Image
Saturday brings 4-H Day and a celebration of the Minneapolis Sound to the State Fair. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival begins its Highland Fling weekend, while Saint Paul hosts the Saint Paul Get Down on Raspberry Island and two professional sporting events.
Brooklyn Park presents COSA Fest at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. Minneapolis offers park concerts, stewardship projects, farmers markets and neighborhood activities. Concerts by Alabama Shakes, Cody Johnson, Musiq Soulchild and Pond join performances by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Margo Price, The Honeydogs and Good for Gary.
Sunday turns attention toward Indigenous Peoples Day at the State Fair, the Guthrie Theater’s free 20th-anniversary open house, the Miles for Melanoma 5K, Minnesota Twins and Saint Paul Saints games, park markets, nature programs and the State Fair Grandstand pairing of Sierra Ferrell and Tanya Tucker.
This is the updated edition of MinneapoliMedia’s August 28 through August 30 Weekend Guide. All expired Friday listings have been removed. Events remaining on Saturday and Sunday have been retained and reorganized.
Schedules, weather conditions and ticket availability can change. Readers should consult the linked organizer before traveling.
WEEKEND WEATHER
Showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected during the morning. Conditions should become humid with periods of clouds and sunshine later in the day.
The projected high is approximately 79 degrees, with an overnight low near 67.
Visitors attending the State Fair, COSA Fest, the Saint Paul Get Down, outdoor concerts, markets or volunteer programs should monitor radar and organizer announcements. Rain gear may be useful, but thunderstorms require more caution than ordinary rain.
Anyone outdoors should move into a substantial building or enclosed vehicle when thunder is heard.
Sunday is expected to be warmer and humid, with sunshine filtered through passing clouds. An afternoon thunderstorm may develop in parts of the metropolitan area.
The projected high is approximately 85 degrees, with an overnight low near 71.
State Fair visitors, athletes and people attending outdoor performances should carry water and use sun protection. Events may pause or change if lightning develops.
SATURDAY AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY AT A GLANCE
THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
The Great Minnesota Get-Together continues with livestock, agriculture, 4-H activities, food, rides, demonstrations, creative competitions and free entertainment throughout its 322-acre fairgrounds.
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and August 30
Gate admission: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fairgrounds: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mighty Midway: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Kidway: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue N., Falcon Heights
Admission: Adults ages 13 through 64, $20; seniors 65 and older, $18; children ages 5 through 12, $18; children 4 and younger, free
On-site parking: $25, subject to availability
Accessibility: Accessible entrances, parking, mobility-equipment rentals, assistive-listening services and sensory resources are available.
The State Fair recorded 155,185 visitors Thursday, establishing a new opening-day attendance record. Large weekend crowds should be expected.
Saturday is 4-H Day and Hubbard Hometown Day.
Visitors can explore 4-H animal competitions, exhibitions and performances throughout the livestock areas and 4-H Building. Hubbard Hometown Day programming at Dan Patch Park features locally operated radio stations, podcasts and other presentations.
The Grandstand presents Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound at 7 p.m.
Free evening entertainment includes:
Grandstand admission is separate from general fair admission.
Sunday is Indigenous Peoples Day at Dan Patch Park.
Programming celebrates Indigenous peoples’ connections to place and nature through language, culture, food and art under the theme Mitákuye Owás’iŋ, meaning “All My Relations.”
The Grandstand presents Sierra Ferrell: Heavy Petal Tour with special guest Tanya Tucker, part of The Current’s Music-On-A-Stick program, at 7 p.m.
Grandstand admission is separate from general fair admission.
Metro Transit State Fair Express buses operate from free park-and-ride facilities in Maple Grove, Blaine, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Bloomington and Cottage Grove.
Weekend service begins: 8 a.m.
Frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes
Last return bus: Midnight
Fare: $6 round trip with exact cash or $5 through the Metro Transit app
Children: Ages 4 and younger ride free
Accessibility: All Metro Transit State Fair Express buses are wheelchair accessible.
The Maple Grove location operates on weekends and Labor Day.
The METRO A Line also serves the fairgrounds along Snelling Avenue. Visitors should check real-time departure information because heavy State Fair and Allianz Field traffic may affect travel.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority provides State Fair service from Eagan, Burnsville and Shakopee. SouthWest Transit serves Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver.
State Fair Express information
NORTH METRO AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Cities of Service Alliance presents cultural performances, food, storytelling, vendors, family activities and community resources under the theme “Rooted in Healing, Growing in Unity.”
Health on the Go will provide back-to-school services during the festival.
When: Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park
Admission: Free
Health services: Available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Accessibility: Accommodation requests may be made at 763-424-8000 or access@brooklynpark.org.
Families can receive free backpacks, meals and community-resource information.
When: Saturday, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: 1063 Iglehart Avenue, Saint Paul
Admission: Free
MAJOR FESTIVALS AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s Highland Fling weekend celebrates Scottish heritage through music, dance, competitions, food, artisans, demonstrations and costumed entertainment.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weather: Rain or shine
Where: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard, Shakopee
Admission: Adults, $29.95; seniors, $27.95; children, $19.95; children 4 and younger, free
Parking: A pass is required. On-site parking costs $15 in advance or $30 on the day of attendance, subject to availability.
Park-and-ride: $6 round trip
Telephone: 952-445-7361
Accessibility: Visitors needing mobility or other accommodations should review the festival’s accessibility information before traveling.
Rain does not automatically cancel festival programming, but individual activities may change during severe weather.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Raspberry Island hosts an outdoor hip-hop and community-arts festival showcasing established performers and emerging Saint Paul artists ages 14 through 24.
The lineup includes Chali 2na, Cut Chemist, Juice Lord, Big Zach, Student 1, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Band and artists who spent the summer developing their work with mentors.
When: Saturday, 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Raspberry Island, Saint Paul
Admission: Free; the organizer encourages ticket reservations for the headliner program
Weather: Outdoor event
Collectors display muscle cars, antiques, street rods, exotic cars, specialty vehicles and vintage motorcycles.
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Show-car entry: 8 a.m.
Where: Chanhassen AutoPlex, 8150 Audubon Road, Chanhassen
Admission: Free
Audience: Family-friendly
FAMILY PROGRAMS AND NATURE
A naturalist leads visitors through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Theodore Wirth Park to identify birds by appearance and sound.
When: Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden parking lot
Admission: Free
Registration: Not required
What to bring: Binoculars, water and weather-appropriate clothing
A naturalist presents a short nature-centered story program for children and families.
When: Sunday, 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Admission: Free
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND VOLUNTEERING
The paddling event supports youth education and includes competitive racing and viewing opportunities for spectators.
When: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, Saint Paul
Registration: Consult the organizer
Audience: Family-friendly
Weather: Paddling activity may be delayed or modified during thunderstorms.
Participants gather for a tournament featuring the Scandinavian lawn game of kubb.
When: Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
Location: Confirm the tournament field through the Minneapolis Parks listing
Admission: Not specified
Registration: Consult the organizer
Volunteers assist with buckthorn removal and habitat restoration.
When: Saturday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
What to bring: Work gloves, closed-toe footwear and clothing suitable for vegetation and changing weather
Registration: Consult the organizer
Volunteers support habitat and park restoration near the Mississippi River.
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Registration: Consult the organizer
Volunteers assist with removing invasive buckthorn and restoring native habitat.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Registration: Consult the organizer
Minneapolis Parks weekend calendar
THEATER, FILM AND POPULAR CULTURE
The Guthrie celebrates two decades in its Mississippi River building with backstage tours, workshops, trivia, storytimes, a musical-theater singalong, food trucks and activities for children and adults.
When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Reservation: RSVP requested
Telephone: 612-377-2224
Accessibility: Accessible seating, assisted-listening devices and other patron accommodations are available.
The stage production continues with its remaining weekend matinee.
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul
Recommended age: 12 and older
Admission: Varies by seat
Telephone: 651-224-4222
The convention brings K-pop performances, fan programming, vendors, activities and a Saturday concert to downtown Saint Paul.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Two-day admission: Adults from $50 plus fees; children 11 and younger from $35 plus fees
One-day admission: Adults from $30 plus fees; children from $25 plus fees
Saturday concert: From $71 plus fees
Telephone: 651-265-4800
Parking: RiverCentre ramp and surrounding downtown facilities
Mixed Precipitation presents an outdoor production using a mobile stage in a public garden setting.
When: Sunday, 5 p.m.
Where: Garden of the Seasons, Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis
Admission: Suggested donation of $5 to $50; free for guests younger than 18
Reservation: Encouraged
Accessibility: ASL interpretation and amplified sound are scheduled.
The Parkway presents a late-night screening with a live shadow cast, costumes and audience participation.
When: Saturday, 11:30 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis
Admission: Confirm through the theater
Content: Mature themes and audience participation
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
The 90-minute tour examines Saint Paul’s architecture, social history and preservation questions along a 1.5-mile route.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.
Starting point: James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
Admission: Confirm through the Minnesota Historical Society
Accessibility: The route is generally accessible, although cobblestone streets and historic curbs may create difficulties.
The guided experience explores architectural details and portions of the State Capitol not normally included in a standard visit.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 3:15 p.m.
Length: 90 minutes
Where: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul
Admission: Confirm through the Minnesota Historical Society
Reservation: Recommended because capacity is limited.
LIVE MUSIC
When: Saturday, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Where: Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Admission: Prices vary
Telephone: 612-332-5299
When: Saturday; doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Where: Surly Festival Field, 520 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Age restriction: 18 and older
Admission: Prices vary
Weather: Rain or shine, although severe weather may affect the schedule.
First Avenue event information
When: Saturday; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Where: Fine Line, 318 North First Avenue, Minneapolis
Age restriction: 18 and older
Admission: Prices vary
First Avenue event information
When: Saturday; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Grand Casino Arena, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Admission: Prices vary
Admission: Free
Weather: Subject to delay or cancellation
COMEDY AND NIGHTLIFE
Michael Che records a televised comedy special at First Avenue.
Saturday performances: Confirm exact time and remaining ticket availability through the First Avenue calendar
Where: First Avenue, 701 North First Avenue, Minneapolis
Age restriction: 21 and older
Identification: Government-issued photo identification required
Seating: Primarily seated general admission
Important: Late arrivals may be denied admission because filming will be underway. Tickets purchased through unauthorized resellers will not be honored.
When: Saturday; doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Where: Laugh Camp at Camp Bar, 490 North Robert Street, Saint Paul
Admission: $29.75, including listed fees
Telephone: 866-687-8525
When: Saturday, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Where: House of Comedy, Mall of America, 408 East Broadway, Bloomington
Admission: Confirm through the venue
When: Sunday; doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Where: House of Comedy, Mall of America, 408 East Broadway, Bloomington
Admission: Confirm through the venue
SPORTS
The Twins continue their weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.
Saturday: 1:10 p.m.
Sunday: 1:10 p.m.
Where: Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis
Admission: Prices vary by game and seat
Saturday promotion: SpongeBob ticket package
Sunday promotion: Peanuts-themed programming
Transit: METRO Blue and Green lines serve Target Field.
Minnesota United hosts Orlando City in a Saturday evening cross-conference match.
Unified intrasquad match: Gates open at 2 p.m.; kickoff at 3 p.m. Free tickets are available separately. Reentry is required before the first-team match.
Pregame activities: 5 p.m.
Main gates: 6 p.m.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Allianz Field, 400 Snelling Avenue N., Saint Paul
Admission: Prices vary
Giveaway: The first 10,000 fans receive a limited-edition Minnesota United trucker hat.
Payment: Allianz Field is cashless.
