Minneapolis, MN

You won't have to BYOB to this party. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild holds the Winterfest celebration to spread their love of Minnesota craft beers, brewed right there in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Over 20 area breweries participate in Winterfest so that you can enjoy good beer, great food, live music, and tons of fun.

Web: www.mncraftbrew.org

Rain or shine, join the celebration of German culture and beer at the Minneapolis Oktoberfest. Party on the banks of the Mississippi river, enjoying German music, beer, food, polka dancing, and more. If you're brave enough, if only with that liquid courage, you can try your luck at participating in games like the beer barrel roll and stilt races.

Web: www.minneapolisoktoberfest.com

Hip-hop lovers unite at Soundset. This festival celebrates the hip-hop genre with two stages and a DJ tent blasting out live music from popular and up-and-coming artists. Atmosphere, Method Man & Redman, Blueprint, Aesop Rock, Wiz Khalifa, and Yelawolf are just a few of the performers who've rocked the mic at Soundset.

Web: www.soundsetfestival.com

Contribute to a good cause at the Basilica Block Party. The two day event includes food, fun and live music that has been provided by performers like Weezer, David Gray, Counting Crows, Lifehouse, Johnny Lang and many others throughout the years. The party is hosted in an effort to raise funds for the restoration of the Basilica of Saint Mary, America's first basilica; and due to a turn out around 25,000 annually, it's fair to say that people understand the importance of preserving the historical building.

Phone: (612) 333-1381
Web: www.basilicablockparty.org

Join the festivities of the City of Lakes Loppet and find out why it's so much more than just a ski event. Check out shopping tents, ice skating, snow sculpting contests, ice bike racing, and skijoring - a combination of dog sledding and skiing. Good beer, food, hot cocoa and warm bonfires are also in attendance; be sure to bundle up anyway, it's gonna be a cold one!

Web: www.cityoflakesloppet.com

Experience a celebration that you won't find anywhere else at the MayDay Parade & Festival. The parade features small and large puppets, and extraordinary floats with about 2,000 participants each year. The festival features music, food and fun while effectively conveying the real meaning behind the celebration - spreading the message of brotherhood, caring for our planet, and necessary change.

Web: www.hobt.org

Celebrate art in all forms at the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts. Live music, live art, youth art activities, a car show, film series, and Whole Foods sponsoring culinary arts, are just a few things going on at this art festival. The festival allows plenty of time to explore the arts and take a walk on the beautiful Stone Arch bridge.

Web: www.stonearchfestival.com

Minneapolis Aquatennial has been the civic celebration of Minneapolis for over 70 years, bringing summer fun to everyone in the city. The festivities include fireworks, a parade, beach bash and milk carton boat races, a sandcastle competition, a water ski show, and much more. Don't miss out on the fun!

Phone: (612) 376-7669
Web: www.aquatennial.com

Check out the Loring Park Art Festival to see original works by over 140 visual artists. While strolling through the park's beautiful gardens, you'll hear musicians playing, see stage performances, and various art forms like painting, photography, prints, jewelry, glass and more. There are plenty of food booths and children's activities available so the kids won't get bored and you'll have no reason to be hungry.

Web: www.loringparkartfestival.com

Browse the booths at the Uptown Art Fair and see fine works of art, from paintings to photography, wood and glass work - you'll see it all. You'll also have the opportunity to watch art unfold before your eyes with live art performances, and the kids can get creative at one of the many family and children's activities available. Be part of one of the largest attended events in the state of Minnesota, you won't want to miss the fun.

Web: www.uptownartfair.com

Travel back in time at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. With 16 stages of live performances, live jousting and over 100 artisan booths, you'll have plenty to see and do while feeling like you've landed in a time warp to the 16th century! There are seven, themed weekends lined up for the event, so you can't truly experience the festival one weekend. Keep your calendar open and your favorite Renaissance gear ready.

Web: www.renaissancefest.com