A World of Culture

With an array of museums, festivals, landmarks and tours, Saint Paul is a world-class destination for cultural experiences. And with 100+ languages spoken here, there’s a diverse mosaic of people, stories and celebrations you can get to know.

Native Americans — Dakota, Ojibwe and people from other tribal nations — have dwelled in this area for thousands of years and still live here today. At Minnesota History Center, the exhibit Our Home: Native Minnesota shares these stories, enduring presence and deep connection to the land.

Saint Paul’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival is the largest Latino event in Minnesota. The celebration along Cesar Chavez Street reflects a proud Mexican influence in the West Side neighborhood.

Minnesota History Center programs and exhibits include a look at Minnesota women who shifted the political landscape with the passage of the 19th Amendment, and a lens on immigrant and refugee experiences. East Side Freedom Library recounts those experiences with resources, events and tours of spots like Swede Hollow, where waves of Scandinavians and, later, Poles, Italians, Mexicans and others once settled. Nearby Saint Paul neighborhoods continue to attract immigrant communities from around the world, including Salvadoran, Karen, Hmong, East African and more.

The city’s European influence is evident at the GermanicAmerican Institute, which hosts annual events like St. Paul Oktoberfest, as well as at Celtic Junction Arts Center and Irishthemed festivals like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Fair.

Interactive exhibits at the Hmong Cultural Center and Museum teach about the Hmong people’s history, culture and experience in the U.S. over the past 25 years. Home to the world’s largest urban Hmong population, Saint Paul hosts a Hmong New Year celebration each fall that draws thousands of visitors for traditional dance, music, crafts and more. The popular Little Mekong Night Market sports a full spectrum of music, art and street food from across Southeast Asia.

Experience many rich cultural traditions at once during the Festival of Nations. Held annually the first weekend in May, this showcase of over 90 ethnic groups features authentic cuisine, markets, music and dance. There’s much more on the event calendar in a city that embraces its cultural diversity and unique community character. Try a family-friendly Saint Paul festival like India Fest, Japanese Obon Festival and Little Africa Fest. Celebrate our seasons at events like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the Minnesota State Fair, Grand Old Day and the winter and summer Beer Dabblers — as well as a host of outdoor music and art showcases.