MINNEAPOLIMEDIA WEEKEND GUIDE | What to Do in the Twin Cities Today: Sunday, August 16, 2026

The final day of the weekend offers Japanese cultural traditions, county fairs, baseball, theater, comedy, outdoor concerts, community swaps, farmers markets and major evening concerts across Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the surrounding metro

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 16, 2026) Sunday brings the Twin Cities weekend to a close with activities spanning Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Coon Rapids, Ramsey, Nowthen, Lino Lakes, Vadnais Heights, Farmington and Prior Lake.

The most prominent choices include the Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, the final performances of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Philadelphia Phillies at Minnesota Twins, the closing day of Game Fair, the Nowthen Threshing Show, the Dakota County Fair, the Coon Rapids School Supply and Kids Clothes Swap and several evening concerts.

All Friday and Saturday-only events have been removed. The Twin Cities Irish Fest, Asian Street Food Night Market and Uptown Art Fair are not included because their 2026 editions concluded the previous weekend. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival does not open until Saturday, August 22.

Event schedules, ticket availability and weather-related plans may change. Readers should consult the official links before making a long trip.

SUNDAY MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON

1. Minneapolis Farmers Market

The Minneapolis Farmers Market opens early Sunday with seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods, meat, specialty foods and products from local vendors.

Time: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Minneapolis Farmers Market

Address: 312 East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Admission: Free

Best for: Grocery shopping, local produce, families and early risers

Food: Prepared foods and vendor products are available for purchase.

Parking and transit: Parking is available in market-area lots and along nearby streets. Metro Transit bus service operates near Lyndale and Glenwood avenues.

Accessibility: Main market aisles are generally paved, but crowds can make movement slower during peak hours.

Contact: 612-333-1718

Official information: https://www.mplsfarmersmarket.com/

2. Nowthen Threshing Show, Final Day

The 55th annual Nowthen Threshing Show concludes Sunday with historic tractors, steam engines, agricultural machinery, demonstrations, exhibits and food concessions.

The Sunday highlight is the Parade of Power at 1:00 p.m.

Time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Nowthen Historical Power Association grounds

Address: 7415 Old Viking Boulevard NW, Nowthen, MN 55303

Admission: $15 for adults; children 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: Sold at the gate through 3:30 p.m. No advance individual ticket sales are offered.

Parking: Free

Best for: Families, agricultural-history enthusiasts, machinery fans and multigenerational outings

Accessibility: The show occupies extensive outdoor grounds with grass and uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact organizers about current accommodations.

Weather: The show operates rain or shine, although severe weather may affect individual activities.

Official information: https://www.nowthenthreshing.com/show

3. Saint Paul Farmers’ Market

The historic Lowertown market offers produce, flowers, meat, cheese, baked goods and other locally produced items from regional vendors.

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Outdoor market: 290 Fifth Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Indoor market: 308 Prince Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Admission: Free

Parking: Free market parking is available at 420 Prince Street East.

Transit: The market is within walking distance of Union Depot and the METRO Green Line’s Union Depot station.

Best for: Produce shopping, breakfast, families and visitors exploring Lowertown

Accessibility: The indoor and outdoor market areas include paved approaches. Accessible parking availability may be limited during busy periods.

Official information: https://stpaulfarmersmarket.com/

4. Vadnais Heights Days Fire Relief Association Booya

Vadnais Heights Days concludes with the Fire Relief Association’s traditional booya. The thick community stew is served beginning Sunday morning and continues until the available supply is sold.

Time: 8:00 a.m. until sold out

Location: Community Park and Vadnais Heights Commons area

Primary event addresses:

Community Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

Admission: No general festival admission charge is listed. Food is available for purchase while supplies last.

Best for: Community gatherings, families and traditional Minnesota food

Important: Arriving early is strongly recommended because the booya may sell out well before noon.

Parking: Public parking is available around Community Park and Vadnais Heights Commons. Follow event signs and temporary parking restrictions.

Contact: 651-204-6060

Official schedule: https://www.cityvadnaisheights.com/460/Schedule-of-Events

5. Kingfield Farmers Market

This South Minneapolis neighborhood market features produce, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, flowers, baked goods, pantry products, crafts and natural body-care products.

The market accepts SNAP-EBT and Market Bucks. Sunday is also a Power of Produce Club date, allowing participating children to receive a market token for fruits and vegetables.

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: North side of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Address: 4055 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Admission: Free

Best for: Families, neighborhood shopping, fresh produce and locally made products

Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Visitors should respect residential parking restrictions.

Transit: Metro Transit buses serve Nicollet Avenue.

Accessibility: The market is outdoors. Paved sidewalks border the site, but some vendor areas may be on grass.

Official information: https://www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org/

6. Game Fair, Final Day

Game Fair concludes its second weekend Sunday with outdoor-sports exhibitors, dog events, archery, hunting and fishing demonstrations, seminars, youth activities and equipment displays across an 80-acre site.

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Game Fair grounds

Address: 8404 161st Avenue NW, Ramsey, MN 55303

Admission:

Adults: $20

Seniors 62 and older: $15

Veterans with identification: $15

Children ages 6 through 14: $5

Children 5 and younger: Free

Active-duty military with identification: Free

Best for: Outdoor-sports enthusiasts, hunters, anglers, dog owners and families

Parking: On-site parking is available. Visitors should follow staff directions because traffic can back up near the entrance.

Accessibility: The event covers a large outdoor property with grass and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Weather: Outdoor demonstrations may be adjusted during severe weather.

Contact: 763-427-0944

Official information: https://gamefair.com/

7. Dakota County Fair, Closing Day

The Dakota County Fair closes Sunday with agricultural exhibits, 4-H activities, a classic-car show, carnival rides, live entertainment and demonstrations.

Sunday activities include:

9:00 a.m.: Car show featuring vehicles from 1976 and earlier

10:00 a.m.: Cornhole tournament

11:00 a.m.: 4-H Ag Olympics and Mega Jump Show

Noon: Bingo and Celebrity Showmanship

1:00 p.m.: Rabbit agility judging and the Dakota City Tractor Parade

1:30 p.m.: Live music and balloon twisting

2:00 p.m.: All-American Lumberjack Show

Fair hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some scheduled activities begin earlier.

Location: Dakota County Fairgrounds

Address: 4008 220th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024

General admission: Free

Carnival: Ride tickets and attractions carry separate charges.

Best for: Families, children, agricultural exhibits, carnival visitors and classic-car enthusiasts

Parking: Fairgrounds parking is available. Follow directional signs and staff instructions.

Accessibility: Main public buildings and many fairgrounds facilities provide accessible routes, but the property includes gravel, grass and uneven outdoor surfaces.

Contact: 651-463-8818

Official information: https://www.dakotacountyfair.org/

8. Blue Heron Days Garden Tour and Corn Feed

Lino Lakes’ Blue Heron Days concludes at Waldoch Farm with a garden tour and corn feed. Admission also provides access to the farm’s seasonal attractions, subject to the ticket selected.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Waldoch Farm

Address: 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014

Admission: Ticket prices vary according to the farm package. Visitors should check the official purchasing page before arriving.

Activities: Garden tour, corn feed, seasonal farm attractions and access to selected Joyer Adventure Farm activities

Best for: Families, children, gardening enthusiasts and outdoor visitors

Parking: On-site farm parking is available.

Accessibility: The attraction includes farm paths, outdoor terrain and hayride areas. Guests with mobility requirements should call ahead.

Contact: 651-780-1207

Official festival information: https://www.linolakes.gov/407/Blue-Heron-Days

Farm information: https://waldochfarm.com/

9. Coon Rapids School Supply and Kids Clothes Swap

Families may select school supplies and gently used children’s clothing during the City of Coon Rapids’ free community swap.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Coon Rapids Civic Center

Address: 11155 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

Admission: Free

Eligibility: The city describes the event as a community swap. No advance registration is listed.

Important: Donations were accepted in advance. No items will be accepted at the Civic Center on the day of the event.

Best for: Families preparing for school and households seeking children’s clothing

Parking: Free Civic Center parking is available.

Accessibility: The Civic Center has accessible entrances, parking and indoor facilities.

Official information: https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/1531/Swap-Events

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

10. Philadelphia Phillies at Minnesota Twins

The Twins conclude their home series against Philadelphia Sunday afternoon. The game follows Philadelphia’s 9-1 victory Saturday night.

First pitch: 1:10 p.m.

Location: Target Field

Address: 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Tickets: Prices and remaining inventory vary. Purchase through the official Twins ticket portal.

Sunday promotion: The game is advertised as a Kids Day, with a children’s backpack promotion and complimentary kids’ ice cream while promotional supplies last.

