5-22-2026 6:20am

MINNEAPOLIMEDIA PRESENTS | This Weekend in the Twin Cities – Entertainment Guide: May 22 ~ 24, 2026 Edition

Tom Akaolisa Editor

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 22, 2026) The Twin Cities enter Memorial Day weekend with one of the busiest entertainment calendars of the spring and early summer season as festivals, concerts, theater productions, sporting events, family attractions, farmers markets, cultural gatherings, blockbuster film releases, nightlife events, comedy, and community remembrance programming unfold across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Apple Valley, Eagan, Bloomington, and surrounding communities.

The weekend offers something for nearly every kind of visitor and resident. Brewery crowds will gather at Utepils Brewing for UtePaLooza. Electronic dance music fans will head downtown for Martin Garrix at The Armory. Families can choose from The Wizard of Oz at Children’s Theatre Company, Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo, Gibbs Farm, the Bell Museum, and farmers markets on both sides of the river. Sports fans have St. Paul Saints baseball in Lowertown and Minnesota United soccer at Allianz Field. Moviegoers will find major new theatrical releases, including Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, I Love Boosters, Passenger, and The Devil Wears Prada 2.

The weekend also carries civic and historical weight in Minneapolis as George Floyd remembrance programming continues around the anniversary of his murder, while Memorial Day observances across the metro offer families, veterans, and visitors opportunities for public reflection.

Here is MinneapoliMedia’s expanded guide to some of the major entertainment, cultural, family, sports, nightlife, and visitor-friendly events happening across the Twin Cities this weekend.

Major Weekend Highlights

UtePaLooza 2026

Venue: Utepils Brewing
Address: 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Dates: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24, 2026
Times: Friday 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM; Saturday 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free entry; food and drinks sold separately
Best For: Couples, groups, singles, brewery lovers, live music fans
Website: https://www.utepilsbrewing.com/series/utepalooza-2026-summer-music-series/

UtePaLooza returns as a three-day summer music festival at Utepils Brewing, bringing live rock, alternative music, food, drinks, and outdoor social energy to Minneapolis for Memorial Day weekend.

The festival is one of the stronger casual gathering options for visitors who want live music without committing to a traditional ticketed concert. The brewery’s location near Bassett Creek and the Cedar Lake Trail corridor also makes it a popular stop for cyclists, brewery groups, and people exploring the western Minneapolis brewery district.

Visitor Note: Limited on-site parking is available. Rideshare, biking, and early arrival are strongly encouraged.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
Address: 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days
Tickets: Approximately $15 to $20, depending on ticket type
Best For: Alternative culture fans, collectors, artists, horror fans, curious visitors
Website: https://www.showpass.com/minneapolis-oddities-curiosities-expo-2026/

The Oddities and Curiosities Expo brings one of the weekend’s most unconventional attractions to the Minneapolis Convention Center. The traveling expo features unusual antiques, taxidermy, dark art, preserved specimens, handcrafted oddities, gothic vendors, alternative fashion, jewelry, and horror-inspired collectibles.

The event draws artists, collectors, horror fans, and visitors looking for a different kind of Memorial Day weekend experience.

Visitor Note: The Convention Center is close to Nicollet Mall, Orchestra Hall, downtown hotels, restaurants, and multiple parking ramps. Expect heavier traffic around downtown Minneapolis.

Martin Garrix: Americas Tour

Venue: The Armory
Address: 500 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Tickets: Tiered general admission pricing
Best For: EDM fans, 21+ nightlife, high-energy groups, late-night visitors
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/martin-garrix-americas-tour-minneapolis-minnesota-05-22-2026/event/06006383847D6F5D

International electronic dance music star Martin Garrix brings one of the weekend’s biggest nightlife events to downtown Minneapolis. The Armory is expected to draw a large late-night crowd for a high-production concert featuring lights, bass-heavy sound, dance-floor energy, and a major downtown after-hours atmosphere.

Visitor Note: Downtown East can become congested during major Armory events. Rideshare, hotel parking, or light rail access may be easier than driving directly to the venue.

Festivals, Culture and Community Events

George Floyd Square Remembrance Weekend

Venue: George Floyd Square
Address: East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Dates: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24
Admission: Free
Best For: Civic remembrance, public art, community reflection, visitors seeking historical context
Website: https://georgefloydglobalmemorial.org

Memorial Day weekend carries deep meaning in Minneapolis because May 25 marks the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. George Floyd Square remains one of the most internationally recognized civic spaces in the city, and visitors can expect remembrance gatherings, public art, community reflection, local music, activism-centered programming, and neighborhood engagement around the square.

