Weekender: Wanderlight Trail, Panda Fest and Washington County Fair
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Under the sea or at the Minnesota Zoo? Photo: Minnesota Zoo
This weekend is last call for checking out the Minnesota Zoo's whimsical Wanderlight Trail exhibit.
Why it matters: The summer counterpart to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features towering lanterns and other immersive light-up displays inspired by animals and habitats around the world.
- Its two-month run ends on Sunday night.
⏰ If you go: Visitors can choose between "twilight" (8-9pm) or "midnight wander" (9:30-11:30pm) entry.
- The trail typically takes just under an hour to complete, the zoo says.
🎟️ Weekend tickets start at $28 for kids 3-12 and $32 for those 13 and up. Discounts are available for zoo members and groups.
What's next: While this the last chance to experience this year's displays, the Zoo tells us that it's already planning to bring back the concept next year following an "incredible amount of positive feedback" from guests.
Other events this weekend:
🎡 The Washington County Fair runs at the Stillwater fairgrounds through Sunday. Expect rides, live music, 4H exhibits, barrel racing and more fun.
- 🐷 What's new: Not one, but two (!) piglet mascots, our friends at Woodbury News Net report. $12 for ages 8 and older. Free for children 7 and under.
🐼 Panda Fest, hailed as one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S., brings 300-plus street food vendors, live performances and a 15-foot inflatable panda to Mall of America's North Lot this weekend. Friday-Sunday. $14+.
- Worth noting: Timed entry tickets were going fast of Thursday afternoon, so it's best to reserve one soon.
🎈It's the last weekend to check out the World's Biggest Bounce House, which features 50,000 square feet of inflatable fun at MOA's East Lot. $35+ for a 3-hour pass (non-bouncing visitors can gain entry for $5).
👯 Celebrate National Friendship Day on Saturday by helping the Three Rivers Park District make the longest friendship bracelet in Minnesota.
- Parks staff will bring together pieces visitors have been braiding all summer into one long bracelet, which will be unfurled along a trail at Silverwood Park. 10am-2pm Saturday; Free.
🍔 Enjoy food with a view as Minnesota Food Truck Festival rolls up to Minneapolis' Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
- Expect dozens of food and drink options, plus live music, henna tattoos and trucks dishing up vintage records, photo booths, clothing and more. 11am-9pm Saturday; Free.
🦖 Learn from dinosaur experts at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Dino Fest with a daylong program of talks and shows, including a T-Rex tooth-brushing and a live eagle demonstration. Saturday, 11am-3pm; adult admission $34.95, kids $24.95
🤣 Brave New Workshop's "Battle of the Improv All-Stars" returns to Dudley Riggs Theatre. Audience members get to crown winners of the side-stitching challenges. 7:30pm Saturday; $38.