7 things to do in the Twin Cities this Fourth of July weekend
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Looking for something beyond hot dogs this Fourth of July? You're in luck — three food festivals are taking over both sides of the river this weekend.
The big picture: Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis Saturday-Sunday with nearly 50 food vendors, a block-long artist marketplace and all-day live music across three stages. Free, but tickets are required
- What we're watching: The Jucy Lucy Hall of Flame on Saturday, where those with stomachs of steel (and stretchy pants) can eat a flight of three full-sized Jucys from Matt's Bar, The Nook and The 5-8 Club. $40
Plus: Head to St. Paul on Saturday for Minnesota's first Native American Food Truck Festival, with nearly 20 native-owned food trucks and chefs popping up at Harriet Island Regional Park from 11am-7pm. Free
- And if that's not enough: the second annual Taste of St. Paul will also take place Saturday and Sunday with food trucks, live performances and a kids zone. Free
In other entertainment news ...
🌭 Challenge Joey Chestnut's record at Minneapolis cocktail bar Meteor's inaugural hot dog eating contest Friday afternoon. In addition to the classic speed eating competition, there will also be a "performance" category for those who can eat one single hot dog "the best."
- "Points are based on name, balance, originality, presentation, crowd engagement, and delivery," according to the bar's Instagram post. Free
🩲 Show some skin at the 19th Freedom From Pants Ride on Friday, the annual Fourth of July clothing-optional bike ride around Minneapolis. This year's route starts downtown at 6pm with stops at Loring Park, Cedar Lake Beach and Sabo Bridge. Free
🎭 Picnic at a Shakespeare show during one of Classical Actors Ensembles' performances of All's Well That Ends Well this weekend. All shows take place in Twin Cities green spaces and are free to attend, though donations are encouraged.
- Find the group at Highland Bridge Civic Plaza Friday, Lake of the Isles Saturday and Normandale Lake Bandshell on Sunday. Free
🎲 Break out the lucky D20 — CONvergence, the annual convention for all things science fiction and fantasy, is in downtown Minneapolis Thursday-Sunday.
- This year's theme is "That's How We Roll" and celebrates everything gaming, with dedicated suites for all-day tabletop play, RPGs and video games. $85+ for adult tickets, $25-$45 ages 6-17