Kids & Pets Issue
WAYZATA
For the Little and Furry
August is that month of summer where we start thinking about all of the things we might not have gotten to yet. There is a change in the air and the To Do lists for fall start to take shape in our minds.
The August Kids and Pets issue is always one of my favorites and it brings my focus back to the little things. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families. Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation for the future. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment.
In this issue, we spoke with Bobby Tarnowski, owner of several Mathnasium locations across the metro. Bobby is passionate about math and how it gives kids confidence throughout their path in life. From a health perspective, we checked out Pura Vida Orthodontics and their new location at West End in St. Louis Park. Dr. Madson and her team are making sure kids have a great experience and an awesome smile. For toys, events & loads of fun, Amy Saldanha, owner of kiddywampus shares a bit about her love for kids and her vision for their new location in West End.
If you’re looking for a fun local adventure, the Minnesota Zoo provides programs, events and memorable attractions. From camps to the newer Treetop Trail experience, the zoo is the perfect destination for people of all ages.
But, we can’t forget the pets! The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and give. This bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship. To honor our furry friends, we have included some fun “Insta-famous” pets that have stolen our hearts, dog socializing tips and how to throw your pet a birthday bash.
Happy August Minneapolis Lakes and we hope the kids and pets are having an
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES
August 2024 Visit our Instagram
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Lucy Hawthorne
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
3:5-6
Opening in Minneapolis: Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks
Minneapolis residents rejoice! Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks is coming to town. With recipes going back decades, Tono offers authentic cheesesteaks and brick-oven pizza in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Check Tono's website for an official opening date. 3002 50th St. W. tonomn.com.
Heart Space Art Studio
Heart Space, an art studio, is all about what it is like to make, create, explore and be curious. The workshops, classes and open studio times are meant to support individual, group and community experience of mind-body connection and healing through arts, movement, learning and curiosity. Collaborators who offer something out of Heart Space have a collective goal in mind to create community, opportunity for learning, growth and connection to oneself and others. 2213 W 54th St. heartspacetherapy.org.
Pacifier — An Urban Baby and Kid Store
The first Pacifier was opened in March 2004 in Northeast Minneapolis when a suitably cool kids gift could not be found. From there, it grew to serving families and friends in Edina, Highland Park, Wayzata, and the original Northeast store hopped across the Mississippi to the North Loop neighborhood. Check out the Minneapolis store for all things gifts. 219 N 2nd St. #102 pacifierkids.com
TOYS FOR THE whole family
A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN AND ADULTS CAN INDULGE IN FUN AND GAMES
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE
Amy Saldanha
As a mother of three young children, Amy Saldanha had a vision of the perfect toy store for her kids. In 2006, she decided to turn that vision into reality by opening kiddywampus.
Today, her children are all grown up and on their own, but she still enjoys watching other children’s faces light up as soon as they walk into one of her stores in Hopkins, Chanhassen and St. Louis Park.
“It's just a really bright, joyful, happy experience and a place where kids can come in, make themselves at home, look at the toys, and be active,” she says.
The name, explains Amy, comes from an old Scottish word. “It's fun to say, so kids love it. It means kind of higgledy piggledy, left of center, or looking at things differently.”
The stores have everything from a huge selection of well-known brands such as Lego and Barbie to Hot Wheels. But, they also carry really unique merchandise from brands such as Jellycat, Squishables and Klutz, as well as other lines you won't find in most big-box stores.
While many people think that toys are only for children, here, adults can find plenty of exciting options too. “Kidult is this idea of being a kid and an adult at the same time,” she says. “There's been a lot of growth in the toy market for adults who want to think like kids, relax and have fun.”
Lego, she says, has a whole new category of kits for adults that can be found in the stores along with adult crafting kits and even plush items. “Why should the kids have all the fun?” says Amy. “Toys are great. We also find that many of our customers have aging parents, so we offer a lot of puzzles, games and toys that help with mental acuity and even fine motor skills.”
CONTINUED >
“It’s just a really bright, joyful, happy experience and a place where kids can make themselves at home.”
Kiddywampus is a curated space where customers will find the best of the best with employees who are trained and know the products. “They can help advise you, so if you're looking for a gift for a five-year-old who's really active, we've got it,” she says. “We can help you get in and out very easily with great choices. We also provide complimentary gift wrapping and just make it a really fun experience.”
