Deals & Events Calendar

(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.)

COVID UPDATE: Many events may be cancelled before I can remove them here. Please check before going!

Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Thanks!

EVERY DAY: Get the LOWEST-PRICED Crayola Experience Mall of America Discount Tickets via my link!

EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNT Crayola Experience Mall of America tickets through my special link! Tickets are $17.50 (regularly $22.99 – $24.99) THIS IS THE LOWEST PRICE OUT THERE!

Just click on my personalized online store web link (URL) and enter the access code TCFM. (Or visit https://tickets.crayolaexperience.com and enter my personalized store name: Twin Cities Frugal Mom)
You’ll be able to purchase and print the tickets right away, saving you time waiting at the entrance turnstiles and bypassing ticket booth lines! And they’re valid for up to a year.

EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!

EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for The Works Museum in Bloomington with my special code!

Regular admission is $11.00 per person, but you can get admission for $9.00 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!

Yes, they’re open!

And 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 online. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership.
There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here: https://www.twincitiesfrugalmom.com/2017/06/our-first-visit-new-minnesota-childrens-museum/

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! (Note that many locations are closed right now.)

And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota! Note: Check before you go as many have updated their offerings since COVID began.

July 2021

Use my guide “Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Families 2021” for tons of ideas!

Twin Cities Area Summer County Fair List 2021! Yes, most are happening!

Minneapolis Aquatennial. July 21 – 24.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum open by reservation only. Chaska.

Science Museum Learn at Home. The museum IS OPEN but also has a website with many at-home learning activities.

Free Build-a-Bear Virtual Workshops. Build-a-Bear is offering free Virtual Workshops every Wednesday! There are activities, crafts and free printables. See what’s already on their website.

Many events have been cancelled or postponed. For resources, please see my guide, Coronavirus Financial Relief & Resources for Minnesota Families.

For online Minnesota fun, see my guide, Free Minnesota Printables, LiveCams and Activities to Do at Home.

For free meals, see my guide Free Food for Kids and Families or see list below.

July Events by Date

THURSDAY, JULY 1

Twin Cities River Rats. 6:30 – 9:00pm. 1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The River Rats perform an hour long show combining various water skiing acts with skits and music. Our acts include Barefooting, Pyramids, Doubles, and more. All shows are free and concessions are available.

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Free First Saturday: Move to the Music! 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Bring the whole family and groove to music spun by DJ Chamun, discover the world of movement through aerial and balance circus acts, and pick up an art kit to get creative in the Garden or at home!

SUNDAY, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

Make these yummy Patriotic Berry Waffles!

4th of July Events around the metro!

55th Annual Apple Valley Freedom Days – 2021. July 1-4.

Coon Rapids 4th of July Community Celebration. July 3 – 4.

Delano 4th of July Celebration. July 1-4.

Eagan’s July 4th Funfest. July 4.

Forest Lake 4th of July. July 4.

Minneapolis Red White and Boom. July 4.

Lake Minnetonka 4th of July. July 4.

Lakeville Fireworks. July 4.

St. Louis Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration. July 4.

St. Peter Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in 2021. July 4.

White Bear Lake Fireworks. (Part of Manitou Days) July 4.

Woodbury 4th of July Celebration. July 4.

Stillwater 4th of July Ice Cream Social and Riverside Swing Band. 12:00 – 5:00pm. Stillwater.

12:00pm – 5:00pm: FREE Ice cream and root beer floats sponsored by Lift Bridge Brewery!

3:00pm-5:00pm: Riverside Swing Band!

Special performance by duo from the Valley Chamber Chorale!

TUESDAY, JULY 6

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.

Toddler Tuesdays. 11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule.

Storytime on Facebook Live. 10:30am. Washington County Library. Join us on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Facebook Live storytimes! We’re so excited to virtually sing, talk, read, write, and play with you.

Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $20 and 2 large totes for an ABUNDANCE of food. No income or residency required. ALL WELCOME! Doors open at 4:30. Walk in or register online for less waiting (just show up 15 mins before your timeslot). Go to https://rubyspantry.org/product/bloomington-mn/. Read about my experience here!

THURSDAY, JULY 8

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Free Family Fun Day: Ice Cream Social. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Goodhue County Historical Society, Red Wing. Beat the heat with our July Free Family Fun Day Ice Cream Social. Enjoy some outdoor yard games and free ice cream. Then step inside to cool off and play some old fashioned games and explore the exhibits!

