THE STORY BEHIND RUFF START RESCUE
FAMILY ADVENTURES IN MINNESOTA
MACPHAIL SHARES THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC MEET OUR PETS
For the Fountain of Youth & Love of Pets
Not a lot brings more focus to how precious life is than when we interact with children and animals. Innocence, vulnerability, pure love, and the unexplainable need to capture every special moment helps to keep us going as adults. As we all know by now, adulting is not always fun, but these two special groups can bring smiles and laughter when we need it the most.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth— they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. Our annual August Kids & Pets issue helps celebrate both, and is dedicated to the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
Music can be considered a universal language, and is therapeutic for mind, body, and soul. MacPhail has been helping youngsters on their music journey for years, and prides itself in developing direction and confidence through their educational curriculum and specialty programs.
We know that there are a lot of people and animals in need on this planet, and that is why our team is thankful for organizations like Ruff Start Rescue. Although we can’t solve the needs overnight, Azure Davis shares the story of what inspired her to contribute, heal, and give back.
If you are looking for some fun outlets for the kids this summer, we highlight a few Minnesota staples for all ages. From ValleyFair to Great Wolf Lodge, the entertainment will be non-stop.
The Minneapolis Lakes Team is proud to show off some of our most precious treasures. Ollie, Charli, Peanut and Rio make up a lot of our behind the scenes happiness, keeping us laughing and feeling young. Last, but not least, we wanted to share some guidance on cooking with your kids along with a fun animal cracker recipe.
Wishing the Minneapolis Lakes community a safe and happy August,
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jen With a Lens, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Social Club 1-Year Anniversary Celebration
Girlhood
Photography by Sarah Knieff
Get into a cool new groove this summer with fresh eats, live beats and good vibes. Stop by the Uptown Farmers Market, Lake & Girard, Thursdays 4-8 p.m. till September 25. Learn more at uptownmarket.org.
Photography by Deb Van De Weghe
Stiles Financial Anniversary
Stiles Financial Services proudly celebrates 25 years of delivering personalized, comprehensive financial guidance and portfolio management. Founded in 2000 by Susan Stiles, the firm was created to meet a growing need for client-focused advice where the client’s goals and priorities come first. This uniquely tailored experience—delivered with a woman’s perspective—is one reason Stiles Financial was recognized by Newsweek as a Top Financial Advisory in the U.S. Congratulations to the team!
Gateway Bank Grants
$10,000 to Neighbors, Inc.
Gateway Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that local nonprofit, Neighbors, Inc. will receive a $10,000 grant from the Member Impact Fund. Gateway Bank has been a proud partner of Neighbors, Inc. since 2004. Together, they have been dedicated to improving their community through affordable living and community development initiatives.
Creekside Montessori School Celebrates 15 Years
Creekside Montessori School (formerly known as Mayflower Early Childhood Center) in Tangletown Minneapolis celebrates its 15 year anniversary this year! In beautiful Montessori environments led by professional nurturing adults, Creekside Montessori serves 101 children ages 16 months through kindergarten. Creekside provides high quality authentic Montessori and follows its mission for accessibility serving economically and culturally diverse families. Rolling admissions year-round. www.creeksidemontessorimpls.com
Ask Susan
Dear Susan: We adopted a puppy and now found out that I’m pregnant. Surprise! Any financial advice to help us plan?
Susan:
Congratulations on both fronts! You’re wise to consider how expanding your family impacts your monthly budget. Whether welcoming a child or pet, each brings unique—but often parallel—costs: doctor and vet visits, potty and obedience training, daycare, and more. Over time, raising a child typically costs more through age 18, factoring in baby gear, clothing, sports, education, and medical expenses. Pets rely on your support throughout their lives, and their ongoing costs can vary significantly based on breed and size. Planning ahead helps ensure both new additions thrive. Click the QR code for my follow-up video, where I’ll cover key strategies including pet insurance, college savings options, and long-term financial planning.
