Your kids can get more ready for back to school with help from one of these free school supplies events happening in Minnesota! There are opportunities for your kids to get a free backpack, supplies to fill it and have some back-to-school fun.

Back to school is almost here! While new school supplies can be fun for kids, it can be stressful for parents who have to buy all those supplies. Thanks to a suggestion from my friend Enza at EnzasBargains.com we thought we should round up some of the places you can get some free school supplies this year.

Make back to school a little easier when your kids get FREE school supplies from one of these 2025 events being held in Minnesota.

NOTE: If you know of any events we have missed, please let us know!

Anoka

School Aged Clothing Swap – Saturday, August 9 (11 am – 3 pm)

Anoka City Hall – 2015 First Ave, Anoka

Drop off your child’s gently used clothing at R Marketplace in advance (August 5-8) and receive a ticket to the event to “shop” for new-to-you items. Starting at 1 pm, the event opens to everyone interested in finding back-to-school clothing.

Brooklyn Center

Back to School Event – Thursday, August 21 (6 – 8 pm)

Firehouse Park – 6535 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center

Free backpacks and school supplies for kids, plus food, music, and resources for families. Stay for the Movie in the Park that will start at dusk.

Barbeque & Back-to-School Backpack Drive – Friday, August 22 (12 pm)

Earle Brown Center – 6040 Earle Brown Dr, Brooklyn Center

Free backpacks filled with school supplies, authentic African BBQ, face painting and fun for the whole family, and community resources from Hennepin County. Reserve your backpack by scanning the QR code available here.

Brooklyn Park

Back 2 School BBQ – Saturday, August 16 (11 am – 5pm)

Park Center High School – 7300 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park

Celebrate the end of summer and get ready for the academic season ahead with delicious food, exciting games, and plenty of opportunities to connect with your community. This is a free event, but registration is required. Attendees will receive backpacks filled with school supplies on a first come, first served basis. 3,000 are available.

Back to School Bash – Thursday, August 21 (5 – 8 pm)

Community Activity Center – 5600 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park

Celebrate summer at Back to School Bash. All ages are invited to enjoy FREE food, backpacks, games, resources, and more.

Burnsville

School-A-Palooza – Saturday, August 16 (8:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Berean Baptist Burnsville Campus – 309 CR 42 E, Burnsville

Help your school-age kids “shop” for many of the items necessary to help them be successful this school year (backpacks, supplies, shoes, etc.). Then stay for breakfast and fun kids’ activities. This event focuses on families living in Dakota and Scott Counties. Supplies are limited and are first come, first served.

Community Outreach & Food Drive – Saturday, August 16 (10 am – 5 pm)

Pentecost Fire Assembly of God – 1950 W 136th St, Burnsville

Stop by to receive free packaged foods, school supplies, hygiene products, utensils, and more while supplies last.

Chaska

Back-to-School Resource Fair – Wednesday, August 13 (2 – 6 pm)

Chaska Middle School East – 1600 Park Ridge Dr,

Haircut vouchers to Sweet Salons and free backpacks will be available while supplies last. There will also be information about transportation, technology, health services, nutrition services, and more.

Columbia Heights

Cuts with a Cop – Saturday, August 30 (1 – 4 pm)

Moler Barber School – 785 53rd Ave E, Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights Public Schools students can receive a free haircut and have the opportunity to visit with their CHPD officers at this event.

Coon Rapids

Backpack Squad Distribution – Tuesday, August 26 (5 – 7 pm)

Walmart – 13020 Riverdale Dr NW, Coon Rapids

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Eagan

Back to School – Thursday, August 21 (12 pm)

Pocket Park – 3340 Central Park Village Dr, Eagan

Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Central Park Commons! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer and get excited for the school year ahead.

Elk River

Back-to-School Backpack Event – August 18 to 22

Main Street Family Resource Center – 400 Jackson St NW, Elk River

Sherburne County families can pick up free backpacks, get a free back-to-school haircut, check out community resources, and get some fun giveaways during this week-long event. Each day will feature different partners, services, and opportunities. Reserve your backpack here.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Monday, August 25 (5 – 7 pm)

Cub Foods – 19216 Freeport Ave, Elk River

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Forest Lake

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 6 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)

North Environmental Center – 6065 Headwaters Pkwy, Forest Lake

The swap is free and open to everyone. Donations are not required to get items during the event. Items remaining after the event will be donated locally.

Fridley

Cuts with a Cop – Saturday, August 30 (1 – 4 pm)

Moler Barber School – 785 53rd Ave NE, Fridley

All Columbia Heights Public School students can receive a free haircut and have the opportunity to visit with CHPD officers.

Glencoe

School Supply Distribution Program – register by August 1

Lincoln Elementary School – 1621 16th E, Glencoe

Each student picks out a backpack and then selects items needed from their school supplies list with the help of a volunteer. Assistance is also available for Chromebook rentals for the school year. You must register in advance, then you will receive a postcard with information needed to pick up your school supplies.

Hastings

School Supply Assistance – opens August 4

Hastings Family Service – 301 2nd St E, Hastings

Families living in ISD 200 who need assistance with the cost of school supplies can register for school supply assistance. You’ll have an in-person appointment that requires registration and some documentation. Distribution dates are August 19 – 22.

Hutchinson

School Supply Distribution Program – register by August 1

Tiger Elementary – 805 School Rd SW, Hutchinson

Each student picks out a backpack and then selects items needed from their school supplies list with the help of a volunteer. Assistance is also available for Chromebook rentals for the school year. You must register in advance, then you will receive a postcard with information needed to pick up your school supplies.

Lakeville

Ready, Set, Achieve – Thursday, August 21 (12 – 4 pm)

Lakeville North High School – 19600 Ipava Ave, Lakeville

Students enrolled in Lakeville Area Schools can attend this event to receive free school supplies, immunizations, community resources, and more.

Landfall

Back-to-School Event – Thursday, August 14 (4:30 – 7:30 pm)

Sunset Park – 1-11 Aspen Way, Landfall

Free food, activities, and school supply distribution. Vaccinations will be offered to underinsured and uninsured individuals of all ages.

Maple Grove

Backpack Squad Distribution – Friday, August 29 (5 – 7 pm)

Target – 15300 Grove Cir N, Maple Grove

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Milaca

Operation Community Connect – Thursday, August 7 (10 am – 1 pm)

Milaca Public Schools – 500 Hwy 23, Milaca

Pick up school supplies and winter boots for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present. There will also be a meal served on-site along with a healthy meal bag to send home. Open to all Mille Lacs County residents.

Minneapolis

Back to School Jamboree – Wednesday, August 6 (3 – 7 pm)

V3 Sports – 701 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis

This event will include distribution of free school supplies to students in need, opportunities to engage with local law enforcement officers, educational and interactive activities for all ages, access to community resources and information, and enjoyable food and music.

Back to School Event – Wednesday, August 13 (12 – 5 pm)

EMERGE Career & Technology Center – 1834 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis

Stop by for a afternoon of family, food, fun and free school supplies for youth.

Back to School School Supply Giveaway and Community Event – Friday, August 15 (4 – 7 pm)

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center – 1301 10th Ave N, Minneapolis

Free food and music, games and activities, and community resources. Register by scanning the QR code linked here.

The Day of Dignity – Saturday, August 16 (12 – 4 pm)

Al-Maa’uun Twin Cities – 1729 N Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis

This is an opportunity for those in need to receive essentials like food, hygiene products, and school supplies in a safe, welcoming space. They also link people to local services fo housing, jobs, education, and health. You are asked to register in advance. School backpacks are limited to 3 per household and the children must be present.

Back to School Giveaway – Saturday, August 16 (1 – 4 pm)

Sanctuary Covenant Church – 2018 Aldrich Ave N, Minneapolis

Free school supplies, books, food, and more while supplies last.

Back-To-School Carnival – Saturday, August 16 (1 – 5 pm)

North Commons Park – 1813 N James Ave, Minneapolis

This family-friendly event provides 1500 students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Plus, enjoy free food, games, and entertainment, health screenings and wellness resources, and more. Reserve your backpack by filling out the form here.

Ice Cream Social & School Supply Giveaway – Friday, August 22 (6 – 7:30 pm)

Creekview Park – 5001 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis

Free ice cream, free school supplies, free jazzercise class, silent disco, face painting, outdoor games, child lead testing, Metro Transit new bus route info, and more.

Minnetonka

Back to School Program – registration now open

ResourceWest – 13231 Minnetonka Dr, Minnetonka

Students in the West Metro area can apply to receive new backpacks with grade-appropriate school supplies tailored for children from elementary through high school.

To qualify, your child must attend a school in the Hopkins School District or Minnetonka School District or live in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood, or Woodland. You’ll make an appointment and bring information for each child registered as well as identification.

Back to School Shop Day – Sunday, August 3 (1 pm)

God’s Closet at Minnetonka Christian Academy – 3500 Williston Rd, Minnetonka

At this Shop Day event, you can pick up free clothing and backpacks to get ready for the new school year. Snacks, activities, and crafts will also be available. Backpacks available while supplies last. Kids must be present to receive a backpack OR each family will receive one backpack.

Monticello

Back 2 School Bash – Wednesday, August 20 (3 – 6 pm)

Monticello Middle School – 302 Washington St, Monticello

This fun community event will have food trucks, emergency vehicles, bounce houses, and much more. They’ll also be handing out free school supplies at the event. Please bring a non-perishable food item donation for the Monticello Help Center.

Backpack Squad Distribution – Wednesday, August 27 (5 – 7 pm)

Target – 1447 E 7th St, Monticello

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Mountain Lake

Kids Fest – Friday, August 15 (3 – 7 pm)

Mountain Lake City Park – 367 10th St N, Mountain Lake

Students ages pre-K through grade 6 can enjoy free food and activities and go home with a backpack filled with school supplies. This event is sponsored by Center Point Church and local businesses.

New Prague

School Supplies Giveaway – Monday, August 4 (6 pm)

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 1300 Main St E, New Prague

All are welcome to this giveaway of general school supplies for elementary-age students. First come, first served while supplies last.

Newport

School Supply Giveaway and Community Meal – Wednesday, August 5 (4:30 pm)

Newport United Methodist Church – 1596 11th Ave, Newport

Backpacks and school supplies available. Bring your school list and shop for your supplies.

At 6 pm you can enjoy a free meal – spaghetti is on the menu!

Northfield

Operation Backpack – mid-July through early August

Northfield Community Resource Center – 1651 Jefferson Pkwy, Northfield

This is a free community-based resource for Northfield School District students. Register for a reminder postcard that you will bring in the day of the drive for distribution of a free backpack and school supplies.

Oakdale

Back-to-School Event – Thursday, August 21 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)

Richard Walton Park – 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale

Free haircuts, school supplies/resources, and more. Vaccinations will be offered to underinsured and uninsured individuals of all ages.

Onamia

Operation Community Connect – Tuesday, August 19 (10 am – 1 pm)

Onamia Elementary Gym – 35465 125th Ave, Onamia

Pick up school supplies and winter boots for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present. There will also be a meal served on-site along with a healthy meal bag to send home. Open to all Mille Lacs County residents.

Princeton

Backpack Squad Distribution – Thursday, August 28 (5 – 7 pm)

Coborn’s – 1100 7th Ave, Princeton

The Backpack Squad provides backpacks filled with high quality, essential school supplies to children in need. Backpacks are handed out to local children who RSVP in advance.

Richfield

Unity in the Community – Thursday, August 14 (4 – 7 pm)

Richfield Community Band Shell – 636 E 66th St, Richfield

Free school supplies along with actitivies, arts and crafts, performances, a resource fair, ice cream, and more. Children must be present to receive school supplies.

Robbinsdale

Back 2 School Party – Sunday, August 17 (1 – 3 pm)

The Gathering Community Church – 3620 43rd Ave N, Robbinsdale

At this event, you can get backpacks and school supplies, clothing items, and haircuts for your kids – all free. They’ll also have food, games for kids, face painting, and more. Everyone is welcome, but they ask that you RSVP so they can appropriately plan.

Rochester

Back to School Block Party and Parade – Saturday, August 16 (12 – 4 pm)

Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Park – 1738 E Center St, Rochester

Families can enjoy free food, haircuts, school supplies, and family activities. Kids must be present to receive supplies.

Rogers

Back-to-School Giveaway – Saturday, July 26 (12 – 3 pm)

Rogers Library – 21300 John Milless Dr, Rogers

Children in the community can receive free backpacks filled with essential school supplies while supplies last.

School Supplies – visit in August

CROSS Services – 12915 Weinand Circle, Rogers

Families in need can stop by CROSS Services to shop for their child(ren) in August. Children will receive a backpack full of school supplies. Picture ID, proof of address, and proof of guardianship are required. This is available for families who live in the service area of Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, and Rogers.

Roseville

School Supply Swap – Saturday, August 2 (10 am – 1 pm)

Ramsey County Environmental Center – 1700 Kent St, Roseville

Pick up gently used school supplies for free! This family friendly event helps reduce waste and support students by rehoming markers, backpacks and other supplies with plenty of life left. Please do not bring donated supplies to the event on August 2. Donations will be accepted starting July 1 until August 1.

Back to School Spingo – Sunday, August 24 (10 am – 12 pm)

Smash Park Roseville – 1721 Cty Rd C, Roseville

Sharpen those pencils and your spingo skills! Play Back to School Spingo where kiddos can win awesome school supplies and kick off the year in style. Free admission for all ages.

St. Louis Park

STEP Back to School Program – July 11 to August 11

Children who live in St. Louis Park or attend a St. Louis Park school can receive school supplies through the STEP Back to School Program. You can complete the registration form online or call to register during business hours.

St. Michael

Project Pencils – Saturday, August 16 (9 am – 12 pm) or Tuesday, August 19 (5 – 8 pm)

St. Michael

Families who are struggling financially can fill out this form to request supplies for the next school year. Students must attend a public school in person in Wright County, Minnesota and be enrolled in Kindergarten – 12th grade. The pick-up location will be in St. Michael on the dates listed above; address will be sent via the confirmation email.

St. Paul

Back to School Supply Giveaway – Saturday, July 26 (11 am – 3 pm)

Maplewood Home Care – 1001 Johnson Pkwy, St. Paul

Free school supplies for students while supplies last.

Backpack Giveaway – Tuesday, August 12 (4:30 – 8 pm)

Merrick Community Services – 1669 Arcade St N, St. Paul

Ramsey County residents can attend this event to receive a free backpack for your child(ren), free age-appropriate school supplies, and free food. Must provide documentation to prove your residencey. For each child you must also bring a school ID, medical card, or social security card.

Back to School: Backpack Giveaway – Friday, August 15 (4 – 6 pm)

CAPRW Resource Center – 450 Syndicate St N, St. Paul

They’ll have 1,000 grade school backpacks to give away to community members (limit 2 backpacks per adult). You can also enjoy KONA Ice treats, face painting, and information about community organizations.

Summer Block Party – Saturday, August 16 (11 am – 3 pm)

Intersection of Rice & Larpenteur, St. Paul

Enjoy family fun, live music and performances, local food, giveaways, and more at the southwest corner of Rice & Larpenteur near North End Laundry. There will be vendors and booths, free youth bike helmets, live music, free back-to-school haircuts, a climbing wall, and lots more.

Project Backpack – Friday, August 22 (3 – 6 pm)

West Minnehaha Recreation Center – 685 W Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul

Any K-12 student is welcome to reserve a free backpack which will be available while supplies last. In addition, families can enjoy hands-on activities, community booths, complimentary food, and fresh produce at the pickup event.

Fiesta Latina – Saturday, September 13 (11 am – 5 pm)

CLUES St. Paul – 797 E 7th St, St. Paul

Fiesta Latina is a free, family-friendly community festival celebrating Latino heritage. There are free activities for the whole family, free medical exams, a backpack giveaway, arts and crafts activities, live music, and more.

Shakopee

Backpacks for Success – Tuesday, August 12 (4 – 6 pm)

CAP Agency – 738 1st Ave E, Shakopee

Current CAP clients can sign up with CAP program staff to enroll in this program which provides children with a brand new backpack filled with supplies and books. Recipients must live in Scott, Carver, or Dakota County and have children in school (up to 12th grade).

Winnebago

Back to School Bingo – Monday, August 11 (3 pm)

Muir Library – 36 Main St N, Winnebago

Kids ages 5 and up can play Bingo and win school supplies as prizes.

Woodbury

School Supply Swap – Wednesday, August 6 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)

South Environmental Center – 4039 Cottage Grove Dr, Woodbury

The swap is free and open to everyone. Donations are not required to get items during the event. Items remaining after the event will be donated locally.

Worthington

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway – Thursday, August 14 (9 am – 12 pm)

Westminster Presbyterian Church – 500 Stower Dr, Worthington

Open to all children of Nobles County entering grades K-5. Children must be present to receive their backpacks.

Zimmerman

Back to School Block Party – Friday, August 15 (4 – 8 pm)

Zimmerman Community Church – 12567 5th Ave N, Zimmerman

Free hot dogs, cotton candy, sno-cones, inflatables, filled backpacks, and more. Just show up!

Verizon Backpack Giveaway

Wireless Zone will be giving away free backpacks on Sunday, July 27 at 1 pm while supplies last. One free backpack per child. Check the store locator to find a participating location near you.

Another Verizon authorized retailer, TCC, will be giving away backpacks on the same date and time. You can find a participating location by searching here (there are 9 stores in Minnesota).

If you missed those dates, that’s OK! Wireless World is also giving away backpacks on Saturday, August 2 while supplies last. Start times vary by location, so you’ll want to browse the list here and call ahead to see when your local store is participating.

For more freebies and deals, be sure to visit our Minnesota Great Deals page!

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Thursday is Juneteenth, and there are plenty of events in the Twin Cities providing opportunities to celebrate, learn and come together.

Here’s how you can Juneteenth in the Twin Cities this year.

Thursday, June 19

Minnesota Orchestra Classical Concerts, Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Hear pieces written and performed by Black artists alongside the Minnesota Orchestra. Guests can also visit the vendor space in the lobby featuring 10 African-American-owned businesses.

Juneteenth Minnesota: West Broadway Block Party

When: 12 to 6 p.m.

Where: West Broadway from Lyndale to Emerson Avenues North, Minneapolis

Live music and entertainment, dozens of Black-owned businesses, kids’ mini carnival, slave history exhibition, DIY activities, giveaways and freebies.

Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival

When: 12 to 8 p.m.

Where: Corner of East Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis

Live music, art galleries, Black-owned vending market, storytelling, drum circles, food trucks, dance performances and more.

Juneteenth Tours at Fort Snelling

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul

Take a tour focusing on African American history at Fort Snelling from its inception in 1819 through the 1880s.

Waltz for Debbie: A Juneteenth Tribute to Debbie Duncan

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

The Wolverines Jazz Quartet leads a tribute to the legendary jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan. Vocalists Judi Vinar and Dennis Spears will also share songs and stories.

2025 Rondo Juneteenth Celebration

When: 12 to 5 p.m.

Where: Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Ave., St. Paul

Speeches from public officials, featured food venors, exhibitors and displays.

Edina’s Juneteenth Celebration

When: 3 to 7 p.m.

Where: Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S., Edina

Musical performances, a keynote speaker, food vendors, fishing lessons and more.

Maple Grove’s Juneteenth Celebration

When: 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: Town Green, 7991 Main St., Maple Grove

Vendor fair, food trucks, kids’ activities and live entertainment.

Juneteenth Minnesota 2025

When: 12 to 6 p.m.

Where: West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis

Live entertainment, mini-carnival and youth explorations, slave exhibition, water sports, health and wellness fair, competitions, car show, fresh food and more.

Juneteenth at MIA

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis

Listen to LAAMAR and special guests Kashimana, Gifted Handz and Fanaka Nation.

Saturday, June 21

Juneteenth Minnesota — A Family Celebration

When: 12 to 6 p.m.

Where: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., St. Paul

Features live music, vendors, arts and entertainment, awards and scholarships.

Brooklyn Park’s Juneteenth Celebration

When: 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park

Live performances, parade, youth talent show, bouncy house, arts and crafts, and food vendors.

Welcome to Event Horizon, your weekly roundup of the best events in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond.

WEDNESDAY 6.18

Pundamonium! The Minneapolis Pun Slam

Club Underground @ Spring Street Tavern

Did you know that, for over 10 years, a group dedicated to competitive pun-making has held monthly tournaments in northeast Minneapolis? “It’s its own kind of madness,” founder Art Allen told the Minnesota Daily in 2019. “It’s not structured like any other comedy show, and, of course, it’s all pun-themed. And it’s great because people who don’t want to hear puns don’t come.” The slam-style competition sees contestants receiving punny prompts, and their on-the-fly wordplay receives scores on a scale of one to 10 from selected members of the audience. A pun-off between the final four crowns the month’s champ. $10. 7 p.m. 355 Monroe St. NE, Minneapolis; find more info here.—Jay Boller

Juneteenth on West Broadway Juneteenth

THURSDAY 6.19

Juneteenth Minnesota Block Party

West Broadway

Once again, West Broadway turns into a street festival for Juneteenth with hundreds of things to see and do. That includes the community parade that kicks things off, multiple live entertainment stages, food trucks and tons of healthy eats, and a local vendor mart. Contests throughout the day include searches for the best drill team, best Black cowboy, and best BBQ, while cultural exhibits will showcase Black history. You can also find free health services at the wellness fair, and a kids’ carnival will keep the little ones engaged. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. West Broadway, from Lyndale to Emerson Avenues North, Minneapolis; find more info here.—Jessica Armbruster

The Taxpayers play for refugees this weekend. Promo Pic

FRIDAY 6.20

World Refugee Day

Pilllar Forum

By definition, it’s never a great time to be a refugee. But in a moment of severe backlash worldwide, with militarized goons in the U.S. snatching the vulnerable off the streets or shoving them into prisons (sorry, detention centers) at the border, and bureaucrats stripping away legal protections, this is a really bad one. So this benefit for the Karen Organization of Minnesota, the first resettlement group in the state formed by actual refugees, is a timely one. Why shouldn’t you just write ’em a check? Because in this instance, good intentions are backed with a great lineup. The Taxpayers are punks scattered throughout the country, including right here in MN, and their excellent new album, Circle Breaker, offers the sort of engaged, earnest anthemry you could build a DIY community on. There are even horns. With Ywa Hay Moo, Reback Moo, Eh Ler Tha & Eh Wah & Family, and Ti Ter Haw Min. $15. 7 p.m. 2300 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis; find more info here.—Keith Harris

Rock to Restore Research

Cedar Cultural Center

Tina Schlieske happens to be everywhere this week. The local rock mainstay performs at Mears Park as part of Lowertown Sounds on Thursday and at the Hewing Rooftop on Sunday. But there’s no better setting in which to catch Schlieske than this benefit for Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, a local nonprofit that’s fighting federal cuts to spinal cord injury research. Also performing will be Freaque, the artistic alter ego of Gabriel Rodreick, who happens to have some spine in the game—the musician’s C5 spinal cord injury informs his music and the rest of his interdisciplinary work. Rounding out the bill are Americana rockers Zoe Says Go. $40. 7 p.m. 416 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here.—Keith Harris

Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Various Venues

Don’t worry, I won’t repeat the corny “free jazz” joke I made last year. But once again, this fest will treat the Twin Cities to a weekend of jazz, for free. As always the festival centers on Mears Park in Lowertown and largely takes place in St. Paul, with venues including Metronome Brewing and the White Squirrel. But it also stretches beyond city limits to sites as far flung as Berlin in Minneapolis’s North Loop and Crooners up in Fridley. Friday’s headliners on the main stage at Mears this year are the Emmet Cohen Trio, as well as the venerable vocal group the Four Freshman, which now features Minneapolis trumpeter Jake Baldwin. On Saturday night Catherine Russell will take the main stage along with Sean Mason. And the festival is a good chance to catch up with terrific local artists as well, such as Racket-approved drummer L.A. Buckner who’ll play the main stage with his group Big Homie. Free. Find more info here. Through Saturday—Keith Harris

Twin Cities Vintage Flea Provided

SATURDAY 6.21

Twin Cities Vintage Fest

North Loop Green

Old clothes are pretty rad—both in a “cool” and a “radical” sense. They’re better for the environment, they can be easier on the wallet, and, if done well, they look pretty damn fashion-forward. So shout out to the neighborhood garage sales, the old items in your closet you still wear and love, and the thrift and vintage shops offering unique wares that are old but new to you. This summer, the folks behind Totally Rad Vintage mega events will be hosting a free monthly market offering sweet secondhand finds that need a new home. Think T-shirts for things time forgot, sports jerseys from past seasons, and costume jewelry that has survived the test of time. Vendors will have items from just about every decade except this one, with fashions ranging from high to low, and plenty in between. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 350 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis; find more info at tcvintageflea.com. Also July 19, Aug. 16, and Sep. 20—Jessica Armbruster

Juneteenth at the Capitol

Minnesota Capitol

Bring Me the News compiled this nifty roundup of 21 Twin Cities celebrations of Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates slavery’s actual ending in 1865. We’re here to highlight the annual Minnesota Capitol cookout, organized by local nonprofit the ANIKA Foundation and Black Lives Matter, which’ll feature food, family activities, live music, vendors, and history displays. Writes the ANIKA Foundation: “We celebrate our ancestors, our food, our music, our families…our LEGACY!” Free. Noon to 6 p.m. 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul; find more info here.—Jay Boller

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Fair

Inbound BrewCo

Got your summertime reading stack assembled yet? If sci-fi or fantasy is your jam, then you’ll want to stop by Inbound this Saturday, when it will turn into a books and beers party. Providers of paper today include delightful indie bookstores Avant Garden (Anoka) and Cream & Amber (Hopkins). During the festivities, folks from Mermaid Cove, Tako Collective, and Ezra Snail will host artsy crafts stations, while teams can test their knowledge during themed book trivia at 1 p.m. Starting around 4 p.m., local authors will be stopping by for readings and signings. Free. 1-8 p.m. 701 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis.—Jessica Armbruster

Food Truck Fest at the Depot in 2023

Hopkins Food Truck Fest

Downtown Hopkins

You know about July’s Raspberry Festival, which has been going down in Hopkins since 1935. But this first-rate first-ring ‘burb boasts another tradition, the annual Food Truck Fest, that’s well worth your trip across Hwy. 100. The food truck angle really just serves as an excuse to get folks to charming Mainstreet, where there’ll be craft beverage gardens, live music (Jezebelle, Whiskey Stone, Jacuzzi Puma), games (giant Jenga, cornhole, hammerschlagen, mechanical bull), and, yes, fleets of four-wheeled food vendors. You can view this year’s roster of 50+ trucks here, and it includes some dandies: Pizza Karma (our No. 3 fav local pizza chain), Anchor Fish & Chips (whose counterintuitive burger should not be slept on), and Eggroll Queen (a community-loved victim of crime). The roving MN Food Truck Festival is set to visit Minneapolis and Anoka later this summer. Free. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 902 Mainstreet, Hopkins; find more info here.—Jay Boller

Robby Hoffman

Parkway Theater

You might know this “small, ex-Hasidic, queer comedian” from HBO’s hit series Hacks. Deadline describes Hoffman as the “breakout” star, and recently revealed that she’ll soon get her own HBO vehicle, Unentitled, in which she’ll portray a version of herself. The Daily Beast has anointed Hoffman “the future of comedy”—jeez, no pressure! “When it rains, it pours,” the comic told TDB, reflecting on her success from Hacks and FX’s Dying for Sex. “If I’m acting, I’m going to really be acting.” You can watch Hoffman’s 2019 special, I’m Nervous, right here. 18+. $30/$35. 8 p.m. 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here.—Jay Boller

Fat Splash in 2024 Promo Pic

SUNDAY 6.22

Fat Splash

Bloomington Family Aquatic Center

A body-positive pool party? Hell yes. But not just one—this summer secondhand clothing shop Cake Plus-Size Resale is hosting four of their popular events. This Sunday things kick off with an all-ages get-together where folks can lounge poolside, play in the water, and enjoy the company of friends. Organized fun at these events include a cannonball contest, music to groove to, and food and drink, and permanent jewelry vendors and tarot readers. Other events this season will be 18+, and will alternate between morning parties at Bloomington Family Aquatic Center and nighttime swims at St. Louis Park’s Aquatic Park (3700 Monterey Dr., St. Louis Park). All ages. $26; no tickets will be sold at the gate. 201 E. 90th St., Bloomington; find tickets and more info at cakeplussize.com/fatsplash. Also July 12 and 20, August 2—Jessica Armbruster

Wrestlepalooza Pre-Pride Party

First Avenue

The kids who called you “gay” in elementary school for liking wrestling? Well… at the end of the day, they may have had a point. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! You can ask them—wrestling is “super queer now,” with indie performers from coast to coast embracing their identity in the ring. Local promoters F1rst Wrestling have always said that wrestling is for everyone, and they’re once again bringing a big-time Pride party to First Avenue. Read our 2021 profile of badass, boundary-smashing local wrestler Devon Monroe here, and then snag your tickets and find more info here. With musical guests Denim Boys and Cheap Bouquet, burlesque by Sweetpea, and draglesque by Del the Funky Homosexual. 18+. $35+. 6 p.m. 701 N. First Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here.—Em Cassel

“Alebrijes”

ONGOING

All’s Well That Ends Well

Various Locations

Classical Actors Ensemble is bringing free Shakespeare to the public this season. It will be interesting to see what they do with All’s Well That Ends Well, a 400-year-old comedy where a woman of low status uses sexual deception, intellectual wiles, and high-stakes gambling to marry up. (Is the Real Housewives series a Shakespearean reboot?) Prepare to get a little trashy with some fancy language. This summer you can see it in the parks of the Twin Cities and surrounding ‘burbs. Find times and locations here. Through July 13—Jessica Armbruster

“Embracing Fallibility: A Neon Exhibition”

Foci – Minnesota Center for Glass Arts

Humans are imprecise, messy, and flawed, and Brooklyn-based neon/glass artist James Akers wants us to celebrate this. “In today’s era of surveillance and automation to enhance business objectives, human fallibilities are often framed in a negative light, to be replaced by seemingly infallible ‘machine intelligence,’” he says. So while neon work is often clean and precise, Akers creates sculptures that are chaotic, haphazard, and, sometimes, even smudged; an overpacked machine with a giant red button or an electric rat’s nest. It’s an absolute mess, and it’s wonderful. 2213 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis; more info here. Through July 19—Jessica Armbruster

“Creation.Story”

All My Relations Arts

For this group show, artists blend the oral histories of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux Nation’s Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota tribes) with the modern-day people, ideas, and language. Think portraits featuring computer tech flourishes or fluffy felt buffalos rendered as collectible figurines. Co-curated by Keith BraveHeart and David Meyer, this touring exhibition changes with each location, inviting local artists to contribute works that make each event gallery specific. Fourteen artists will be showcased here, including James Star Comes Out, Dyani White Hawk, Jaida Grey Eagle, and others. 1414 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. Through July 26—Jessica Armbruster

Under the Canopy

Hook and Ladder

The Hook’s summerlong, pandemic-spawned outdoor series returns this week with 15 excuses to enjoy great music and fresh air while avoiding the sun’s poisonous rays. The jazzy, bluesy, and otherwise rootsy Davina and the Vagabonds kicked things off, and the series wraps up in early August with Dr. Mambo’s Combo paying tribute to two funk/soul powerhouses of the ’70s: Sly & the Family Stone and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. Between those two dates you can catch soulful rockers Mae Simpson, astute singer-songwriter Chastity Brown, the THC-fueled dance party Doinks N’ Dubstep, a tribute to the Dead’s storied 1977 set at Cornell, and—you guessed it!—much more. 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. Through August 8—Keith Harris

Lowertown Sounds

Mears Park

Downtown St. Paul could use a flicker of good news, and that’s what we’re here to provide: Lowertown Sounds, the reliably terrific—and free!—summertime concert series at Mears Park is back for 2025. More than half of this year’s genre-spanning local performers are LTS first-timers, according to organizers, and as always they’ll be joined throughout the summer by craft bev vendors (Gambit Brewing, Pryes Brewing, Utepils Brewing, Alexis Bailly Vineyard) and a rotating fleet of “almost 10 food trucks” (we’re guessing that means eight or nine). Free. 6-10 p.m. Thursdays. 221 Fifth St. E., St. Paul; find more info here. Through August 14—Jay Boller

Twin Cities River Rats

Mississippi River

Fresh off their hit 2024 show, Ratagascar, the River Rats return with another spoof, this time of The Office. The cartoon poster appears to depict Dwight Schrute and Michael Scott being pulled behind a speedboat captained by a rat, suggesting at least some high-concept hijinks will be related to the beloved NBC sitcom. Here’s what organizers tease: “With high flying jumpers, towering pyramids, and our ballet ladies there is something for everyone! It’s a show you won’t want to miss.” Hm, sounds a lot like all River Rats shows, but there ain’t a damn thing wrong with that. As always, this team of rivertop tricksters performs for free and for the whole family. Bring some chairs and blankets, buy some concessions, and enjoy a Minneapolis summertime institution. Free. 7 p.m. 1758 West River Rd. N., Minneapolis; find more info here. Thursdays through August—Jay Boller

Skyline Mini Golf

Walker Art Center

Putt-putt is all about the challenge of using a stick to control a tiny ball amid quirky chaos. Sometimes you scoot right though without a problem, other times you end up hitting a hot dog too hard and bounce off course. Is that a metaphor for life? Maybe! All I know is that mini golf is back at the Walker, and playing it well requires a mix of patience, a light touch, and preparation for worst-case scenarios. This year’s course is 10 holes, all familiar hits that pay tribute to the Twin Cities and local culture with a few nods to the museum’s collection thrown in. Sometimes the obstacles are a bump in the road, sometimes it’s a giant French fry, and sometimes the obstacle is you. Hey, this game really is a metaphor for life! $12. 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis; find more info here. Through October 5—Jessica Armbruster

“ALEBRIJES: Keepers of the Island”

Raspberry Island

Alebrijes are a Mexico City folk-art tradition born out of a fever dream—literally. In 1936, artist Pedro Linares fell ill and found himself hallucinating a forest filled with magical creatures that were shouting “alebrijes!” at him. Once better, he knew that he had to recreate what he had experienced. Nearly 90 years later, Mexican artists continue this tradition, using papier-mâché to create beautifully surreal neon beasts—think chicken-fish-unicorns and butterfly-dog-frogs—ranging from four to 15 feet tall. This summer and fall, alebrijes will be at Raspberry Island thanks to four Mexico City-based artists who have created 16 large-scale papier-mâché sculptures for an installation organized by the Minnesota Latino Museum. You can venture through this colorful wonderland during the park’s regular hours (dawn to 11 p.m. daily). For more info, visit mnlatinomuseum.org/alebrijes. 2 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul. Through October 26—Jessica Armbruster

Shameka Bogan didn’t grow up celebrating Juneteenth. Raised in a small town in Alabama, she said the Fourth of July was the holiday that brought out flags, fireworks, grilled meats and family pride.

“I had heard of Juneteenth and I kind of knew what it was but the Fourth of July was a huge thing for us,” Bogan said. “Even as a Black child growing up in the South, it was like something was missing.”

That something, she would later discover when she moved to north Minneapolis, was Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Now Bogan is the co-founder of Northside Juneteenth, a nonprofit that started in 2023 organizing a weekend of events leading up to the official Juneteenth holiday. This year’s lineup includes a community movie night, a family festival and a neighborhood barbecue and swim day.

“I want my kids to have the same experience I had with the Fourth of July, but with things that relate to our culture,” Bogan said. “We want people to come out, have fun and also walk away with something they didn’t know. Not in a traditional classroom sense but through culture and community.”

Here’s a look at Northside Juneteenth and other Juneteenth events happening across the Twin Cities:

Northside Juneteenth Celebrations

Northside Juneteenth presents a weekend of events, beginning with a Friday movie night of Pixar’s 2020 animation “Soul,” followed by a Saturday festival and a Sunday swim day at the Webber Natural Swimming Pool in celebration of both Juneteenth and Father’s Day.

The Saturday festival includes performances by DJ IceMan, Known Mpls, Sanctuary Covenant Praise and Worship Team, Step with Soul, the TKO Drill Team, and a visit from the Minnesota Juneteenth queens. Attendees can explore a kids’ zone, food court, community health fair, more than 45 Black-owned vendors, and activities such as African face and body painting.

Date: Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 Time: 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Location: Friday movie night at North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway, Minneapolis.

Saturday’s festival at Sanctuary Church Block, 2018 N. Aldrich Ave., Minneapolis.

Sunday’s Swim Day at Webber Swimming Pool, 4330 Webber Parkway, Minneapolis. Cost: Free For more information: Visit: northsidejuneteenthmn.org.

Juneteenth Freedom Walk, Fun Run and history tours

The Cultural Wellness Center, in collaboration with the Midtown Greenway Coalition and Lake Street Lift, will host a “Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Living History event.”

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at Venture Bikes for a guided ride through Fort Snelling to Cepro Park. At 11:30 a.m. in Cepro Park, a reenactment will depict Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger’s arrival in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when he announced the freedom of all enslaved people. Following the reenactment, attendees can store their bikes at Venture Bikes and walk together to Midtown Global Market, symbolizing the journey from slavery to freedom.

At noon, the market will host “We Claimed the Soil: An Interview with Dred and Harriet Scott,” a live theater performance exploring the Scotts’ fight for freedom in Minnesota. The 1857 Supreme Court ruling that denied their citizenship and legal rights heightened the political tensions that contributed to the start of the Civil War.

Date: Saturday, June 14. Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: Venture Bikes, 1000 Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis Cost: Free For more information: Visit midtownglobalmarket.org.

Prefer to run instead?

The Loppet Foundation will host its first-ever “Juneteenth Fun Run,” featuring a 5K and a kids’ half-mile run for runners and walkers of all ages. Sign up here.

Date: Saturday, June 14 Time: 9 to 11 a.m. Location: The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis Cost: Free For more information: Visit runsignup.com/Race/MN/Minneapolis/JuneteenthFunRun.

Want a deeper look at Black history in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Historical Society is hosting “Juneteenth at the Fort,” offering several guided tours focused on the lives of enslaved people and their connections to Fort Snelling.

Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Free for children 4 and younger. $8 for children 5 to 17. $12 for college students, seniors 65 and older and veterans. $15 general admission. Buy tickets here.

Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra

The Minnesota Orchestra will celebrate Juneteenth with a concert spotlighting Black musical traditions and voices. The evening begins with a pre-concert performance by Ghanaian drummer Sowah Mensah. The main concert brings together conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, poet and songwriter Wordsmith and countertenor John Holiday, alongside the full orchestra.

The program includes Jazz pianist James P. Johnson’s “Victory Stride,” a composition evoking the resilience of Black communities during the Harlem Renaissance; Mary D. Watkins’ “Soul of Remembrance,” a reflection on the emotional legacy of enslavement; and Michael Abels’ jazz-infused “Delights and Dances,” celebrating joy and liberation.

Wordsmith joins the orchestra for “Freedom’s Genuine Dawn,” a spoken-word performance with composer James Lee III. The evening closes with Valerie Coleman’s “Umoja: Anthem for Unity,” a piece calling for togetherness among African diasporic communities, and Carlos Simon’s “Ring Shout,” inspired by a ritual of song, dance and prayer born among enslaved Africans in the American South.

Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 7 p.m. Location: The Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Cost: $5-53. For more information: Visit minnesotaorchestra.org/tickets/calendar/holiday/juneteenth-2.

Soul of the Southside Festival

The fourth annual Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival features live music, film, art, dance and wellness programming at several south Minneapolis venues.

Events will be held at the Hook and Ladder Theater, Moon Palace Books, Arbeiter Brewing, Solcana Fitness, and the Historic Coliseum Building, with the main festival hub located at the intersection of East Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue.

Live music will run from 1:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hook and Ladder Theater, both indoors and on an outdoor stage. Scheduled performers include East African rapper Fanaka Nation, reggae artist Brandyn Tulloch, Twin Cities band Soul Flower, Minneapolis-based artist Xina, and more.

At Arbeiter Brewing, visitors will find Rondo Double Dutch, a bounce house, face painting and a KRSM radio tent with live DJ sets. Moon Palace Books will host children’s storytelling, a Black film series, a local marketplace, wellness offerings and a KFAI radio DJ booth. Solcana Fitness will provide drum and dance circles, yoga classes, and free massages.

The Coliseum Building will feature a visual art exhibit aligned with this year’s festival theme, “Family: A Revolutionary Force,” a lantern-making workshop with the Semilla Center, and an open house at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.

The main festival area will include an art fair, live mural painting hosted by Memorialize the Movement, and a DJ tent curated by Carbon Sound. Food vendors will offer burgers, sambusas, Caribbean dishes, plant-based juices, cheesesteaks, tacos and donuts.

Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: Noon to 8 p.m. Location: Various locations across south Minneapolis Cost: Free For more information: Visit soulofthesouthside.com.

A Family Celebration at the State Capitol

The Anika Foundation will host a “Family Celebration” at the Minnesota State Capitol featuring live music, a kids pavilion, food, health and wellness resources and more.

Date: Saturday, June 21

Time: Noon to 6 p.m. Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Visit theanikafoundation.org/juneteenth.

Juneteenth with the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions

The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration will feature a new exhibit that tells the history and stories of five families from the Rondo neighborhood. The program includes speeches from public officials, food vendors, exhibitors and resource tables.

Celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities this year with more than a dozen events that include free food, a carnival, educational opportunities and face painting, among other family-friendly activities.

Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, marks the anniversary of an 1865 order in Texas that freed slaves in the state at the end of the Civil War. The order came two years after President Abraham Lincoln ended slavery nationwide in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation. News of the emancipation was slow to reach Texas.

Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, and is considered the longest-running African American holiday, when community members acknowledge and celebrate Black liberation and accomplishments.

Here are a list of Juneteenth events around the Twin Cities:

Juneteenth at the VA Medical Center The African American Caucus and VA Minneapolis Health Care will host an event featuring presentations from Juneteenth state director Lee Jordan, dance performances from Samaiah Bryant and the Bossy Barbie Dollz Dance Team, a poem reading and drum performances. Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: VA Medical Center Main Pavilion, 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis Cost: Free For more information: Visit the VA website.

Northside’s Juneteenth Weekend Celebration The celebration features a series of family-friendly events throughout the weekend, including a community movie, family festival and ice cream social. Vendors at the celebration will include community radio station KMOJ 89.9 FM, the Rotary Club of North Minneapolis and the Strong Roots Foundation, an organization that connects north Minneapolis with the general public to foster positive experiences. Date: Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16, 2024 Times: Various times each day. Locations: Different locations in north Minneapolis. Cost: Free For more information: Visit Northside’s Facebook page for a schedule of events and locations.

Minnesota Orchestra’s Juneteenth concert Celebrate Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra’s second annual Juneteenth concert led by conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, featuring pieces from contemporary African American composers. Date: Friday, June 14, 2024 Time: 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Location: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Cost: Prices vary. For more information: Visit Minnesota Orchestra for more information and to purchase tickets. University of Minnesota’s Juneteenth block party and march The University of Minnesota will host its third annual Juneteenth celebration centered around the “disruption, reverberation, and amplification” of Black voices with its theme, “We Are The Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors.” The celebration will include live performances, vendors, speakers, workshops, an art station, a bouncy house, a petting zoo and free food and haircuts by Black vendors. The march will begin at 11 a.m. at the university’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in hopes to unite the Black community and encourage community organizing. “Now, more than ever, we have a duty and responsibility as an academic institution of higher learning to increase the awareness of Black histories during a time when our stories and narratives are under attack and are being threatened with cultural erasure,” said Terresa Moses, a university professor and organizer of the Juneteenth block party and march. Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis (In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the university’s Field House, 1800 University Avenue S.E.) Cost: Free For more information: Visit the university’s Juneteenth website.

Juneteenth with the Brooklyn Center Recreation Department The city of Brooklyn Center will host a Juneteenth celebration with entertainment, food, vendors and activities for people of all ages. Vendors include Dog Park Gourmet Hot Dogs, Caribbean Tasty, Donut NV, Ralph’s Rib Crib and Delly J’s Jamaican Catering. Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location: 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center Cost: Free For more information: Visit the City of Brooklyn Center’s website.

Rondo Neighborhood’s Sterling Club Juneteenth Celebration The Sterling Club will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration with free food, youth activities, entertainment and community resources available for all ages. Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Carty Park, 705 Iglehart Avenue, St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Visit the Sterling Club’s Facebook page.

West Broadway Juneteenth block party Juneteenth Minnesota will host a block party centered around themes of Black history in agriculture. The party will kick off with a parade and continue with numerous activities, such as face painting, canvas painting and drawing, carnival games, bounce houses and more. Attendees can also watch live performances from the Bossy Barbie Dollz Dance Team, Brass Solidarity, Trammel Wilson Band and more. Guest appearances from U.S. House Representative Illhan Omar, Congressional candidate Don Samuels, Bishop Howell, Ms. Nigeria and others are also scheduled. Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024 Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Location: West Broadway Avenue between Lyndale and Emerson Avenues North Cost: Free For more information: Visit the Juneteenth Minnesota website.

Juneteenth with the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions will host its fifth annual Juneteenth event, celebrating the music of the Rondo neighborhood. The event will feature a variety of speakers, musical guests and vendors. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Time: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Location: Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Avenue, St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Visit their website.

Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge will host a “Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival” featuring live performances, art galleries, wellness events, Black vendors, storytelling and more. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Time: 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Location: Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis Cost: Free For more information: Visit their Facebook page.

Edina’s Juneteenth Celebration The city of Edina will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring musical performances by Carolyne Naomi and Smash Jazz, and a reading from children’s author Isaiah Allen. Guest speakers will include Lutunji and Edina City Council Member James Pierce. The event will also include activities for attendees. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Time: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Location: Centennial Lakes Park, 7505 France Ave. S., Edina Cost: Free For more information: Visit the city’s website.

Juneteenth with SEIU Healthcare SEIU Healthcare will host a Juneteenth event featuring a keynote presentation from retired Metro Transit bus driver, the Reverend Mark Dawkins, and a musical performance from CHAZVISION Music. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location: SEIU Healthcare, 345 Randolph Ave., St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Visit their Facebook page.

Juneteenth Family Celebration at the State Capitol The Anika Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting health equity, civic engagement and economic empowerment, will host a Juneteenth event at the Minnesota State Capitol. The event is held in partnership with Ramsey County, the Minnesota Department of Health and the McKnight Foundation. The event will include live performances, a children’s pavilion, health and wellness resources and more. Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Time: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, St. Paul Cost: Free For more information: Visit the event Facebook page.

Woodbury for Justice and Equality Juneteenth celebration Celebrate Juneteenth with Woodbury For Justice and Equality. The event includes free food, live performances, children’s activities and speakers. Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury Cost: Free For more information, visit their website.