The Irish Fair of Minnesota is back August 11th – 13th, 2023 in St. Paul, and there’s fun for the whole family. Plus kids are free!

I went last year and had a blast.

This is the 43rd annual Irish Fair of Minnesota and it’s been super popular every year. Tickets are FREE for kids 12 and under, and discounted for teens plus ages 55+!

About the Irish Fair of Minnesota:

“Irish or no, you’ll have fun if you go!”

The Irish Fair has a fantastic array of international, national, and local music, dance, storytelling, sports, cultural exhibits, native dogs, children’s activities, Irish hospitality options, and marketplace activities. Hundreds of talented musicians, dancers, and performers will take to seven outdoor stages on Harriet Island.

Musical entertainment this year includes internationally known as well as local performers such as Gaelic Storm, Socks in the Frying Pan, JigJam, Doolin’, Screaming Orphans, Clare Cunningham, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Boiled in Lead, and the Real Irish Comedy Tour.

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August is looking like an amazing month in Minnesota! I’ve updated my events calendar with many happenings including free events, more “Heavy Metal Dine-In events, and of course, the Minnesota State Fair!

And don’t miss the Just Between Friends Apple Valley FALL KIDS SALE which is August 3 – 5!

There is so much from clothing to toys to books and more. It’s in Apple Valley and there are tons of back to school deals!

The full calendar is here!

First be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy (& Skip) in August to Save Money!

It’s also time to get the kids ready for back to school!  They can enjoy this FREE printable Back to School activity packet.

Get discounts!

Minnesota Children’s Museum: EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!

• Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership.

Valleyfair! Get the LOWEST-PRICED tickets via my link. Info here.

For more, see my guide, Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2023!

The 84th annual Minneapolis Aquatennial is returning July 19th – 22nd, 2023! It’s the official celebration of summer, and is very family-friendly with free events for all (yay!).

The two main signature events are the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, which kicks off the event on Wednesday night at 7:30pm, and the Target fireworks which conclude it all on Sunday night at 10:00pm.

But there is much more! Check out these highlights below, or go to their website for a full list.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – U.S. Bancorp Center,  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Park Market: The Black Market – The Commons (425 Portland Ave. So), 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Go Outside: Summer Sessions (live music, giveaways, and more) – Hennepin Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Music in the Park: Spaghetti Monetti and The Sauce – The Commons, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  | 
• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12^th to 4^th Streets, 7:30 p.m.
• Movies in the Park: “Best in Show” – The Commons, at 9:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

• Downtown Thursdays (food trucks, music, games, giveaways, and more) –  Nicollet from Washington Ave. to 10^th Street, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Minne-Golf on Nicollet – Nicollet Mall, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Music in the Park: Chemistry Set – The Commons, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Go Outside: Movie Night – “Legally Blonde” at Target Field Station, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Los Angeles Sparks – Target Center, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 22

• Park Market: Indigenous Market – Water Works Park, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 7:10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 
• Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam Open House – St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe Rides and Fire Building – Boom Island Park, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• AquaJam Skateboarding –West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• City of Lakes Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Mpls Craft Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities – West River Parkway near Water Works Park, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 6:15 p.m.
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces – Target Center, 7 p.m.
• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10 p.m.

Go to the website for more info.

July is a fabulous month in Minnesota because there is SO much to do! I’ve updated my events calendar with many happenings including:

• Hudson Booster Days
• Minneapolis Aquatennial
• Heavy Metal Dine-In
• Many other festivals and more

The full calendar is here!

First be sure to plan your shopping for the month (and year) with my guide, What to Buy (& Skip) in July to Save Money!

Visit museums galore!

Minnesota Children’s Museum: EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!

• Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership.

The Works Museum in Bloomington: EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for The Works Museum in Bloomington with my special code! 

• Regular admission is $11.00 per person, but you can get admission for $9.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
• Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
• 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program

For more, see my guide, Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2023!

I love the city of Hudson, Wisconsin. We’ve gone there many times to walk along the St. Croix River and explore the shops. So I’m excited about Hudson Booster Days which are Thursday, June 29th through Sunday, July 2nd!

Hudson Booster Days are Hudson’s annual 4th of July celebration, with food, live music and entertainment, a carnival, and fireworks!

Especially for families, there’s a juggling magician, rides, a parade, caricatures and more.

And best of all – admission is FREE!

Here are all the details:

Location

Downtown Hudson, Wisconsin at Lakefront Park.  

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