This is the first weekend after most schools in the Twin Cities begin the new school year – and it’s PACKED with free local fun for families!
We’ve been busy getting back to a new routine and trying to adjust to the chillier weather. I can’t believe how fast summer has gone! But living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area where there are always TONS of fun things for families to do on a budget makes starting any new season exciting!
You can always check out fun and frugal happenings in the Twin Cities on my Deals & Events Calendar. But there were SO many things happening this weekend alone that I had to highlight them here!
Note that many churches are kicking off the start of the Sunday School year and the return of many activities with free community events this weekend. Check churches in your area – I’ve included the church events I’ve found here!
(Note: The events listed here are free to attend, but may have food or some activities available for a cost. This is a compiled list and all listings are subject to change.)
Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Free Airplane Rides for Kids ages 8-17.
Where: EAA Chapter 54, Lake Elmo Airport, Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55082.
When: 8:00am – 12:00pm.
What: FREE AIRPLANE RIDES for KIDS 8-17 this weekend 9.9 8am-12. Sign up>> eaa54.org. Our 4th EAA – Young Eagles flight of the year. Bring an inspiring young pilot or pilots out to Lake Elmo Airport (21D) EAA Chapter 54 for an experience of a lifetime. Our Licensed and insured pilots will fly young aviators in their certified airplanes and maybe even let them fly! Great learning experience while having fun.
Huge Kids Sale.
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St N, Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042.
When: September 9-10 from 9am at 2pm
What: Munchkin Markets Fall sale in Stillwater/Woodbury is coming soon! We will host up to 300 consignors at the Washington County Fairgrounds. You will find thousands of gently used kids items including baby equipment, toys, clothes, books, shoes and rain boots and all things related to kids. Prices are generally 40-90% off retail. The dates are September 9th and 10th. Consignors and volunteers may shop early on Friday September 8th. For more information visit: www.munchkinmarkets.com
Saturday doors open 9:00am – 4:00pm $1 admission or the donation of a non perishable food item for Second Harvest.
Sunday doors open 9:00am – 2:00pm free admission and many items will be 1/2 price.
Free Second Saturday Rides to the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul.
When: 9:00am – Noon
What: Get a FREE ride on all Metro Transit to and from Minnesota Children’s Museum! Plus, each visitor will receive $2 OFF same-day museum admission when they show their downloadable ride pass. (for that day only).
Touch-a-Truck.
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview.
When: 9 AM – 12 PM.
What: This is your chance to not only touch, but hop right in the driver’s seat of a fire engine, police car, snow plow, or dump truck! Come to the Community Center lower level parking lot and check out all of the city trucks. Event is held rain or shine, and in conjunction with the Kids’ Garage Sale. This is a free event, and no registration is needed.
Fall Touch A Truck: In Support of The Madison Claire Foundation.
Where: Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood.
When: 10:00am – 2:00pm.
What: FREE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. Touch-A-Truck is a family focused event that allows children the opportunity to climb in and around some of the coolest vehicles around. By partnering with local business and public servants, we are able to bring the community together and create a unique and fun experience. NEW THIS YEAR: Check out our Food Truck Alley and the KidX Club Activity Zone {fee applies}!
Minneapolis Monarch Festival.
Where: Lake Nokomis, 49th St and Woodlawn Blvd, Minneapolis, MN
When: 10 AM – 4 PM
What: This year’s Monarch Festival will occur on Saturday, September 9, 2017, from 10 am to 4 pm. The Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, hands-on art, native plant sales and plenty of opportunities to get up close with monarch butterflies, learn about their habitats, and what you can do to make a difference.
Blaster Battles.
Where: St. Joseph The Worker, 7180 Hemlock Ln N, Maple Grove.
When: 10:00am – 11:30am.
What: Raising funds and awareness for bullying prevention. PMN uses toy Nerf blasters with foam darts along with paintball bunkers (Inflatables) for a series of games that promote outreach, inclusion, team building, and health and wellness. Voluntary Donation of $10 per player. Note: This is a very cool event that takes place several times throughout the year. They’re going to be trying to break a world record this October!!!
MacPhail’s Free Family Music Series: The Story of Babar
Where: Antonello Hall, MacPhail Minneapolis Campus
When: 10:15am and 11:15am
What: Enjoy a musical retelling of the classic story of Babar the elephant! This concert will feature MacPhail Faculty members Carrie Vecchione (oboe), Rolf Erdahl (bass) and Sarah Miller (piano). We welcome Steve Staruch, host of MPR’s Music with Minnesotans as the narrator. With projected images and evocative musical accompaniment, this is sure to be an exciting trip the great forest! FREE and open to the public.