SUNDAY, JULY 11

Virtual Family Day: Look Closer!. 10:00am. Minneapolis Institute of Art Virtual Event. Whether looking at artworks in the galleries or in your neighborhood, you can always notice more when you look closer. Be inspired by artists who take a closer look at the world around them, and create tools to help you look with greater intention. Learn to hone your eye and look without judgment. Create your own Soundsuit inspired by American artist Nick Cave. And play a scavenger hunt in the museum or wherever, searching for colors, feelings, and more!

North Loop Food Truck Fair. 1:00pm – 7:00pm. The North Loop Food Truck Fair is BACK! Dozens of food trucks, entertainment and more. New location this year: 751 N 3rd Street. *Future location of the NEW North Loop Park.
Little Gs Pizzeria, Juice Box,Taqueria El Victor, KCM Eggrolls, Pet Wants, Thai Thai Street Food, Nautical Bowls, Asian Invasion, K-Town Street Food, Heavy Metal Grill, iPiEROGI, Chicks on Wheels, It’s 7am Somewhere Food Truck, Blue Moo Ice Cream, Thumbs Cookies, Kenny’s Meatball Wagon, The Corn Monkeys, Mr. Fuzz’s, Lu’s Sandwhich, Oover the Coals, Edwards Dessert Kitchen, Modist Brewing and more!

THURSDAY, JULY 15

SUNDAY, JULY 18

Virtual Family Day: Express Your Love with Pride. 10:00am. Minneapolis Institute of Art Virtual Event. Celebrate Pride month learning about visionary and courageous artists from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Make a friendship bracelet for yourself and a friend, and take time to appreciate the many kinds of relationships in your life.

Snow Sisters Free Meet and Greet at Keg and Case. 1:00pm. St. Paul.

TUESDAY, JULY 20

Toddler Tuesdays.10:00am and 11:00am. Mall of America Live and Virtual event. Check their website for each week’s schedule.

The Dollipops. 6:30pm. Live entertainment is back! Come out to the Hilde Performance Center for a fun kids concert by the Dollipops 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Tots & Trains Children’s Program. 10:00am. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. Join us each 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month for our Tots & Trains children’s program from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. Included with paid admission.

Pizza Night at the Farm. 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Elmcrest Ave N, Hugo, MN 55038. July 21st we are hosting Pizza night at the farm with The Brick Oven Pizza Bus. Our regular Wednesday vendors will be there with items for sale. Come out for a picnic, pizza, and Fresh cut flowers. Bring friends and family for a fun Wednesday evening event.

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. 7:30pm. The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade will kick off Aquatennial on Wednesday, July 21st beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dozens of festive floats, colorful displays, and marching bands showcasing groups from all over Minnesota will proceed down Nicollet Mall from 12^th Street to 4^th Street. This event is free and open to people of all ages.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Show. 6:30 – 9:00pm. 1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The River Rats perform an hour long show combining various water skiing acts with skits and music. Our acts include Barefooting, Pyramids, Doubles, and more. All shows are free and concessions are available.

FRIDAY, JULY 23

Farmyard Fun Fair. Lakeville. 10:00am – 5:00pm. July 23 – 25. Buy food for our Barnyard Buddies, jump in our jumpy, (weather permitting) get a PONY RIDE, eat lunch. Watch our feathered friends play in the pond, Play with the ducks, goats, mini cows, big cows, calves, mini horses, emus, peacocks, sheep, pet our whitetail fawns, see the baby ducks and baby goats and more.

Crystal Frolics with Fireworks. 4:30pm – 10:00pm.

Becker Park (activities start at 4:30 pm)
– Inflatable Experience
– Food Trucks
– Omni Brewing Craft Beer
– Concert: Skitzo Fonik (7 pm)
– Concert: CCC Music (4:30 pm)

Welcome Park (activities start at 6 pm)
– Softball Tournament
– West Metro Fire-Rescue Beer Tent
– Food/Vendor Booths
– Pull Tabs
– Bingo
– Fireworks (10 pm)

SATURDAY, JULY 24

Crazy Days & Marktstrasse. 9:00am – 2:00pm. New Ulm, MN.

Crystal Frolics. 9:00am – 10:00pm.

