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7-31-2026 10:53pm
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA WEEKEND GUIDE | This Weekend in the Twin Cities: August 1 Through August 2, 2026
Tom Akaolisa
Editor
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 1, 2026). The Twin Cities opens August with a wide-ranging weekend of business, culture, food, art, sports, theater, live music and family entertainment across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and the North Metro.
Minneapolis Black Business Week enters its final two days with entrepreneur-centered markets, networking and opportunities to support Black-owned businesses. The weekend also brings WWE SummerSlam to U.S. Bank Stadium, Panda Fest to the Mall of America, the Powderhorn Art Fair, the Minneapolis Food Truck Festival, the Rondo Block Party and major professional soccer and basketball games.
Families can explore dinosaurs at the Science Museum of Minnesota, attend free creative programs at the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art, or visit Coon Rapids for a free paper-shredding event. Theatergoers can see the Broadway production of Wicked, while music and comedy audiences have several Saturday and Sunday options.
The weekend also arrives days after MinneapoliMedia witnessed the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Nature’s Syrup Beauty’s flagship store in downtown Minneapolis. Founded by De’Vonna Pittman, the Black woman-owned company has opened a permanent home at 733 Marquette Avenue, extending the week’s celebration of entrepreneurship into a significant new chapter for downtown business development.
MinneapoliMedia’s firsthand report:
WEEKEND WEATHER
Outdoor conditions should be favorable across most of the Twin Cities.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84 degrees and north wind from 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low near 61 degrees.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82 degrees and east wind around 5 mph.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low near 62 degrees.
Visitors should bring water, sunscreen and light clothing for daytime activities. A light layer may be useful for evening concerts and events.
Weather source:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=44.9618&textField2=-93.2668
MAJOR WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
WWE SUMMERSLAM TAKES OVER U.S. BANK STADIUM
WWE SummerSlam brings two nights of professional wrestling to U.S. Bank Stadium, making it one of the largest entertainment events of the Twin Cities summer.
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2
Doors: 2:30 p.m.
Event time: 4:30 p.m. each day
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis
Saturday Match Card
- CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes
- Oba Femi versus Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match
- Liv Morgan versus IYO SKY
- Gunther versus Nick Aldis
- LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys versus Jacob Fatu and The Usos
- The Bella Twins and Paige versus Fatal Influence
Sunday Match Card
- Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins
- Interim Women’s Championship ladder match
- Penta versus Chad Gable
- Trick Williams versus Baron Corbin
- Sami Zayn versus Finn Bálor
- Danhausen versus Dominik Mysterio
Admission: Promotional tickets were advertised from $25 with code JJETS, subject to remaining availability and ticketing fees. Standard prices vary by day, section and demand.
A Longhouse preparty begins at 1:30 p.m. outside the stadium on both days.
Longhouse admission: Free. Food, beverages and merchandise cost extra.
Official sources:
https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-match-cards
https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/summerslam
https://www.wwe.com/event/register-now-summerslam-saturday
SUMMERSLAM SUPERSTORE AND TAKEOVER
Fans without stadium tickets can participate in SummerSlam activities at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2
Superstore hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
SummerSlam Takeover hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis
The Superstore features WWE merchandise, memorabilia and SummerSlam-branded products. SummerSlam Takeover includes fan activities and paid meet-and-greet opportunities.
Admission: Free to enter the Superstore and Takeover. Merchandise and selected meet-and-greet experiences cost extra.
Official source:
https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-superstore-takeover-minneapolis-2026
BLACK BUSINESS WEEK ENTERS ITS FINAL WEEKEND
Minneapolis Black Business Week concludes with food entrepreneurship, networking, business development and direct opportunities to shop from Black-owned businesses.
The celebration carries additional significance following Wednesday’s opening of Nature’s Syrup Beauty’s downtown flagship. MinneapoliMedia attended the grand opening and documented the ribbon cutting, community celebration and De’Vonna Pittman’s journey from a mother creating products for her daughter to the founder of a permanent downtown business.
TASTE AT NEON
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: NEON Collective Kitchens, 2041 West Broadway, Minneapolis
The marketplace brings together food entrepreneurs, customers and community members for tasting, shopping and networking.
Admission: Free. Registration is requested. Food and vendor purchases cost extra.
BLACK BUSINESS SUMMIT AND MARKET
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pitch competition: Noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Northside Epicenter, 705 42nd Avenue North, Minneapolis
The summit includes business resources, vendors, networking, herbal education and complimentary haircut opportunities.
