Saint Paul is gearing up for another unforgettable summer, and the city’s calendar is brimming with events that promise fun, culture and entertainment for all ages. From lively street festivals to world-class performances, our capital city is just getting warmed up. Many of our clients are at the heart of these exciting events, helping shape what promises to be one of the best Saint Paul summers ever!
For 25 years, this festival has celebrated the artist in every child, teen and adult. Brought to life annually by Flint Hills Resources and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, they’re commemorating 2025 as a milestone year by partnering with Keys for Kids and installing 25 pianos – colorfully painted by local students – throughout Rice Park. On May 30-31, downtown Saint Paul will come alive with music, dancing, food vendors, free art activities and internationally renowned performers with indoor shows starting at just $8. Come celebrate downtown, our vibrant arts scene, and priceless moments of artistic self-expression and discovery.
The official kick off to summer starts on Sunday, June 1, with Grand Old Day! This beloved annual get-together transforms 30 blocks of Saint Paul’s iconic Grand Avenue, from Dale St. to Cretin Ave., into the largest one-day festival in the upper Midwest. More than 200,000 people will enjoy over 150 food vendors, art displays, family activities, live music and more. Start your day with the morning 5K run before catching the parade presented by Flint Hills Resources. A big thanks to everyone – including our Senior VP of Public Affairs Elizabeth Emerson, who’s serving as Grand Old Day co-chair this year – for all your hard work in making sure our Saint Paul summer opens with a bang.
Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Our Backyard”
Opening for the season on June 9, the Science Museum of Minnesota‘s innovative outdoor exhibit space “Our Backyard” offers interactive, large-scale and nature-based experiences along the Mississippi River. New this year are demonstration gardens, a 1,000-square-foot pavilion, and “Exploring Energy, powered by Xcel Energy” – interactive exhibits that let visitors experiment with energy and wind power. Bonus: A 21+ summer camp-inspired night at the museum featuring local brews and the science of grilling on June 12.
The Ordway presents this fabulously fun, award-winning musical from June 10-15. Follow Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams at Harvard Law School. With memorable songs and dynamic dances, this adaptation of the beloved film is an uplifting story of determination and staying true to yourself. It’s so much fun, it should be illegal!
While the Minnesota Wild‘s season may be over, the Xcel Energy Center continues to be Saint Paul’s premier entertainment destination. Exciting renovations have been proposed to enhance this vital economic driver that brings more visitors to downtown than any other venue. All year round, the arena complex attracts world-class performers and events, creating new opportunities for growth. Be sure to check the Xcel Energy Center’s events calendar for exciting concerts and special events coming this summer.
Still looking for experiences to round out your summer adventures? The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance events calendar has a complete list of exciting happenings all season long and beyond. These events are a celebration of our city and a true testament to the passionate community partners – many of whom we are proud to support – who work tirelessly to shape a vibrant Saint Paul. Come celebrate summer, explore all there is to see, and join us in cheering on the people and places that make our state’s capital city truly special.