Send “AskSusan”questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Beyond the Notes
THE HOLISTIC BENEFITS OF MUSIC FOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN WITH A LENS
We often think of music as just background noise or a form of entertainment, but for children, it can be much more. Music is a deeply enriching experience that nurtures both the mind and spirit – helping kids grow into confident and emotionally intelligent individuals. In a conversation with Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle, Jon Iverson, the Director of Instrumental and Vocal Instruction at MacPhail Center for Music, shared how music education provides far reaching benefits that extend well beyond the notes on a page.
From the earliest exposure – clapping along to a song, playing with rhythm toys, or singing a lullaby – music engages children on a foundational level. According to Iverson, the cognitive benefits are significant. “Learning to read music is akin to learning to read a second language,” he explains. It builds abstract reasoning, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and enhances literacy and math skills. Music challenges the brain to think in complex, layered ways, offering the kind of mental workout that few other activities provide.
But cognitive growth is just one piece of the puzzle. Music also offers children a powerful outlet for emotional expression. “When we play music, inherent in that is some type of emotional expression,” Iverson says. “Our understanding of our own emotions and our ability to express them is an extraordinarily valuable life skill.” Music gives children a safe, creative space to explore their feelings, cope with stress, and develop emotional regulation. In supportive teaching environments
like MacPhail’s, students are nurtured by patient instructors who help children push through frustration and find joy in progress.
That emotional growth often feeds directly into confidence and self-esteem. “The subtle feeling of knowing ‘I can do this’ – that sticks with kids,” Iverson shares. Performing a favorite song at home or participating in a recital can be transformative, not because the performance is perfect, but because the child owns the achievement. Even stage fright becomes an opportunity to learn skills like mindfulness, preparation, and perseverance.
Music also plays a major role in social development. In group classes or ensembles, children learn teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. “They need to know their own part, but also be a good teammate,” Iverson explains. “That sense of group membership is an important life skill.” Whether it’s playing in a small violin ensemble or collaborating in a classroom performance, music helps children understand how to contribute to a collective, listen to others, and build shared experiences.
Physically, music offers benefits that are often overlooked. Playing an instrument or singing requires refined motor coordination, stamina, and dexterity. Iverson describes musicians as “small muscle athletes,” a term that emphasizes the fine motor skills and physical endurance involved. These physical benefits enhance a child’s overall development and support other activities, from handwriting to sports.
“Music provides an extraordinary playground for kids to let their curiosity run wild.”
“While STEM plays an important role in the education of our children, we can’t lose sight of the significant role music plays in creating well-rounded individuals. Music education isn’t just enrichment, it’s essential.”
Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of music education is how it sparks curiosity and active play. “Music provides an extraordinary playground for kids to let their curiosity run wild,” Iverson says. Whether a child is drawn to exploring rhythms, improvising melodies, or writing their own songs, music encourages creativity in ways that passive entertainment cannot. It is an act of creation – a space where children are free to imagine.
Beyond all these holistic benefits, Iverson makes a compelling case for music’s long-term value: it provides a competitive edge. “The Canadian Medical Association has long listed prior musical training as a desired trait for medical school applicants,” he notes. “Because they understand the transferable skills –discipline, emotional intelligence, problem-solving – that music cultivates.” While he acknowledges the importance of STEM education, he’s concerned that the arts are often left behind. “While STEM plays an important role in the education of our children, we can’t lose sight of the significant role music plays in creating wellrounded individuals. Music education isn’t just enrichment, it’s essential.”
For families interested in getting started, MacPhail offers age-appropriate music programs for all levels. Its early childhood development program, Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®, introduces music to children from infancy through age eight in engaging, parent-child group settings. As children grow, they can transition into beginner classes or private lessons tailored to their interests and developmental readiness. “We have a wide variety of teachers to meet each family’s needs,” Iverson says. “Whether the goal is casual exploration or serious study, we’re here to support that journey.”
Ultimately, Iverson wants families to remember that music is not only beneficial, it’s deeply enjoyable. “We’ve kind of lost the sense of doing something just for the enjoyment of it, not to master it,” he reflects. “But when a child discovers the joy of making music, just because they love it, that’s a powerful thing.”
Explore classes and opportunities by visiting macphail.org or call 612-321-0100. Fall registration is now open.
