(Please note: This list is updated as events become known. Be sure to check with the event host/venue in advance as there may be changes or cancellations at any time.)
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Submissions are not guaranteed – if you would like guaranteed placement, paid advertising packages start at $200. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $14.00 per person, but you can get admission for $12.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
- Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
EVERY DAY: Get Minnesota Children’s Museum Discount Tickets!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!
- Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets both online and in person. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here.
Also, be sure to check my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for how to save (and get FREE admission!) at places all around the Twin Cities!
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota!
July – August
Ongoing Events
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
Save 50% on tickets at Zero Gravity! Mounds View.
Monsters on Vacation. May 23 – January 10. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. Save on admission with my code TCFM.
Green Barn Sunflower Days. August 8th – ? 26501 Highway 65 NE, Isanti, MN 55040.
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Minneapolis. Now through February (date may change). I have a 10% discount code: TITANICMN.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival. August 22nd – October 4th. Shakopee, MN.
August 2026 Events by Date
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. August 1st and 2nd. First weekend of each month.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations. This month: Rocket Game. Admission also opens today for the August craft event!
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista.
Free First Saturday: Puppet Playdate. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.
Back to School Bash. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Lakeview Terrace Park, 3769 Crystal Lake Blvd, Robbinsdale, MN 55422.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. This free program occurs on the first Wednesday of the month and various Saturdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Mini Mia. 10:00am – 12:30pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
Kids Night at Centerville Main Street Market. 5:30 – 7:30pm. 1721 Westview Street, Centerville. Free face-painting, kid activities, touch-a-truck, prize giveaways and more!
FREE Shockwaves Water Ski Show. 7:00pm. Quarry Lake, Prior Lake.
Outdoor Movie Night – Super Mario Galaxy Movie. 7:00pm. Ojibwe Park, St. Paul.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Heights Fest. August 7-8. Mendota Heights.
Prior Lake Days. August 7-8.
Irish Fest. St Paul. August 7-9.
New Brighton Stockyard Days. August 7-9.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Heights Fest. August 7-8. Mendota Heights.
Prior Lake Days. August 7-8.
Irish Fest. St Paul. August 7-9.
New Brighton Stockyard Days. August 7-9.
The Laughing Cow’s iconic Wedgemobile. August 8-9. Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista.
FREE Community Showing of Clifford the Big Red Dog. 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
River Fest. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park.
Free Kids Craft. 11:00am – 12:00pm. JcPenney – participating locations.
Hennepin County Fix It Clinic. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Boulevard Wayzata, 55391.
Boxing & Building: A Video Game Competition. 3:00 – 5:00pm. Rice Street Boxing Gym, St. Paul. $10 entry fee.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
Irish Fest. St Paul. August 7-9.
New Brighton Stockyard Days. August 7-9.
The Laughing Cow’s iconic Wedgemobile. August 8-9. Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis.
Family Day. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Join us for our free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.
Free Ice Cream Day. 12:00 – 8:00pm. The Scoop Zone, 3020 133rd St W, Shakopee, MN.
Corgi Races. Start at 1:00pm. Canterbury Park, Shakopee. Plus it’s Pepsi Family Day! Face painting, pony rides, the arcade, and more. Face painting and pony rides available for $5 each.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
Lighthouse Night & Torchlight Concert. 6:30 – 9:30pm. Centennial Lakes Park, Edina. Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and plenty of free parking is available.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
Toddler Tuesdays®. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Mall of America.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FREE Shockwaves Water Ski Show. 7:00pm. Quarry Lake, Prior Lake.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Eagan Lakefest. 3:00 – 6:00pm. Trapp Farm Park, Eagan.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Vadnais Height Festival in the Park.
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
Sensory Friendly Saturday. 8:00am – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista.
Art Play! 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Triple T Alpaca Country Market. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Foreston, MN.
Barbie Truck Original Icon Tour – Minneapolis Appearance. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka.
Community Book Swap & Author Event. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Rosedale Center, 1595 Minnesota 36, Roseville.
Summer Block Party at Rice & Larpenteur 2026. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Rice St and Larpenteur Ave., 1675 Rice St., St Paul, MN 55113.
Anoka Food Truck Festival. 11:00am – 9:00pm.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Dakota County Fair! August 10-16.
Community Pet Clinic. 9:00am – 2:00pm. 2825 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN.
Historic Hastings Car Show. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Sunday, June 21st. In downtown Hastings on the third Sunday of the month this summer. This historic main street bordering the Mississippi River fills with classic cars.
Minnesota Twins Kids Day. And it’s a Backpack giveaway! 1:10pm. Free ice cream for kids! Free backpacks for the first 5000 kids 12 and under! Use my code FRUGALMOM25 to save 25% on tickets! Read more in my Twins family guide.
Como Park Japanese Obon Festival. 3:00 – 9:00pm. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul. Advance tickets only.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Depot Days. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. Theme: Under the Sea. Participants will decorate shells, explore ocean discoveries and see a water themed comedy show from the Science Museum of Minnesota. Plus, face painting, crafts, and prizes with the Twin Cities Road Crew.
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. First and third Wednesdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
Pet Themed night at Centerville Main Street Market. 5:30 – 7:30pm. 1721 Westview Street, Centerville. Shop among pet-themed vendors, local artisans, listen to live music and grab a bite to eat from a food vendor before walking to the popular Bald Eagle Waterski show next door (starts at 7pm. Bring a blanket or chair). Free parking in the Centerville Elementary parking lot.
FREE Shockwaves Water Ski Show. 7:00pm. Quarry Lake, Prior Lake.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Festival in the Park. Mounds View. August 21-22.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Opening weekend of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN.
Festival in the Park. Mounds View. August 21-22.
Canterbury on a Stick. Canterbury Park, Shakopee. August 22 – 23.
Fine Wine & Art Find. The Winery at Sovereign Estate. August 22 – 23. Wine tastings, wine, food and other beverages may be purchased on site. You may NOT bring in food or any other beverages.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista.
Kidtoberfest: Back to School Bash! 11:00am. 8335 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun. Join us for games, arts and crafts, multiple bounce houses, face painting, and plenty more to keep everyone happy.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul.
Pajama Rave with OMGigi. 5:00pm. First Avenue, Minneapolis.
Movies at the Star! Tonight: Top Gun: Maverick. Mall of America north parking lot. 7:30pm doors open. 9:00pm Movie starts.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Canterbury on a Stick. Canterbury Park, Shakopee. August 22 – 23.
Fine Wine & Art Find. The Winery at Sovereign Estate. August 22 – 23. Wine tastings, wine, food and other beverages may be purchased on site. You may NOT bring in food or any other beverages.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Free Rides on Cafesjian’s Carousel at Como Zoo. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Como Zoo, St. Paul.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FREE Shockwaves Water Ski Show. 7:00pm. Quarry Lake, Prior Lake.
FREE Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show. 6:20pm Preshow, 7:00pm Main Show. 1758 W River Rd N, Minneapolis.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Minnesota Twins Kids Day. 1:00pm. Free ice cream for kids! Use my code FRUGALMOM25 to save 25% on tickets! Read more in my Twins family guide.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
EVERY THURSDAY
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
EVERY FRIDAY
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
EVERY SATURDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.
EVERY SUNDAY
Sensory Friendly Playtime at Edinborough Park. 8:30am – 10:00am. Edinborough Park, Edina.