Who: Food-on-a-stick lovers looking for a little more
What: State Fair Entertainment
Where: MN State Fair 1265 North Snelling Ave, St. Paul
When: Thursday, Aug 27- September 7
Why: The State Fair isn't just for gorging on food-on-a-stick delicacies anymore. This year's entertainment line-up is beyond great. After your pick which show you just have to attend, also stop by some of my favorite attractions: I like to start by day with a breakfast pretzel from the French Meadow stand, then head over to the Miracle of Birth barn to see the baby animals (not the actual birthing which is gross), next is the 3rd Lair SkatePark to look at the cute boys and finally a stop by the dog barn because who doesn't love dogs?
Concerts at the Grandstand:
- Bonnie Raitt: Thursday, Aug 27, 7:30 p.m. $36.50
- Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd: Saturday, Aug 29, 7 p.m. $41-$66
- Kelly Clarkson: Sunday, Aug 30, 7:30 p.m. $35
- Jackson Browne: Monday, Aug 31, 8 p.m. $38
- O.A.R.: Wednesday, Sept 2, 6 p.m. $27
Free show at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell: Quietdrive: Aug 31- September 1, 8:30 p.m.
How much: Fair admission $11 parking and ticket prices vary
Learn more: www.mnstatefair.org/ to purchase concert tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com
Who: The Christopher Straub Fan club
What: Project Runway Screening Party with Christopher Straub
Where: Hell's Kitchen, 80 S. Ninth St., Minneapolis
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Why: MN Project Runway fans were buzzing last week after local designer, Christopher Straub, won the first challenge and now you can watch this week's episode with him! The frivolity starts with drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by fashion trivia and a screening of the latest episodes of Project Runway, followed by Models of the Runway.
How much: Free to attend
Learn more: www.alishops.com/page.asp?topic=Sales-an...
Who: Wine and Cigar connoisseurs
What: Raise on the Rooftop
Where: Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Why: A stylish event that your male significant other just may want to attend. This charity event that benefits the Children's Home Society and Family Services features a men's fashion show, cigar and wine tasting and learn about the art of cigar rolling all while you take in the beautiful city skyline from this rooftop bar.
How much: $75
Learn more: www.twincitiesrestaurantblog.com/tcrb/20...
Who: Ladies Looking to Spice Things Up
What: Excelsior's Last Girl's Night Out
Where: Downtown Excelsior, Minneapolis
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Why: Enjoy one last summer evening with the girls. The Girl's Night Out events include spa treatments, giveaways, food and drink specials, sales, live music and for this last hurrah, Latin dance lessons
How Much: Free
Learn more: www.excelsiorgirlsnightout.com/
Who: Saints Fans
What: St. Paul Saints Final Home Series
Where: Midway Stadium, 1771 Energy Park Dr, St. Paul
When: 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug 27 - Sunday, Aug 30
Why: An economical way to have fun with the family for the last time before next season. Each night in the series has a different promotion from dental care to painting your own bobble head so round up the kids and take them out to the ballgame.
How much: $4-$12
Learn more: www.saintsbaseball.com/
Who: The Creative Family
What: Field Day at the Walker
Where: Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
When: Thursday, Aug 27, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Why: Day-long extravaganza created by and for MN artists. Spend the day in the sculpture gardens listening to readings of poetry and flash fiction by winners of past mnLIT competitions, at a screen-printing workshop with local fashion designers Calpurnia Peach, or playing lawn sports. Local buzz band Solid Gold will also be performing.
How much: Free- members of mnartists.org will also receive free admission to the Walker galleries
Learn more: www.mnartists.org/article.do?rid=236802
Who: Tweeters
What: Social Media Breakfast at the Fair Grounds
Where: Fair Grounds, Blue Ribbon Picnic Area (D24) at the corner of Dan Patch and Randall
When: Friday, August 28, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Why: Are you obsessed with Twitter or just looking how to integrate social media into your business? Either way, this breakfast could be for you. Mingle with the avatars you're used to seeing online IRL (in real life) and chat about all things social media.
How much: Free to attend (does not include $11 fair admission or parking fees)
Who: Ye Olde Families
What: MN Renaissance Festival Highland Fling Weekend
Where: 1244 Canterbury Rd S #306, Shakopee
When: Saturday, Aug 29 - Sunday, Aug 30, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Why: If the State Fair isn't your thing or the crowds are just too much for you and your little ones, consider the Renaissance Festival as a colorful alternative. This weekend is celebrates the Highland Fling where you can check out the Highland Heavy Games, Scottish dancing and free beer tasting along with the usual fantasy and food that is the Renaissance Festival.
How much: $10.95-$19.95
Learn more: www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/
Who: Star-Watchers
What: Brit's Summer Outdoor Movie Series
Where: Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
When: Monday, Aug 31, 8:30 p.m.
Why: Bring a blanket, grab a spot on the lawn, quaff a few pints and enjoy the film, Ghost Town, with one of the Twin Cities longest running (longest maybe?) outdoor movie series. Watch the stars underneath the stars.
How much: Free (does not include drinks)
Learn more: