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8-08-2026 3:18am
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA WEEKEND GUIDE | This Weekend in the Twin Cities: August 8 Through August 9, 2026
Tom Akaolisa
Editor
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 8, 2026). The Twin Cities move into the heart of the weekend with two packed days of art, culture, food, live music, theater, professional and amateur sports, family activities, markets and community celebrations across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Maplewood, New Brighton, Brooklyn Park, Ramsey and Shakopee.
The Uptown Art Fair enters its busiest day along Lake of the Isles. Twin Cities Irish Fest continues at Harriet Island. More than 80 vendors are expected at the Asian Street Food Night Market in Maplewood, while Bloomington presents a free six-hour music festival headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Carl Thomas. The Uptown Art Fair alone brings roughly 300 artists and makers back to the neighborhood this year.
Saturday also brings Guns N’ Roses and Public Enemy to Mystic Lake Amphitheater, River Fest to the banks of the Mississippi in Brooklyn Park, Stockyard Days and its parade to New Brighton, live racing to Canterbury Park and sold-out Savannah Bananas performances at Target Field.
Sunday shifts toward family activities, museums, farmers markets, jazz, theater, Irish culture, food and another full slate of festival programming. Canterbury Park adds its popular Corgi Races between live horse races, while several of the weekend’s largest attractions continue through Sunday afternoon or evening.
MinneapoliMedia has updated Friday’s original Weekend Guide to remove events that have already ended, add newly identified Saturday and Sunday activities, update the weather outlook and organize the remaining weekend by cost, location and visitor needs.
WEEKEND WEATHER
Saturday provides the stronger outdoor-weather window.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84 degrees. Winds should remain light, becoming west-southwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 66 degrees. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 a.m.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees. There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 a.m., followed by a smaller chance of showers later in the day.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 65 degrees and a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.
Saturday visitors should bring water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable walking shoes. Anyone planning a Sunday outdoor event should check radar and the organizer’s weather information before leaving home, particularly during the morning.
Weather source: National Weather Service Twin Cities forecast
MAJOR WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
UPTOWN ART FAIR RETURNS TO MINNEAPOLIS
The Uptown Art Fair is back near Lake of the Isles after two years away from its traditional neighborhood setting, bringing hundreds of artists and makers together for one of Minneapolis’ signature summer cultural events.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Lake of the Isles and The Mall, Minneapolis
The 2026 fair focuses on juried art, immersive public art, family-friendly activities, performers and neighborhood businesses. The Uptown Association says the return is part of a broader effort to revitalize Uptown.
Admission: Free. Artwork, food and beverages cost extra.
Parking is limited near the festival footprint. Visitors should consider public transportation, biking, rideshare or parking farther from the immediate fair grounds and walking.
Official source: Uptown Art Fair
THE LAUGHING COW “WEDGE ON WHEELS”
The Laughing Cow’s distinctive wedge-shaped promotional vehicle is visiting Minneapolis as part of the Uptown Art Fair weekend.
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9
Location: Uptown Art Fair grounds, Lake of the Isles and The Mall, Minneapolis
The traveling activation is connected with The Laughing Cow’s 2026 pop-up tour and gives Art Fair visitors an additional branded experience while they are already on the grounds.
Admission: No separate admission charge has been announced. Admission to the Uptown Art Fair is free.
TWIN CITIES IRISH FEST
Harriet Island continues its transformation into a celebration of Irish music, dancing, food, culture and community.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Harriet Island Regional Park, 175 West Water Street, Saint Paul
The festival includes live performances, traditional dance, cultural programming, food and beverages, family activities and specialty experiences.
Visitors should anticipate substantial walking and festival traffic around Harriet Island. Public transportation, rideshare and organizer-designated parking or shuttle options may be easier than attempting to park immediately beside the festival.
Admission: Ticket prices depend on the admission option and timing of purchase. Visitors should check the official ticket page for current availability and final fees.