Don’t tell the kids, but toys are also educational. “They help kids learn and grow,” says Amy. “The highest level of learning takes place when kids are really engaged and play can be such an effective way to teach different skills.”
In addition to its great selection of toys, kiddywampus is a great venue to celebrate special occasions. “We've always done events, but we're noticing an unprecedented demand because I think people are looking for experiences. They don't want to just buy something. They want to go do something. They want to have a memory as a family.”
Birthday parties are huge, of course, but Amy and her team are always coming up with creative events just for fun. “We have an incredible staff,” she says. “They’re very talented and always thinking of new things to do. In May, we had a stuffed animal sleepover that was the most adorable thing you've ever seen.
“Kids brought in their stuffed animals, and made a few things for them like a little decorated blanket for their stuffy to have at night.” After the kids left, the kiddywampus
- Amy Saldanha
employees shot a bunch of footage that was put on its social media sites showing what the toys did overnight. The next morning, the kids came back in to pick up their stuffies. “It was all so cute!”
Summer camps are another popular offering, and in the fall, its engaging classes start up once again. “Depending on the location, we have a weekly music and movement class, and there's story time, which is absolutely delightful.”
Invention Lab is also a wonderful option. Kids and their caregivers come in and invent products using a four-step process. “It's great for four-year-olds and it's great for eight-yearolds because they use the materials differently,” says Amy. “We have prompts around the room, and a four-year-old might be just trying to paint something while an eight-year-old is going to do things differently. We just love to foster ways for kids to be creative.”
Kiddywampus will be launching its fall calendar in August on its social media sites and on its website, so parents can see what events are coming up. For example, the stores do a huge event around Small Business Saturday, have a big pumpkin decorating event in October, gingerbread house decorating in December, and so much more throughout the year.
Adds Amy, “We always say nothing bad ever happens at kiddywampus.”
1023 Mainstreet, Hopkins | kiddywampus.com 952-926-7871
a lot to do at the zoo
NEW ANIMALS, EXHIBITS AND WILD SUMMER NIGHTS
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
The Minnesota Zoo has always been a big draw for both children and adults, and now it’s better than ever with some new and exciting offerings for summer and all year round.
“We just brought in a brand new species for our zoo: two California sea lion pups named Hudson and Flynn,” says communication manager, Zach Nugent. “They’re turning one this month and are about 100 pounds.” Later this summer, the two pups will be joined by three adult California sea lions, which weigh about 700 to 900 pounds.
Another fun event this summer is its bird shows, which will take place three times a day. “We have free flight macaws and a number of different exotic and native Minnesota species,” he says. Visitors can learn about their natural behaviors and some of the issues they face in the wild from a conservation standpoint. “It's a really fun, unique and engaging show, and we've never offered it three times a day.”
Out at the zoo farm, there are milking demonstrations, horse demonstrations, and the opportunity to interact with pigs and chickens as well as with the keepers of the animals.
“We’ll also be doing some public training demonstrations with our gibbons, feeding demonstrations with our penguins and within our shark reef aquarium,” says Zach.
Another popular draw is Llama Trek, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “We have about 20 free roaming llamas, and people can wander the trail barrier free, letting the llamas come up and engage with them.” Camel rides are another unique offering.
The Minnesota Zoo is also excited to offer adult-only evenings. Its Wild Night summer festival series takes place on five Friday nights throughout the summer, and the next one is on August 9. “We close the zoo at 4 p.m. to our daytime guests and reopen at 5 p.m.,” he says. “From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., adults have access to all of our zoo trails, and can grab some food from the food trucks along with beverages.”
There is also a small artisan market to roam. “Then from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., we have two stages with two headlining bands.” Since each band does two sets, people can go to one stage to check out one band, listen to their set, and then go to the next stage and check out the other band performing their second set.
An additional interesting development at the zoo is its Treetop Trail that opened last summer. “We repurposed a former monorail track into an elevated walking path, and worked with the same engineers who developed the New York City High Line. It's a 1-1/4 mile loop, which makes it the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop, and about half of it goes over animal habitats.” The other half goes through undeveloped forests and wetlands that are part of the zoo's property, which is the 5th largest in the country.
“It's a really immersive, restorative experience,” says Zach.
13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley | MNZoo.org | 952-431-9200
CUSTOMIZED PLANS FOR EVERY SMILE
A Holistic and Caring Orthodontic Practice That Focuses on Overall Health
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
Dr. Alisa Madson took her love of science and combined it with her passion for art to go into the field of orthodontics. “I think it’s the perfect mix of art and science, and I’ve always been drawn to helping people, so I knew from a young age I wanted to be in healthcare,” she says.
