Saint Paul Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Saint Paul, Minnesota - MN, USA)
Minnesota's capital often joins forces with its Twin City of
Minneapolis to stage some of the state's largest festivals and fairs. In St. Paul itself, many events are staged at venues such as the Fitzgerald Theater, the Xcel Energy Center, the RiverCenter, the Landmark Center and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where touring Broadway shows, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Opera are all highlights.
Offering the chance to party away the winter blues, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival takes place every year at the end of January and has become famous for its spectacular ice sculptures and ice palace. The carnival has its origins in the mid-1880s and sees attendance levels now topping 350,000 people.
During the sunny summer months, tourism is in full swing in St. Paul and festivities are in full flow. The biggest and best include the St. Anthony Park Art Festival each June, followed by the Twin Cities Jazz Festival at the end of the month. In August, both the Irish Fair of Minnesota at Harriet Island and the Minnesota State Fair at the State Fairgrounds (Falcon Heights) are huge events, the latter of which boasts visitor numbers of close to two million.
Saint Paul Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Winter Carnival - late January, 12 days of fun and entertainment, featuring the Medallion Treasure Hunt (first held in 1952), ice sculpture carving, snow sculpting, dogsled racing and a torchlit parade.
February
- Winterfest - early February, at the Minnesota History Center. This is a craft beer festival, with the snowshoe award being presented to the 'Best of the Fest' Minnesota beer.
March
- St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration and Day of Irish Dance - nearest weekend before or including March 17th, held at the Landmark Center. The day includes Irish cuisine, Celtic dancing, pipe bands and general entertainment.
April
- Minneapolis Saint Paul International Film Festival - an 18-day event in mid-April, held at the St. Anthony Main Theater in neighboring Minneapolis. There are screenings of over 250 films from around 60 countries, attended by more than 40,000 people.
May
- Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - early May, held in the District del Sol area, this is without question Minnesota's biggest Hispanic / Latino event.
June
- St. Anthony Park Art Festival - first Saturday in June, held near the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus, highlighting 80 artists. There are prizes for Best of Show and three merit awards.
- Grand Old Day - first Sunday in June, held along Grand Avenue between Dale Street and Wheeler Avenue. The route is sectioned into themed zones, namely the Entertainment District, the Home and Garden District, the Sporting District and the Family Fun District.
- Twin Cities Jazz Festival - at Mears Park in late June, a chance to see a variety of jazz performers for free.
July
- St. Anthony Park Parade and Picnic - July 4th (Independence Day), fun for the family at Langford Park.
- Highland Fest - mid-July, drawing up to 65,000 visitors, this three-day event includes live music on two stages, a 3-mile / 5-km run and an art fair, amongst many other forms of entertainment.
- Rondo Days - two days in mid-July, paying tribute to the Rondo neighborhood, an African-American community. The festival includes a drill team competition.
August
- Irish Fair of Minnesota - a free gathering at Harriet Island, held in mid-August. This is very much a celebration of Irish culture and history.
- Minnesota State Fair - late August / early September, 12 days of fun and entertainment at the State Fairgrounds, featuring live music, rides, livestock, competitions and more.
September
- Minnesota Cheese Festival - mid-September, a weekend of appreciation of cheeses produced in the region, as well as locally made wines and beer.
- Saint Paul Oktoberfest - late September, a popular beer festival celebrating the city's German heritage, held at Klub Haus on Rice Street.
October
- Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) - held at the Minnesota History Center in late October. The event honors the dead family members and includes crafts, dancing, puppetry, and food demos and samples.
November
- Thanksgiving in St. Paul - late November, a nationwide public holiday since 1863, when families and friends typically get together and enjoy a roast turkey dinner, often followed by freshly made pumpkin pie.
December
- Kwanzaa Family Day - late December, an African-American event including arts and crafts, dance, fashion and music.