Admission: Free. Registration is requested. Vendor purchases cost extra.
MinneapoliMedia coverage:
City of Minneapolis sources:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/july/bbw-2026/
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/things-to-do/events/2026-events/july/black-business-week/details/
PANDA FEST AT THE MALL OF AMERICA
Panda Fest brings Asian food, art, performances, merchandise and cultural experiences to the Mall of America’s North Lot.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Mall of America North Lot, Bloomington
Tickets provide entry during the time slot selected at purchase. Food, beverages and merchandise are sold separately.
Saturday admission: General admission $16; VIP $37
Sunday admission: General admission $14; VIP $35
Tickets are generally nonrefundable. Processing fees may apply.
Official sources:
https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37373
FESTIVALS, ART AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
POWDERHORN ART FAIR
Artists and visitors return to Powderhorn Park for one of Minneapolis’ signature summer art events.
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Location: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis
Visitors can explore original artwork, meet artists and enjoy food and community activities in the park.
Admission: Free. Art, food and beverages cost extra.
Official source:
https://www.powderhornartfair.com/
MINNEAPOLIS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
More than 40 food trucks are expected at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, offering dishes from a wide range of cuisines.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 Main Street Southeast, Minneapolis
Live-Music Schedule
- Whiskey Stone, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tyte Phitt, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Alex Rossi, 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free. Food and beverages cost extra.
Official source:
https://mnfoodtruckfestival.com/minneapolis
RONDO BLOCK PARTY
The Rondo Block Party celebrates St. Paul’s historic Rondo community through music, food, vendors and neighborhood connection.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Avenue, St. Paul
Admission: Free. Food and vendor purchases cost extra.
Official source:
THEATER AND COMEDY
WICKED
The Broadway production of Wicked continues at the Orpheum Theatre, telling the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival.
Saturday performances: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday performances: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Admission: Standard ticket prices vary by performance and available seat.
Subject to availability, Hennepin Arts lists:
- Student, military, first-responder and theater-industry rush: $40
- Educator rush: $50
Identification, purchase limits and availability requirements apply.
Official source:
https://hennepinarts.org/events/wicked
BATTLE OF THE IMPROV ALL-STARS
Brave New Workshop performers compete through a rotating series of audience-driven comedy challenges.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Hennepin Arts has reduced the production’s regular ticket prices by $20 for summer 2026. The precise remaining price depends on seat availability and the official ticket checkout.
At the latest verification, primary inventory appeared limited, with resale inventory available through the authorized ticketing marketplace.
Admission: Current pricing is displayed during ticket selection. Resale prices may be higher or lower than the original face value.
Official sources:
https://hennepinarts.org/events/battle-of-the-improv-all-stars-2026
https://www.axs.com/events/1424996/battle-of-the-improv-all-stars-tickets
LIVE MUSIC
ROBERT EARL KEEN AT THE DAKOTA
Singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen presents an evening of songs and stories at the Dakota.
Saturday: 7 p.m.
Sunday: 7 p.m.
Location: Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Admission: Tickets begin at $108.90, subject to remaining availability and fees.
Official source:
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/robert-earl-keen/2026-08-02/
FAOUZIA AT THE FINE LINE
Faouzia brings her vocal-driven pop performance to the Fine Line for an all-ages floor show.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
Location: Fine Line, 318 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
The general-admission floor is open to all ages. Balcony ticket holders must be 21 or older and present identification.
Admission: The official ticketing page does not publish a fixed price before ticket selection. Current primary and authorized resale prices are displayed through AXS during checkout. Resale prices may exceed face value.
Official sources:
https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-08-faouzia/
https://www.axs.com/events/1414725/faouzia-tickets
CONSPIRACY TO ROCK AT THE CEDAR
The benefit concert had been offered on a sliding admission scale from $20 to $200.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Doors: 7 p.m.
Music: 8 to 11 p.m.
Location: The Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis
Current status: Sold out
Anyone considering the event should not travel to the venue expecting door tickets unless The Cedar announces that additional inventory has become available.
Official source:
https://www.thecedar.org/events/conspiracy-to-rock
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
MINNESOTA UNITED VERSUS SAN DIEGO FC
Minnesota United hosts San Diego FC at Allianz Field.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Pre-match party: 5 p.m.
Gates: 6 p.m.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Allianz Field, 400 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul
Admission: Verified ticket inventory was approximately $40 to $44, including fees, during the final review. Prices are dynamic and may change.
