(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.)
Coronavirus UPDATE: Many events have been cancelled or 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.
Crayola Experience Mall of America also is offering a 2020 Unlimited Pass for the cost of a full-price admission ticket. The $24.99 ticket purchased this year starting Aug. 21 will be good for unlimited visits to any Crayola Experience attraction through the end of 2020. You can purchase these through my link as well!
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! Tickets are $7.00 (regularly $9.00; save $2 per ticket!)
- Regular admission is $9.00 per person, but you can get admission for $7.00 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.
- You can also save on family memberships: $5 Off Family Memberships (includes Dual, Family, and Family Plus memberships only):
Use code FRUGAL5OFF at checkout. Purchase this at: https://theworks.org/hands-on-kids-museum/membership/. - Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- $4.50 admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
Update: The Works Museum is temporarily closed.
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 online.
- 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!
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota! The latest to be added to the list is the ALL NEW Bell Museum in St. Paul!
September
Sever’s Stories, Riddles, & Rhymes Drive-Thru. Weekends through November 1st! $7/person or $25/car maximum ($40/Bus, Limo, Motorhome, etc.) plus sales tax*.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum open by reservation only. Chaska. (Free to members, $15 to visitors.) Must make reservations.
Free Omnifest at Home. Watch free Omnifest movies at home (extended).
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 Meals for Kids and Families or see list below.
September Events by Date
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
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.
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!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Sunflower U-Pick Field and Walk. Waldoch Farm, 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. Cost is $12 per time slot. The $12 will include access to the field, Hay wagon ride and 2 flowers U-pick flowers to take home. Additional flowers may be purchased. Through September 6th.
Great Global Get-Together. 11:00am. September 5-6. Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis. Many Market businesses are annual Minnesota State Fair vendors as well as rotating restaurants in Taste of Midtown Global Market booth within the Fair’s International Bazaar.
Potluck Minnesota FARE. Potluck, Rosedale Center, Roseville. The Minnesota FARE, a twelve day celebration of tasty fair-themed food items and fun, is being celebrated August 27 – September 7.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Sunflower U-Pick Field and Walk. Waldoch Farm, 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. Cost is $12 per time slot. The $12 will include access to the field, Hay wagon ride and 2 flowers U-pick flowers to take home. Additional flowers may be purchased. Through September 6th.
Great Global Get-Together. 11:00am. September 5-6. Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis. Many Market businesses are annual Minnesota State Fair vendors as well as rotating restaurants in Taste of Midtown Global Market booth within the Fair’s International Bazaar.
Potluck Minnesota FARE. Potluck, Rosedale Center, Roseville. The Minnesota FARE, a twelve day celebration of tasty fair-themed food items and fun, is being celebrated August 27 – September 7.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 LABOR DAY
Potluck Minnesota FARE. Potluck, Rosedale Center, Roseville. The Minnesota FARE, a twelve day celebration of tasty fair-themed food items and fun, is being celebrated August 27 – September 7.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Virtual Car Show. 5:00 – 8:00pm. Live on Facebook! The excitement of the annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour, our international search for the next die-cast car, is NOW ONLINE. Tune in to the Hot Wheels, plus Road and Track YouTube channel, on September 10 at 5PM PT. Watch LIVE judging from a panel of top motorsports athletes including Colette Davis, Jarod DeAnda, auto experts and Hot Wheels designers.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
(Virtual) Second Saturdays. 8:30 AM – 10:45 AM. Keep your kids active, learning, and engaged with TPT PBS KIDS! We miss seeing your smiling faces, and we’re creating a new experience to help us stay connected while we practice social distancing. During this virtual Second Saturday, kids will hear stories, participate in experiments, games and activities, hear from special guests from around the state of Minnesota, and watch clips from their favorite PBS KIDS shows. We will make this as interactive as possible, so find your favorite spot to watch and prepare to join us for a morning of fun!
Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Ridgedale Center, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka. Barbie is hitting the road with the Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour, celebrating over 60-years of Barbie’s iconic heritage and the fans who love her. Come check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch only available at the truck.
State Fair Foods at Maplewood Mall. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Saint Paul. Barnes & Noble parking lot. Weekends through September 27th!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Virtual Family Day: Shine On. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Hosted by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Every second Sunday of the month, Mia hosts a free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart featuring hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection. Although the museum’s doors are closed for the safety of our community, we can still gather virtually!
State Fair Foods at Maplewood Mall. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Saint Paul. Barnes & Noble parking lot. Weekends through September 27th!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Drive-thru Free Ice Cream Distribution. 4:00 – 7:00pm. 13885 S Robert Trl, Rosemount. Do you love ice cream? Then don’t miss this huge truckload giveaway of FREE Halo Top ice cream bars sponsored by Ruby’s Pantry and Twin Cities Church Calendar. Distribution will run from 4 to 7 p.m. or until supplies run out at the Rosemount Community Center South parking lot. This will be a contactless pickup event. Simply line up and a volunteer will load cases of Halo Tops into your vehicle. Please don’t arrive before 3:30 p.m. This event is supported by many local partners working together.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Storybook Trail. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Basset Creek Park, 5715 32nd Ave N, Crystal. Enjoy the great outdoors and take a self-guided reading hike to enjoy this classic tale of the “Little Red Hen”, retold in English and Spanish.
Will anyone help the Little Red Hen? (Also September 23rd at Becker Park.)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Minneapple Pie in Shakopee. 9:30am. Once Upon A Child, 8075 Old Carriage Ct, Shakopee. We will be set up in the parking lot of Once Upon a Child during their “Outerwear Large Tent Event” serving our award winning pies!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Minneapple Pie in Shakopee. 9:30am. Once Upon A Child, 8075 Old Carriage Ct, Shakopee. We will be set up in the parking lot of Once Upon a Child during their “Outerwear Large Tent Event” serving our award winning pies!