Visitor Note: Street access and traffic patterns may vary. Visitors should consider parking several blocks away, using public transit, or arriving by rideshare.

Island Summer Splash

Venue: Hook & Ladder Theater
Address: 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Tickets: Approximately $20
Best For: Reggae fans, Caribbean music lovers, dancing, singles, groups, 21+ nightlife
Website: https://thehookmpls.com/event/island-summer-splash/

Island Summer Splash brings Caribbean music, reggae, dancing, food, and social energy to Hook & Ladder’s outdoor and indoor performance spaces. Scheduled performers include International Reggae All Stars, Socaholix, Innocent Reggae Band, Brandyn Lee Tulloch, and Wain McFarlane.

This is one of the weekend’s strongest music-and-dance gatherings for people looking for a social, high-energy environment.

Visitor Note: Hook & Ladder is located near Minnehaha Avenue and is close to light rail, restaurants, and neighborhood bars.

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair

Venue: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Address: 1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55108
Dates: Memorial Day weekend
Admission: Ticketed event
Best For: Families, food lovers, fair fans, visitors looking for a Minnesota experience
Website: https://www.mnstatefair.org

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair offers visitors a smaller early-season taste of the Minnesota State Fair experience, with food, entertainment, and family activities at the fairgrounds.

Visitor Note: Parking around the fairgrounds can become busy. Visitors should plan extra time for arrival and departure.

Theater and Performing Arts

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Children’s Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 23: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Sunday, May 24: 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Tickets: Approximately $25 to $129, depending on seating and availability
Best For: Families, children, grandparents, visiting relatives
Website: https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/the-wizard-of-oz-2/

Children’s Theatre Company continues its production of The Wizard of Oz with multiple performances throughout Memorial Day weekend.

Visitor Note: The theater sits next to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, making it easy to combine the show with a museum visit.

Little Women

Venue: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Address: 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Dates: Weekend performances continue
Notable Time: Friday, May 22 at 7:30 PM
Phone: (612) 377-2224
Best For: Couples, literary theater fans, downtown visitors, date night
Website: https://www.guthrietheater.org/whats-on/little-women/

The Guthrie Theater continues Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson.

Visitor Note: Arrive early to walk the Guthrie’s Endless Bridge, which offers one of the best public views of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis.

Once Upon A Mattress

Venue: Gremlin Theatre
Address: 550 Vandalia St #177, St. Paul, MN 55114
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Saturday, May 23: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Sunday, May 24: 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
Best For: Theater lovers, couples, St. Paul visitors, musical comedy fans
Website: https://onthestage.tickets/show/unlabeled-theatre-company/6983a1faf6437010406b845e

Unlabeled Theatre Company presents Once Upon A Mattress at Gremlin Theatre inside the Vandalia Tower arts complex.

Visitor Note: The surrounding area includes Lake Monster Brewing Company, King Coil Spirits, OG ZaZa Pizza, and other Creative Enterprise Zone destinations.

Live Music and Concerts

Decibel Magazine Tour: Cryptopsy, Necrot, Spirit Adrift and Blood Monolith

Venue: Fine Line
Address: 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Date: Friday, May 22
Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
Best For: Metal fans, underground music fans, 21+ downtown nightlife
Website: https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-05-decibel-magazine-tour/

The Decibel Magazine Tour brings Cryptopsy, Necrot, Spirit Adrift, and Blood Monolith to Fine Line in downtown Minneapolis.

Visitor Note: Fine Line is in the Warehouse District, near First Avenue, Target Center, restaurants, bars, and late-night downtown activity.

Whitney with Lucky Cloud

Venue: Turf Club
Address: 1601 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104
Date: Friday, May 22
Best For: Indie rock fans, St. Paul nightlife, couples, singles
Website: https://first-avenue.com/shows/

Whitney performs with Lucky Cloud at Turf Club in St. Paul.

Visitor Note: The venue is near the Green Line, making it easy to reach from either downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul.

Joe Jackson & Band

Venue: Pantages Theatre
Address: 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
Best For: Pop, rock, jazz-influenced songwriting, new wave fans, date night
Website: https://hennepinarts.org

Joe Jackson & Band bring a downtown theater concert option to the Pantages Theatre.

Visitor Note: Pantages Theatre sits in the Hennepin Avenue theater district, close to restaurants, parking ramps, hotel bars, and downtown nightlife.

Sports

St. Paul Saints vs. Omaha Storm Chasers

Venue: CHS Field
Address: 360 N Broadway St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 6:37 PM
Saturday, May 23: Check official schedule
Sunday, May 24: Check official schedule
Tickets: Prices vary by seating section
Best For: Families, baseball fans, visitors, groups, Lowertown dining
Website: https://www.milb.com/st-paul/schedule

The St. Paul Saints host Omaha during Memorial Day weekend at CHS Field.