Best for: Baseball fans, families and visitors seeking a central Minneapolis activity

Parking: Paid ramps and lots surround Target Field. Event-day rates apply.

Transit: Target Field is served directly by the METRO Blue and Green light-rail lines, Northstar commuter rail and several bus routes.

Accessibility: Target Field provides accessible seating, elevators, companion seating, assistive-listening services and guest assistance.

Ticket assistance: 612-375-7454

Official tickets: https://www.mlb.com/twins/tickets/single-game-tickets

11. Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie presents Noël Coward’s comedy of manners about a divorced couple who unexpectedly encounter one another while honeymooning with new spouses.

Sunday performances: 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including two intermissions

Location: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage

Address: 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Tickets: Approximately $39 to $94, including handling fees, subject to availability

Age guidance: Recommended for ages 12 and older

Parking: Paid parking is available in the city-owned Riverfront Ramp across from the theater and in nearby ramps and surface lots.

Transit: Metro Transit buses serve Washington Avenue and downtown Minneapolis. The METRO Blue and Green lines stop at U.S. Bank Stadium, several blocks away.

Accessibility: The Guthrie provides accessible seating, elevators, assistive-listening devices, captioning and other accommodations for designated performances.

Box office: 612-377-2224

Official information: https://www.guthrietheater.org/whats-on/private-lives/

12. Minnesota Fringe Festival, Final Day

The Minnesota Fringe Festival concludes its 11-day run Sunday with final performances at multiple venues across Minneapolis.

The festival includes more than 100 independently produced shows, most lasting less than an hour. Genres include theater, dance, comedy, storytelling, puppetry, music and experimental performance.

Time: Performances continue throughout the afternoon and evening. Start times and venues vary by production.

Location: Multiple Minneapolis performance venues

Tickets: Individual-show tickets and festival admission requirements vary. Some ticket options include a show admission charge plus the required festival button or digital equivalent.

Age guidance: Determined by each production. Families should check individual show descriptions for content information.

Parking and transit: Depend on the selected venue. Many Fringe venues are clustered in areas served by Metro Transit.

Accessibility: Fringe identifies mobility, captioning, sensory and other accessibility information within individual show and venue listings.

Closing-night gathering: The festival’s final celebration is scheduled at the Cedar Cultural Center after the last performances.

Festival information and live schedule: https://minnesotafringe.org/fringe-festival

13. Free Music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board presents two free Sunday concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

2:00 p.m.: Bluedog, rock

5:30 p.m.: The V Gees, disco

Location: Lake Harriet Bandshell

Address: 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Admission: Free

Best for: Families, picnics, walkers, cyclists and casual music fans

Food: Concessions may be available near the bandshell. Visitors may bring picnic food where park rules permit.

Parking: Free street and parkway parking is limited and fills quickly. Paid parking may be available in designated areas.

Transit and bicycles: Metro Transit serves nearby neighborhoods. Bicycle racks and regional trails connect to the lake.

Accessibility: Paved routes lead toward the bandshell, and accessible seating areas are available.

Weather: Concerts may be delayed or canceled because of unsafe weather.

Official schedule: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/music-movies/

14. Como Park Japanese Obon Festival

The annual Japanese Obon Festival returns to the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory with traditional dance, music, martial-arts demonstrations, food, cultural displays and lantern lighting after sunset.

Time: 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Address: 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55103

Admission:

Adults ages 13 and older: $8

Children ages 3 through 12: $5

Seniors 65 and older: $5

Children younger than 3: Free

Ticket requirement: Tickets must be purchased electronically. Cash will not be accepted at the gate. Visitors arriving without tickets may use posted QR codes and a credit card to complete a purchase, subject to availability.

Best for: Families, cultural experiences, food, music and photography

Parking: Parking around Como Park is extremely limited during Obon.

Shuttle: Festival transportation operates from the staffed shuttle area near 1930 Como Avenue. Visitors should follow official signs and current shuttle instructions.

Transit: Metro Transit bus service operates near Como Park.

Accessibility: Como provides accessible entrances and paved routes, although festival crowds may make navigation slower. Guests needing accommodations should contact the venue before arriving.

Weather: The festival is scheduled rain or shine.

Contact: 651-487-8201

Official information and tickets: https://comozooconservatory.org/obon2026/

SUNDAY EVENING

15. Josh Johnson’s Comedy Band Camp

Comedian and writer Josh Johnson concludes his Minneapolis engagement Sunday with two performances at the Orpheum Theatre.

