Family events in Maplewood, MN

Explore the Bell Museum’s outdoor nature gallery on the Learning Landscape, a five acre setting with wildflowers, native trees, a pond, and other natural highlights just outside the museum entrance. During Observation Station hours, a museum guide offers hands on support and field tools so visitors can make discoveries, from watching birds through binoculars to investigating insects at the pond, or choosing their own path of exploration. The paths are level and paved for accessibility, and access to the Learning Landscape does not require museum admission. This free, in person experience takes place at the Bell Museum and operates only when conditions allow, with possible closures due to weather or air quality.

Discover Lake Avenue on a guided walk that continues a refreshed outdoor series, focusing on the history of former resorts, boat-building businesses, and summer cottages along the shore. The route starts and finishes at the White Bear Lake Armory and travels to Memorial Beach before returning. Each part can stand alone, so attendance at the other installment is not required and they can be taken in any order. Space is limited and registration is required. Pricing is $20 for the general public and $15 for WBLAHS members with a discount code.

Hotdish on a Stick shares the spotlight with hand-dipped, fresh-cut onion rings paired with lingonberry dip, plus a Norwegian Banana Split for dessert. Find this offering on Liggett Street, directly across from Costers.

Three 45-minute sets of live music will take place on the DNR Stage by the Fish Pond at the State Fair. Performances are spread across the day, giving fairgoers multiple opportunities to enjoy the show.

CardFlow brings a weekend of card collecting to Aldrich Arena, centered on buying, selling, and trading across the hobby. Fans of Pokémon, sports cards, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and other trading card games will find hundreds of tables hosted by vendors with rare finds, graded slabs, single cards, and sealed product. The show features giveaways running all weekend, food trucks on site, and bounce houses, along with in-person deals that are hard to match online. It welcomes longtime collectors as well as those just starting out.

Celebrate Woodbury and nearby communities at a volunteer-run, family friendly, three day festival in Ojibway Park. The weekend features live music with bands on Friday and Saturday nights, along with community performances throughout. Sample local tastes at the Taste of Woodbury with more than 20 vendors. A fireworks show brightens the sky on Saturday night. Enjoy carnival rides, games, activities for kids, a car show, Bingo, and more. The Grande Parade takes place Sunday morning. Admission to the park is free, while food, rides, and certain activities require payment. Some activities require a Woodbury Days Button, which can be purchased in advance or at the event, and ATMs are available on site.

In downtown North St. Paul, a seasonal car show series fills the streets with shining classics, special feature nights, and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Attendees can take in live performances from featured bands, sample a variety of bites from food vendors and local eateries, and browse goods from neighborhood shops. A farmers and makers market is also offered on select nights for even more to explore. The series is hosted by two partners: Invisible Wounds Project, which supports veterans, first responders, and their families, and History Cruizers, which continues a classic car community tradition spanning more than three decades.

The Friday night car show in North St. Paul, hosted by the Invisible Wounds Project, gathers classic and custom vehicles for a community-focused evening filled with music, markets, and car culture. Enjoy live music from The Star Chiefs, browse a farmers and makers market, and find food vendors spread throughout the event area. Each show highlights a different Car Club of the Night. A sponsor and information hub will be available, along with first aid. The event also supports mental health and wellness initiatives serving veterans, first responders, and their families. Volunteer staff in high-visibility shirts or safety vests will be on site to help. Participants and spectators are asked to be considerate of local businesses, residents, volunteers, and fellow attendees, to avoid arriving hours early to occupy business parking, to follow all applicable laws, and to refrain from open alcohol consumption. Please do not park on sidewalks, boulevards, or in no-parking zones. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed with a maximum length of six feet. These gatherings are rooted in cooperation, connection, and fun while celebrating every facet of car culture. Made possible through collaboration with the City of North St. Paul, local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and community members, they support the local community and create a welcoming summer evening for everyone.

Explore rows of finds at the 5th Annual Flea Market Event Show, a free event for the public where you can browse, chat, and eat while hunting for deals. Expect food trucks and food stands alongside baked goods and cottage foods, plus a broad mix of merchandise that spans brand-new items, secondhand bargains, handcrafted pieces, vintage and antique discoveries, toys, Hot Wheels and Pokemon collectibles, and offerings from Amazon resellers. The market takes place at two locations, with the Saturday location at the Ken Yackel-West Side Arena and the Sunday location at Aldrich Ice Arena. Admission is free for shoppers, and only vendors purchase tickets. Vendors selling edible products must contact the organizers, since food spots require a separate application and fee.

Now in its 13th year, the Stillwater Flea & Crafter Market brings a lively outdoor marketplace to Washington County Fairgrounds in the Stillwater and Lake Elmo area, featuring nearly 200 vendors and crafters each month. Browse antiques, home goods, furniture, garden art, clothing, tools, sporting goods, jewelry, collectibles, vintage pieces, food, arts and crafts, fresh local produce, and more, with finds ranging from brand new to timeworn and rustic. Food vendors are on site, and admission and parking are free. The market takes place once a month and is set up in the South Parking Lot of the fairgrounds, located just south of Highway 36 on Highway 15, also known as Stillwater Boulevard. Vendor registration is open for the season, with booth space priced at $65 for the full weekend.

Now in its fifth year, the White Bear Craft Fair takes place at Mariner Middle School and features handmade goods from crafters and artisans alongside boutiques and other vendors. Browse gifts, seasonal and garden decor, woodwork, and other unique finds from Minnesota small businesses. Food trucks will be on site for convenient bites as you explore. Admission is free. Hosted by Sunrise Events & Craft Shows.

Woodbury Days brings the Minneapolis Sound to the stage at Ojibway Park with Jordan Johnston and the Elevation. An R&B and pop vocalist, Johnston has performed on the main stage at Paisley Park and has opened for Stokley, former frontman of Mint Condition, as well as Lyfe Jennings. Drawing on influences like Prince, Usher, and Michael Jackson, he pairs soulful vocals with energetic, catchy melodies. He is joined by a band whose members have toured nationally with Richard Marx and Cameo, worked with Grammy-nominated reggae groups, and collaborated with Flyte Tyme Productions. The set spans funky, upbeat grooves and smooth soul.

Wren + Wilde bring their smoky folk sound to Woodbury Days at Ojibway Park. This Minnesota folk band, led by Hilary Yoder and Beth Olivares, blends close harmonies with a rugged Americana vibe to create music that feels raw and resonant. Reflective writing and candid storytelling shape each song into an intimate exchange, with lines and melodies that linger well after the music ends. Listeners who appreciate sincere, soulful folk will find this performance especially rewarding.

High & Mighty returns to the Woodbury Days stage at Ojibway Park with a horn-driven, dance-ready headlining set. Recognized with multiple Minnesota Music Awards, this Twin Cities group is known for an energetic mix of funk, R&B, and retro pop that keeps crowds moving. The performance features a tight horn section and seasoned vocalists with roots in the Minneapolis Sound.

MNDDC will present disc dog demonstrations at the Minnesota State Fair throughout the day. The program highlights freestyle, includes performance freestyle segments, Toss & Fetch, and Frizgility, and welcomes teams at every skill level, including dogs that are just learning. Two demo days are planned this year. Participating teams must be MNDDC members, able to stay for the full day, and willing to assist with duties such as setup, teardown, microphone responsibilities, and field cleanup. To broaden participation, the number of dogs per handler may be limited initially, with the possibility of additional dogs if space becomes available. Demo shirts are required for all teams. Additional details and the sign up process will be shared at a later date. The demo is organized and run by Roxanne, Arran, and Jess K, who serve as contacts for questions.

The Croix Boys perform at Woodbury Days with a lively blend of country and rock made for singing along. Their set highlights crowd favorites from artists such as Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Cash, and more.

Enjoy a convenient day trip to the Minnesota State Fair focused on Senior Day, with bus transportation and fair admission included. Pickups are available at Hart Travel in Parkers Prairie, Slumberland Furniture in Alexandria, Walmart in Sauk Center, the Community Center in Albany, and the Park & Ride in St. Joseph, with optional by-request stops in Clearwater or Monticello. If multiple buses are needed, schedules may be adjusted and travelers will be contacted with any updates. Ride only is 40 dollars. Pricing is 40 dollars for ages 4 and under, 52 dollars for ages 5 to 12, 55 dollars for ages 13 to 64, and 52 dollars for seniors 65 and older. To reserve seats, call 1-877-250-8857 or 218-338-4278, text or call 320-808-0398, or email jillharttravel@gmail.com.

Ride a comfortable coach bus with drop-off at the fair entrance, then enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together’s food, entertainment, and attractions without dealing with parking or traffic. Registration covers transportation only, and each person is responsible for purchasing a separate fair admission ticket. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged for a full day on your feet. The cost is $57 per person. To register or get more information, call 507-444-7900.

Ukrainian Village Band returns to the Minnesota State Fair with three upbeat sets of Ukrainian music. Performances take place on the International Bazaar stage, featuring lively melodies and rhythms that celebrate Ukrainian culture.

At East Ridge High School in Minnesota, the evening centers on crowning the 2026-27 Woodbury Ambassador Royal Family and recognizing the outgoing Royal Family. A reception will follow the ceremony. Tickets are sold at the door for $10, or $5 with a Woodbury Days button.

Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone perform at the Minnesota State Fair, appearing ahead of Tommy James as the opening act.

DSBB is back on the Summit Stage in the Bazaar with multiple sets spread across the day. Three performances take place daily, creating several chances to catch the show.

A flexible drop-in playtime designed for children from birth to age five and their caregivers. Families can stay for the full session or stop in for just part of it, depending on what works best.

This weekly chess meetup at R H Stafford Library Woodbury features relaxed, casual play. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome.