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

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Vote: Pick what new Minnesota State Fair foods Axios will try on day one

Axios Twin Cities readers are calling the shots on our annual opening-day food adventure.

State Fair

Audrey here! For the last five years, I&#x27;ve been the one choosing what new Minnesota State Fair foods the Axios Twin Cities team should try on day one of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

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>

Minnesota's kindergarten vaccination rate drops again

Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation.

News

Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rates fell across the board during the 2025-26 school year, according to new CDC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fa04957d-bf5c-4784-b33a-ab5ac0e11124" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rate drops again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">data</a> released this week.Why it matters: Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation, with immunization rates among kids well below levels needed to curb outbreaks of preventable diseases.

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 coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor

Things to Do

Lattes and matchas are going <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="cb249618-f21b-418a-af02-9787839a97bf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" target="_self">bananas</a> — including at a bunch of Twin Cities coffee shops. The big picture: Already the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-eaten" data-vars-click-url="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" data-vars-content-id="cb249618-f21b-418a-af02-9787839a97bf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" target="_blank">most-eaten</a> fresh fruit in America, bananas are ripe for the beverage market beyond smoothies.

Twin Cities weekend events: Night Circus, PickleFest, garden tour

Expect 18-foot-tall "river spirit" puppets at this unique circus.

A sunset circus will take over all of Raspberry Island in St. Paul this Sunday — but don&#x27;t expect lions, tigers and bears.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Insomnia Salon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deeperwaterarts.org/insomnia-salon" data-vars-content-id="64bf55d7-abb2-49f5-8a92-e36103b33048" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend events: Night Circus, PickleFest, garden tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deeperwaterarts.org/insomnia-salon" target="_blank">Insomnia Salon</a>, which describes itself as a &quot;surreal, sleepless performance and art collective,&quot; has created a unique two-hour event with everything from belly dancers to 18-foot-tall river spirit puppets.

This Minnesota city is competing for Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town title

Voting in the channel's Merriest Christmas Town contest runs through Sep. 4.

Bemidji is a very merry finalist in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hallmark&#x27;s Merriest Christmas Town" data-vars-click-url="https://merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com/" data-vars-content-id="bb00ab10-71f7-4ee6-8ae6-dde998d90c17" data-vars-headline="This Minnesota city is competing for Hallmark&#x27;s Merriest Christmas Town title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com/" target="_blank">Hallmark&#x27;s Merriest Christmas Town</a> contest.The big, jolly picture: The home of everyone&#x27;s favorite corny holiday romcoms is honoring communities that bring &quot;the spirit of Christmas to life through cherished traditions, joyful celebrations, and a deep sense of community.&quot; <ul><li>In addition to the bragging rights, the winning town will have an opportunity to serve as a filming location for an upcoming Hallmark film.</li></ul>

Help us make the most of the rest of summer in the Twin Cities

The State Fair is almost here, school is starting and we're tackling our summer bucket lists.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but this weekend marks the halfway point of August.Why it matters: Summer — the hope at the end of that long, dark, cold winter tunnel we suffer through year after year — is slipping away.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Uptown Porchfest, IndiaFest, Como Park events, and more

A free, neighborhood-wide music festival returns to Minneapolis' Lowry Hill East.

Minneapolis&#x27; Lowry Hill East is throwing a free, neighborhood-wide music festival on Saturday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uptown Porchfest" data-vars-click-url="https://uptownporchfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="e45e4d4f-1cd0-4f20-85a4-be4e1cc340da" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Uptown Porchfest, IndiaFest, Como Park events, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://uptownporchfest.com/" target="_blank">Uptown Porchfest</a> returns for its fourth year.Why it matters: More than 30 porches, stoops and front yards in &quot;the Wedge&quot; host 90+ acts spanning from indie folk and &quot;toe-tapping tunes&quot; to metal and R&amp;B.<ul><li>The vibes: Excellent. Check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our Instagram reel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DNTlI3bRXza/" data-vars-content-id="e45e4d4f-1cd0-4f20-85a4-be4e1cc340da" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Uptown Porchfest, IndiaFest, Como Park events, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DNTlI3bRXza/" target="_blank">our Instagram reel</a> from a previous year&#x27;s event for a whiff of them.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend guide: Banana Ball slides into Target Field

Plus: A food truck festival and free music.

&quot;Banana Ball&quot; boogies onto Target Field this weekend, as the Savannah Bananas and Loco Beach Coconuts face off in front of local fans.Why it matters: Have you seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral clips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=395u3VzEFl4" data-vars-content-id="f9284ba9-3719-46fb-b6e2-25573287aab6" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Banana Ball slides into Target Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=395u3VzEFl4" target="_blank">viral clips</a>? These guys are so fun.

Restaurant roundup: A fall opening by St. Anthony Falls

Arch & River plans a fall opening, per the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arch and River," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/20/afro-caribbean-bistro-owamni-mississippi-riverfront-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="0c07765a-bff6-4381-bd61-d2ebaaf23b33" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: A fall opening by St. Anthony Falls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/20/afro-caribbean-bistro-owamni-mississippi-riverfront-restaurant" target="_self">Arch and River,</a> the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board&#x27;s pick to replace Owamni at Water Works Pavilion, is now targeting a September opening, a park board spokesperson tells Axios.<ul><li>The restaurant is set to take over a prime spot near the Stone Arch Bridge. </li></ul>

SummerSlam's huge spectacle lands in Minneapolis

It's the second-biggest event on the wrestling calendar, drawing thousands to downtown Minneapolis.

The pro wrestling world and its rabid fanbase are set to take over downtown Minneapolis this weekend as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WWE&#x27;s SummerSlam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/23/summerslam-minneapolis-host-2026-us-bank-stadium-vikings" data-vars-content-id="adf933da-5add-45bc-95bf-13b233fbd28f" data-vars-headline="SummerSlam&#x27;s huge spectacle lands in Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/23/summerslam-minneapolis-host-2026-us-bank-stadium-vikings" target="_self">WWE&#x27;s SummerSlam</a> rolls into town.Why it matters: This event is a huge deal. If WWE&#x27;s signature event, WrestleMania, is pro wrestling&#x27;s Super Bowl, then SummerSlam is like the conference championships — with titles and major storylines settled in the ring, and huge crowds and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adjacent events" data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/here-are-all-the-wrestling-wrestling-adjacent-events-during-summerslam-week" data-vars-content-id="adf933da-5add-45bc-95bf-13b233fbd28f" data-vars-headline="SummerSlam&#x27;s huge spectacle lands in Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/here-are-all-the-wrestling-wrestling-adjacent-events-during-summerslam-week" target="_blank">adjacent events</a> outside of it.

Bemidji's Paul Bunyan & Babe are Minnesota's best roadside attraction: Axios readers

They've inspired a state full of competition — but Minnesotans still love the state's original quirky photo op best.

Axios Twin Cities readers have spoken: Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox sculptures are Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best roadside attractions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-1f730980-878c-11f1-94c9-0b3b68a5d6b2.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-1f730980-878c-11f1-94c9-0b3b68a5d6b2.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" target="_self">best roadside attractions</a>, according to our weeklong survey.The big picture: Paul &amp; Babe have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inspired" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/thing/paul-bunyan-and-babe-blue-ox-statues-bemidji" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/thing/paul-bunyan-and-babe-blue-ox-statues-bemidji" target="_blank">inspired</a> a state full of competing quirky landmarks, but Minnesotans still love the state&#x27;s original wayside photo op best.<ul><li>Of the semifinalists in our bracket, only one, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Ulm&#x27;s Hermann The German" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/18/hermann-the-german-new-ulm" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/18/hermann-the-german-new-ulm" target="_self">New Ulm&#x27;s Hermann The German</a>, predates Paul &amp; Babe.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Vote: Pick what new Minnesota State Fair foods Axios will try on day one

Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor

Twin Cities weekend events: Night Circus, PickleFest, garden tour

This Minnesota city is competing for Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town title

Help us make the most of the rest of summer in the Twin Cities