Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Forest Lake, MN

For jazz lovers, June is a special time in the Twin Cities because that's when venues on both sides of the Mississippi...

For jazz lovers, June is a special time in the Twin Cities because that's when venues on both sides of the Mississippi participate in the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Spanning several days at the end of the month, this festival is a great time to get acquainted with some of the country's top jazz musicians. Indeed, folks like Chic Corea, Percy Strother and the Duke Ellington Orchestra have performed in the festival over the years, and many of the shows are free.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Thu, Jun 27, 2013 Fri, Jun 28, 2013 Sat, Jun 29, 2013

Held near the end of July, Highland Fest gives the Highland Park section of St. Paul a chance to strut its stuff. With a...

Held near the end of July, Highland Fest gives the Highland Park section of St. Paul a chance to strut its stuff. With a 5-K run, an expansive art fair, and a wide range of musical entertainment, Highland Fest certainly appeals to folks from all walks of life. Come with an appetite, too, as local restaurants and food vendors are on-hand to serve up everything from kettle corn to fresh fruit smoothies.

Hours: July 2013

Held in the middle of July, the Rondo Days Festival celebrates the values and heritage of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood....

Held in the middle of July, the Rondo Days Festival celebrates the values and heritage of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. Long considered the heart and soul of the city's African-American community, Rondo suffered a hard below when the I-94 was constructed through the center of town in the 1960s. Today, though, the family spirit of Rondo Avenue shines through thanks to this annual "family" reunion, which includes great food, music, art, family fun, a golf tournament and even a 5-K run.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Jul 20, 2013

Pints o' stout, great music, and Celtic music compose the core activities of this fun, family-friendly festival held at...

Pints o' stout, great music, and Celtic music compose the core activities of this fun, family-friendly festival held at the end of the summer in Harriet Island Regional Park. Three days of craic bring in folks from all over the Twin Cities, and best of all, admission is free! Associated events include a great live music and an Irish Idol contest.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Aug 9, 2013 Sat, Aug 10, 2013 Sun, Aug 11, 2013

Bring the kids and your lawn chairs to this "down home" summer festival, which pays tribute to the days when...

Bring the kids and your lawn chairs to this "down home" summer festival, which pays tribute to the days when Minnesota was part of the Wild West. Good, old-fashioned folk songs, Western games, costumed entertainers, and even riverboat rides provide plenty of fun alternatives for the whole family.

Hours: October 2013

If you've got an eye, ear and mind for things equine, don't miss the well-attended Minnesota Horse Expo, held annually...

If you've got an eye, ear and mind for things equine, don't miss the well-attended Minnesota Horse Expo, held annually at the State Fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council, this event features rodeo competitions, riding demonstrations, lectures, horse shoe pitching competitions, a children's area, and plenty of things to buy, eat and drink. Bring the whole fam, and make sure you're wearing your "play clothes"!

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Apr 26, 2013 Sat, Apr 27, 2013 Sun, Apr 28, 2013

The largest 12-day fair in North America, the Minnesota State Fair attracts over 1½ million people annually. More...

The largest 12-day fair in North America, the Minnesota State Fair attracts over 1½ million people annually. More than 400 free concerts are offered, and the Grandstand hosts national artists like Alicia Keys and Tim McGraw. Other noteworthy attractions include rodeo events, auctions, a skate park, midway attractions, and daily parades. Over 1200 vendors attend the fair, offering everything from arts and crafts to over 500 different kinds of food. The fairgrounds are conveniently located between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Thu, Aug 22, 2013 Fri, Aug 23, 2013 Sat, Aug 24, 2013 Sun, Aug 25, 2013 Mon, Aug 26, 2013 Tue, Aug 27, 2013 Wed, Aug 28, 2013 Thu, Aug 29, 2013 Fri, Aug 30, 2013 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 Sun, Sep 1, 2013 Mon, Sep 2, 2013

More than 1000 dealers converge on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for these "antique spectaculars." Located...

More than 1000 dealers converge on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for these "antique spectaculars." Located both indoors and outdoors, displays are varied, and the selections are unending. The event is for everyone, whether you're a dealer, collector, hobbyist, or just plain curious.

Hours: Sat, Apr 20, 2013: 8am - 6pm Sun, Apr 21, 2013: 10am - 4pm Sat, Sep 28, 2013: 8am - 6pm Sun, Sep 29, 2013: 10am - 4pm

Since the St. Patrick's Association organized the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Paul back in 1967, the event has...

Since the St. Patrick's Association organized the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Paul back in 1967, the event has grown in scope and size and now brings in over 100,000 revellers. Don your green and try to score a commemorative pen (they're a local tradition almost as popular as the parade itself!)

Hours: Sat, Mar 16, 2013: Noon

Galleries and artists associated with the Saint Paul Art Collective participate each year in the three-day Art Crawl, an...

Galleries and artists associated with the Saint Paul Art Collective participate each year in the three-day Art Crawl, an event designed to promote the local art scene, primarily in Lowertown and Downtown St. Paul. In addition to the open galleries, Art Crawl also features a variety of music and entertainers and highlights some of the city's most architecturally significant buildings.

Hours: Fri, Apr 26, 2013: 6pm - 10pm Sat, Apr 27, 2013: Noon - 8pm Sun, Apr 28, 2013: Noon - 5pm Fri, Oct 4, 2013: 6pm - 10pm Sat, Oct 5, 2013: Noon - 8pm Sun, Oct 6, 2013: Noon - 5pm