Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a bustling city with a thriving events scene. There are plenty of events happening every day, catering to people of all ages and interests. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a sports enthusiast, Saint Paul has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something to do today, why not explore the many exciting Saint Paul events happening around the city? From festivals and live performances to family-friendly events and sporting games, the options are endless.
Key Takeaways:
- Saint Paul offers a diverse range of events for all age groups.
- There are many festivals that celebrate the city’s rich culture and heritage.
- The live performance scene in Saint Paul covers a range of genres.
- There are plenty of family-friendly events suitable for children.
- Saint Paul has a thriving sports scene with professional teams and exciting venues.
- The city has a robust art and cultural exhibition scene worth exploring.
- Food and drink festivals allow visitors to sample local flavors and specialties.
- Community events and celebrations bring people together in Saint Paul.
- There are plenty of unique and offbeat events that showcase the city’s creativity.
- Educational events and workshops are available for personal and professional development.
- Music and arts festivals showcase the city’s vibrant creative scene.
Festivals Celebrating Saint Paul’s Rich Culture
Experience the vibrant festival scene in Saint Paul and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the Saint Paul Winter Carnival to the Rondo Days Festival, there is always a celebration happening in the city.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is one of the city’s most iconic events. This annual celebration takes place over 10 days in January and features a variety of winter-themed activities, including ice carving, snow sculpting, and ice skating. The festivities culminate in a magnificent torchlight parade and fireworks show.
Rondo Days Festival
The Rondo Days Festival is a celebration of the historic Rondo neighborhood, which was once the heart of Saint Paul’s African American community. This annual festival features live music, food vendors, and a parade, as well as a variety of educational and cultural events.
| Festival | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hmong New Year | November | A celebration of Hmong culture featuring traditional music, dance, and food. |
| Cinco de Mayo Festival | May | A celebration of Mexican heritage with live music, food, and crafts. |
| Irish Fair of Minnesota | August | A celebration of Irish culture featuring live music, dance, and traditional Irish food and drinks. |
Experience the lively and colorful festivals celebrating Saint Paul’s unique culture and heritage. You won’t be disappointed!
Live Performances and Concerts in Saint Paul
Saint Paul offers a thriving live performance scene, catering to a range of genres that includes music, theater, and dance. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, there are plenty of options available to enjoy live entertainment.
The Xcel Energy Center is a popular destination for music lovers, hosting both local and international artists and bands. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is also a must-visit venue, featuring a variety of productions by talented actors and singers.
For those who love dance, the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts is a highly recommended destination. This venue highlights a range of contemporary and classical dance performances by regional and world-renowned companies and artists.
If you’re interested in theater productions, the Park Square Theatre is an excellent choice. They offer shows for both kids and adults, including Broadway-style productions and works by emerging playwrights.
Additionally, the Fitzgerald Theater is a historic venue in Saint Paul that has hosted many popular radio shows, as well as live music performances and comedy shows. You never know what you might find at this unique and charming venue.
Family-Friendly Events in Saint Paul
Saint Paul offers a host of exciting events suitable for families with children of all ages. From interactive exhibits to fun-filled festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a great destination for families. Kids can explore the interactive exhibits and learn about science and technology in fun and engaging ways. With a constantly changing line-up of exhibits, there’s always something new to discover.
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular events in Saint Paul. Families can enjoy a wide variety of food, live entertainment, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits. There are also plenty of activities for kids, including a petting zoo and a giant slide. Held annually in late August and early September, the fair is a must-visit for families in Saint Paul.
Sporting Events in Saint Paul
For sports enthusiasts, Saint Paul offers a range of exciting events throughout the year. The city is home to professional teams like the Minnesota Wild, a National Hockey League team, and the Minnesota United FC, a Major League Soccer franchise. Attending a game at venues like the Allianz Field and the CHS Field is an unforgettable experience.
In addition to professional sports, Saint Paul also hosts a variety of amateur and youth sporting events. The city’s parks and recreation department offers a range of activities, including basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis.
Art and Cultural Exhibitions in Saint Paul
Saint Paul is a hub for art and culture, with a variety of museums and galleries hosting ongoing and temporary exhibitions.
The Minnesota History Center is a must-visit for history buffs, with exhibits showcasing the state’s past and present. Another popular museum is the Saint Paul Art Crawl, an event that takes place twice a year and features local artists displaying their work.
For contemporary art, head to the Walker Art Center, which has a collection of over 13,000 pieces and hosts exhibitions featuring some of the most renowned artists in the world. A unique experience can be found at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, where visitors can ride vintage streetcars while learning about the history of the Twin Cities.
Special Exhibitions
There are also special exhibitions that take place throughout the year in Saint Paul. The Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center is a popular outdoor display, featuring over 40 sculptures including the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry.”
The Science Museum of Minnesota hosts interactive exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs to space exploration. Another unique experience can be found at the Gangster Tour, a guided tour that explores the city’s Prohibition-era history.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Minnesota State Fair has a variety of exhibits showcasing everything from agriculture to local arts and crafts.
Food and Drink Festivals in Saint Paul
If you’re a foodie or a beverage enthusiast, you’ll love the variety of food and drink festivals on offer in Saint Paul. These events celebrate the city’s unique flavors and culinary heritage, showcasing everything from local craft beers to international delicacies.
Some of the top food and drink festivals in Saint Paul include:
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Cities Oktoberfest | September | A celebration of German culture, featuring a beer garden, live music, and traditional foods like bratwurst and pretzels. |
| Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience | November | An opportunity to sample delicious foods and wines from some of the top restaurants and wineries in the region. |
| Saint Paul Summer Beer Fest | June | A beer lover’s paradise, with over 100 breweries showcasing their best brews in a beautiful outdoor setting. |
| Minnesota State Fair | August-September | The state’s largest annual event, featuring hundreds of food vendors offering everything from classic corn dogs to trendy deep-fried treats. |
These festivals are perfect for trying something new, discovering local favorites, and indulging in your favorite foods and drinks. Be sure to bring your appetite!
Community Events and Celebrations
Saint Paul has a strong sense of community, and there are plenty of events and celebrations that bring residents together to celebrate. From parades to neighborhood gatherings, there are numerous opportunities to meet new people and get involved in local activities.
Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is one of the city’s most beloved traditions, dating back to 1886. The event features a multitude of activities, including ice carving, snow sculptures, and ice skating. Attendees can also enjoy live music, parades, and fireworks throughout the festival.
Grand Old Day
Started in 1973, Grand Old Day is a festival that celebrates the start of summer in Saint Paul. It features a parade, live music, food vendors, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. The festival takes place in the Grand Avenue neighborhood and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Twin Cities Pride Festival
Saint Paul is known for being a welcoming and inclusive city, and the Twin Cities Pride Festival celebrates that spirit. The festival includes a parade, live music, food vendors, and exhibits from local LGBTQ+ organizations. It is a chance for everyone in the community to come together and celebrate diversity.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival Klondike Kate
Each year during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a new Klondike Kate is crowned. The Klondike Kate is a local celebrity who represents the spirit of the festival and participates in various events throughout the week. The coronation of Klondike Kate is a must-see event for anyone attending the Winter Carnival.
These are just a few examples of the many community events and celebrations that take place in Saint Paul. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, there is always something new to discover in this vibrant city.
Unique and Offbeat Events in Saint Paul
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Saint Paul has a variety of unique and offbeat events that are sure to catch your interest.
One such event is the Red Bull Flugtag, where teams design and launch homemade flying machines off a pier into the Mississippi River. It’s a hilarious and entertaining spectacle that draws crowds every year.
If you’re a fan of independent cinema, be sure to check out the Saint Paul Frozen Film Festival. This event showcases short films and documentaries from around the world, with a focus on works that celebrate winter and cold weather.
Another interesting event is the Saint Paul Art Crawl, which takes place twice a year and features hundreds of local artists displaying their work in galleries and studios throughout the city.
“Saint Paul is a city that embraces creativity and individuality, and these unique events are a reflection of that spirit.” – Saint Paul resident and event enthusiast
Whether you’re into flying machines, indie cinema, or local art, there’s something for everyone in Saint Paul’s unique and offbeat event scene.
Educational and Workshops in Saint Paul
Saint Paul provides an array of educational events and workshops, covering diverse topics like arts and sciences, culinary and professional development.
| Organization | Topic | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| MinneAnalytics | Analytics and Data Science | University of St. Thomas – Saint Paul |
| Northern Clay Center | Pottery workshops | Northern Clay Center |
| Science Museum of Minnesota | Science and Technology | Science Museum of Minnesota |
The University of St. Thomas – Saint Paul hosts several workshops throughout the year, including analytics and data science. The Northern Clay Center provides opportunities for pottery workshops, while the Science Museum of Minnesota conducts science and technology workshops. These educational events cater to all ages and are perfect for individuals seeking to acquire new knowledge and skills.
The Benefits of Workshops
Workshops are an excellent way to learn a new skill or improve your knowledge. Here are some benefits of attending workshops:
- Gain new skills and knowledge
- Boost your creativity and inspiration
- Network with like-minded individuals
- Learn from experts and industry leaders
“I loved attending the creative writing workshops at The Loft Literary Center. The classes were interactive, engaging and helped me refine my writing skills. I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to learn the art of storytelling!” – Marie G.
As demonstrated by Marie G., workshops provide an avenue for individuals to learn, grow and connect with others.
Music and Arts Festivals in Saint Paul
Saint Paul isn’t just home to great concert venues and cultural institutions, it also hosts a number of vibrant music and arts festivals throughout the year. These events showcase local and international talent and offer a chance to experience the city’s creative scene in a fun and engaging way. Here are some annual festivals you won’t want to miss:
| Festival Name | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Soundset Festival | One of the largest hip-hop festivals in the country, featuring performances from top artists in the genre. | May |
| Lowertown Blues and Funk Fest | A two-day festival featuring blues and funk music from Minnesota and beyond. | July |
| Saint Paul Art Crawl | A three-day event featuring open studios, galleries, and other art spaces throughout the city. | April and October |
| The Irish Fair of Minnesota | A celebration of Irish culture featuring music, food, and dance. | August |
These are just a few of the many music and arts festivals that take place in Saint Paul throughout the year. From jazz and blues to theater and dance, there’s always something happening in the city’s vibrant creative scene.
Conclusion
Saint Paul is a vibrant city with an exciting culture that can be experienced through its many events and festivals. From music and arts festivals to family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a local or a visitor, take the time to explore what Saint Paul has to offer and participate in the many events available today.
FAQ
Q: Are there any family-friendly events in Saint Paul?
A: Yes, Saint Paul offers a wide range of family-friendly events and activities. You can visit interactive exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota or attend the Minnesota State Fair, which has something for everyone in the family.
Q: What sporting events can I attend in Saint Paul?
A: Saint Paul is home to professional sports teams like the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota United FC. You can enjoy the excitement of attending a game at venues like the Allianz Field and the CHS Field.
Q: Where can I find art and cultural exhibitions in Saint Paul?
A: Saint Paul has a diverse range of art and cultural exhibitions. You can visit museums like the Minnesota History Center and the Walker Art Center to explore the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Q: Are there any food and drink festivals in Saint Paul?
A: Yes, Saint Paul is known for its culinary scene and hosts various food and drink festivals throughout the year. You can experience local flavors and specialties at events like the Twin Cities Oktoberfest and the Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience.
Q: What community events and celebrations can I attend in Saint Paul?
A: Saint Paul has a strong sense of community, and there are numerous events and celebrations that bring people together. You can enjoy parades, neighborhood gatherings, and cultural celebrations that showcase the city’s diversity and unity.
Q: Are there any unique and offbeat events in Saint Paul?
A: Absolutely! Saint Paul offers unique and quirky events that highlight the city’s personality and creativity. You can experience events like the Red Bull Flugtag and the Saint Paul Frozen Film Festival, which provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Q: What educational events and workshops are available in Saint Paul?
A: Saint Paul provides various educational events and workshops on a range of topics. Whether you’re interested in arts, sciences, or professional development, you can find organizations and venues that offer enriching learning opportunities.
Q: Are there any music and arts festivals in Saint Paul?
A: Absolutely! Saint Paul is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, and there are several festivals that showcase local talent. You can attend events like the Soundset Festival and the Lowertown Blues and Funk Fest to immerse yourself in the city’s creative energy.