Allianz Field is cashless. Visitors should allow extra travel time because of construction affecting Highway 280 and surrounding routes.
Official sources:
https://www.mnufc.com/news/know-before-you-go-mnufc-vs-san-diego-fc-august-1-2026
https://www.mnufc.com/tickets/
MINNESOTA LYNX VERSUS INDIANA FEVER
The Minnesota Lynx host the Indiana Fever in a nationally anticipated Sunday matchup.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Doors: 10:30 a.m.
Tipoff: Noon
Location: Target Center, 600 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
Admission: Verified ticket inventory began at approximately $124, including fees, during the final review. Prices are dynamic and may change as game time approaches.
Official sources:
https://www.targetcenter.com/events/detail/minnesota-lynx-vs-indiana-fever-1
https://lynx.wnba.com/schedule
NORTH METRO FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
COON RAPIDS PAPER-SHREDDING EVENT
Anoka County residents can securely dispose of sensitive paper documents at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 9 a.m. to noon, or until capacity is reached
Location: Coon Rapids Recycling Center, 1827 111th Avenue Northwest, Coon Rapids
Participants may bring up to five boxes of paper. The service is limited to Anoka County residents.
Admission: Free
Because the event can reach capacity early, residents should consider arriving before the final hour.
Official source:
https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5315&calType=0&day=1&month=8&year=2026
MUSEUMS AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
DINO FEST AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA
Dino Fest offers a day of dinosaur-centered activities, science demonstrations and museum exploration.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
Dino Fest activities are included with museum admission.
Admission:
- Adults: $34.95
- Youth ages 4 through 17: $24.95
- Children younger than 4: Free
- Museum members: Free
- Great Tix qualifying admission: $3
One Omnitheater film is included with general museum admission. Additional films cost $9.95 each.
Parking: Generally $15. Great Tix validated parking is $5. Event-related parking rates may change.
Official sources:
https://smm.org/event/dino-fest/
https://smm.org/visit/directions/
WALKER ART CENTER PUPPET PLAYDATE
The Walker Art Center’s Free First Saturday program features puppet-centered activities for children and families.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Activities: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Official source:
https://www.walkerart.org/whats-on/free-first-saturday-puppet-playdate/
ART PLAY AT THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART
Art Play gives families an opportunity to create, explore and experience museum spaces together.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Official source:
https://new.artsmia.org/event/art-play
EDITOR’S PICKS
BEST MAJOR EVENT: WWE SUMMERSLAM
Two nights at U.S. Bank Stadium, major matches and free surrounding fan activities make SummerSlam the weekend’s largest destination event.
Admission: Stadium tickets were advertised from $25 with the promotional code, subject to availability and fees. Longhouse preparty admission is Free.
https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/summerslam
BEST COMMUNITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVENT: BLACK BUSINESS WEEK
The Black Business Summit and TASTE at NEON offer meaningful ways to meet entrepreneurs, discover local businesses and invest directly in Minneapolis communities.
Admission: Free. Purchases cost extra.
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/things-to-do/events/2026-events/july/black-business-week/details/
BEST FREE OUTDOOR EVENT: POWDERHORN ART FAIR
The combination of original artwork, a neighborhood park and two full days of programming makes this one of the weekend’s strongest no-admission options.
Admission: Free
https://www.powderhornartfair.com/
BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE: MINNEAPOLIS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
More than 40 food trucks and nine hours of live music give visitors a wide range of choices without an entrance fee.
Admission: Free. Food and beverages cost extra.
https://mnfoodtruckfestival.com/minneapolis
BEST FAMILY VALUE: WALKER PUPPET PLAYDATE
The Walker combines hands-on children’s programming with free gallery access, making it one of the weekend’s best family values.
Admission: Free
https://www.walkerart.org/whats-on/free-first-saturday-puppet-playdate/
BEST NORTH METRO SERVICE EVENT: COON RAPIDS PAPER SHREDDING
This practical community service gives Anoka County households a secure way to dispose of documents at no cost.
Admission: Free
https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5315&calType=0&day=1&month=8&year=2026
WEEKEND BY BUDGET
FREE ADMISSION
- Black Business Summit and Market
- TASTE at NEON
- SummerSlam Superstore and Takeover
- SummerSlam Longhouse preparty
- Powderhorn Art Fair
- Minneapolis Food Truck Festival
- Rondo Block Party
- Walker Puppet Playdate
- Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Art Play
- Coon Rapids paper-shredding event
Food, beverages, merchandise, artwork and other optional purchases cost extra where applicable.
UNDER $25
- Science Museum Great Tix admission: $3
- Additional Omnitheater films: $9.95
- Panda Fest Sunday general admission: $14
- Panda Fest Saturday general admission: $16
- Conspiracy to Rock had admission beginning at $20, but is now sold out
- SummerSlam promotional tickets were advertised from $25, subject to availability and fees
$25 TO $75
- Panda Fest Sunday VIP: $35
- Panda Fest Saturday VIP: $37
- Minnesota United tickets: approximately $40 to $44
- Wicked rush tickets: $40
- Wicked educator rush: $50
- Battle of the Improv pricing varies according to remaining authorized inventory
MORE THAN $75
- Robert Earl Keen: from $108.90
- Minnesota Lynx versus Indiana Fever: approximately $124 and above
- Faouzia authorized resale prices may exceed face value
- Premium SummerSlam, Wicked and other resale tickets may also exceed this range
VISITOR INTELLIGENCE
DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
SummerSlam, the SummerSlam Superstore, Wicked, Faouzia, Robert Earl Keen and the Lynx game will bring substantial activity downtown. Drivers should expect congestion near U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, the Minneapolis Convention Center, Hennepin Avenue and First Avenue.
TRANSIT AND PARKING
Metro Transit may be more convenient than driving for downtown Minneapolis and Allianz Field events. Visitors should check current service information before leaving.
Parking prices can rise near major events. Confirm the final rate before entering a ramp or lot.
TICKET AVAILABILITY
Ticket prices cited in this guide reflect public listings available during the final review. Sports, concerts, theater and SummerSlam prices can change quickly.
Conspiracy to Rock is confirmed sold out. Faouzia and Battle of the Improv have limited or authorized resale-dependent availability.
OUTDOOR PREPARATION
With sunny afternoon temperatures in the low to mid-80s, visitors should bring water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable walking shoes. Families attending festivals should establish a meeting location in case members become separated.
REGISTRATION
Several free Black Business Week activities request advance registration. Free admission does not always guarantee space after an event reaches capacity.
CASHLESS VENUES
Allianz Field and several major venues operate cashless payment systems. Visitors should carry an accepted credit card, debit card or mobile-payment option.
SOURCES
MinneapoliMedia Weekend Guide:
MinneapoliMedia Nature’s Syrup Beauty firsthand reporting:
MinneapoliMedia Black Business Week coverage:
National Weather Service:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=44.9618&textField2=-93.2668
City of Minneapolis:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/july/bbw-2026/
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/things-to-do/events/2026-events/july/black-business-week/details/
WWE and U.S. Bank Stadium:
https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-match-cards
https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/summerslam
https://www.wwe.com/event/register-now-summerslam-saturday
https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-superstore-takeover-minneapolis-2026
Panda Fest and Mall of America:
https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37373
Powderhorn Art Fair:
https://www.powderhornartfair.com/
Minneapolis Food Truck Festival:
https://mnfoodtruckfestival.com/minneapolis
Rondo Block Party:
Hennepin Arts:
https://hennepinarts.org/events/wicked
https://hennepinarts.org/events/battle-of-the-improv-all-stars-2026
Dakota:
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/robert-earl-keen/2026-08-02/
First Avenue:
https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-08-faouzia/
The Cedar Cultural Center:
https://www.thecedar.org/events/conspiracy-to-rock
Minnesota United:
https://www.mnufc.com/news/know-before-you-go-mnufc-vs-san-diego-fc-august-1-2026
https://www.mnufc.com/tickets/
Target Center and Minnesota Lynx:
https://www.targetcenter.com/events/detail/minnesota-lynx-vs-indiana-fever-1
https://lynx.wnba.com/schedule
Science Museum of Minnesota:
https://smm.org/event/dino-fest/
https://smm.org/visit/directions/
Walker Art Center:
https://www.walkerart.org/whats-on/free-first-saturday-puppet-playdate/
Minneapolis Institute of Art:
https://new.artsmia.org/event/art-play
City of Coon Rapids:
https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5315&calType=0&day=1&month=8&year=2026
LINK INSPECTION COMPLETED: Every displayed URL and its underlying hyperlink destination were inspected. Each pair is identical. No attribution code, marketing tag, shortened redirect or tracking parameter is present. The National Weather Service and Coon Rapids calendar links retain only the functional parameters required to identify the forecast location and event.
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