In 1885, a reporter from New York critiqued Saint Paul in Winter as "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation." The very next year the city offered its defiant response, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Today, 75 events are featured both indoors and out. Snow carving, an ice palace, and even golf on ice celebrate Winter in the far North.
Over a hundred-and-fifty acts contribute to this most "home-grown" of festivals that first began as a simple birthday party. Local talent playing roll devil, rawk, and other in-demand music delights attendees year-after-year. The event even attracts some filmmakers and other artists.
For 70 years, the Aquatennial has been a ten-day, mid-summer event celebrating the numerous lakes within the city limits of Minneapolis. Intrepid competitors race their boats fashioned from milk cartons. Others compete with their artistic sandcastle creations. Water ski shows and beach parties add to the revelry. Enjoy classic cars and fireworks too.
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is the backdrop for what has become one of the very largest outdoor music festivals in the entire Midwest. Two concert stages feature non-stop performances by nearly 30 nationally-known acts. The Moonlight Mardi Gras Cruise is unforgettable for those that participate. About 20 local nightclubs feature live Blues throughout the event.
Harriet Island Regional Park Saint Paul, MN 55102 in Saint Paul, MN
No other Irish festival in the United States surpasses this magnificent celebration of Irish culture that began in 2001. Don't miss the "Best Legs In A Kilt" competition. Enjoy those vying for the title at "Irish Got Talent." Bands, beer, and boiled beef are standard fare at this three-day celebration. The Jameson Whiskey Experience tent is a "must see" for many.
