experience standout festivals From vibrant art crawls to cultural celebrations, these gatherings offer a dynamic snapshot of life in Minnesota. Mark your calendars for these major annual events that bring people together. ART-A-WHIRL Mid May 2026 Art-A-Whirl in northeast Minneapolis is the nation's largest open studio tour. This free event lets you explore private artist studios and galleries, connect with hundreds of local artists and purchase original artwork across various mediums. Minneapolis Pride Festival Credit: James Perovich @MNCommunity Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis TWIN CITIES PRIDE Late June The nation’s third largest free pride festival takes place in Loring Park every June. The family-friendly celebration features multiple vendors, events and stages. The fun kicks off with the Pride Beer Dabbler on Friday evening, where you can sample 60+ local craft beers and ciders. At the main festival on Saturday and Sunday, expect to see drag queens and kings strutting their stuff, live performers, food courts, and local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ vendors. MINNESOTA STATE FAIR Late August through Labor Day America’s largest state fair by average daily attendance, the beloved Minnesota State Fair brings rides and a full cultural experience to St. Paul each summer. Admire food-based art, gaze at baby farm animals, indulge in glorious Fair food and sip beer from local breweries. Performers take the stage all day long, and every night wraps with a big show at the Grandstand, featuring national touring acts. Cinco de Mayo Parade in Saint Paul Credit: Visit Saint Paul OKTOBERFEST First two full weekends in October 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 first two full weekends in October. New Ulm is also home to Schell’s Brewery, America’s second oldest family-owned brewery, which hosts an Oktoberfest of its own at its park-like campus. 62 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 62
