Twin Cities' June Events
Live Sports (Twins, Saints, Lynx, Aurora, Pro Golf)
Vital Haps This Week
Toadies, Local H, Vandoliers, Tue, June 2, First Avenue
A pair of gritty, muscular, old school rock acts that wouldn't be outta place in the mid-seventies. Both Toadies & Local H enjoyed a touch of mid-nineties chart magic, and parlayed that and their estimable live chops into a career. The Toadies are supporting The Charmer, one of producer Steve Albini's last efforts. Local H has the better catalog imo, sounding like Clutch with a Nirvana jones. Don't sleep on Texas country-punk openers, Vandoliers, who've opened for Lucero & Cory Branan.
My Antonia, June 2-july 12, Theatre Latte Da
This is a world premiere of an adaptation of the 1918 Willa Cather novel, about immigrant life on the Nebraska prairie. This commissioned adaptation was chosen because of its resonances with America's quarter-millennia celebration. The indie-folk score was by the Killbanes (who've previously scored hit musicals Weightless and The Code), with libretto by Noah Brody.
MIA After Dark, Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The latest iteration of this running, yet intermittent special dinner (next two are July and October), which features a one-time menu, served in the gallery with wine pairings and desert, and the ability to wander about the almost empty museum. This event's chef is Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai and Hola Arepa. After being nominated as a finalist for a James Beard Award in 2019 and 2020 and as a semifinalist in 2018 and 2023, Nguyen won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest for Hai Hai in 2024. This is a hot ticket and may already be gone.
Micah Schnabel, Vanessa Jean Speakman, Thur, June 4, Cloudland Theatre
Schnabel came to attention leading sharing lead of Columbus, OH punk-country institution Two Cow Garage that felt like a poor man's Drive-By Truckers for seven albums before imploding in 2017. His latest, The Degradation features tourmate Vanessa Jean Speakman and leans into crunchy story-songs like Hamell on Trial on ragged roar.
Joseph Arthur, Abe Partridge, Saturday, June 6, Cedar Cultural Center
Akron's Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel, and a similar sense of exploration and experimentalism as his initial benefactor has propelled his career. While at heart a strummy songwriter, he was a boss bassist first, and his arrangments are rich without being busy. Has toyed with big orchestration, world music and has always followed his muse assiduously. He's known for great solo shows full of triggers and loops, frequent collaborations (Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison, Peter Buck) and, my favorite, painting a picture while singing a song. An artist in every sense. Don't miss Partridge's prolix homespun paeans like a backwoods John Darnielle.
Grand Ole Days, Sun, June 7
The Midwest’s largest single day street festival celebrates its 54th year, the St. Paul fest has over 200,000 visitors across 30 blocks with over 150 food vendors, car show, family fun zone, a kids market, sporst & wellness zone, and five stages of live music including an Americana stage, and performances by the Plastic Constellations (!!!) and the Gully Boys.
Live Performance
Weekday
Toadies, Local H, Vandoliers, Tue, June 2, First Avenue
A pair of gritty, muscular, old school rock acts that wouldn't be outta place in the mid-seventies. Both Toadies & Local H enjoyed a touch of mid-nineties chart magic, and parlayed that and their estimable live chops into a career. The Toadies are supporting The Charmer, one of producer Steve Albini's last efforts. Local H has the better catalog imo, sounding like Clutch with a Nirvana jones. Don't sleep on Texas country-punk openers, Vandoliers, who've opened for Lucero & Cory Branan.
Cruvell Album Release, Wed, June 3, 7th St Entry
Local dance duo Cruvell "are a collaboration between producer James Patrick and visual artist Jade Patrick" and after a number of house/bass-laden singles are celebrating the release of their 17-track debut, Crushed Velvet For Your Ears.
Alice Bag Band, Clickbait, Buio Omega, Wed, June 3, Cloudland
Alicia Armendariz (aka Alice Bag) founded OG L.A. punk band the Bags. Though they'd flamed out, Armendariz continued to write and make music, releasing her eponymous solo debut in 2016 and two more before the pandemic. It possesses chunky first wave LA punk strut and biting wit like "No Gifts for Nazis."
Micah Schnabel, Vanessa Jean Speakman, Thur, June 4, Cloudland Theatre
Schnabel came to attention leading sharing lead of Columbus, OH punk-country institution Two Cow Garage that felt like a poor man's Drive-By Truckers for seven albums before imploding in 2017. His latest, The Degradation features tourmate Vanessa Jean Speakman and leans into crunchy story-songs like Hamell on Trial on ragged roar.
Augustana, Phantom Planet, Thur, June 4, Varsity Theatre
Any longer Augustana is the band surrounding Daniel Layus, who formed the Santa Ana act in 2002. They scored a hit with "Boston" off their second album/major label debut. Soaring emo-ish keyboard-laden mid-tempo rock. Phantom Planet, was mostly known for writing the them to the night soap, the O.C., and as actor/drummer Jason Schwartzman's (Rushmore) side-gig (until departure in 2003). In 2020 they reunited for their first album in 12 years, Devastator, whose dark rock (a poor man's Pinkerton) intrigues more than mainstream acts for whom they typically open.
Tommy Stinson, Karla Rose, Al Church Band, Wed, June 10, Turf Club (Thur, 6/11, Mineral Springs Brewery, Owatonna)
The teenage delinquent bassist of the Twin Cities' beloved Replacements, Stinson is an punk/rock original whose material (solo, Bash & Pop, Perfect) has that "ne'er-do-well, well who gives AF" attitude in spades. (Also, from personal experience, a first-class act.)
Inara George, Wed. June 10, Dakota
The daughter of Little Feat's Lowell George purveys pretty, torch indie/folk-pop redolent of jazzy atmosphere and shoegaze shimmer as a solo artist, after beginning in rock acts Lode and Merrick in the late '90s/early '00s. She teamed with 9-time Grammy award winning producer/musician Greg Kurstin on The Bird and the Bee, though for me her best is her 2008 collaboration with Van Dyke Parks (Beach Boys' SMILE), the delicious An Invitation. Her latest reinterprets the music of longtime friends, composer Eliot Douglass and lyricist Philip Littell.
Titus Andronicus, Thur, June 11, Turf Club
New Jersey's Titus Andronicus premiered with 2008's Airing of Grievances, immediately garnering attention for the thundering gallop of guitars and literate lyrics, recalling the passionate (personal) political intensity of Hüsker Dü. The band's evolved, stripping things back (Local Business) exploring their own psychology (Most Lamentable Tragedy), and dipping into ballads (A Productive Cough) before returning to basics for 2019's Obelisk, then responded with the personal Will To Live after the death of keyboardist and lead singer Pat Stickles best friend Matt Miller at 34 in 2021. The new tour promises two hours of hits, no filler.
Heavy Metal Brass Band, Thur, June 11, Belvedere at Crooners
Some things, (like "Wiley Coyote v. Acme Corporation, a Legal Brief" by Ian Frazier) are such good ideas thy won't be denied. (The movie hits theaters August 28.) The same idea holds for combining the bombast of metal with the chest-quaking rumble of a brass band. Led by local multi-instumentalist Shane Cox, the 12-piece act released their eponymous debut album last year, and it's great fun.
Too Champagne album release, Cha Cha 9, Palm Stone, Thur, June 11, Cloudland
Local dreamy, indie folk/Casio-pop act is the brainchild of Calvin Keyes. They're celebrating the release of second album, The Sun is Nice.
Bob Log, Sun. June 14, 7th Street Entry
What's not to love about a man in motorcycle helmet and jumpsuit like Evel Knievel playing gutbucket electric slide guitar blues with his hands and pounding out a beat with feet? What if I told you he wrote a song called, "I want your shit on my leg," or scotch with a boob sidecar? I'd tell you he's one of a kind, but what have I been saying?
Mavis Staples, Lucius, Tue-Wed, June 16-17, Ordway
Speaking of one of a kind. Oh my lord. Anyone I've talked to who's interviewed Queen Staples has testified to her charm and spunk. I've interviewed maybe a thousand musicians and even if it were a million, I doubt I'd find five to top her. If you don't already know the Staple Singers, get ye to a streamer and "I'll Take You There." Her own catalog is stacked as well. Indie pop quartet Lucius is supporting their fifth album and eponymous major label debut.
Deer Tick, Wed, June 17, Fine Line
Though rock died, not all of its fingers and limbs were notified. Rhode Island's Deer Tick started in 2004 in the wake of the Americana bloomlet and offered a shuffling slacker alt-folktry blending the 'Mats, Springsteen, Prine, Zevon and Nirvana (McCauley even joined the three remaining members in '18), that's evolved into a regular rock mutt. The latest, Coin-O-Matic, channels some of their state's mafia lore.