Performance times: 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Location: Orpheum Theatre

Address: 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Tickets: Prices and remaining inventory vary by performance and seating section.

Age and content: Comedy material may contain mature themes. Parents should review the event’s official guidance before purchasing tickets for minors.

Parking: Paid parking is available in Theatre District ramps and surface lots.

Transit: The METRO Blue and Green lines stop nearby at Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue. Numerous bus routes serve downtown Minneapolis.

Accessibility: The Orpheum provides accessible seating, elevators where available, assistive-listening equipment and guest-service accommodations.

Official information: https://hennepinarts.org/

16. Johnny Manchild & The Poor Bastards

Johnny Manchild & The Poor Bastards bring the Side Effects Tour to Amsterdam Bar and Hall, joined by Friend of a Friend and Karma and the Killjoys.

Doors: 5:00 p.m.

Show: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Amsterdam Bar and Hall

Address: 6 West Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Admission: Ticketed

Age policy: All ages

Food and drinks: Available for purchase from the venue.

Parking: Paid ramps, lots and metered street parking are available in downtown Saint Paul.

Transit: The venue is near multiple bus routes and approximately two blocks from the METRO Green Line’s Central Station.

Accessibility: Contact the venue directly for seating and mobility accommodations.

Official information: https://events.amsterdambarandhall.com/event/johnny-manchild-the-poor-bastards-the-side-effects-tour/amsterdam-bar-hall/saint-paul-minnesota/

17. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner at Mystic Lake Amphitheater

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner bring their Double Trouble Double Vision Tour to the Mystic Lake Amphitheater Sunday evening.

Doors: Approximately 5:30 p.m.

Show: Approximately 6:30 p.m.

Location: Mystic Lake Amphitheater

Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard, Prior Lake, MN 55372

Tickets: Prices and remaining inventory vary. Premium packages may cost substantially more than standard admission.

Age policy: All ages unless otherwise stated on the purchaser’s ticket.

Parking: Event parking and park-and-ride information are available through Mystic Lake. Visitors should allow additional time for traffic and security screening.

Accessibility: Accessible ticketing, parking and guest assistance are available. Contact the box office before arrival for specific accommodations.

Box office: 952-496-6563

Official information: https://mysticlake.com/shows-and-events

18. The Scarlet Goodbye Rooftop Concert

Local duo The Scarlet Goodbye performs as part of Hewing Hotel’s summer rooftop concert series.

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Hewing Hotel

Address: 300 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Admission: Ticketed. Availability should be checked before traveling.

Age policy: Confirm through the ticketing page because rooftop access policies may vary.

Parking: Paid ramps, surface lots and metered street parking are available throughout the North Loop.

Transit: The hotel is within walking distance of the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue light-rail station and several bus routes.

Accessibility: Contact the hotel for rooftop accessibility information and accommodation requests.

Hotel telephone: 651-468-0400

Official information: https://hewinghotel.com/events/the-scarlet-goodbye-summer-concert-series/

19. American Football at First Avenue

Midwest emo and indie-rock band American Football concludes its 2026 tour at First Avenue with Afternoon Bike Ride opening.

Doors: 7:00 p.m.

Show: 8:00 p.m.

Location: First Avenue

Address: 701 North First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Age policy: 18 and older. Valid identification is required.

Admission: Ticketed. Remaining inventory and final prices should be confirmed through the official venue page.

Parking: Paid ramps and surface lots are available throughout downtown. Event parking rates may apply.

Transit: First Avenue is adjacent to the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue METRO station and several downtown bus routes.

Accessibility: First Avenue provides accommodations for guests with disabilities. Advance contact is recommended for reserved viewing arrangements or other assistance.

Venue telephone: 612-338-8388

Official information: https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-08-american-football/

IMPORTANT SUNDAY PLANNING NOTES

Arrive early for the Vadnais Heights booya and Coon Rapids swap because supplies are limited.

Como Obon does not accept cash for admission. A smartphone and credit card are necessary for on-site electronic ticket purchases.

Use light rail for Target Field and downtown Minneapolis concerts when possible. Event parking is likely to be expensive and congested.

Outdoor events may change because of severe weather. Check the event’s official website or social-media page immediately before departure.

Ticket prices quoted in this guide may not include all service charges. Resale prices can be substantially higher than official face value.

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