The end of July is bringing serious heat to the Twin Cities, and we are not just talking about the temperature. Minneapolis is exploding with activity as the legendary Aquatennial celebration reaches its grand finale. If you have been waiting all summer for parades and fireworks lighting up the skyline, this is your moment. The festivities run through Saturday and offer the perfect backdrop for a night out. Meanwhile, at Target Field, the Twins are hosting the Washington Nationals. Friday features a laser show, while Saturday offers a jersey giveaway. It is a packed schedule that ensures the city will be buzzing with energy all weekend.
For those who prefer browsing unique creations over baseball games, the Loring Park Art Festival is a must visit. Running Saturday and Sunday, this event fills one of our most beautiful parks with incredible art, food, and entertainment. It is free to attend and offers a relaxing way to spend your afternoon. If you are hunting for vintage treasures instead, make your way to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday for ThriftCon. With over one hundred sellers showcasing vintage clothing and home goods, it is a paradise for collectors. Just remember that while kids get in free, adult tickets are twenty dollars at the door. It is a great chance to find that one of a kind piece that nobody else will have.
If you are looking for family friendly fun in the suburbs, the West End of St. Louis Park is transforming into a vibrant canvas. The W.E. Chalk Festival returns this weekend, featuring nearly twenty local and national artists creating stunning masterpieces right on the pavement. It is free to attend and includes plenty of food trucks to keep everyone fed. For a more magical evening, head over to Phalen Park in St. Paul on Saturday night for the Water Lantern Festival. Watching thousands of personalized lanterns illuminate the water at sunset is truly an unforgettable experience. Before you head out, you might want to try this easy family recipe for a quick dinner so you have plenty of time to enjoy the lights.