Rodney Crowell, Wed, June 17, Dakota
What a Wednesday night! Crowell is a bridge between the Flying Burrito Brothers and what we called alt-country, working all along the pillars of Americana. Crowell cut his teeth as a guitarist in Emmylou Harris' Hot Band alongside future MCA country svengali Tony Brown. Despite his success with Strait, Reba and others, Brown could never break Crowell, and he left for Columbia where he finally found success in the late 80s, passed out of fashion, then was rediscovered in the aughts as the kind of flinty but clear-eyed country for which mentor/friend Guy Clark was famous came back to the fore. Man's a true legend as both a songwriter and performer.
The Motet, Thurs, June 18, Fine Line
This Denver funk sextet is 28 years and 9 albums strong, speaking both the the durability of their sound and the audience. The energetic dance party vibe leans toward the jazz-funk side thought there other elements of the jam world (world, pop, rock) filter through. They've largely done it on their own without a large label which speaks to strong grassroots support.
Cootie Catcher, Chutes, Sandpaper, Sun June 21, Cloudland
The catchy clamorous nature of Toronto indie pop quartet Cootie Catcher's sound suggests Deerhoof on narcotics. Dreamy but addled, with a mumblecore vocal vibe like Slumberland crossed maybe with K Records? They're supporting third album, Something We All Got. Locals Chutes and Sandpaper open.
Dave Matthews, Tue, June 23, Mystic Lake
It feels weird to write about Dave Matthews inasmuch as he was inescapable for such a stretch that I just assumed he ascended to another state of being when I stopped hearing about him. He released seven straight (mostly) multi-platinum albums of folky frat boy jam-rock in a dozen years, then after the only gold-selling (but still #1) Away from the World, disappeared until 2018's Come Tomorrow, which didn't even go gold (but still #1), and 2023's Walk Around the Moon didn't go to #1. So I guess the evil spell has lifted!?!
Lionel Richie & Earth Wind & Fire, Wed, June 23, Grand Casino, St. Paul
The 26-city tour kicks off in the Twin Cities, with EWF benefiting from a new documentary. EWF blend pan-global funk party was trailblazing. The tour is "Produced by Live Nation" which means IDK WTF, given Richie has sold 125 million albums worldwide without their help. He's fine - which is to say he wrote dozens of huge hits with the Commodores and solo, dueted with Diana Ross on "Endless Love" and wrote Kenny Rogers' hit "Lady." I'm a content guy myself, and imo that is some epically sad melodramatic romantic pap of the type Chuck D called Sex for Profit.
Kim Gordon, Fiery Furnaces, Wed, June 24, First Avenue
There isn't much appealing to me in Kim Gordon's solo oeuvre. If you didn't know she was in Sonic Youth you would probably glide by. No shame in that. But the fuxxed-up throb and her flat effect delivery leave me Vanilla Ice. Brooklyn siblings Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger (and band), Fiery Furnaces OTOH are a lot of fun. There's an innocent K Records kinda charm alongside the swaying indie pop organ thrum. Eleanor struck out solo in 2011 and the Furnaces released their first album in 15 years in 2024, Stuck in My Head.
The Moth: American Dreams (Storytellers), Thurs, June 25, Ordway
The NYC Based non-profit has been promoting storytelling more nearly thirty years, from story-slams, podcasts, books, and even an interactive card game. For this edition of American Dreams, they bring back popular storytellers in an evening that combines old stories with new, featuring Jackie Andrews, Alistair Bane, John Paul Brammer, George Sumner, and Renita Walls, with host Jon Goode.
Kurt Vile and the Violators, Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, Sun, June 28, the Palace
Vile's pretty strummy folk-psych's meandering charm has a Nick Drake not-of-this-world vibe. It's affectless, gently beguiling music that drifts like circling smoke, curling upward from a thick spliff. Was an early member of War on Drugs, has nine solo albums and maybe 20 EPs, a reflection of his relaxed, pretenseless attitude.
Wolfmother, Sun, June 28, First Avenue
Hard to believe it's been two decades since they burst onto the scene with thier revamped seventies British metal (Sabbath, Zeppelin) throwback self-titled album, which they're reprising for this tour. As revelatory as the Black Crowes' Shake Your Moneymaker, for similar reasons: It was shameless (in mining their influences). Elvis Costello talks about how they tried to sound like their heros, but it came out sounding like something else. In Wolfmother's case they never offered much more than a shadow on the wall. They're playing a club, not a stadium, and, TBF, that might bring out the grime rather than the volume, to their benefit.
Anders Osborne, Mon, June 29, the Dakota
Osborne is one of the real ones, a Swedish-born songwriter who grew up in New Orleans and has been chasing the dream since busking in the French Quarter, debuting on a small label at the age of 23. He's a nomad but the music's stayed true to a piercing slide guitar blues rock with indie rock indignance. Others have covered his songs, including Tim McGraw, making a hit of "Watch the Wind Blow By," and he's made an album and performed with kindred spirits, North Mississippi Allstars.