She derives a lot of satisfaction from seeing the end results and how much lives can be impacted for the better by improving a smile. “It's the most rewarding thing to me,” says Dr. Madson. “A lot of our patients are teenagers, and so it’s already a transformative time for them. I just had a patient who’s halfway through treatment and looking really good, and her mom said she actually smiles now. If you're too shy to smile, it's really hard to connect with people. When someone’s treatment is completed, they can feel like a whole different person.”
Dr. Alisa Madson
In dentistry for almost 20 years (15 of those as an orthodontist), she’s the owner of Pura Vida Orthodontics in St. Louis Park, Spring Lake Park and Lino Lakes. During this time, she has seen many advances in the field. “It’s much different than it used to be, and we have the most advanced technology to appropriately diagnose the issues and to provide care in the most comfortable and efficient manner.”
At Pura Vida, all orthodontic plans are customized to allow for this faster and more efficient treatment. “Patients don’t have to come in every four weeks to get their wires tightened,” she says. “Now we can see them every few months, or sometimes even every six months, depending on the plan.” They can do remote monitoring for some checkups so patients don’t even have to leave home.
The diagnostic tools are also much better. “We have 3D imaging of the face and head, and we can do 3D models so we don't have those goopy impressions anymore. As technology has evolved, patient comfort has significantly increased.”
There’s also a lot more emphasis on the development of the face and mouth and less emphasis on just making straight teeth. “We look at the person as a whole,” says Dr. Madson. “We know how much the mouth and face can affect overall health, and we tie all that together for a more holistic approach rather than just an oral focus.”
If the teeth aren't in the right position, she explains, people can be at increased risk for cavities, gum disease, and excessive wearing of the teeth. If the jaws are not the right size or the right shape, overall health can be affected. “If someone’s mouth is way too small, there’s less room for the tongue, which can possibly lead to a greater chance of developing sleep apnea.”
Preventative steps are also important, so it’s critical for children to start orthodontic treatment early. “When kids are young, we have a much easier time developing the arches
and can actually do some early interventions that prevent more complex or aggressive plans in the future,” she says. “So, we like to see every kid by age seven or even earlier.”
If a child doesn’t need any treatments at the moment, they will just monitor them until it’s time. “We have a growth monitoring program called the Turtle Club that allows us to track the best timing based on the child's growth.”
Even young kids are great candidates for clear aligners. “Aside from the comfort and appearance, it's just so much easier for the child to take care of their teeth,” says Dr. Madson. “They don't have to floss underneath the wires, or worry about eating something too sticky or hard that's going to break braces off.” The vast majority of kids, even as young as age six, can use clear aligners responsibly and effectively.
Patients don't need a referral from a dentist to visit Pura Vida Orthodontics. Free screenings are provided for people of all ages, and the initial consultation is also completely free of charge.
Dr. Madson and the other two orthodontists, Dr. Angela Bukstein and Dr. Josh Padavano, work very well together. “We all share a similar philosophy, and we all use the same technology.”
While Drs. Madson and Bukstein grew up in the Twin Cities Metro area, Dr. Padovano is from Chicago and now lives in St. Louis Park. All three love to give back to the community.
“We always do a service project every year, and this year we went to the Humane Society and made dog and cat toys,” says Dr. Madson. “In years past, we've done Feed My Starving Children.”
In July, the practice hosted a patient appreciation event where patients enjoyed mini golf and bumper boats. “We've also done movie days before,” she says. “We just really want to be involved.”
1673 W End Blvd., St Louis Park PuraVidaOrtho.com | 763-784-0420
“IF YOU’RE TOO SHY TO SMILE, IT’S REALLY HARD TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE. WHEN SOMEONE’S TREATMENT IS COMPLETED, THEY CAN FEEL LIKE A WHOLE DIFFERENT PERSON.”
Dr. Alisa Madson (right) and team members.
Meet Ham, Finn and Stan
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Three Insta Famous Pets
From Minneapolis
Introducing Ham, Finn and Stan: Three adventure loving pets living and thriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Whether they are climbing up trees, boating or racing at Canterbury Park, these guys sure know how to enjoy life to the fullest. All us humans can do is cheer them on through Instagram, where they share all their escapades and have racked up quite a following.
So without further ado, here are their stories.
