If the outdoors is your thing- hang on to your hats this weekend!
Did you know that a Wacipi, or Pow Wow, is a traditional celebration of life? In addition to singing and friendship, this is a dance contest with hundreds of dancers of all ages.
Ever hear of Spelmansstamma, me either! It’s spelman: fiddler and stämma: gathering. This immigrant fiddle fest is a long-held Swedish tradition where fiddlers gather on a lovely day, play tunes and teach each other by playing only, the music is never written. A great activity for families with numerous musicians, dancers, crafts, open houses at the 1850s Swedish historic log buildings, a pig roast meal, treats, games and the Parade of Musicians.
The Renaissance Fest kicks off this weekend- other Fests around the TC feature food trucks, art, summer, music, gardens and game fairs.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Aug. 16-18, Shakopee
SMSC Wacipi
The Wacipi, or Pow Wow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. It is a time when people gather together to dance, sing and celebrate while renewing friendships, old and new. The SMSC Wacipi is a contest Pow Wow where dancers compete in various categories and age groups. Grand Entries set the stage for each day’s contests and activities, which includes a ceremonious entrance into the dance arena led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty followed by hundreds of dancers of all ages. SMSC Wacipi Grounds, located just north of Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. 952-445-8900
Aug. 16-18, Ramsey
Anoka Game Fair
Game Fair is a sporting event for the entire family. Held outdoors on 80 beautiful acres of woods and water, Game Fair has everything you need to celebrate the outdoors. See, try and buy the latest in hunting equipment, and learn from a variety of expert sportsmen and sportswomen. Special exhibits include archery, decoys, duck boats, art, dogs, dog accessories, taxidermy and all the latest in hunting equipment. Fair-goers are encouraged to bring their dogs (leashed) and their guns or bows (cased) so they can participate in the many activities. And children of all ages will enjoy slingshots, air rifles, archery, darts and a variety of foods and treats at the concession stands. Armstrong Ranch Kennels. 763-427-0944
Aug. 17, White Bear Lake
WBL Summerfest
SummerFest is an outdoor concert event in its 10th year. Featured will be two great acts performing under a big top tent. The Elements will start things off, followed by the very popular 10-piece band, The Good the Bad and the Funky. Also enjoy lots of grilled foods, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine. Gates open at 5pm. Downtown White Bear Lake. 651-429-7771
Aug. 17, Buffalo
Art & Craft Festival
The 36th Annual Art & Craft Festival will fill the downtown streets with over 200 artisans. Thousands have been coming for years to see the artists’ quality, unique, handmade-only items. The streets border beautiful Buffalo Lake. Enjoy ice cream or lemonade while you shop or stop for a full lunch at numerous food trucks along the way. Downtown Buffalo. 763-682-4902
Aug. 17, Scandia
Spelmansstamma
During Spelmansstamma (spelman: fiddler and stämma: gathering), Gammelgarden celebrates the immigrant fiddle, important in many immigrant cultures. This immigrant fiddle fest is a long-held Swedish tradition where fiddlers gather on a lovely day, play tunes and teach each other new music. The music has never been written, it is always shared by playing only! This annual festival held on the museum grounds is a great activity for families with numerous musicians, dancers, crafts, open houses at the 1850s Swedish historic log buildings, a pig roast meal, treats, games and the Parade of Musicians. Gammelgarden Museum Grounds. 651-433-5053
Aug. 17, St. Paul
St. Paul Food Truck Festival
Sample food truck delicacies for lunch and/or dinner from noon to 10 p.m. while listening to live music and enjoying handcrafted beers and other beverage options. More than 40 food trucks will be selling their special concoctions with global cuisines ranging from Indian to British to Japanese to locally-raised pork. Proceeds from all wristband sales will benefit Feed My Starving Children. Mears Park. 763-220-2380
Aug. 17-18, Chaska
Art in the Garden
Back for its seventh year, Art in the Garden is a unique showcase of art and nature, geared to Arboretum visitors of all ages. Find a wide variety of artwork displayed by very talented artists in the “Artist Village” near the Margot Picnic Shelters. The Artist Village is a place where visitors and artists can mix, mingle, stroll, eat and shop! Also enjoy talented musicians, and a variety of foods, beverages and treats. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400
Aug. 17 – Sept 29 (Saturdays, Sundays, Festival Friday & Labor Day), Shakopee
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 250 artisans fill the Festival Marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of roughly 300,000! Renaissance Festival Grounds. 952-445-7361
Event highlights around the state this week include:
Aug. 16-18, Oronoco
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days, Inc.
Aug. 16-18, Perham
Black Powder Rendezvous & Pioneer Days Festival
Aug. 12-18, Crookston
Crookston Ox Cart Days
Aug. 17-18, Duluth
Art in Bayfront Park Art Fair
Information provided by ExploreMN