Family events in Minneapolis, MN

Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days returns to Minnesota Children’s Museum with support from DreamWorks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums. This special weekend brings the world of Gabby’s Dollhouse to St. Paul with an emphasis on imagination, creativity, and hands-on fun. Visitors can meet and take a photo with a costumed Gabby character during timed sessions. The event features themed crafts including making kitty ears, hamster kitty fairies, and a printable memory game, along with activities throughout the museum such as story time, a dance party, and a scavenger hunt. Museum admission or a membership is required to attend.

Connect and Play is a drop-in early literacy program for children of all ages and their caregivers. It’s a relaxed time to connect with your child while exploring simple literacy activities. The program is suitable for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The Hounds of Finn take the spotlight at Twin Cities Irish Fest 2026 with a Main Stage performance at Harriet Island Regional Park. This appearance is the first of two at the festival, with another show planned in the Pub Tent.

Get hands-on experience growing fresh produce in a welcoming group setting. Participants plant, tend, and harvest, then learn straightforward cooking techniques and recipe ideas to use what they grew. All supplies are provided, including seeds, seedlings, and tools, so there is nothing else to bring. Friends and family are welcome to participate, and everyone can take home their harvest.

Explore a lively marketplace at the 5th Annual Flea Market Event Show, filled with bargains, hidden gems, and an upbeat atmosphere. Admission is free for the public, so browse, chat, network, shop, and enjoy the nice outdoor weather while you wander. Expect food trucks and stands, baked goods and cottage foods, brand new and secondhand merchandise, unique handmade items, collectibles like Hot Wheels and Pokémon finds, vintage and antique pieces, toys, Amazon resell deals, and more. The market takes place across two venues, Ken Yackel-West Side Arena and Aldrich Ice Arena, bringing together a wide range of vendors that make it easy to discover something special. Only vendors need to purchase tickets, and food vendors follow a separate application process with a different fee.

A welcoming new anime show for families comes to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tickets are available, and booth space for artists and vendors is open for reservations.

A back to school edition of OK Little Trinket Market pops up at Backstory Coffee Roasters (West Side - STP), celebrating tiny treasures and cute collectibles. Collectors can shop, sell, showcase, or swap favorites like Sonny Angels, Calico Critters, Labubu figures, plushies, and other small delights. Expect a mix of handmade goods, kawaii finds, and curated small business vendors, along with charming photo moments and coffee to sip while browsing. The mood leans into fresh notebooks, cozy study days, and sweet little discoveries for anyone who loves tiny, adorable things.

Cypher Rotunda returns to the Mall of America Rotunda with the state’s biggest street dance battle, bringing together top dancers from across the country. The event features a 2 vs 2 Breaking bracket open to all ages with a $1,000 prize. Judging for Breaking includes Physicx in the later rounds beginning at Top 8, Boogie B for prelims, and Mass and El Nino across both prelims and the main event. A 3 vs 3 Open Styles bracket offers a $1,500 prize and is judged by NO1NE, Hans, and Zeku. The main event runs from the Top 8 through the finals. AMS is the MC. Pre-registration is required, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Mactír Academy of Irish Dance returns to Harriet Island for Twin Cities Irish Fest with an all-school performance on the main stage. Look for two high-energy showcases of Irish dance from the academy’s Wolf Pack. The Mactír community booth also features a signature sparkle bar, flower crowns, ribbon wands, and a mini leapstacle course that offer a fun way to experience elements of Irish dance. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors 55 and older, $25 for youth ages 13 to 17, and free for children 12 and under.

Area Of Hope is beginning to plan its annual picnic at the Como Park West Picnic Grounds, returning to the same spot as previous years. Organizers ask people to spread the word.

Open to all clubs and individual riders, this gathering welcomes both bikes and cars. It emphasizes a very family friendly atmosphere.

Kick off the new school year at Wilder Recreation Center with a backpack giveaway featuring complimentary food, backpacks, and school supplies available in limited quantities. Children need to be present in person to receive a backpack and supplies. Presented with support from Hope for the Brave, Target, Costco, Five Oaks Church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Saint Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church, and The Gnome.

Curated by Terrell X and Heidi Jeub, the Friends & Family Festival brings live music, art, and great food to 825 Arts in St. Paul. This community gathering focuses on bringing friends and family together in a welcoming atmosphere. Open to all, with a suggested donation of $10 to $20.

The patio will host a relaxed, all-ages performance. Audience tips to support the performers are welcome.

The Hounds of Finn return to Twin Cities Irish Fest 2026 for a second appearance with a performance on the Cub Pub Stage. This set follows an earlier show on the festival’s main stage. Tickets are available to reserve a spot.

A relaxed morning meetup centered on imported vehicles of any year, welcoming cars, scooters, and motorcycles. It takes place in the Associated Dentists parking lot. Arrive whenever it works for you and head out when you are ready. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food shelf donation. This gathering is held every other week.

SunDay FunDay celebrates its 8th season at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church with a day of food trucks, live music, and easy seating so everyone can relax and enjoy. Families and friends are welcome to take in a wide range of flavors from Hydration Shuttle, California Dip&Eat, El mexicano grill, Twin Cities Gyros, Xai The Corn Guy, Blue Moon Kitchen LLC, Casanova Rice and Shawarmin, Smoked Embers LLC, and Eggroll Queen, with more vendors planned. Fae Face Paint will be there offering face painting. Admission is free for the public and participation is free for food trucks. For questions, email EggrollQueenFoodTruck@gmail.com.

KOO KOO returns to Sociable for a family-friendly Funday featuring their high-energy, wildly catchy kid jams that get all ages dancing. The Minnesota duo brings music for little ones and anyone in the mood for a good time. Northern Star Scouting will be on site with an activity for kids and families, and additional kid-friendly activities are planned with more details to be announced.

An uplifting tea gathering for young girls centers on courtesy, good manners, and graceful behavior, with a whimsical touch of magic woven in. The experience is designed to nurture confidence while encouraging kindness and poise.

Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre brings flamenco to the Lake Harriet Bandshell. The company has been in Minnesota for more than forty years and is among the few American flamenco groups that present both traditional pieces and contemporary theatrical works. This performance is part of Music in the Parks, a summer tradition that has connected residents and families with local music since 1892, offering weekly concerts that span classic rock, hip hop, international music, funk, and more. For weather-related cancellations, updates will be shared on the event's Facebook page.

Set in the woods at Crosby Farm Regional Trail, this camp offers a caring outdoor experience for girls that nurtures confidence, deepens connection to nature, and sparks new friendships. The program blends nature exploration, creative projects, movement, and moments of mindfulness, all taking place outside. Activities proceed in most weather, so weather-appropriate clothing is essential, and plans will pause or be canceled if lightning or conditions become unsafe. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to roam, get a bit messy, and savor the magic of being outdoors. The environment is intentionally inclusive and supportive, with an emphasis on empowerment, kindness, and meaningful connection.

Kids ages 7 to 12 spend a week forming their own ukulele bands, learning real songs, choosing a band name, designing a poster and logo, playing music-themed games, and sharing a closing concert with family and friends. No prior experience is required and ukuleles are available to use throughout the program. The focus is on building confidence, creativity, and teamwork in a friendly setting that blends music, collaboration, and outdoor play. Throughout the week, campers practice in small bands with guidance from instructors as they learn songs they can continue at home, sing together, explore simple songwriting and lyric ideas, and take on rhythm and coordination challenges. They also spend time outside with group games at nearby Bryant Park. Activities rotate to fit elementary-age attention spans, with short breaks and consistent staff supervision indoors and out. A typical day features group warmups and rhythm activities, step-by-step ukulele instruction, band rehearsals, creative projects, outdoor games and movement time, snack and lunch breaks, and preparation for the final performance. To be prepared, participants should bring a packed lunch, a water bottle, and snacks, wear comfortable clothes suited to indoor and outdoor activities, and consider sunscreen for outdoor periods. Class size is limited to 12 participants, with a minimum enrollment of 6. Tuition is $299 and a $125 deposit applies toward that amount and reserves a seat. If the minimum is not met, families may move to another week or receive a full refund. The remaining balance is due before the program begins.

Scottie Miller brings his band and a string quartet to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church to celebrate the release of Hello Pain, his new fully orchestrated album that features The Budapest Scoring Orchestra. Part of the Durkee Summer Concert Series, this concert is free and open to all. The ensemble features Greg Schutte on drums and Dan Carpel on upright bass, with Cierra Alise Hill and Lisi Wright on violins, Jesse Kellermann on viola, and Julia Floberg on cello. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and drinks.

Peter Pan, Wendy, and the Darling brothers return to the Mississippi for a high-energy Twin Cities River Rats alumni water ski show that blends storybook magic with fast-paced stunts. Under the Never River theme, the cast soars, spins, and skis through a playful adventure where growing up can wait, and the spectacle is free for all ages. Alumni who plan to attend are asked to complete the alumni form so an accurate headcount can be gathered. Street parking only is available, so arriving early can help. For comfort, bring a blanket or a portable chair, and enjoy concessions on site. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the summer, with the full lineup listed in the organization’s Events section online.

The Faribault Lakelanders bring acoustic four-part harmony to the historic Como Park Pavilion for a lakeside performance. The program features beloved barbershop standards alongside gentle ballads and upbeat selections suited for all ages. The waterside setting lets the harmonies carry across the lake, showcasing the group in a landmark venue.

Minnesota People of Color Pride hosts a five-day celebration in Minneapolis that centers community, culture, and pride while uplifting connection and empowerment. The festival features live performances, ballroom and other cultural programming, community vendors and resource organizations, and food and music. Families are welcome, with activities designed for all ages throughout the event.

Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Donohue leads an easygoing evening of music at The Midway Saloon in St. Paul, joined by a rotating cast of talented friends. Each performance features a different guest, from standout local players to seasoned touring pros, so no two shows are the same. Look for nimble guitar work, warm stories between songs, and a relaxed vibe that eases you into the evening. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is suitable for families.

Families who have seen performances at Twin Cities Irish Fest or around Saint Patrick's Day, or whose children simply want to give Irish dance a try, can take part in a free class designed for future dancers. Children will experience the basics of Irish dance, while parents can attend an information session and ask the Director questions about the program. The dance studio offering this opportunity was nominated Minnesota's Best two years in a row.

Urban Roots and the St. Paul Public Library host a weekly storytime paired with a garden activity at the Urban Roots Children’s Garden at the Rivoli Bluff Farm and Restoration Site. Participants hear stories and take part in a simple activity in the garden, offering a friendly way to connect with nature through books.

An easygoing drop-in playtime welcomes children from birth to age five with their caregivers. Families can come for a short visit or stay for the entire session, whatever fits the day. Hosted at Arlington Hills Community Center.

At Music at Wandering Leaf, the Women’s Drum Center ensemble Djembe Diyamu opens the evening with an all-gender-inclusive drum circle for attendees of the Summer Thursdays in Highland Park series. After the circle, The Space Force performs. This free community gathering features live music, activities for children, and a selection of food trucks at Sibley Plaza. Beverages will be available for purchase from Wandering Leaf Brewing Company. Food options include Cold Front Ice Cream, Highland Popcorn, and Grumpy Claude’s Caribbean cuisine. The event is supported by Wandering Leaf Brewing, Paster Properties, Tierra Encantada, and VanGo Auto in partnership with St. Paul Parks and Recreation. For weather updates, check the Highland District Council website or the Facebook event hosted by Wandering Leaf Brewing.

Part of Summer Thursdays in Highland Park, this event features live music, kids activities, and food trucks. It begins with a women's drumming circle, then The Space Force performs. Beverages will be available for purchase from Wandering Leaf Brewing Company. Food truck details will be announced soon. Check Facebook for weather updates.

Set at The Finnish Bistro Cafe & Coffee, the Bistro Showcase highlights two local artists for an evening of heartfelt songs and uplifting energy. There is no charge for entry, and attendees of all ages are welcome. Barbara Bow, an emerging voice in the local country scene, also performs as Katelyn Mayne. Beyond the stage she is involved in online publishing, fashion design, and video production, and her bright, joyful presence creates a cheerful atmosphere that keeps listeners smiling. Kira Dawn brings a thoughtful blend of indie folk and pop, grounded in lyric-focused writing and personal storytelling, for a performance that feels intimate and reflective.