ARTS & CULTURE The Black Market Credit: Dan Collison Oktoberfest at Schell’s Brewery restaurants and small businesses. At The Black Market, a monthly market in Minneapolis-St. Paul, you can eat, shop, enjoy live entertainment and learn about the services and products available from the thriving Black community while boosting Black economics. in October. New Ulm is also home to Schell’s Brewery, the second oldest family-owned brewery in the country, which hosts an Octoberfest of its own at its park-like campus. soccer, volleyball and games such as sepak takraw (kind of a cross between volleyball and soccer). THAI TRADITIONS In May, the Minnesota Songkran Festival celebrates Thai New Year, drawing thousands to experience Thai culture. The Festival is typically held on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul. Held every four weeks from late June to mid-August, Thai Sunday Market in St. Louis Park evokes the vibrant markets of Thailand and Southeast Asia and features local Thai street foods, souvenirs and live music. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE HMONG TRADITIONS Traditional dance, music and crafts draw thousands to Hmong New Year festivities the weekend after Thanksgiving at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. In July, St. Paul hosts the Hmong International Freedom Festival , considered the Olympics of the Hmong American community, at Como Park. Athletes compete in GERMAN MERRYMAKING Ranked by Fodor’s Travel, USA Today and Travel + Leisure as one of the best in the nation, New Ulm’s Oktoberfest showcases authentic German food, music and beer during the fi rst two full weekends Twin Cities Pride LATE JUNE Twin Cities Pride is the nation’s third largest free pride festival. Taking place every June at Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis, it’s a massive, family-friendly celebration with multiple vendors, events and stages. The 53rd annual Twin Cities Pride Festival kicks off the same way it has for more than a decade: with the Friday evening Pride Beer Dabbler , where you can sample more than 65 local craft beers and ciders. The main festival on Saturday and Sunday features live music, food courts and local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ vendors. Expect to see drag queens and kings strutting their stuff, live bands and singers and inspiring dance numbers. Pride Beer Dabbler Credit: James Perovich, Meet Minneapolis For more info about Twin Cities Pride and LGBTQ+ travel ideas, visit exploreminnesota.com/travel-styles/lgbtq #ONLYIN MN | 47
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 47