LongFellow Fall Festival. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Soderberg’s Floral & Gift, 3305 E Lake St., Minneapolis. September 19-20. 2 Day Outdoor Open House with Free Treats and Hot Dogs, Sidewalk Sale, Open Air Market, Live Music, FREE Haircuts, Sleigh Rides, Floral Classes, Childrens Activities, Drawing and Interactive Community Floral Design.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade. Starts September 19th! Join the Parade weekends September 19th through October 4th plus Friday, October 2nd, 2020. Tickets are $20 per vehicle (plus $2 service fee) and include entrance for one Vehicle Please select a specific date and time for your arrival.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
LongFellow Fall Festival. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Soderberg’s Floral & Gift, 3305 E Lake St., Minneapolis. September 19-20. 2 Day Outdoor Open House with Free Treats and Hot Dogs, Sidewalk Sale, Open Air Market, Live Music, FREE Haircuts, Sleigh Rides, Floral Classes, Childrens Activities, Drawing and Interactive Community Floral Design.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade. Starts September 19th! Join the Parade weekends September 19th through October 4th plus Friday, October 2nd, 2020. Tickets are $20 per vehicle (plus $2 service fee) and include entrance for one Vehicle Please select a specific date and time for your arrival.
Minneapple Pie in Shakopee. 11:30am. Once Upon A Child, 8075 Old Carriage Ct, Shakopee. We will be set up in the parking lot of Once Upon a Child during their “Outerwear Large Tent Event” serving our award winning pies!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Storybook Trail. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Becker Park, 5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal. Enjoy the great outdoors and take a self-guided reading hike to enjoy this classic tale of the “Little Red Hen”, retold in English and Spanish.
Will anyone help the Little Red Hen? (Also September 23rd at Becker Park.)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Just Between Friends Coon Rapids Fall Kids Sale. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Opening Day! September 24 – 27. T.J. Maxx, 8081 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. Just Between Friends Maple Grove brings together 500+ local families who will be selling great items that your kids will love…and you’ll love the prices even more. Get everything your kids need for back to school and fall priced at 50-90% off retail! Save money and time, since all the best deals on over 100,000 name brand items are found under one roof. $2 admission today or use FREE admission coupon!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Just Between Friends Coon Rapids Fall Kids Sale. 10:00am – 7:00pm. September 24 – 27. T.J. Maxx, 8081 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. Just Between Friends Maple Grove brings together 500+ local families who will be selling great items that your kids will love…and you’ll love the prices even more. Get everything your kids need for back to school and fall priced at 50-90% off retail! Save money and time, since all the best deals on over 100,000 name brand items are found under one roof. Free admission today!
Food Truck Festival. 3:00pm. Chaska City Square Park, 300 N Chestnut St, Chaska. Join us in the park and enjoy a wide variety of food trucks Friday and Saturday!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade. Starts September 19th! Join the Parade weekends September 19th through October 4th plus Friday, October 2nd, 2020. Tickets are $20 per vehicle (plus $2 service fee) and include entrance for one Vehicle Please select a specific date and time for your arrival.
See-A-Truck. 9:00am – 11:00am. Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Join us for a morning of big truck fun! See a wide variety of different trucks and vehicles up close. Vehicles on display will include: IGH Fire Dept, IGH Police Dept, IGH Public Works and more!
Just Between Friends Coon Rapids Fall Kids Sale. 10:00am – 7:00pm. September 24 – 27. T.J. Maxx, 8081 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. Just Between Friends Maple Grove brings together 500+ local families who will be selling great items that your kids will love…and you’ll love the prices even more. Get everything your kids need for back to school and fall priced at 50-90% off retail! Save money and time, since all the best deals on over 100,000 name brand items are found under one roof. Free admission today!
Food Truck Festival. 3:00pm. Chaska City Square Park, 300 N Chestnut St, Chaska. Join us in the park and enjoy a wide variety of food trucks Friday and Saturday!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade. Starts September 19th! Join the Parade weekends September 19th through October 4th plus Friday, October 2nd, 2020. Tickets are $20 per vehicle (plus $2 service fee) and include entrance for one Vehicle Please select a specific date and time for your arrival.
Just Between Friends Coon Rapids Fall Kids Sale. 10:00am – 7:00pm. September 24 – 27. T.J. Maxx, 8081 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. Just Between Friends Maple Grove brings together 500+ local families who will be selling great items that your kids will love…and you’ll love the prices even more. Get everything your kids need for back to school and fall priced at 50-90% off retail! Save money and time, since all the best deals on over 100,000 name brand items are found under one roof. Free admission today! Half price day today!
These weekly events 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
Mall of America “Toddler Tuesdays” from 10:00am to Noon. Events, free entertainment and discounts for toddlers.
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
Storytime in the Library. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 10:30 a.m. every Thursday in Andersen Horticultural Library, Snyder Building. Enjoy stories for the young and the young at heart! (Gate admission is $12.00 per adult, free for kids 12 and under.)
Goodwill thrift stores offer 50% off children’s clothing.
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY FRIDAY
Family Night at the Midtown Global Market. Every Friday night from 5:00 – 8:00pm. Free live music, a children’s play area, and free balloons for the first 50 children. Businesses will validate your parking (for up to three hours) with purchase if you park in the 10th Avenue parking ramp.
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 10:00am-4:00pm. (Wednesdays and Saturdays) South St. Paul. Admission is free of charge.