River/Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Andrew Sa, Tue, June 30, Parkway
Shook is my homie if she'll allow that affectation. From my one-time stomping ground in the triangle, Shook emerged in same sense as a forest fire. It was nigh undeniable if you were close to ground zero, even if that didn't carry word far at first. Her raw no-alibi whiskey-poisoned country-rock is savage as a backhand cross the face. Each new release has gotten sharper if not necessarily polished. They're supporting fourth album, 2024's Revelations.
Weekend
Killswitch Engage, Friday, June 5, Fillmore
Not really an extreme metal fan, but as a critic that's not always a refuge. Since forming in 1998 the Massachusetts melodic metalcore's always struck me richer and less cheesy than their compadres, reaching toward an ideal of symphonic angst. It's not subtle, but the breakdowns are tight and there's far more singing than growling.
Joseph Arthur, Abe Partridge, Saturday, June 6, Cedar Cultural Center
Akron's Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel, and a similar sense of exploration and experimentalism as his initial benefactor has propelled his career. While at heart a strummy songwriter, he was a boss bassist first, and his arrangments are rich without being busy. Has toyed with big orchestration, world music and has always followed his muse assiduously. He's known for great solo shows full of triggers and loops, frequent collaborations (Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison, Peter Buck) and, my favorite, painting a picture while singing a song. An artist in every sense. Don't miss Partridge's prolix homespun paeans like a backwoods John Darnielle.
Breakaway Music Festival, June 6-7, Allianz
I'm no dancefloor newb. I've interviewed Tiesto, Oakenfold, PVD, and Justice. But as those names might suggest, it's been 15-20 years since that was even on the fringe of my radar. So I'm not gonna front - I don't know this lineup. The reviews of last year's inaugural event were good, and obviously dance DJs are better suited to a traveling concert circuit than a bunch of bands. I support a broad music scene (without Nickelback).
Black Widows Album Release, Surly Grrly, Chick Singer, Sat, June 6, Cloudland
Local trio Black Widows boast spunky four-on-the-floor surf-punk rumble that veers into Blackhearted rock'n'roll. Though the band goes back a decade (Lee's!!!), this is their debut release, so please show them your love.
Alison Krauss and Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas, Fri, 6/12, Mystic Lake
Alison Krauss did her first recording at 14 and released her solo debut at 16 before joining Union Station in 1989. Of course it was T-Bone Burnett's production and the movie O' Brother Where Art Thou? that changed her life when it won the Grammy for Album of the Year. By then they'd already won several bluegrass grammies, but... Krauss, who has also teamed with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant on several of her solo albums, now has 27 Grammies, fourth behind Beyonce, Quincy Jones and classical conductor George Solti. Extraordinary performer with wide breadth of talent.
Thirsty Giants Album Release, Fri, June 12, Cloudland
Chunky raw-boned old school punk (Black Flag, Circle Jerks) with grease-trap garage clamor (Stooges, Dead Moon) fomented by the pandemic and blessed with profligacy, they've released a good handful of singles & EPs, but Escape the Junkyard is their first full-length release.
Trey Anastasio, Sat, June 13, Orpheum
The lead guitarist of Phish has graduated from jam band fringe to the center of the music universe. A tremendously skilled guitarist, he's expanded far beyond his original palette even as he was setting himself up as the heir to Jerry Garcia. He's written chamber music and for broadway, rock, jazz, funk, solo, collaborations. Not my thing honestly, but nothing but respect, and extraordinary musician.
John Gorka, Sat. June 13, Parkway
Gorka is hugely respected in the folk scene, but has always seemed aimed older, and always seemed a bit too seventies to rate with those who like their singer/songwriters woolier and more unwieldy/unruly. (Pour some out for Todd Snider.) He's got a great dulcet voice and an easy, burbling manner that echoes the folk era of James Taylor / Joni Mitchell.
Wallflowers, Sat, June 13, First Avenue
Speaking of epic albums that seemed to change the trajectory of music, Jakob Dylan's second album, but first for Interscope after Virgin dumped them, the T-Bone Burnett produced, Bringing Down the Horse, went quadruple platinum and spawned one of the most ubiquitous songs of the last 30 years, "One Headlight." Not only will they reprise their breakthrough disc, but Petty's disappointing fifth album, Long After Dark, whose later outtakes, outshone many of the originals.
Kronos Quartet, Thur-Fri, June 18-19, Dakota (live album recording)
This extraordinary act demonstrates the limitless possibilities of limits. A string quartet from San Francisco that formed in 1973 and has released 64 studio albums and allegedly have an over 600 song repertoire, they demonstrate how unnecessary vocals are to great music. They have adapted classical pieces and covered probably over a hundred popular songs. They will be at the Dakota for two nights recording a live album, so a good bit of it will undoubtedly be new.
Echo & the Bunnymen, Fri., June 19, The Fillmore
One of the big British neo romantic/new wave acts full of moody, misanthropic singers paired with extraordinary supple guitarists casting ringing six-string webs (though sometimes one in the same). Echo singer Ian McCulloch never chewed scenery like Morrissey or Robert Smith, letting Will Seargeant's oblique melodic guitar angles brush against his baritone croon. While they never attained the same level as the Cure, New Order, or the Smiths, to these ears the better balance (vocals/sonics) stands time's test better.
Futurebirds, Joelton Mayfield, Fri, June 19, Fine Line
Rootsy harmony laden atmospheric rock, reminiscent of Beachwood Sparks' Cosmic Country if they'd been more into Neil Young than the Byrds, which is to say it's a wider palette, in part due to the band's three songwriters. Besides the ambling pace and harmonies, the songs are very dynamic and well-constructed. The warm ringing melodicism also echoes neighbords the Elephant 6 collectirve.
David Cross, Fri-Sat, June 19-20, Acme Comedy Club
It's striking how Cross has managed strong acting and standup careers for three decades without falling to a schtick or repeating himself. He teamed for years with now one of our preeminent comedic actor/action stars Bob Odenkirk for cult fave Mr Show, and was the never-nude Tobias in Arrested Development. He has a very distinct stage persona like your smart neighbor/friend who believes he's your best friend, but let's you know the feeling's not reciprocated. Friendly enough but not to be trifled with. I want to know who would win a fight between Cross and Brian Posehn,
Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Sat-Sun, June 19-20, Various
It's the 25th Anniversary of Jazzfest, which has grown to be one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the world. Yes, you heard that right, all the shows are free. It features over 70 acts over two days, and each night concludes with a jam session at Zamboni's on 7th. There are too many acts to mention but want to note Michael Mayo with the JazzMN Orchestra, Sullivan Fortner Trio, Yogev Shetrit Trio, and legends the Yellowjackets, who are doing a very cool teaching workshop Friday afternoon.
Reverend Horton Heat, the Surfrajettes, Sat. June 20, Turf Club
He'd been playing for a while when he saw the Cramps, and was inspired. He was never in the gonzo/sci-fi freaky stuff, he realized a good live show and a punky energy could take him far and they played their asses off before they ever made a record, so they were not only tight but had a following. Heat's turned it into a career, almost against odds, and to my ears, has found a way to stay fresh working a oft-hackneyed backyard.
Secret Sisters, Liz Longley, Fri-Sat, June 26-27, Parkway
Alabama sisters Laura & Lydia grew up on country music and a capella church singing. Their harmonies are beautiful and they benefited from starting at a major with T-Bone Burnett producing their delightful self-titled album, and by their third album stepping down to New West Records, which could find their Americana audience easier. Their fourth, Brandi Carlile-produced album, 2020's Saturn Returns, caught fire critically, and 2024's Mind, Man, Medicine featured incisive writing about children and life changes.
Stanley Jordan, Fri, June 26, Dakota
An incredible techical and stylistic player who learned piano at six before moving to guitar at 11. He played with Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Carter while studying music theory at Princeton. His second album, 1985's Magic Touch, produced by Al DiMeola, went to #1 on the jazz charts and stayed there a record 51 weeks. He does hammer-ons instead of picking and plays the guitar almost like a keyboard. He's forged a long career, but I am not equipped to say if he made good on his early promise.
Stone Temple Pilots, Hoobastank, Black Stone Cherry, Fri, June 26-27, Treasure Island
The first day of a two-day festival is a throwback to the hieght/end of grunge. Stone Temple Pilots found their way without Scott Weiland since 2017 releasing two albums with Jeff Gutt. Though the first went well, the second largely acoustic 2020 album Perdida was something nobody asked for or wanted and they haven't released anything since. Hoobastank is just lucky Nickelback took the crown first. Black Stone Cherry is a better band than the company they keep, mostly cuz they don't try to be more than they are.
Theatre
Opening
Great Gatsby, June 2-7, Orpheum Theatre
The touring production leans heavily on its narrative gifts according to the Chicago Tribune's Chris Jones, failing to port all of the extensive spectacle from Broadway. It features Jake David Smith in the titular role, Senzel Ahmady as Daisy and Joshua Grosso as the narrator, Nick Carraway.
My Antonia, June 2-july 12, Theatre Latte Da
This is a world premiere of an adaptation of the 1918 Willa Cather novel, about immigrant life on the Nebraska prairie. This commissioned adaptation was chosen because of its resonances with America's quarter-millennia celebration. The indie-folk score was by the Killbanes (who've previously scored hit musicals Weightless and The Code), with libretto by Noah Brody.
Spamalot, June 10-14, Ordway
It's preciously difficult to go wrong with source material as strong as Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's perfectly irreverent and it's over-the-top characters well-suited to the stage. It's bawdy ribald fun, though the some reviews have complained about the triteness of the material - though that's never stopped Broadway before!!
Theatre, Ongoing
The Most Happy Fella, Ten Thousand Things, through June 7
This 1956 musical was adapted from the 1952 play They Knew What They Wanted, which was described as "the most ambitiously operatic works ever written for the Broadway theatre," put around a meet-cute romance between an old grape farmer and a mail order bride.
A Chorus Line, Park Square Theatre, through June 14
The classic 1975 story of life on the stage (but in the background) was a cultural phenomena in its time, and is still a crowd favorite for its Martin Hamlisch score.
Courting Henry, History Theatre, Through June 7
This fine Lee Blessing play focuses on the lifelong friendship of Supreme Court Justices Harry Blackmun and Warren Burger, who grew up together in St. Paul. Their years together on the court on opposite sides of questions soured their relationship.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Penumbra Theatre through June 21
This fine August Wilson play is set in 1911 Pittsburgh, where themes of identity and memory are bound up in African American's move North during the Great Migration. It centers on n Herald Loomis, recently freed from a seven-year enslavement by the bounty hunter Joe Turner.
Little Women (world premier adaptation), Guthrie, through June 21
Louis May Alcott's book has been adapted to the screen seven times, including twice in the past decade, so there's no dearth of thirst. This production centers on Jo's pursuit of her writing dream, though it's a coming of age drama for her sisters as well. Reviews were strong, including by this fan of the story.
Outdoor Music and Movies
The Fifth Element, Wed, June 10 @ 9pm, The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S, Mpls (Movies in the Parks)
NEIL! Martin Zellar’s tribute to Neil Diamond, Wed. June 17, Rhythm on the Rails
This 6-weeks long outdoor concert series runs every Wednesday evening from 6pm to 9pm in Lewis Square in downtown Shakopee. There are food and brew vendors as well as kid activities. Though the bands are all cover acts, the series kicks off with the terrific Martin Zellar, who first came to the Twin Cities with Austin, MN’s country-rockers Gear Daddies, building a reputation for their performances and Zellar’s easy, self-effacing charm.
GOAT, Thursday, June 18 @ 9:05pm, Creekview Park (Mpls) (Movies in the Parks)
Willy Wonka (1971), Tue, June 23 @ 9pm, Powderhorn Park (Mpls) (Movies in the Parks)
Flamin' Ohs, Chutes, Thurs, June 25 @ 6pm, Mears Park (Lowertown Sounds)
Formed in the early days of punk/new wave, the Flamin' Ohs were the Twin Cities' power pop act, originally known as Flamingo, and had a local hit in 1980's "I Remember Romance." They're catchy, upbeat rock. Supple indie rock sextet Chutes feels like a Midwest The National.
Wicked for Good, Friday, June 26 @ 9:05pm, Armatage Park (Mpls) (Movies in the Parks)
Art and Street Fairs
Spring Lake Park Tower Days, Thurs-Sat, June 4-6
The 50th anniversary community fest kicks off with parade on Thursday at 6:30, and features live music, bingo, pie-eating contest, beer garden, car show, morning yoga, and a shuttle from SLP City Hall. Fireworks Saturday at dusk.
West St. Paul Days, Thurs-Sun, June 4-7
Like a kick off to Grand Ole Day, WSPD really kicks in Friday with food trucks, live music, beer garden and fireworks. Saturday is the parade, wiffle ball tourney, painting, mocktail class, and everything from Friday. Sunday features paint and gnosh and a community bike ride.
Edina Art Fair, Fri-Sun, June 5-7
This is the 59th year for the longest-running and largest art fair in the state. The whole 50th & France area is closed off from traffic creating a huge walkable nexus with food, a kid zone, 3 beer gardens, live music, artisan and culinary booths, as well as an enormous number of artist booths (and an online directory!!).
Art in the Hollow, Sat, June 6
Charming East St. Paul festival in idyllic Swede Hollow Park, with music, food, kids activities, plein air painting and art.
Grand Ole Days, Sun, June 7
The Midwest’s largest single day street festival celebrates its 54th year, the St. Paul fest has over 200,000 visitors across 30 blocks with over 150 food vendors, car show, family fun zone, a kids market, sporst & wellness zone, and five stages of live music including an Americana stage, and performances by the Plastic Constellations (!!!) and the Gully Boys.
St. Anthony Main Art Fest, Sun, June 7
The 57th annual festival on Carter & Como Ave in St. Paul, has a beer & mead garden, a beloved used book sale, hands-on art activities live music, food and more than 60 artists.
Jazz on the Prairie & Rib Fest, Sun, June 7
A picnic and afternoon of jazz beginning at noon catered by Eden Prairie Noon Rotary at Staring Lake Park.
Asian Street Food Night Market Festival, Fri-Sun, June 5-7
In its fifth year, ASFNMF offerr food & desserts you'll find nowhere else. Traditional dance, DJ dance parties, talent contesst, art, and family-friendly activities.
Party on the Plaza, Thur, June 4, Nicollet Commons Park (Burnsville)
Ice Cream Social (Free to 1st 500!), Thur, June 4, McRae Park (Mpls)
Carnival at Pine Island Cheese Fest, Thur-Sun, June 4-7
Twin Cities Arts/Crafts Market, Fri-Sun, June 5-7, East Lake St. (Mpls)
Train Days, Sat-Sun, June 6-7, Union Depot (St. Paul)
Lyndale Open Streets, Sat, June 5, 22nd to 42nd Streets
New Brighton's 25th Annual Rhubarb Fest, Sun, June 7
Deutsche Tage, Sat-Sun, June 13-14
The 68th annual Germanic-American celebration with live music, authentic German & European food/beer & wine, traditional dance, and a playgound for kids.
St. Paul Pride Fest, Sat-Sun, June 13-14
While the Macy's Day Parade is nice, for my money nothing matches a Pride parade, though the old NYC Halloween parades (somewhat indistinguishable) are close. Hosted by Dual Citizen Brewery it's two days of cultural cool and community building with more vibrancy than you can shake a stick at.
American Craft Fest, Sat-Sun, June 13-14
This huge craft extravaganza in the Union Depot draws from all around the region. Catered by food trucks and a craft brews area as well!
Excelsior Art on the Lake, Sat-Sun, June 13-14
A large local art fair with over 150 artists, food and music plus open chalk art areas, a complimentary ballroom dancing class on Sunday, floral arranging class on Sat along Lake Minnetonka.
Maple Grove's 11th Annual Chalkfest, Sat-Sun, June 13-14
Live chalk murals on the pavement. How cool is that? Extra viewing day Monday.
Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Day, Sat, June 13, Bethune Park (Mpls)
St. Louis Park Parktacular, June 19-20
There's a Splash into Summer event at the Rec Center Aquatic Park on Friday, and parade on Saturday, with live music, food, juggling, a fishing clinic for kids, petting zoo, and a miniature art hunt.
52nd Annual MSRA Back to the '50s Weekend, Fri-Sun, June 19-21
It's USA Today's #1 car show, with all that entails, from vendors to cars and model cars, contests, games, food, a "kid's world" area, tractor pull, bingo, crafts, and live music.
ASI's Midsommar Celebration, Saturday, June 20
American Swedish Institute of MN hosts this annual celebration complete with maypole, traditional food and dances, head wreaths, handcraft demos, music & food.
Stone Arch Fest, Sat-Sun, June 20-21
This downtown Minneapolis fest considered one of the best arts & crafts festivals in the country, benefiting from its picturesque locale on both banks of the Mississippi. Over 200 artists, cullinary artisans, huge car show, demos on henna, woodcutting and blacksmithing, as well as live music lots of food and beer gardens.
Juneteenth Celebration, Fri, June 19, Centennial Lakes Park (Edina)
Vadnais Heights 2nd Annual Freedom Days Celebration, Saturday, June 20
Roseville Rosefest, Mon-Sun, June 22-28
The celebration kicks off with a parade on Monday, a skateboard contest Tuesday, superhero carnical Wednesday, Cinderella in the park on Thursday, which is also the night of the 18th annual cullinary celebration, Taste of Rosefest. Friday there's frisbee golf, youth golf, free skating and live music followed by Saturday's party in the park, concluding with fireworks and Sunday's inaugural adult volleyball tourney.