Visitor Note: CHS Field is walkable from restaurants, breweries, patios, Mears Park, and Union Depot.

Minnesota United FC vs. Real Salt Lake

Venue: Allianz Field
Address: 400 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 3:30 PM
Best For: Soccer fans, families, groups, visitors using light rail
Website: https://www.allianzfield.com/events

Minnesota United hosts Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field in St. Paul.

Visitor Note: Allianz Field is on the Green Line corridor, making it one of the easiest major Twin Cities venues to reach by public transportation.

Family Activities

Farm Babies

Venue: Minnesota Zoo
Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Dates: Weekend programming continues
Admission: Included with zoo admission
Best For: Families with young children, grandparents, visiting relatives
Website: https://mnzoo.org

Farm Babies remains one of Minnesota Zoo’s most popular seasonal spring attractions.

Bell Museum Star Party

Venue: Bell Museum
Address: 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55113
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: Evening programming
Best For: Families, science lovers, date night, children
Website: https://bellmuseum.umn.edu

The Bell Museum offers astronomy programming and educational exhibits for families and science-minded visitors.

Movies and Cinema

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Opening Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Runtime: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Best For: Families with older children, Star Wars fans, blockbuster audiences
Website: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-60322

The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters this weekend, making it one of the major blockbuster draws of the holiday movie calendar.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Current Status: In theaters
Runtime: 1 hour, 59 minutes
Genre: Comedy, drama
Best For: Date night, fashion-film fans, groups
Website: https://www.fandango.com/the-devil-wears-prada-2-2026-243909/movie-overview

The Devil Wears Prada 2 remains in theaters this weekend and offers a strong option for date night and friend groups.

Farmers Markets and Outdoor Picks

Mill City Farmers Market

Venue: Mill City Museum area
Address: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Visitors, families, food lovers, riverfront walkers
Website: https://millcityfarmersmarket.org

Mill City Farmers Market is one of the best visitor-friendly morning stops in Minneapolis.

St. Paul Farmers’ Market

Venue: Lowertown St. Paul
Address: 290 5th St E, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 23: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 24: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Families, visitors, casual walkers, Lowertown dining
Website: https://stpaulfarmersmarket.com

The St. Paul Farmers’ Market remains one of the strongest outdoor gathering points in Lowertown.

Memorial Day Observances

Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Venue: Lakewood Cemetery
Address: 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
Admission: Free
Best For: Families, veterans, civic remembrance, visitors staying through Monday
Website: https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org

Lakewood Cemetery’s Memorial Day ceremony offers one of the metro’s most historic remembrance gatherings.

Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Venue: Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Address: 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Veterans, families, civic remembrance, history-focused visitors
Website: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftsnelling.asp

Fort Snelling National Cemetery remains one of Minnesota’s central Memorial Day destinations.

Visitor Intelligence

For downtown Minneapolis events, especially The Armory, Fine Line, Pantages Theatre, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and Guthrie Theater, visitors should expect heavy parking demand, especially Friday and Saturday evening. Rideshare, hotel parking, Metro Transit, and early arrival are strongly recommended.

For St. Paul events, CHS Field and Lowertown are highly walkable, while Allianz Field is one of the best venues in the metro for light rail access.

For families, the strongest daytime combinations are Children’s Theatre Company and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Farmers Market and the riverfront, and Minnesota Zoo with nearby south metro dining.

For date night, the strongest pairings are Little Women at the Guthrie with riverfront dining, Joe Jackson at Pantages with downtown restaurants, Once Upon A Mattress with Lake Monster Brewing or King Coil Spirits, and UtePaLooza with a brewery-focused evening.

The Weekend Takeaway

The May 22–24 Memorial Day weekend calendar shows the Twin Cities moving into full summer mode. Minneapolis and St. Paul are offering a dense mix of outdoor music, theater, sports, family attractions, community remembrance, film openings, farmers markets, and late-night entertainment.

The strongest visitor strategy is to plan by neighborhood. Downtown Minneapolis is best for The Armory, Fine Line, Pantages Theatre, the Minneapolis Convention Center, Guthrie Theater, and major nightlife. St. Paul is strongest for Saints baseball, Minnesota United soccer, Turf Club, Lowertown dining, Como-area family destinations, and light-rail-friendly entertainment.

This weekend offers residents and visitors a full picture of the Twin Cities at the edge of summer: music, sports, memory, food, art, theater, movies, family life, and civic reflection all unfolding at once.

Event Links and Tickets