Events - Bloomington, Minnesota

EventsGuide was updated: May 26, 2025

There’s always something new to do here in Bloomington and next door in the Twin Cities. With over 400 events every year ranging from national competitions to celebrity appearances at Mall of America, there’s something for everyone.

Holiday Shopping at Mall of America

There's nothing quite like the holidays at the nation's largest retail and entertainment facility! Enjoy tax-free shopping at 520+ stores, delicious dining at 50+ restaurants, and festive events and experiences all season long.

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Bloomington Summer Fete

The true "ringing in" of Independence Day in the Twin Cities, the Bloomington Summer Fete occurs every year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. A carnival, two entertainment stages with musical performances, and a fireworks display provide fun for the whole family.

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Bloomington Winter Fete

The three-months-long Winter Fete welcomes winter to Bloomington with a fat tire bike race, ski jumping, and the Pond-Dakota Winter History Festival. All activities are free, and almost all take place outside, so don't forget to bundle up with a coat and get ready to experience the snowy season in Minnesota.

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Minnesota State Fair

There’s no better place than the Minnesota State Fair to get a feel for what Minnesota is all about. The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” draws over 1.5 million attendees every year and is the largest 12-day fair in North America. The annual celebration features endless games and rides, animal exhibits, and over 400 free concerts. The fair celebrates everything that is special about Minnesota. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t find anywhere else, visit the North Woods area to see lumberjack and stunt dogs performances, and make sure to catch the State Fair Parade at 2pm every day. Popular musical artists visit the Grandstand each year to play to sold-out crowds. Food is also a highlight of the State Fair; past culinary innovations included SPAM sushi, deep fried grilled cheese bites, and a Reuben pickle dog!

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Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Transport yourself back to the 16th century with a trip to the annual Renaissance Festival in nearby Shakopee, Minnesota. Laugh at court jesters, shop for handicrafts, watch a joust and enjoy some delicious, authentic fare. The festival opens in mid-August and wraps up in late September.

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SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Fair

The beloved Uptown Art Fair in Uptown Minneapolis has passed the torch to SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Fair, with the full force of the state on display. Admire and purchase the handiwork of talented artists, enjoy food and drinks from one of the many food trucks and beer gardens, and listen to music at the performance stage. This family-friendly event has special kids zones and an area for youth artists.

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Saint Paul Winter Carnival

Saint Paul's beautiful Rice Park is the "center stage" for the Winter Carnival, which is an annual celebration of winter held entirely outside. Three parades, a beer festival, a 5k, the Snow Park at the Fair, and ice palaces demonstrate Minnesota's embrace of its cold season. The Winter Carnival is held from late January through early February.

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Holidazzle

Holidazzle is a special winter tradition that takes place in downtown Minneapolis. The outdoor festival is open weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and includes ice skating, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides, shopping, and more.

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Twin Cities Pride Festival

Twin Cities Pride, one of the largest Pride events in the country, includes a parade, several concerts, a 5k race, and a host of other activities. Special guest appearances in the past few years have included Kathy Griffin, The Pointer Sisters, and more. Pride is held annually during the last weekend of June.

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Minneapolis Aquatennial

Join in the fun at the Minneapolis Aquatennial, a summer festival celebrating the city of Minneapolis. Founded in 1939, the Minneapolis Aquatennial is one of the largest festivals in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy a variety of events, including Target Fireworks show, CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Life Time Torchlight 5K, Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show and more. The festival occurs annually in July.

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Zombie Pub Crawl

The Zombie Pub Crawl is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Gathering of Zombies.” Thousands of people dress up in their best zombie attire and roam through downtown Minneapolis, listening to live musical acts and participating in events like a "brain" eating contest.

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Events in Bloomington, Minnesota

Holiday Shopping at Mall of America

Bloomington Summer Fete

Bloomington Winter Fete

Minnesota State Fair

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Fair

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

Holidazzle

Twin Cities Pride Festival

Minneapolis Aquatennial

Zombie Pub Crawl