Summer Fun 2014

It's that time of year again! There are so many things to do in our beautiful city over the summer and so many of them are FREE! I need a place to keep track of them all, and a blog post seemed like the natural place to write it all down and SHARE it, too!!

Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Park:
There are free concerts and movies in the park EVERY night in Minneapolis all summer. The inflatable mobile movie screen makes an appearance at a different park each night. Bring your picnic blankets and/or lawn chairs, snacks, drinks, and bug repellent! We tend to go early to appreciate the playgrounds, pools, splash pads or large fields for flying kites! Lots of kids come in pajamas with their pillows for an easy transition to bed once the movie is over.

Nine Nights of Music:
Tuesdays, July 1st-August 26th. Dance instruction by the Tapestry Folkdance Center begins at 6:30pm. Concerts are from 7-8:30pm. Each night features a different culture and style of music.

Ordway's Summer Dance Series:
Offers free dance lessons and live music at Rice Park in St. Paul on Thursdays June 19th-July 24th. Lessons at 6pm, Music at 7:15pm.

Cromulent Shakespeare Company:
Presents free performances of The Comedy of Errors in various parks around Minneapolis and St. Paul throughout the month of June.

Minnesota Orchestra:
Presenting Symphony for the Cities June 30th in Hudson, WI and July 1st in Plymouth, MN. These are free evening outdoor concerts! 

The Medalist Concert Band:
A group of 70 volunteer musicians from around the Twin Cities offer free concerts at various locations in June and July (including Como Pavilion, Lake Harriet Bandshell, and Centennial Lakes Amphitheater). We have a friend playing in this one! 

MN State Fair Non Fair Events Calendar:
Check out the Non Fair Events Calendar and find horse shows, pet a palooza, car shows, book sales, jewelry shows, train shows, beer events, etc, etc, etc... all year round.  (Note: some of these events are NOT free.)

Como Park Groovin' In the Gardens:
A free outdoor concert series at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory every Wednesday June 18th-August 6th 6-8pm. Entertainment includes, not just music, but a climbing wall, bounce house & lawn games!

Three Rivers Park District:
Visit a nature center! The Three Rivers Park District nature centers are phenomenal! Offering both indoor and outdoor exploration, for any kind of weather, these are some of our favorite places to get out of the city hubbub.

MN State Parks:
Check out the MN State Parks calendar of summer events! Most of the events are free, and there are a variety of parks within reasonable driving distance of the Twin Cities.