HAM
Ham, known as @hampurrburgerhelper on Instagram, is a three-year-old spotted adventure cat based in Minneapolis. Ham is leashedtrained and goes everywhere with his human, Rachel Gernander. They lead an active life hiking, biking, boating, attending art exhibits and traveling the United States together.
Ham proudly smashes misconceptions about what cats can and can’t do. When he isn’t exploring Minnesota’s many hiking trails, you can regularly find him sporting stylish outfits and frequenting pet-friendly establishments. From book shops to wineries, baseball games to pizza farms, you never know where Ham will pop up next!
Recently, Ham was published in Cats and Cocktails, a hardcover book featuring 52 cocktails and mocktails modeled by kitties from around the world. Proceeds benefit Mission Meow, a 501c3 feline-centric nonprofit. Check out the book at catsandcocktailsclub.com
FINN
Woof! I’m Finn! I’m a happy-go-lucky German Shepherd, living my best life since 2021, when my Mama adopted me. She quickly realized my goofy and loving personality was too good not to share,
so now we spread joy and positivity on Instagram, @lifeisbetterwithfinn, daily! Our followers know life is better with Finn. I get to go on so many adventures all over Minnesota. My days are filled with fun, especially when I visit Adventure Is Barking daycare in Hopkins. Also, my pack walks with Fur The Love of It in Stillwater which is another highlight – running around with my furry friends is the best!
Most weekends, my family takes me on a car ride to our lake place in Crosslake. It’s my absolute favorite spot in the whole world! I love swimming, hiking and exploring all the wonderful nature there. You can find me out and about in the Twin Cities when I’m not at the lake. No matter the season, I’m always outside, enjoying everything Minnesota has to offer. Life is pawsome!
STANLEY
Hi there, I’m Stanley and I’m a hound dog. I’m a 10-year-old pup living in Minneapolis with my family. Now I may be getting up there in age, but that doesn’t stop me from living my best life.
A few things about me are that I love naps, pup cups at Starbucks, going to pumpkin patches, taking long walks on the beach, watching the Vikings, spending time with the two mini humans in my life and dressing up in different costumes to match each season.
Oh yeah! I also like racing in the Basset Hound Races at Canterbury Park. I’m not sure if I will run this year, the fam says I’m getting old or whatever, but I will try to convince them so all my adoring fans can watch me do my thing.
Well, that’s me. Stan the Basset, living life to the fullest. Check me out on Instagram, @stanthebasset, to see everything I get up to.
Ready to find your flow?
Join us at Möv with an intro month of unlimited classes for just $49 Whether you ' re looking to practice yoga or try barre, our community is here to support your journey. Come experience the benefits of mindful movement and see how our classes can transform your life
A Method for Mathematical Success
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE
The consequences of the pandemic are still with us, especially when it comes to children and academics. Studies show that math scores in particular have dropped dramatically, and although there has been a partial recovery, with students only making up about a third of what they lost, it’s not enough. Schools are doing their best, but additional help and tutoring cannot always be provided due to time and budgetary issues.
This is where Mathnasium, a tutoring franchise founded in 2002, can expertly assist with the recovery and advancement of skills. A study conducted in Washington, D.C., reveals that high-impact tutoring programs contribute to academic improvement and also lead to a significant reduction in absenteeism among students. As Hedy Chang, executive director of the nonprofit Attendance Works, explains, it makes sense that students come to school more often when they’re doing well and not struggling. “Part of why kids don’t show up is because they don’t feel successful in school.”
She adds, “I do think it’s an impact of high-dosage tutoring, not necessarily just tutoring.”
In Minnesota, parents can easily find a Mathnasium center that’s convenient. Bobby Tarnowski, a franchisee with 10 locations in the Twin Cities, enjoys sharing his love of math with others. A math major in college, he spent 25 years in engineering. When he came across Mathnasium, he appreciated that everyone involved had a great deal of passion for what they were doing.
“They put together an outstanding curriculum,” he says. “It makes math make sense to kids. We help them understand the math they’re doing and because they don’t just memorize it, their retention is much better and much longer lasting.”
Well-educated, personable and caring tutors accomplish this through the tried and true Mathnasium Method, which is a pencil and paper based proprietary curriculum that meets and even exceeds expectations. “I use the slogan ‘Catch Up, Keep Up, and Get Ahead,’” says James Cawthorne, Ph.D., center director at Mathnasium of St. Louis Park-Edina. “It stands for how Mathnasium works to help students ‘Catch Up’ on their existing math gaps when they come to Mathnasium. We work to help students be able to ‘Keep Up’ with math at their current grade level. Finally, we help students ‘Get Ahead’ in math enabling students to earn entry into higher-level math classes as well as being familiar with math topics before they are introduced in school.”
He relates the story of a student who came into Mathnasium a few years ago. His Minnesota MAP score was in the below-average (red) zone. After a year of tutoring, the student's math confidence and knowledge improved resulting in his MAP math test score moving into the average zone (yellow). But, after another year, his MAP score was above average (green) and the student was then able to move into an advanced math class in school.
When skills increase, not only do test scores increase, but so does confidence. “When they leave here, they know they’re smart, and it wasn’t a calculator or computer that solved the problem,” says Bobby. “They’ve worked it out and it’s impactful to their confidence to go through that process. When kids get that kind of confidence, you can see improvement in more than just their math class.”
Although high school GPAs have been on the rise for decades, even before the pandemic, standardized test scores started falling. In recent years, this has increased and some believe that this discrepancy is due to more lenient grading practices implemented during the pandemic as a way to lessen the pandemic’s impact on students by increasing students’ sense of well-being. Holding students to pre-pandemic standards, they say, would be unfair and demotivating.
Mathnasium accepts children from first through 12th graders, and various packages are available. The standard program is a monthly tuition, where parents can enroll their kids for up to 10 lessons per month, 15 lessons a month, or a package for every day. The majority of students attend twice a week.
TIM PILQUIST
Assistant Center Director
JAMES CAWTHORNE
Center
Director
for St. Louis Park
After a thorough assessment, each student receives a custom learning plan that fits both their level and learning style. Most students receive individual instruction in a group setting and instructors work with up to four students at a time, although private instruction is also available. Small goals are also set so that they can learn to work independently on specific topics.
Along with learning, kids also have fun at the centers. As one parent shares, “Our daughter has been going for a year and never complains. She loves it and she has gained lots of confidence in her abilities. Her teacher sees improvements too.”
Another parent states, “We have been very impressed with the individual attention and instruction at Mathnasium, and the willingness to partner with our child's school.”
Says Bobby, “We really focus on the quality of what we do, from the instruction we give the kids to the attentiveness we give to the parents and the effort we put into working with their children’s teachers.
If your child needs to catch up, keep up and get ahead, visit Mathnasium.com.
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
12987 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka (952) 546-1406
AUGUST 2ND - 3RD
Basilica Block Party
Boom Island Park
The biggest block party yet. Get ready for two days of musical bliss at the new Boom Island location nestled on the mighty Mississippi. basilicablockparty.org.
AUGUST 10TH - 11TH
Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival
Downtown Minneapolis
The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival is a free and unique downtown art experience for residents and visitors that celebrates street art in all its forms. It features chalk and spray art, murals, performances, crafts, food and fun! New to 2024, the festival is excited to welcome Jackalope Arts to the festival lineup! The indie artisan fair will be bringing over 100 local, hand-selected artisans to the festival streetways. mplsstreetartfest.com
AUGUST 11TH
Minneapolis Vintage Market
Sociable Cider Werks | 11:00 AM
Minneapolis Vintage Market is heading to Sociable Cider Werks. Find Minnesota's best vintage clothing, accessories and home goods vendors all in one spot. Plus there will be coffee, cider and food available for purchase, Darin Kamnetz with a pop-up photo booth and DJ Buster Baxter spinning tunes. mplsvintagemarket.com
AUGUST 16TH - 17TH
Pryes Summer Fest
Pryes Brewing Company
The Pryes Summer Fest is back and better than ever. Taking place over two days, the outdoor music festival offers beer, food and a great selection of local artists. Check Pryes' website for the latest information. pryesbrewing.com
AUGUST 17TH - SEPTEMBER 29TH
Renaissance Festival
12364 Chestnut Blvd.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 53rd Season! Come and be a part of this long-standing tradition by visiting the festival grounds in Shakopee. The festival is open weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. renaissancefest.com
AUGUST 22ND - SEPTEMBER 2ND
The Great Minnesota Get-Together State Fair Grounds
A cherished end-of-summer tradition, the Minnesota State Fair welcomes over 2 million guests annually to a showcase of agriculture, entertainment, food, art, science and industry. Check its website for the latest updates. mnstatefair.org.
