Twin Cities weekend: Minnehaha Duck Race, MayDay parade, bike swap
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Scenes from the 2024 Duck Race. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios
An annual high-stakes competition with racing animals is this Saturday — but there's no need for hats or other Kentucky Derby attire.
What's happening: Thousands of rubber ducks will face off at the Minnehaha Creek Duck Race, the goofy neighborhood event and family festival along Minnehaha Parkway.
How it works: Participants can sponsor a duck (or entire flock) that will race approximately half a mile down the creek. The first 20 ducks to cross the finish line win a prize.
- All ducks are collected by volunteers and saved for future races, and spectators are encouraged to collect trash they spot during the event.
Details: The free "race" starts at 12th Avenue Bridge and Minnehaha Parkway at 11am, and the festival runs until 2pm at 17th Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway.
More things to do ...
🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday, but those looking to celebrate early can get a head start at West St. Paul's flagship fiesta this Saturday. The parade and car show kick off at 10am, with additional entertainment like mariachi bands, folklórico dancers and wrestling through 6pm. Free
- Meanwhile, La Doña Cervecería in North Minneapolis hosts celebrations all weekend, including salsa dancing, professional wrestling and soccer tournaments with Minnesota Aurora special guests. Free
🐎 Watch "the fastest two minutes in sports" at a Kentucky Derby party this Saturday afternoon.
- Brit's Pub in downtown Minneapolis will host a professional cigar roller and live bluegrass band (free entry), and Canterbury Park's party permits walk-up wagering ($10.76 entry). Derby attire is encouraged at both.
🎧 Fraser Festival returns to downtown St. Paul this Saturday with a range of activities created for those with sensory processing differences.
- Participants can pet therapy dogs, cats, bunnies and alpacas, dance at a silent disco, try a rock climbing wall and more. All are welcome, and additional accommodations like calming spaces are available. Free
🚴 Grab some new-to-you gear at the return of the Twin Cities Bike Swap in Richfield this Sunday. Vendors will have everything from BMX bikes to vintage track racing equipment, and ticket sales benefit Minnesota Cycling Center's programming for local elementary schools. $7.18+
🎭 The MayDay Parade, a community-run celebration of "spring, communities, peace and social justice," is Sunday in Minneapolis. Expect larger-than-life puppets, art bikes, dancers, cardboard floats and of course, the Southside Battletrain. Free
- Check out scenes from last year's event via Instagram.