Official source: Twin Cities Irish Fest
ASIAN STREET FOOD NIGHT MARKET
The Asian Street Food Night Market brings one of the weekend’s largest food-centered gatherings to Maplewood, combining more than 80 vendors with cultural performances, shopping and family activities.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Pan Asian Center South parking lot, 3001 White Bear Avenue, Building B, Maplewood
Visitors should arrive hungry but budget for individual food, beverage and vendor purchases.
Because popular food vendors can develop long lines, groups may want to divide ordering duties rather than waiting together at every booth.
SAVANNAH BANANAS AT TARGET FIELD
The Savannah Bananas continue their Minneapolis stop with their entertainment-driven version of baseball at Target Field.
Saturday: 7 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m.
Location: Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis
Current status: Sold out.
Visitors considering resale tickets should carefully review the seller, refund protections, delivery method and final fees before purchasing.
Target Field is directly served by the METRO Blue and Green lines and Northstar, along with multiple bus routes. Downtown parking demand will be substantial around game time.
Guest services: 612-659-3400
GAME FAIR IN RAMSEY
Game Fair continues in the North Metro with outdoor-sports exhibitions, dog events, demonstrations, vendors and family activities.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 8404 161st Avenue NW, Ramsey
Admission:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors 62 and older: $15
- Veterans: $15
- Children ages 6 through 14: $5
- Children 5 and younger: Free
- Active-duty military: Free
A free shuttle operates from the designated Lions Club parking area.
Contact: 763-427-0944
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
ON THE ONE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Bloomington presents one of the weekend’s strongest free music programs.
Time: 3 to 9 p.m.
Location: Bloomington Central Station Park, 8100 33rd Avenue South, Bloomington
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Carl Thomas headlines the fifth annual festival, marking the event’s first national headliner.
The supporting lineup includes L.A. Buckner & Big Homie, BDifferent, Bakarii, BDotCroc, Jhadiya Steele and the Normandale Jazz Alumni. GenerationNOW Entertainment DJs include DJ Sota, DJ Miss Britt and DJ Mickey Breeze.
Admission: Free and open to all ages. Food and marketplace purchases cost extra.
Contacts: Bloomington Parks and Recreation, 952-563-8877; Creative Placemaking, 952-563-8744.
Official source: City of Bloomington On The One Music Festival
RIVER FEST
Three Rivers Park District brings a day of river-centered activities to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park
Activities include hands-on exploration, live entertainment, science, art and outdoor experiences centered on the Mississippi River.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
General event parking is off-site at:
Highway 610 and Noble Parkway Park and Ride
4401 95th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park
Continuous round-trip shuttles begin at 10 a.m.
On-site parking is reserved for visitors who require additional assistance. Mobility transportation within the park is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Official source: Three Rivers Park District River Fest
NEW BRIGHTON STOCKYARD DAYS
New Brighton’s longstanding community celebration reaches its biggest day Saturday.
Parade: 10 a.m.
Festival activities: Approximately 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Long Lake Regional Park, 1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton
The celebration combines food, entertainment, community activities and the annual parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Admission: General festival admission is free. Food, beverages and selected activities cost extra.
Official source: New Brighton Stockyard Days
GUNS N’ ROSES WITH PUBLIC ENEMY
Two influential acts share the Saturday-night bill at Mystic Lake Amphitheater.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8
Time: 6:25 p.m.
Location: Mystic Lake Amphitheater, 700 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Mystic Lake lists Guns N’ Roses’ World Tour 2026 for Saturday.
Admission: Ticket prices vary according to section and remaining availability. Parking upgrades, fast-lane access, chair rentals and other optional additions are separate where offered.
Contact: mysticlakeamp@livenation.com
Visitors should review venue bag restrictions and prohibited-item policies before traveling.
CANTERBURY PARK SATURDAY NIGHT RACING
Canterbury Park offers live horse racing and its Scratch-Off Saturday promotion.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8
Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Scratch-Off Saturday prize ticket.
Advance admission:
- Adults 18 and older: $8.77
- Youth ages 6 through 17: $5.53
- Children 5 and younger: Free
Regular general admission:
- Adults: $10.94
- Youth: $7.69
- Children 5 and younger: Free
Indoor clubhouse-table upgrades were listed at $10.84 in addition to general admission. Outdoor cabana tables for Saturday were listed as sold out during MinneapoliMedia’s review.
Official source: Canterbury Park live-racing tickets
CATVIDEOFEST
Yes, an audience really can spend part of the weekend watching an expertly assembled collection of internet cat videos in a theater.
Saturday: 1 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.
Location: The Main Cinema, 115 Main Street SE, Minneapolis
CatVideoFest presents a curated compilation of cat videos from around the world, with a portion of ticket proceeds supporting cat-focused charities and animal organizations.
Admission: $13
Contact: 612-331-4724
MINNESOTA WIND CHILL
Minnesota’s professional ultimate team plays Saturday evening at Sea Foam Stadium.
Gates: 5 p.m.
Game: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Sea Foam Stadium, 281 Hamline Avenue North, Saint Paul
Admission:
- Adults 19 and older: $17
- Youth: $10
- Children 10 and younger: Free
- Beer-garden access: additional $17
Parking: Free
Contact: 952-484-2641
SATURDAY VIBE AT GEORGE LATIMER CENTRAL LIBRARY
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: George Latimer Central Library, 90 West Fourth Street, Saint Paul
Admission: Free
Contact: Saint Paul Public Library, 651-266-7000.
GANGSTERLAND DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR
The tour explores stories associated with Saint Paul’s infamous Prohibition-era history.
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meeting location: 380 Saint Peter Street, Saint Paul
Admission: $25
Contact: 651-260-3703
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
SUMMIT BREWING COMPANY TOUR
Tour times: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Location: Summit Brewing Company, 910 Montreal Circle, Saint Paul
Admission: $12
Tours are limited to 15 participants. Closed-toe shoes are required, and tour purchases are nonrefundable.
Contact: 651-265-7800
EARLY BIRDERS AT ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Contact: 612-370-4903
A BREATH OF HOPE LUNG RUN AND WALK
The annual event supports lung-cancer research, awareness and patient services.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8
Location: Lake Harriet area, Minneapolis
Registered participants should rely on the start-time, check-in and course information contained in their registration confirmation.
Organizer: A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
CANTERBURY PARK CORGI RACES
Sunday may provide the weekend’s most delightfully unconventional sporting spectacle.
Corgis compete in three heats between live horse races at Canterbury Park, with winners advancing toward the Best in Show Championship.
First horse-racing post: 1 p.m.
Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
Advance admission:
- Adults: $8.77
- Youth ages 6 through 17: $5.53
- Children 5 and younger: Free
Regular general admission:
- Adults: $10.94
- Youth: $7.69
- Children 5 and younger: Free
MIA FAMILY DAY
Families can spend Sunday at the Minneapolis Institute of Art with museum-based creative programming.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 9
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Individual program times vary during museum hours.
Contact: 612-870-3000
SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH GLOBAL JAZZ COLLEGIUM
Bloomington closes its Sunday Funday season with Global Jazz Collegium.
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington
Admission: Free
The City of Bloomington confirms the Aug. 9 performance as the conclusion of its 2026 Sunday Funday season.
Contact: Bloomington Parks and Recreation, 952-563-8877.
HISTORIC BREWERY TOUR
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul Brewing, 688 Minnehaha Avenue East, Saint Paul
Admission: $15
Contact: 651-698-1945
THEATER AND STAGE
WICKED
The Broadway production continues its Minneapolis run at the Orpheum Theatre.
Saturday: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Admission: Standard prices vary according to performance, seat location and remaining inventory.
Box office: 612-339-7007
COME FROM AWAY
The acclaimed musical continues at the Guthrie Theater.
Location: Guthrie Theater, 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Admission: $40 to $104, depending on performance and seat.
Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes without intermission.
Audience guidance: Recommended for ages 10 and older.
Box office: 612-377-2224
PRIVATE LIVES
Location: Guthrie Theater, 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Admission: Prices vary according to performance and seat location.
Box office: 612-377-2224
THE PROM
The musical continues at Lyric Arts in Anoka.
Location: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 East Main Street, Anoka
Admission: $50 to $57, including ticketing fees.
Recommended age: 12 and older. Children younger than 5 are not admitted.
Box office: 763-422-1838
THE BUTLER DID IT
Location: Park Square Theatre, 20 West Seventh Place, Saint Paul
Admission: Prices vary according to performance and seat.
Box office: 651-291-7005
FARMERS MARKETS
Twin Cities farmers markets provide a lower-pressure alternative for readers who want to get out without committing an entire day to a major festival.
SATURDAY MARKETS
Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, Lowertown: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 290 East Fifth Street and 308 Prince Street, Saint Paul. Free parking is available at 420 Prince Street while space lasts.
St. Luke’s Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 1807 Field Avenue, Saint Paul.
West Side Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to noon; 63 George Street West, Saint Paul.
Bloomington Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. Visitors should not park in the Civic Plaza East Lot.
Richfield Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon; Veterans Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Avenue, Richfield.
SUNDAY MARKETS
Minneapolis Farmers Market: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 312 East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis.
Farmers Market Annex: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 200 East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis.
Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, Lowertown: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kingfield Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 4055 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.
Linden Hills Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 2813 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis.
Markets on Main: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Riverplace plaza, 43 Main Street SE, Minneapolis.
East Side Farmers Market: 1 to 4 p.m.; 705 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul. Rain location: 788 East Seventh Street.
EDITOR’S PICKS
BEST MAJOR WEEKEND EXPERIENCE: UPTOWN ART FAIR
The return of one of Minneapolis’ defining summer events, combined with hundreds of artists, a lakeside setting and no admission charge, makes the Uptown Art Fair one of the weekend’s most complete experiences.
Admission: Free
BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: TWIN CITIES IRISH FEST
Music, dancing, food, heritage programming and family activities turn Harriet Island into a full-day cultural destination.
BEST FREE MUSIC EVENT: ON THE ONE MUSIC FESTIVAL
A six-hour, all-ages festival headlined by Carl Thomas without an admission charge represents exceptional entertainment value.
Admission: Free
BEST FAMILY OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE: RIVER FEST
Hands-on science, river exploration, art and recreation give families an active alternative to conventional vendor festivals.
BEST NORTH METRO EVENT: NEW BRIGHTON STOCKYARD DAYS
The parade, community programming and full-day festival atmosphere make Stockyard Days one of the North Metro’s strongest remaining weekend gatherings.
Admission: Free for general festival entry.
BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE: ASIAN STREET FOOD NIGHT MARKET
More than 80 vendors and a wide range of Asian cuisines make Maplewood one of the weekend’s strongest destinations for visitors whose itinerary starts with food.
BEST SUNDAY FAMILY WILDCARD: CANTERBURY CORGI RACES
Live horse racing plus corgis sprinting for championship qualification is the sort of combination that does not require much additional explanation.
Admission: From $5.53 for youth and $8.77 for adults when purchased at the advance rate. Children 5 and younger enter free.
WEEKEND BY BUDGET
FREE ADMISSION
- Uptown Art Fair
- On The One Music Festival
- General admission to New Brighton Stockyard Days
- Saturday Vibe at George Latimer Central Library
- Early Birders at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
- Mia Family Day
- Sunday Funday with Global Jazz Collegium
- Children 5 and younger at Canterbury Park
- Several Twin Cities farmers markets
Food, artwork, beverages, merchandise and optional activities cost extra where applicable.
UNDER $25
- Game Fair children ages 6 through 14: $5
- Canterbury advance youth admission: $5.53
- Canterbury advance adult admission: $8.77
- Canterbury regular youth admission: $7.69
- Canterbury regular adult admission: $10.94
- Summit Brewing Company tour: $12
- CatVideoFest: $13
- Historic Brewery Tour: $15
- Game Fair seniors and veterans: $15
- Minnesota Wind Chill adults: $17
- Game Fair adults: $20
- PAW Patrol Character Snack and Sip, from Friday’s verified weekend inventory: $19.99 where remaining reservations are available
$25 TO $75
- Gangsterland Downtown Walking Tour: $25
- Come From Away: from $40
- The Prom: $50 to $57
- Theater and concert tickets in this range depend on remaining inventory
MORE THAN $75
- Premium seating for Come From Away can reach $104
- Guns N’ Roses with Public Enemy ticket prices may enter this range depending on section and remaining inventory
- Resale tickets for sold-out Savannah Bananas games may substantially exceed original prices
- Premium Wicked inventory may also exceed this range
VISITOR INTELLIGENCE
SATURDAY IS THE BEST OUTDOOR WINDOW
The National Weather Service expects sunshine and a high near 84 Saturday. Readers planning Uptown Art Fair, River Fest, Stockyard Days or other outdoor activities should take advantage of the relatively favorable conditions while still preparing for sun exposure.
SUNDAY REQUIRES MORE FLEXIBILITY
Sunday has a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly before 11 a.m. Anyone planning markets, Irish Fest, Uptown Art Fair or another outdoor Sunday destination should check conditions immediately before leaving home.
UPTOWN
The Art Fair will generate pedestrian traffic and parking pressure around Lake of the Isles and The Mall. Do not build a schedule that depends on finding curbside parking immediately beside the fair.
HARRIET ISLAND
Irish Fest visitors should anticipate walking, crowds and traffic around the riverfront. Travelers with mobility needs should review accessible parking and transportation options before arrival.
BROOKLYN PARK
River Fest general parking is not at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. Use the designated Highway 610 and Noble Parkway Park and Ride and the continuous shuttle.
DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
Savannah Bananas, Wicked, theater performances and other downtown activity will increase demand for parking and transit Saturday and Sunday.
The METRO Blue and Green lines directly serve Target Field.
SHAKOPEE
Guns N’ Roses at Mystic Lake and Canterbury Park racing will place additional weekend traffic pressure on the Shakopee area. Allow more travel time than a normal weekend trip.
TICKET AVAILABILITY
Savannah Bananas games at Target Field are sold out. Resale buyers should use established marketplaces and carefully review the full price before purchase.
Outdoor cabana tables for Canterbury’s Saturday racing were also listed as sold out during the latest ticket review.
Concert, theater and sports prices can change throughout the day.
FAMILY PLANNING
Bring water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable footwear for outdoor events. For young children attending concerts or amplified festivals, hearing protection may be useful.
Large festivals may involve grass, uneven terrain and considerable walking. Families using strollers should check venue restrictions and terrain before arrival.
ACCESSIBILITY
Visitors who require accessible parking, seating or mobility assistance should contact the venue before traveling.
River Fest specifically provides on-site parking for visitors needing additional assistance and park transportation on a first-come, first-served basis.
PAYMENT
Free admission does not necessarily mean a free outing. Food, artwork, beverages, parking, merchandise and optional activities can quickly increase the cost.
Some major venues operate primarily or entirely cashless. Carry an accepted card or mobile-payment method in addition to any cash intended for small vendors.
SOURCES
MinneapoliMedia Friday Weekend Guide:
The Twin Cities Come Alive With Festivals, Food, Music, Markets and Family Adventures August 7–9
National Weather Service:
Twin Cities forecast
Uptown Association:
Uptown Art Fair 2026
City of Bloomington:
On The One Music Festival
Three Rivers Park District:
River Fest
New Brighton Stockyard Days:
Stockyard Days
Canterbury Park:
Live Racing Tickets
Mystic Lake:
Shows and Events
FOX 9 weekend events:
Things to do in Minnesota Aug. 7–9
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