Grand Reopening! 10:00am – 4:00pm. Hennepin Overland Railroad Museum, Minneapolis. Come Join us for our post-pandemic grand reopening! We’ll be hosting an operating session while opening our new Station 2501 museum store to the public for the 1st time! A full years worth of model railroad related periodicals with each admission! No admission to shop; standard admission rates to the operating session apply: $7/person $20/family

Leprechaun Days Parade. 11:00am – 1:00pm. Parade starts on 145th St W. at Shannon Pkwy going East to Cameo Ave.

Beat The Heat. 2:00 – 4:00pm. Northtown Mall, Blaine. Don’t miss our Beat The Heat summer social! Join us in the Door 5 parking lot for fun summer games and sweet treats! Free for kids 12 and under, while supplies last.

New Brighton Parks & Rec Fest. Lions Park 1500 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton. 3:00pm – 8:00pm.
• Program Samplers
• Bags Tournament
• LIVE Music
• Food Trucks

Target Fireworks. The fireworks begin at 10 pm. The Target Fireworks are a fully choreographed pyro-musical that times each firework pop to the beat of its soundtrack all the way down to 1/100th of a second. As you watch, listen to the pyro-musical on KOOL 108! Enjoy this spectacular event along the Mississippi Riverfront on West River Parkway between the Guthrie Theater and Third Avenue.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

14th Annual Scavengers Car Show. 9:00am – 2:30pm. Mounds View. The Scavengers 14th Annual Car Show will be held Sunday, July 25th, 9AM-2:30PM at the Mermaid Events Center in Mounds View. Admission is $10 for participants with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Beyond The Yellow Ribbon. Come early for the goodie bags and dash plaques and enjoy the day with the Scavengers!

Crystal Frolics. 10:00am – 6:00pm.

ONLINE EVENT: Live with the Lodge – Summer Camp-In. 4:30pm. Join us on July 25th as we bring Summer Camp-In at the Lodge right to you at home! We have three fun, family activities ready for you, from sweet treats to fun crafts.

Community Family Night – Jazz in July. 5:00pm – 9:00pm. All Saints Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove. Come on out for some fun for the whole family. Food trucks will be set up at 5:00, along with the SoWashCo Skoolie Bus and a fire truck from the Cottage Grove Fire Department. Grab some food, play some games, and stick around for a FREE Jazz concert starting at 7:00 featuring the Dwayne Tannahill Quartet.

TUESDAY, JULY 27

Toddler Tuesdays.10:00am and 11:00am. Mall of America Live and Virtual event. Check their website for each week’s schedule.

THURSDAY, JULY 29

SATURDAY, JULY 31

Twin Cities Water Lantern Festival. 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Phalen Park Beach House, 1400 Phalen Dr, St. Paul. This truly unique experience combines many deep emotions and feelings that represents something different for each one of the thousands of individuals who have personalized their floating lanterns.

These are weekly events – most are discontinued until further notice due to COVID:

~~EVERY SUNDAY~~

Free Family Fun Day at the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center in North Mississippi Regional Park (part of the Three Rivers park district). 1:00-3:00pm. A different theme each week!

Kids eat FREE Sundays at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. 1 Free Kid’s Meal per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. Dine-in only. 12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions. (Dickey’s also offers FREE ice cream with any dine-in purchase, every day!) There are 10+ Dickey’s locations in the Twin Cities area.

~~EVERY MONDAY~~

Tail Time at Wild Rumpus. Wild Rumpus Books, 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Stories for the wee!

~~EVERY TUESDAY~~

Minnesota History Center – Admission is free every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

~~EVERY WEDNESDAY~~

Midtown Global Market -“Wee Wednesdays” from 10:30-11:15am. Fun, entertaining and educational FREE programming for kids 5 years and younger. Every week it’s something different – music, puppet shows, cooking, and more! See their website for schedule.

Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. Open to the public 10:00am-4:00pm. (Wednesdays and Saturdays) South St. Paul. Admission is free of charge.

EVERY THURSDAY

Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.

EVERY FRIDAY

EVERY SATURDAY

Free Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House. Eden Prairie. 9:00 – 12:00. Enjoy free family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more! Every Saturday!

Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.

Saturday Live! at the St. Paul Public Library. FREE. 11:15am to Noon.

Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.

Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. Open to the public 11:00am-4:00pm. ( Saturdays) South St. Paul. Admission is free of charge.