James J. Hill Days
Where: Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata
When: September 8, 9, 10
What: Along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata area community gathers the weekend after Labor Day to celebrate James J. Hill Days. Combining community tradition with fun filled activities and events this festival provides something for the whole family!
Open Streets Minneapolis: West Broadway
Where: Open Streets West Broadway
When: 11:00am – 5:00pm
What: Open Streets offers fun, family-friendly programming put on by local businesses and event partners! From group yoga and exercise in the streets to live music and kids play zones; there’s something for everyone at Open Streets!
Twin Cities Veg Fest.
Where: Como Regional Park, 1199 Midway Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55103.
When: 11:00am – 5:00pm.
What: Twin Cities Veg Fest is for everyone! Come on out and bring your friends and family. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, you’ll all love what this festival has to offer. Enjoy free food samples, delicious vegan cuisine, fun cooking demos, and inspiring presentations.
Fall Festival.
Where: Transfiguration Catholic Church & School, 6133 15th St N, Oakdale.
When: 2:00 – 10:00pm.
What: Activities: Vendor Market ● Beer Garden ● Inflatables ● Cake Walk ● Book Barn ● Games ● Bingo & more!
Food Lineup: JMJ Food Truck ● State Fair Cheese Curds ● K or C Corn on the Cob ● Smoothies
10th Annual White Bear Township Day.
Where: Polar Lakes Park White Bear Township, Minnesota.
When: 2:00 – 8:00pm.
What: Activities throughout the day include:
•Community performances
•All-Around-Fun Area for the kids including a variety of inflatable bounce houses
•Touch a Truck and sand activity area
•Petting Zoo
•Bean Bag Tournament
•Demonstrations
•Beer Garden
•Variety of Merchandise, Arts and Craft, Service, and Non-Profit Vendors
•Various Food Trucks and Stands
•Silent Auction with lots of great items
Minnesota Energy Fair.
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr Justus O’Hage Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107.
When: September 8-10.
What: Join us for the first Minnesota Energy Fair, a sustainability and renewable energy festival, September 9-10! The event features over 100 workshops, 60+ exhibitors, live music, inspiring keynotes, film screenings, family-friendly activities, local food, craft beer, and more.
Sunday, September 10th
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
When: From 11:00am to 5:00pm.
What: This is a free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. This month, celebrate opening day of Eyewitness Views: Making History in 18th-Century Europe with activities for the whole family!
Huge Kids Sale.
Where: Washington County Fair, 12300 40th St N, Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042.
When: September 9-10 from 9am at 2pm
What: Munchkin Markets Fall sale in Stillwater/Woodbury is coming soon! We will host up to 300 consignors at the Washington County Fairgrounds. You will find thousands of gently used kids items including baby equipment, toys, clothes, books, shoes and rain boots and all things related to kids. Prices are generally 40-90% off retail. The dates are September 9th and 10th. Consignors and volunteers may shop early on Friday September 8th. For more information visit: www.munchkinmarkets.com
Saturday doors open 9:00 a – 4p $1 admission or the donation of a non perishable food item for Second Harvest.
Sunday doors open 9:00 a – 2p free admission and many items will be 1/2 price.
James J. Hill Days
Where: Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata
When: September 8, 9, 10
What: Along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata area community gathers the weekend after Labor Day to celebrate James J. Hill Days. Combining community tradition with fun filled activities and events this festival provides something for the whole family!
Free Fall Festival.
Where: Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417.
When: 9:30am – 12:30pm
What: Kick off fall with a bang! Join us at 10:30 for fun for all ages: pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy house, face painting, crazy hair, pie sale and lunch for purchase. Plus, we’ll bless your backpack during the 9:30 service to make sure your school year starts off right!
Family Fun Day
Where: Northpoint Elementary School, 2350 124th Ct NE, Blaine, MN 55449
When: All day (after worship services)
What: Free cheese curds, mini donuts, corn dogs, shaved ice, and much more! A field full of inflatables! Everything is FREE at Family Fun Day! To receive a free ticket, simply attend one of Renovation’s 4 services that day: 9:00am, 10:15am, 11:30am, or 12:45pm.
Minnesota Energy Fair.
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park, 200 Dr Justus O’Hage Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107.
When: September 8-10.
What: Join us for the first Minnesota Energy Fair, a sustainability and renewable energy festival, September 9-10! The event features over 100 workshops, 60+ exhibitors, live music, inspiring keynotes, film screenings, family-friendly activities, local food, craft beer, and more.
For more ideas for family fun check out my Deals & Events Calendar!