(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. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- 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 IN-PERSON. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online. (Note that my code is only good for ticket purchases in-person at this time due to COVID restrictions. Just mention my code when you purchase your tickets.)
- 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.
May 2022
Minneapolis and St. Paul Farmers Markets are back!
Royal Canadian International Circus. May 6 – 15. Mall of America parking lot. Get discounted tickets while they last!
Carden Circus Spectacular. May 22. Aldrich Arena, Maplewood. I have discounts here! Get tickets for $10!
Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival. April 15th & 16th, closed Easter, then open weekends through May 8th. Brooklyn Park, MN (right off 169). Tickets are $13 online.
Minnesota Zoo Farm Babies. April 30 – June 5. Included with admission. Farm Babies is back for an up-close look at farm life in Minnesota. Celebrate the season with animals, farm demonstrations, and more.
Kids 2 Week Consignment Sale. May 12th – 21st. 6868 Washington Ave S, Eden Prairie, MN. 35-40 families. Over 10,000 items
Spring flowers and tulips on display! Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska.
Twin Cities Auto Show. May 14 – 22. Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
May Events by Date
SUNDAY, MAY 1
Free First Sunday. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul. SOLD OUT for today but sign up asap for next month’s free first Sunday.
Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival. Open weekends through May 8th. Brooklyn Park, MN (right off 169). Tickets are $13 online.
May Day Tea Party. 1:00 – 4:00pm. Landmark Center, St. Paul. Enjoy a kids tea at the castle with sweets and savories. Create your own fascinator or bow tie from home in advance!
TUESDAY, MAY 3
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. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
THURSDAY, MAY 5
Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale. 9:00am – 8:00pm. May 5-7. Hennepin Technical College. Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale is in-person this year in Brooklyn Park. Shop inside multiple greenhouses that are bursting with annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, hanging baskets and colorful container gardens. Perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Proceeds support student scholarships. May 5, 6, and 7. Hours: 9am-8pm.
JBF Eagan Kids Spring Consignment Sale. 10:00am – 7:00pm. Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Free parking! Free admission and $5 off a $50 purchase with my coupon! May 5 – 7. OPEN COUPON IN NEW WINDOW HERE.
Mom’s Day Out. 10:00am – 8:00pm. The Woods Gifts, Maple Grove. Moms can enjoy a fun day full of shopping and giveaways at The Woods Gifts in both Maple Grove & Woodbury!
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.
FRIDAY, MAY 6
Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale. 9:00am – 8:00pm. May 5-7. Hennepin Technical College. Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale is in-person this year in Brooklyn Park. Shop inside multiple greenhouses that are bursting with annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, hanging baskets and colorful container gardens. Perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Proceeds support student scholarships. May 5, 6, and 7. Hours: 9am-8pm.
Friends School Plant Sale. May 6 -8. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. COVID rules apply. Friends School Plant Sale is probably the largest plant sale in the U.S. It’s a fund-raising event sponsored by the Friends School of Minnesota, a small Quaker K – 8 school in the Hamline-Midway area in Saint Paul.
JBF Eagan Kids Spring Consignment Sale. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Free parking! $5 off a $50 purchase with my coupon! May 5 – 7. OPEN COUPON IN NEW WINDOW HERE.
Free Sew & Stuff Rainbow Take-Home Craft Kit at Joann Stores on May 7th.
Free Comic Book Day! Many participating stores in the Twin Cities.
Friends School Plant Sale. May 6 -8. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. COVID rules apply. Friends School Plant Sale is probably the largest plant sale in the U.S. It’s a fund-raising event sponsored by the Friends School of Minnesota, a small Quaker K – 8 school in the Hamline-Midway area in Saint Paul.
Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival. Open weekends through May 8th. Brooklyn Park, MN (right off 169). Tickets are $13 online.
Fraser Festival for Autism. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Mall of America.
Mimosas and Roses on the Train. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. Included with regular admission. Lemonade for the kids.
Mother’s Day Bonsai Show. 10:00am – 6:00pm. May 7 & 8. Como Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul.
Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale. 9:00am – 8:00pm. May 5-7. Hennepin Technical College. Hennepin Technical College Plant Sale is in-person this year in Brooklyn Park. Shop inside multiple greenhouses that are bursting with annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, hanging baskets and colorful container gardens. Perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Proceeds support student scholarships. May 5, 6, and 7. Hours: 9am-8pm.
