June is here, and so is summer festival season! With three city festivals taking place this month in Waite Park, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud, there is tons of family fun ahead on the calendar. Plus don’t miss art shows, bike rides, live music, cultural festivals, and so much more! Here are some of the highlights, view the full event calendar here to see even more!
Rock the Riverside
Every Thursday starting June 2
Come out and Rock the Riverside at Riverside Nights. This weekly music festival takes place along the banks of the Mississippi River at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids. Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. The series starts on June 2nd runs through September 1st, click here to learn more and plan your evening on the riverside.
Drive By Art Show
June 4
The Drive By Art Show is a chance to experience local art from artists from all over the community. Artists will set up displays of their work in their front yards for people to visit and tour throughout the days. Pick up a map ahead of time with all of the yard locations to check out the artwork. You can find maps online here and at Buddha Glass, Stretch Nutrition, and in the artists yards.
Waite Park Family Fun Fest
June 6 – 11
Waite Park Family Fun Fest is an annual summer festival organized by volunteers of the community. For 6 days you can enjoy all kinds of fun, including a medallion hunt, pickleball, disc golf, book readings, train rides, quarry tours, crafts and kids activities, live music, outdoor movies, garage sales, a parade, and much more. Find the whole schedule here and have fun!
Caramel Roll Ride
June 11
This is the annual “Beginning of Summer” ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail. Choose to go east to Avon, Collegeville or St Joseph, west to Freeport, and of course, north to Holdingford and the covered bridge, then on the Soo Line Trail to Bowlus and Blanchard Dam on the Mississippi River. As always, the best caramel rolls you can find anywhere will be available at all the rest stops along the way. Learn more here.
Music in the Gardens
Every other Sunday starting June 12
Another year of Music in the Gardens, and another year of fun. Every other Sunday starting June 12, enjoy free live music in the beautiful Munsinger Clemens Gardens. The public success of these professional concerts has been gratifying, and the series continues to showcase high quality local talent. All concerts are held on alternating Sundays at 3:00 p.m. near the Gazebo in Munsinger Gardens on the banks of the Mississippi River. All concerts are free and the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society will again sell those fabulous root beer floats. Learn more here.
An Evening with Jackson Browne
June 14
One of the most influential singer/songwriters of the ’70s, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne transports audiences to a time of innocence and lost love with folk-rock hits like “Running On Empty,” “Doctor My Eyes,” and “The Load Out.” Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. See him perform live at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park, learn more.
Annual MN Quilt Show & Conference
June 16 – 19
The annual Minnesota Quilters’ Show and Conference is now one of the premier annual quilting events in the United States that draws visitors, faculty, and entries from around the world. This Annual Quilt Show and Conference takes place every year in June. It is open to the public and includes judged, non-judged, national, and special quilt exhibits. There are classes and lectures by nationally recognized teachers, a raffle quilt, small quilt auction, and other events. MQ awards one scholarship each year to a novice quilter. Learn more
Brew at the Zoo
June 16
Come join in the fun at Brew At The Zoo! Take part in a fantastic evening of beer, wine and sprits sampling that takes place at Hemker Park & Zoo in Freeport. Besides beer, wine and spirit sampling, you can also listen to live music and shop the silent auction. There will also be food available for sale. It’s all happening after hours. This event is Rain or Shine. No Refunds. All funds from this event will go towards supporting Guardians of Conservation. Learn more
St. Cloud Juneteenth Festival
June 17
Join the Higher Works Collaborative in celebrating the 25th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Lake George Municipal Park! The theme this year is A Salute to Black Women, acknowledging their strengths and accomplishments within the St. