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A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

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What to eat — and skip — at the Minnesota State Fair

braved five hours of lines and calories to find the new fair foods actually worth your money.

State Fair

Don&#x27;t say we didn&#x27;t warn you: The Minnesota State Fair&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pickle Pie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/10/make-your-state-fair-food-plan" data-vars-content-id="8f371fc2-cb13-4531-8259-e24c9151706c" data-vars-headline="What to eat — and skip — at the Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/10/make-your-state-fair-food-plan" target="_self">Pickle Pie</a> may leave you wanting to puke. Driving our discomfort: We spent five hours braving the crowds, lines and calories to taste-test this year&#x27;s buzziest and most intriguing new foods. Why it matters: We did it for you! Our goal was to help readers weigh which &quot;official&quot; new foods are worth the cash (and wait) and which you can — and probably should — skip without feeling an ounce of FOMO.

Minnesota State Fair prices mostly held steady in 2026

Here's how prices for Sweet Martha's, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds and other fair staples have changed.

Inflation has eased this year — at the Minnesota State Fair, at least.By the numbers: The University of St. Thomas&#x27; &quot;On-A-Stick&quot; fair inflation index was up 3.1% this year, much milder than last year&#x27;s 7.4% jump.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s rise is also much more comparable to the overall inflation rate of 3.4%. Last year, overall inflation hovered around 2.7%.</li></ul>

Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates

That comes to about $2,000 per household, according to a new economic analysis.

Business

President Trump&#x27;s tariffs have cost Minnesota an estimated $4.8 billion since January 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" data-vars-content-id="4f375428-446a-467a-a7f7-1b7b728b01c5" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" target="_blank">according to a new analysis</a>. Why it matters: The report, Trade Partnership Worldwide for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, underscores that while Trump&#x27;s tariffs are international, their economic impact is local.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Ren Fest, K-pop convention, outdoor opera

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival's 55th season has arrived with plenty of special events.

Things to Do

Huzzah! The Minnesota Renaissance Festival&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="55th season" data-vars-click-url="https://renaissancefest.com/" data-vars-content-id="49cead8d-93c2-4028-8c1d-b2728e446941" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Ren Fest, K-pop convention, outdoor opera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://renaissancefest.com/" target="_blank">55th season</a> has arrived with plenty of special events, themed activities and of course, turkey legs.What&#x27;s happening: Saturday and Sunday&#x27;s theme is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highland Fling" data-vars-click-url="https://renaissancefest.com/highlandfling/" data-vars-content-id="49cead8d-93c2-4028-8c1d-b2728e446941" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Ren Fest, K-pop convention, outdoor opera" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://renaissancefest.com/highlandfling/" target="_blank">Highland Fling</a>, inspired by &quot;Scottish tradition and revelry.&quot;<ul><li>The day begins with strength competitions like open stone putts and heavy hammer throws before moving to Irish dance performances, kilt competitions and Scotch egg eating contests.</li></ul>

Tick reports spike across Minnesota

We're living in what the New York Times Magazine recently branded "the tick century."

News

This year&#x27;s tick season has been a doozy: More Minnesotans have reported encountering the little bloodsuckers amid a spike in tick-related emergency room visits across the Midwest.Why it matters: Minnesota has among the highest rates in the U.S. of tick-borne illnesses like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" data-vars-content-id="bf76beab-4648-4243-b2a3-b28aceaa5e0e" data-vars-headline="Tick reports spike across Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" target="_self">Lyme disease</a>, which causes serious health problems.

Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters

The move puts the long-debated issue back in the spotlight ahead of the election.

Election

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" target="_blank">sweeping move</a> to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters thrust a long-running debate back into the headlines — and onto the campaign trail.The big picture: The fight over the future of Twin Metals and other mining proposals reflects a wider political tension between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosting U.S. critical mineral output" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" target="_self">boosting U.S. critical mineral output</a> and prioritizing conservation.<ul><li>In issuing his executive order, the outgoing DFL governor put himself squarely on the side of environmentalists who have long lobbied for more protections.</li></ul>

Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees

Explore our interactive map of Twin Cities canopy coverage and tree population numbers.

Environment

Pests, disease and poor planning have decimated the urban forest in the Twin Cities, which has lost 11% of its tree cover over the last decade, according to an Axios analysis of state data.Why it matters: The numbers largely reflect the invasive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerald ash borer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" target="_self">emerald ash borer</a>’s devastation of Twin Cities tree populations and represent a huge setback to Minnesota’s goals to put more communities in the shade.<ul><li>Trees cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raise property values" data-vars-click-url="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" target="_blank">raise property values</a> and even boost our mental health.</li></ul>

Wildfires ease in Minnesota's Boundary Waters

Gov. Tim Walz said he no longer thinks a special session to extend a peacetime emergency is needed.

Top Minnesota officials are preparing to wind down the state&#x27;s peacetime emergency response to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boundary Waters wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="71dd6c43-6df5-4b66-a0ca-c38e5108a53a" data-vars-headline="Wildfires ease in Minnesota&#x27;s Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" target="_self">Boundary Waters wildfires</a> as crews continue to make steady progress on containing the blazes. Why it matters: The move signals that the devastating blazes that upended northeastern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s tourism season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/22/boundary-waters-fires-deal-blow-to-businesses" data-vars-content-id="71dd6c43-6df5-4b66-a0ca-c38e5108a53a" data-vars-headline="Wildfires ease in Minnesota&#x27;s Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/22/boundary-waters-fires-deal-blow-to-businesses" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s tourism season</a> and blanketed the state in smoke are coming under control.

Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses

It would normally be high season for canoe outfitters, but business is dead.

The wildfires ravaging the Boundary Waters are also scorching the financial health of the businesses that rely on the paddlers who flock to the pristine lakes. Why it matters: The BWCA shutdown reached day 9 today, erasing precious time that businesses in northern Minnesota have to make money. <ul><li>There are no signs that the fires are anywhere near under control and officials have warned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they could burn until snow falls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="be0f5569-7e4c-4484-922a-f86f50a47c3f" data-vars-headline="Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" target="_self">they could burn until snow falls</a>. </li></ul>

Dog park users mobilize to save Minnehaha off-leash area

They say the park will deteriorate without them taking care of it.

Many of the people who walk the wooded trails and beaches of the Minnehaha dog park are rallying in hopes of halting a scheduled vote Wednesday at a Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board meeting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="close the popular off-leash area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/02/park-board-proposal-close-minnehaha-dog-park" data-vars-content-id="bd15ca34-5088-4bbb-bb42-3228da7f0b10" data-vars-headline="Dog park users mobilize to save Minnehaha off-leash area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/02/park-board-proposal-close-minnehaha-dog-park" target="_self">close the popular off-leash area</a>. Why it matters: The vote could determine the future of one of Minneapolis&#x27; most popular dog parks while testing how much public input should shape decisions about culturally significant land.

Senate votes to end ban on mining near the Boundary Waters

The vote was a win for Twin Metals and a loss for conservation advocates.

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution Thursday reversing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Biden administration&#x27;s 20-year moratorium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/26/mining-ban-biden" data-vars-content-id="a74a1add-034f-45e2-9038-a041cb098590" data-vars-headline="Senate votes to end ban on mining near the Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/26/mining-ban-biden" target="_self">the Biden administration&#x27;s 20-year moratorium</a> on mining on federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Why it matters: The move removes a significant roadblock to Twin Metals Minnesota&#x27;s long-debated bid to build an underground copper-nickel mine near Ely.

How data centers could help revive downtowns

While data centers are controversial in the suburbs, they're finding a place in downtowns

Data centers have become a point of tension in Twin Cities suburbs, but for downtown developers, they could be a goldmine.Why it matters: The collapse of office tower values has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushed property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" target="_self">pushed property taxes</a> higher for residents. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">Data centers</a> could help boost those values again, spur more residential and commercial development and even help heat other buildings.

How a smoky summer may affect health in Minnesota

The smoke has cleared but your lungs may still feel it.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfire smoke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/25/canada-minnesota-wildfire-smoke-blame" data-vars-content-id="f3fdeded-2881-4b3f-a325-c69a6ecc5d85" data-vars-headline="How a smoky summer may affect health in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/25/canada-minnesota-wildfire-smoke-blame" target="_self">wildfire smoke</a> has cleared (for now), ending Minnesota&#x27;s longest air quality alert on record.

What the new North Loop Park could look like

Robots, food trucks and green space: North Loop Park plan heads to a vote

A square of land in the North Loop that the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board bought four years ago could soon begin its transformation from a patch of grass to something more. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/28/minneapolis-north-loop-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="79ae0317-05be-4891-ac92-4d74a8be2cee" data-vars-headline="What the new North Loop Park could look like" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/28/minneapolis-north-loop-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">booming</a> neighborhood, filled with apartments and condos, has clamored for another park for years. A new concept plan shows what it could look like.

A chloropleth map of the Twin Cities metro area showing the loss (or gain) of tree canopy by city, with much of the area around St. Paul showing a serious decline as denoted by dark shading. Other suburban communities have seen some gain, indicated by lighter colors.

Change in tree canopy coverage by city, 2013 to 2023

The buttons at the top of this map toggle between city-by-city overviews of tree canopy health and tree population. Data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Map: Kyle Stokes/Axios