Twin Cities Pride, Fri-Sun, June 26-28
Twin Cities Pride is that state's second largest festival (behind the fair) bringing over 600,000 attendees, over 600 vendors, with a huge art fair there in Loring Park, 3 stages of entertainment, a mechanical bull, queer writers tent, sports and wellness areas and probably more than you can imagine.
Lake City's 54th Annual Water Ski Days, Thur-Sun, June 25-28
In 1922 Ralph Samuelson invented water skiiing on Lake Pepin in Lake City, a somewhat improbable if indisputable fact. If you want to see jumps, thrill shows, enjoy a day on the water and live music, you could hardly do better. There's parade, an amusement park pops up, car show, arts & crafts and plenty of food vendors.
Columbia Heights Jamboree, Wed-Sun, June 24-28
Underrated small scale good time. There's a carnival, beer garden, parade and food in a cozy neighborhood.
22nd Annual Wayzata Art Experience, Sat-Sun, June 27-28
Welcoming over 150 artists to a walkable lovely boutiqe environs for two days on Lake Minnetonka.
South St. Paul Kaposia Days, Thurs-Sun, June 25-28
Blaine Festival & Carnival, Fri-Sun, June 26-28
Oakdale Summerfest, Fri-Sat, June 26-27
Ham Lake Freedom Festival, Sat, June 27
Minnetonka Summerfest, Saturday, June 27
44th Annual Hmong International Freedom Fest, Sat-Sun, June 27-28
Afton Strawberry Festival & Marketplace, Sat-Sun, June 27-28
Live Athletics
Minnesota Twins Home Games
vs. Chicago White Sox, Mon-Wed, June 1-3
vs. Kansas City Royals, Thur-Sun, June 4-7
(Prince night 6/4, Royce Lewis Replica Jersey giveaway 6/6)
vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Fri-Sun,, June 12-14
(Pride Night, 6/12)
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, Mon-Wed, June 22-24
vs. Colorado Rockies, Fri-Sun, June 26-28
(Byron Buxton Bobblehead 6/27))
St. Paul Saints Home Games
vs. Indianapolis, Tue-Sun, June 2-7
(Trucker Cap 6/4, Joey Chesnut 6/6)
vs. Omaha, Tue-Sun, June 16-21
(Pride Tumbler 6/18, Pre-game Catch on Field 6/21)
vs. Buffalo, Tue-Sun, June 30-July 5
Fireworks every Friday game
Minnesota Lynx Home Games
vs. Golden State Valkyries, Thurs, June 4
vs. Seattle Storm, Sat, June 6
vs. Dallas Wings, Thurs, June 9
vs. Portland Fire, Wed, June 15 (Black Excellence Night)
vs. Washington Mystics, Sun, June 21 (Pride Night, Shirt Giveaway)
Minnesota Aurora Home Games
vs. Rally Madison, Thurs, June 4
vs. RKC Third Coast, Sat, June 6 (Pride Day)
vs. Edgewater Castle FC, Fri, June 12 (Disability Awareness Night)
vs. Souix Falls City FC, Wed, June 17 (Sustainability Night)
vs. River Light, Sat, June 20 (Juneteenth Celebration)
Niche or Offbeat
MIA After Dark, Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Minneapolis Institute of Art's latest iteration of this running, yet intermittent special dinner (next two are July and October), which features a one-time menu, served in the gallery with wine pairings and dessert, with the ability to wander about the almost empty museum. This event's chef is Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai and Hola Arepa. After being nominated as a finalist for a James Beard Award in 2019 and 2020 and as a semifinalist in 2018 and 2023, the self-taught Nguyen won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest for Hai Hai in 2024. This is a hot ticket and may already be gone.
Passing Through (1977), Wed, June 3 @ 7pm, Walker Cinema
Larry Clark's (Kids, Bully) first feature film about a sax-player seeking his roots and fending of record label goond, fights to discover an identity that like jazz means letting go of the surface.
K-Pop, Sat, June 20, St. Paul River Centre
TCG (only) Card Show, June 20-21, St. Paul River Centre
Hard to convey how big this is, but BTSs and Blackpink went #1 and K-pop Demon Hunters was a huge sensation. Estimates are its a half-billion dollar industry. So this day-long fest is Hello Kitty treats to those cats. There's a dance contest and trading card area, plus plenty of thirsty vendors. The card show's (Pokemon, Magic, One Piece, etc.) in the same place and possesses a similar hardcore audience that merits note as well.
Dancing in the Plaza, June 27, The Plaza at Nolan Mains (Edina)
Enjoy free swing & salsa dance lessons from the Arthur Murray Studio set to live music.