neighbors and reliving those summer memories.

Northern Spark

If a sunny, daytime street festival like Open Streets doesn’t appeal to your vampire sensibilities, or if you’re just hoping to cram as much festival as you can into one summer, Northern Spark has got you covered. This participatory, experimental arts festival takes place on June 11 from 9pm until 2am, when festival goers are invited to a closing ceremony on St. Paul’s raspberry Island that will go until sunrise. Activities run along University Avenue and into Downtown St. Paul. The festival will feature many different types of experiences, including participatory art making, multimedia installations, and various performances.

Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival

Gather up the whole family and bring them out to the Hook and Ladder in South Minneapolis to celebrate freedom on Sunday, June 19! The Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival will feature an afternoon of live entertainment, a marketplace of Black-owned businesses, and, of course, lots of food. The day will be jam packed with performances from nearly a dozen bands and many speakers and poets. The festival is free, but you can register ahead of time, which gives you the opportunity to make a $5 donation to The Hook & Ladder Theater. 

Uptown Food Truck Festival 

So what if none of the three dates for the Uptown Food Truck Festival take place in Uptown—or even within the city limits of Minneapolis? This is a can’t-miss gathering of the best truck-based cuisine the Twin Cities has to offer. Dates in St. Paul, Hopkins, and Anoka will all feature 40+ food trucks (50+ in Anoka!), craft beer, live music, and plenty of games. And don’t worry if you can’t finish all the food you’re going to order—this event is dog friendly. 

Madonna Drag Brunch

Just about every Saturday in Minneapolis, Flip Phone Events puts on one of the most immersive and entertaining shows in town. Drag Brunches are a staple of the Minneapolis weekend, and if you haven’t experienced the energy and spectacle of this event, the Madonna Drag Brunch is the perfect place to start. Two hours of enthusiastic dancing, delightful costumes, and great food will have you buying your ticket to the next Drag Brunch before you’re out the door. These shows run multiple times per day on Saturdays and occasionally on other days of the week. 

Marketfest

This classic festival is one of the biggest and best in the Twin Cities. For seven weeks from mid-June through the end of July, Marketfest visitors can browse the offerings of nearly 200 vendors, take in live music from local bands on two stages, food, games, and, yes: pony rides! This family friendly series will easily fit into your bust summer festival schedule, as it takes place on Thursday evenings starting June 16. 

Northern Fire Dynamic at Powderhorn Park

While it is true that the “powder” traditionally kept in a powderhorn is gunpowder, during Northern Fire Dynamic’s fire performance at Powderhorn Park, the only risk is explosive entertainment. This free performance will be the first in over two years for Northern Fire Dynamic, and they have been practicing for months to put on a major fire spectacle—including a 20 minute choreographed fire performance! 

AC Maintenance and Repair Days

At Welter Heating and Cooling, our favorite summertime event is that old tradition of getting your AC unit checked. Contact us today if your AC needs any repair or maintenance so you can keep up with your busy summer schedule.