Labor Day in the Twin Cities is awash with festivals, fairs, and outdoor activities galore. The tricky thing is not finding something to do, but making a decision! If you’re still up in the air about your long weekend plans, we’ve put together an itinerary of options.
Minnesota State Fair
Of course, no Minnesota summer is complete without a trip to the state fair, and if you haven’t made it yet, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to go. Check out City Pages’ list of the Top 10 new foods before you go so you can plan – and pace – your state fair visit accordingly.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Now in its 46th year, the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee is a long-standing Minnesota tradition and a staple of the end-of-summer festival season. New in 2016 is a wizard’s zip line, whiskey and scotch tastings, and renaissance bingo. The festival runs rain or shine from August 20th to October 2nd, so if you’re all festival’d out after the State Fair, you can always save it for another weekend.
Summit Brewing 5k
The Brewery Running Series has been making the rounds of Twin Cities breweries since early spring. Catch up with it this Saturday, September 3rd at Summit Brewing for a 5k fun run that starts and ends at the brewery. Walk, jog, run…doesn’t matter! A free beer and a t-shirt await you at the end, along with food trucks, merchandise booths, music, and of course, more beer! Registration is $30 and can be completed on the website.
Picnic & Paddle Outing
Join Wilderness Inquiry for adventurous an end-of-summer family outing. This scenic canoe trip will take you on a ride down the Mississippi from Hidden Falls Regional Park to Harriet Island, with a break halfway for a picnic lunch. The event costs $45 and is open to all ages. Families are asked to provide their own picnic lunch, but coolers will be provided to keep food fresh until lunchtime. Register online.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
Twin Cities Cruises offers a number of different narrated Mississippi River cruises throughout the spring and summer. The leisurely Sunday Brunch Cruise departs from Bohemia Flats and takes you along the Scenic Byway Trails, U of M riverfront campus, historic Stone Arch Bridge, and many other beautiful Minneapolis sights. The cruise lasts from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and costs $37/adult, $21/child. Visit their website for tickets and information.
State Fair image from Flickr.