501 S 2nd St., Minneapolis
HYDRATION AT YOUR DOORSTEP
MOBILE IV THERAPY WITH DYNAMIC DRIPS
WE BRING WELLNESS AND RECOVERY TO YOU
ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED NURSES WILL COME TO YOUR HOME OR LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE, AND ADMINISTER YOUR INFUSION AFTER TAKING A FULL SET OF VITALS AND DOING A FULL ASSESSMENT.
Meow! Woof!
EMED PETS OF TH E MINNEAPO
The Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle team team isn’t just a crew of talented editors and publishers – they’re also a squad of devoted pet parents. Behind the scenes (and often on the keyboards) are a handful of charismatic, quirky and completely spoiled furry companions who run the real show. From toy-naming prodigies to fashion-forward felines, these pets have plenty to say about their pampered lives. So let’s hear it – straight from the paws that run the place.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Charli
Spokes-cat for Editor Sarah Knieff
Let me make one thing very clear: I’m royalty. You may call me Queen Charli, Feather Connoisseur. My hobbies include executing three a.m. hallway zoomies and flinging feather toys like I’m stalking prey in the Amazon – although I do it with far more grace, obviously. My favorite indulgence? CATNIP TREATS. They turn me into a goofy goddess and then knock me out for a cozy six-hour nap. My go-to lounging spot is wherever the sunbeam hits just right – bonus points if it’s on top of clean laundry. You’ll find me out on the deck in my stroller (yes, stroller – I am a lady of luxury). My mama is the absolute best, despite the fashion crimes she occasionally commits by dressing me in silly outfits. I’ll allow it, for five minutes. I’m also incredibly gifted. I can knock anything off a table without breaking eye contact. And my purr? It’s a tactical weapon. That broken vase? Gravity’s fault, darling. Not mine.
Charli
Charli
Peanut
Self-Proclaimed Neighborhood Monitor for Publisher Alex Patty
Hi! I'm Peanut, and honestly—I am the fun. I take walk patrols very seriously, ensuring all dogs (and squirrels, leaves, or oddly placed cones) follow the rules I invent on the spot. I’ve trained my mom well; these days, I get a treat for just looking at her with my signature side-eye. When it’s nap time, I rotate between my many beds, but my fave spot? On the sunny patio, or snuggling on the loveseat with Mom. I avoid the car unless I know it’s Grandma’s house or the cabin – we're talking 50/50 odds here. Mom is my ride-or-die. She gets me, spoils me, and even lets me snuggle like the bottle-fed baby I once was. I also adore Grandma – she’s all love, no rules. My talents? I know my toys by name. Sharkey, Pierre Bear, Raffie – you call it, I fetch it. I'm also a seasoned boater and paddle boarder, and always ready to suit up in my adorable lobster costume for Halloween. Spa day? Love it. Snuggles? Constant. I'm basically living the dream.
Olly
Feline-in-Chief for Publication Director
Susan Shannon
Please, call me Olly. Mister Olly if you're new. I spend my days in dignified solitude -- except during my sacred morning cream ritual with Mother. I supervise this ceremony daily, often needing to alert her through operatic reminders. My most prized possession? A catnip squirrel, which I methodically dismantle in private. As for rest, I’ve curated the cashmere drawer as my personal retreat; the humans’ surprise at this is laughable. Outdoors? A dismal experience. I far prefer overseeing household operations from a wool-blend throne. My staff (Mother) tends to my every whim, though the secondary human is showing promise. Promotion pending. I maintain discipline within the household, particularly where the canine is concerned – swift paw swats maintain order. My talents include appearing wherever I am least expected and dictating the wardrobe rotation by claiming drawer space. I am not a pet – I am the curator of this home. Now, please close the drawer gently on your way out.
Olly
Peanut
Rio
Chaos Coordinator for Publication Director Susan Shannon
OH WOW HI! I’m Rio and if you say the word “walk,” I’m already at the door spinning in circles! Seriously, why does Mom say “walk” and then take 17 YEARS to grab the leash?! My favorite snack? Anything that hits the floor. I’ve got VIP access to our littlest human’s food fallout and that’s gourmet, baby. For naps, I technically have a massive fluffy bed, but I prefer the armchair – even if I hang off it like a weirdo. The view’s better. The second Mom grabs her car keys? I’m HYPED. Pup Cups, parks, or boat days, it’s always an adventure. My family is the BEST. Movie nights are my fave because I get to rotate soggy toys between all their laps. Dad’s belly rubs = elite. Mom’s easy to distract when I want attention (which is always). Oh, and talents? I can find and destroy a squeaker in record time. But storm drains and docks? Nope. Not today. Wind in my face on the lake, though? That’s my jam.
Rio
Rio
KID-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES in Minnesota
Top Picks for Family Fun
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Minneapolis Lakes
Planning to visit one of these epic spots this summer with your family? Share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag us, @minneapolislakes. We can't wait to see our readers' adventures.
Looking for the best places in Minnesota to keep the kids entertained, active and smiling? Whether you’re planning a local weekend outing or hosting out-of-town guests, the area offers a vibrant mix of educational, thrilling, and creative experiences for children of all ages. From worldclass zoos and museums to massive malls and waterpark resorts, there’s no shortage of adventure.
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Many attractions offer combo tickets or seasonal passes – perfect for families who plan to visit more than once. Weekdays are typically less crowded, especially in the summer. For places like Valleyfair and Great Wolf Lodge, booking in advance is essential during peak seasons. The Minnesota Children’s Museum is a favorite for toddlers and preschoolers, while Sky Zone is great for high-energy teens and tweens needing to bounce off some steam.
Pack a change of clothes for water attractions like Soak City or Great Wolf Lodge, and consider strollers for venues like the Minnesota Zoo that require a fair amount of walking. Lastly, don’t forget snacks or meal plans – though many of these spots have on-site dining, outside food rules vary, so it’s wise to check their policies ahead of time.
Ready to fill your family calendar with fun? Here’s a handy round-up of top kid-approved destinations across Minnesota – complete with addresses and quick overviews to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure.
VALLEYFAIR: ONE VALLEYFAIR DR., SHAKOPEE VALLEYFAIR.COM
Minnesota’s largest amusement park offers 75+ rides, including 8 roller coasters and the splash-tastic Soak City waterpark. Younger kids will love Planet Snoopy. Open seasonally from May through October.
MINNESOTA ZOO: 13000 ZOO BLVD., APPLE VALLEY MNZOO.ORG
With immersive trails like Tropics and Northern, kids can explore wildlife up close. Don’t miss the Discovery Bay touch pools or the summer bird show. Great stroller-friendly layout and plenty of shaded rest areas make it a parent-approved win.
MALL OF AMERICA: 60 E BROADWAY, BLOOMINGTON | MALLOFAMERICA.COM
More than a shopping mall. It’s a full-fledged experience! Kids can explore Nickelodeon Universe, ride roller coasters, dive into SEA LIFE Aquarium, or play mini golf. A great rainy day destination. Tip: download the MOA app for maps and real-time attraction info.
GREAT WOLF LODGE:1700
AMERICAN BLVD. E, BLOOMINGTON | GREATWOLF.COM
Right next to Mall of America, this indoor waterpark resort offers nonstop fun with waterslides, MagiQuest wands, and themed suites. Ideal for birthdays or winter breaks. Book rooms well in advance – especially weekends and school holidays fill fast!
MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM:10 W 7TH ST., ST. PAUL | MCM.ORG
This interactive museum is a hands-on paradise for young learners. Kids can climb, splash, build, and imagine in themed exhibits like the Scramble and Forces at Play. Memberships pay off quickly for local families. Free on-street parking is rare – plan for nearby ramps.
SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK: 7625 CAHILL RD., EDINA | SKYZONE.COM
Sky Zone’s indoor trampoline parks offer wall-to-wall jumping fun with foam pits, dodgeball courts, and ninja warrior courses. Great for group playdates or birthday parties. Be sure to reserve jump times online during weekends or school breaks.
This magazine is how Alexandra redefined success.
This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters. The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?
Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle
Published by Alexandra Loved by Minneapolis Lakes
Your story is waiting. Explore open markets nationwide.
CHANGING LIVES, ONE RESCUE AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
The
Story Behind Ruff Start Rescue
In 2010, a 23-year-old business student from central Minnesota took a leap of faith that would change thousands of lives – both human and animal. Azure Davis, founder and executive director of Ruff Start Rescue, vividly recalls the moment everything began. A pit bull mix named Hope, severely underweight and out of time at an Ohio shelter, was flown into Minnesota and became the organization’s very first rescue. From that day forward, Ruff Start Rescue became a lifeline for animals in need – and a passionate community movement.
“I knew in my gut I had to do something,” Davis says. “Watching Hope heal, and then seeing her adopted by her foster family, showed me what was possible.”
What started as a one-woman effort in her parents’ basement has since evolved into a powerhouse of compassion. Now celebrating 15-years, Ruff Start Rescue has saved over 29,000 animals and is supported by 1,800 foster homes, 500 active volunteers, and a dedicated staff of 43. In 2024 alone, the organization rescued 3,665 animals, with numbers continuing to grow.
Azure Davis
Davis’s passion for animal welfare took root early in life. Raised in the countryside, she spent her childhood helping orphaned and injured animals that often showed up at her doorstep. That instinct to protect and care never faded. While pursuing her degree, she realized that saving animals wasn’t just a passion, it was her purpose.
“People told me I was making a mistake,” she recalls, “but I knew in my heart that this was what I was meant to do.” Quitting her job to pursue Ruff Start full-time was risky, but she never looked back. Today, her vision has grown into a thriving, nonprofit foster-based rescue with national reach and local roots.
Unlike shelters with physical facilities, Ruff Start Rescue operates through an expansive foster network. Volunteers open their homes to cats, dogs, and small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies, rats, and chinchillas – many of whom have faced neglect or abandonment. Each foster plays a crucial role in preparing animals for adoption by offering stability and healing.
The organization runs entirely on donations and community support, receiving no government funding. “We’re powered by people,” Davis says. “Our fosters, volunteers, donors –they’re the heart of what we do.”
In addition to rescue work, Ruff Start educates adopters and the community to ensure animals remain in safe, loving homes for life. Their mission is clear: to create a world where every companion animal has a home and every family has the knowledge and tools to care for them.
Davis sees the impact not just in the animals they save but in the humans they inspire. “We’ve built more than an organization, we’ve built a movement,” she says. “It’s about being the person you needed when you were younger. That’s what keeps us going.”
Want to be part of the rescue journey? Ruff Start Rescue is always seeking fosters, adopters, volunteers, and donors. Learn more at ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved
Because every rescue begins with a heart willing to help, and every adoption saves more than just one life.
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tbsp white flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
Steps:
BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
• 4 tbsp buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tbsp of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
events
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Brunch with Breizh Kitchen
Minneapolis Cider Company | 10:00 AM
Join us on Saturdays & Sundays for brunch at the Cidery! Enjoy fresh-baked goods, coffee, & mimosas! Plus your favorite savory crêpes with a breakfast twist. minneapoliscider.com.
AUGUST 1ST & 4TH
Mini Mia
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Look, play, and learn with your child at Mini Mia. This free event features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. artsmia.org
AUGUST 5TH - 17TH
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Orpheum Theatre
Be Our Guest at Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score. hennepinarts.org.
AUGUST 16TH - SEPTEMBER 28TH
Renaissance Festival 12364 Chestnut Blvd.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 54th 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 21ST - SEPTEMBER 1ST
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
AUGUST 24TH
5k Fun Run
Backstory Coffee Roasters | 9:00 AM
Join us for a caffeine-fueled 5K-ish fun run at Backstory Coffee Roasters – Bloomington. Whether you run, walk, or jog, this event is for all ages and fitness levels. Move at your own pace, soak in the fresh air, and celebrate your run with a delicious handcrafted coffee, tea, or cold brew at the finish line! eventbrite.com