Bag policy: Review the stadium’s clear-bag requirements before arriving.
Transit: The METRO Green Line and A Line serve the stadium area.
The State Fair is operating nearby, so congestion along Snelling Avenue and surrounding roads will be substantial.
Saturday: 6:37 p.m.
Sunday: 2:07 p.m.
Where: CHS Field, 360 Broadway Street, Saint Paul
Admission: Prices vary
Telephone: 651-644-3517
TCO Stadium hosts two Premier Lacrosse League playoff games.
When: Saturday
Denver Outlaws vs. California Redwoods: 5 p.m.
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Boston Cannons: 7:30 p.m.
Where: TCO Stadium, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan
Admission: Single-session tickets begin at $35, plus applicable fees
The event raises awareness and financial support for melanoma research, education and patient programs.
When: Sunday
Site opens: 7:30 a.m.
Opening program: 8:30 a.m.
Race: 9 a.m.
Closing program: 10 a.m.
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Boulevard, Saint Paul
Registration: Prices vary through the registration portal
MARKETS AND SHOPPING
When: Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
Location: Confirm through the Minneapolis Parks event listing
Admission: Not specified
When: Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m.
Where: Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
When: Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 312 East Lyndale Avenue N., Minneapolis
Admission: Free
When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 750 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Telephone: 612-341-7580
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 2225 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
Admission: Free
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Outdoor market: 290 East Fifth Street, Saint Paul
Indoor market: 308 Prince Street, Saint Paul
Free parking: 420 Prince Street, subject to capacity
Admission: Free
MUSEUMS AND LAST-CHANCE EXHIBITIONS
Visitors can explore the permanent collection and exhibitions including Take the Picture!, Immigrants and work by Ziba Rajabi.
Where: 2400 Third Avenue S., Minneapolis
General admission: Free
Special exhibitions: Separate admission may apply
Telephone: 888-642-2787
Weekend hours: Confirm through the museum’s calendar before traveling.
Sunday is the scheduled closing day for exhibitions featuring Christine Sun Kim and the Sculpture Court presentation.
Skyline Mini Golf continues, subject to weather and ticket availability.
Where: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis
Admission: Varies by exhibition and activity
Accessibility: Accessible entrances and visitor accommodations are available.
TRAVEL AND PLANNING ALERTS
The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota United match will bring substantial traffic to the Snelling Avenue corridor Saturday.
Visitors should expect delays along Snelling Avenue, Como Avenue, University Avenue and Interstate 94.
Park-and-ride service or regular transit may be more dependable than attempting to park near the fairgrounds or Allianz Field.
Jackson Street between Seventh Street and Seventh Place is scheduled to close to all traffic Saturday and Sunday.
Other continuing restrictions include:
Downtown Saint Paul will also be busy with KPOP MINNECON, Saints baseball, the Grand Casino Arena concert, the Saint Paul Get Down and Sunday’s Miles for Melanoma event.
Visitors should allow additional time and reserve parking where possible.
Saint Paul construction information
Highway 169 at 109th Avenue near the Brooklyn Park and Champlin border was scheduled to remain closed until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Early-morning drivers should follow posted detours and verify that the roadway has reopened before relying on the route.
Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon may bring thunderstorms.
Outdoor organizers may delay, relocate or cancel programming. Visitors should check official updates before leaving home.
Do not remain in open fields, on the water, beneath isolated trees or near temporary metal structures when lightning is present.
Confirm:
STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA
The Twin Cities Weekend Guide helps readers discover meaningful ways to experience Minneapolis, Saint Paul, the North Metro and surrounding communities.
Attend a neighborhood gathering. Support an artist. Meet a farmer. Visit a market. Cheer for a local team. Volunteer in a park. Welcome someone experiencing Minnesota for the first time.
Wherever the remaining weekend takes you, travel safely, respect event workers and fellow guests, prepare for changing weather and carry Minnesota kindness with you.
Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia for independent news, community reporting and verified guides from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.
SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe
MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life