Environmental Fun Fair. 10:00am – 1:00pm. Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley. The Fridley Environmental Fun Fair is BACK! Fridley Recreation, Springbrook Nature Center and Anoka County 4-H have teamed up to offer this free fun and educational event at Springbrook Nature Center on May 7, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free First Saturday: Care to Share! 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. What makes you feel cared for? How do you support others in your life? We all need help sometimes, and we can all give it, too! Let’s think about and celebrate ways we care for ourselves, each other, and our communities through interactive art-making projects and activities designed for the whole family. Or grab an art kit to get creative at home!
JBF Eagan Kids Spring Consignment Sale. HALF PRICE DAY! 10:00am – 4:00pm. Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Free parking! $5 off a $50 purchase with my coupon! May 5 – 7. OPEN COUPON IN NEW WINDOW HERE.
Dino & Dragon Stroll. 10:00am – 4:00pm. St. Paul Rivercentre. May 7-8. DINO & DRAGON STROLL is the only North American Tour that lets up walk-thru and get up close to life-like and life-size dinosaurs AND dragons!
Love dragons? Check out Cedar Park in Forest Lake!
Free Comic Book Day. 11:00am – 7:00pm. Pulp Comics & Games. Mankato. Pulp Comics and Games once again invites you to our biggest annual event. Join us Saturday, May 7th from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, May 8th from noon to 5pm. We’ll have comics of all genres for all ages that are completely free; yes FREE!
Cinco De Mayo at Midtown Global Market. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. The Midtown Global Market will provide a family-friendly, free event celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 7 from noon until 3 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 8 MOTHER’S DAY!
Print this FREE Mother’s Day Activity Page!
Sensory Friendly Sunday May 2022. 8:00 – 11:00am. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities.
Friends School Plant Sale. May 6 -8. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. COVID rules apply. Friends School Plant Sale is probably the largest plant sale in the U.S. It’s a fund-raising event sponsored by the Friends School of Minnesota, a small Quaker K – 8 school in the Hamline-Midway area in Saint Paul.
Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival. April 15th & 16th, closed Easter, then open weekends through May 8th. Brooklyn Park, MN (right off 169). Tickets are $13 online.
Dino & Dragon Stroll. 10:00am – 4:00pm. St. Paul Rivercentre. May 7-8. DINO & DRAGON STROLL is the only North American Tour that lets up walk-thru and get up close to life-like and life-size dinosaurs AND dragons!
Mother’s Day Bonsai Show. 10:00am – 6:00pm. May 7 & 8. Como Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul.
Salsa Sunday at Midtown Global Market. 11:00am. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. Get out your dancing shoes – Salsa Sundays are returning to Midtown Global Market! Lessons are FREE.
Free Comic Book Day. 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Pulp Comics & Games. Mankato. Pulp Comics and Games once again invites you to our biggest annual event. Join us Saturday, May 7th from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, May 8th from noon to 5pm. We’ll have comics of all genres for all ages that are completely free; yes FREE!
St. Paul Civic Symphony Concert. 1:00 – 3:00pm. Landmark Center, St. Paul. FREE. The annual Mother’s Day concert is the perfect way to spend time with the mothers in your life.
Read about my experience here!
THURSDAY, MAY 12
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.
FRIDAY, MAY 13
Meet the Minions! 5:00 – 8:00pm. Showplace ICON Minneapolis (St. Louis Park). Free.
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Free JcPenney Kids Zone Craft. 11:00am – 12:00pm at participating JCPenney locations. Parents get a 10% off coupon.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
Free Organ Recital. 12:00pm. At Saint Olaf, we are blessed to have a magnificent 67-rank pipe organ. It will be showcased in a series of recitals on Wednesday afternoons, immediately following the noon Mass. Come hear the organ thunder with might and whisper gently as talented organists showcase a variety of repertoire. Recitals will be 30-40 minutes long. Freewill donation.
THURSDAY, MAY 19
Kids’ HUGE Pop-Up Sale – JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park. May 19 – 22. 6731 Boone Ave N, Minneapolis. Kids grow fast & that’s expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Shop Smart with JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park May 19-22 to save BIG on kids’ items.
‘Big Trucks’ Open House. 4:00 – 7:00pm. Edina. The City of Edina will host a free, family-friendly “Big Trucks” open house 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, 7450 Metro Blvd. The open house will take place during National Public Works Week, a week dedicated to celebrating public works professionals.
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.
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Valleyfair Opens! Get discounted tickets here.
Kids’ HUGE Pop-Up Sale – JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park. May 19 – 22. 6731 Boone Ave N, Minneapolis. Kids grow fast & that’s expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Shop Smart with JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park May 19-22 to save BIG on kids’ items.
Art-A-Whirl® (Official). 5:00 – 10:00pm. May 20 – 22. Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the nation, and it happens in Northeast Minneapolis! It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with hundreds of artists, and purchase original artwork.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Mainstreet Day. Downtown Hopkins. Mainstreet Day Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual event that features more than 140 handmade crafters, food vendors, live entertainment and kids’ activities. It is sponsored by JCI Hopkins (formerly the Hopkins Area Jaycees), and proceeds are reinvested into the community to support programs and projects.
Kids’ HUGE Pop-Up Sale – JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park. May 19 – 22. 6731 Boone Ave N, Minneapolis. Kids grow fast & that’s expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Shop Smart with JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park May 19-22 to save BIG on kids’ items.
Family Fun Day. 10:00am – 12:00pm. At the NEW Shoreview Commons Destination Playground. Presented by Ramsey County Library, Shoreview Parks & Recreation, and the Friends, this event includes a scavenger hunt adventure and story journey from the Shoreview library to the Community Center and ending at the new Shoreview Commons Destination Playground.
Vehicle Day. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Southdale Center Parking Lot.
Touch a Truck Event. 10:00am – 1:00pm. Arden Hills. Got kids who are just crazy about getting up close to big rigs? Celebrate National Public Works Week in Arden Hills by getting a close-up look at some of your favorite vehicles, including a fire engine, squad car, boat, snowplow, and more! Hosted by Arden Hills Public Works, Lake Johanna Fire Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, Allina Health, and the National Guard.
Discovery Days. 10:00am – 5:00pm. The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis. This event is ideal for children ages 5 to 14 and their friends & families. Must buy admission – timed tickets.
Minneapolis Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2022. 10:00am – 6:00pm. Minneapolis Convention Center. The Oddities & Curiosities Expo showcases hand selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses with all things weird. $10 advance / $15 day of. Kids 12 and under free (no ticket needed).
Art-A-Whirl® (Official). 12:00 – 8:00pm. May 20 – 22. Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the nation, and it happens in Northeast Minneapolis! It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with hundreds of artists, and purchase original artwork.
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Kids’ HUGE Pop-Up Sale – JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park. May 19 – 22. 6731 Boone Ave N, Minneapolis. Kids grow fast & that’s expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Shop Smart with JBF Maple Grove/Brooklyn Park May 19-22 to save BIG on kids’ items.
Minnesota Reptile Show. 10:00am – 4:00pm. DoubleTree Hotel Bloomington, 7800 Normandale Blvd. Quality Reptiles, Exotic Animals, Tanks, Cage Supplies and Feeders FOR SALE!!! * BUY – SELL – TRADE Daily Admission paying with Credit Card: 11 and Older $10.00, Children 5-10 – $5.00 Daily Admission paying with Cash: 11 and Older $8.00, Children 5-10 – $3.00 Kids 4 and under FREE!!!
Art-A-Whirl® (Official). 12:00 – 5:00pm. May 20 – 22. Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the nation, and it happens in Northeast Minneapolis! It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with hundreds of artists, and purchase original artwork.
TUESDAY, MAY 24 National Scavenger Hunt Day!
SATURDAY, MAY 28
These are weekly events – most are discontinued until further notice due to COVID:
EVERY SUNDAY
Kids eat FREE Sundays at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. 1 Free Kid’s Meal per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. 12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions.
EVERY MONDAY
Tail Time at Wild Rumpus. Wild Rumpus Books, 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Stories for the wee!
EVERY TUESDAY
Toddler Tuesdays.11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
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
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY FRIDAY
Midtown Global Market -“Family Fridays” starting at 5:00pm.
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 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.
MORE FUN & RESOURCES
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.
