Twin Cities weekend guide: Taste of Minnesota, World Cup Street Fair, and more
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Photo: James Perovich/Courtesy of Taste of Minnesota
Before you catch a fireworks show this weekend, celebrate America — and Minnesota — with your stomach.
The big picture: Taste of Minnesota returns to Nicollet Mall on Friday and Saturday with more than 50 vendors serving foods ranging from pizza to pierogi and from sliders to sambusas.
- A street fair will also feature nearly 40 local artists, makers and small businesses.
What we're watching: Two stages of musical acts culminate Saturday with Ant, Brother Ali, Dessa, Nur-D and Gully Boys headlining the main stage.
If you go: Tickets are free, but required — and be aware of the bag policy. Friday, 4pm-10pm; Saturday, 12pm-10pm
Other food events to check out ...
🍖 The "Pork of July" barbecue at Northeast's Falling Knife Brewing promises ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage and sides — plus a fundraiser for a child hunger relief organization. Friday, 2-8pm
🌭 Meteor, the North Minneapolis cocktail bar, is hosting a hot dog-eating competition. Contestants will vie to snarf down the most dogs — or put on the best show while eating them. The prize: Free hot dogs for a year.
- Plus: Pre-order drink tickets ($25 for six) for a daylong parking lot party culminating in an evening drag show. Saturday, noon-8pm
🫘 And here's an animal-free option: Compassionate Action for Animals is hosting a vegan potluck at the Wabun Picnic Area in Minnehaha Park. Bring a dish based on the first letter of your last name. Saturday, 11am-2pm
More to fill your calendar
🚀 Sci-fi and fantasy fans, unite: The massive annual CONvergence meetup will be going on all weekend just across downtown from Taste of Minnesota festivities.
- Expect panels, performances, screenings, auctions, a masquerade costume contest and lots and lots of cosplay. Thursday-Sunday, adult day passes start at $45.
🎻 Free live strings and winds: The Minneapolis Pops Orchestra celebrates America with two holiday weekend concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Friday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 5:30pm
- St. Paul's Como Lakeside Pavilion will also host the St. Anthony Park Community Band and Como Pops Ensemble on the Fourth. Saturday, noon-5pm.
🛻 St. Anthony Park picnic: The annual parade down a half-mile stretch of St. Paul's Como Avenue ends in Langford Park, where organizers promise food trucks, pony rides, athletic events and live music. Parade at 11am Saturday; park events start at noon.
⚽️ World Cup Street Fair: Utepils Brewing hosts the event organized by Vida y Deportes, which will feature food vendors, live music, community groups and, of course, FIFA tournament watching. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free; registration is encouraged.
- Go deeper: Check out our World Cup watch party guide.
✈️ Keep your eyes on the skies: A vintage B-25 bomber will depart from South St. Paul's Fleming Field on a flyover orchestrated by the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing.
- The current route takes the plane over White Bear Lake and the east metro before veering into Wisconsin, though the org will alter its route for a donation.
🪴 Sculpt your own garden gnome: 56 Brewing hosts this make-your-own ceramics workshop as part of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association's summer brewery series. Sunday, noon. $55 per person.
Go deeper: Where to catch July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities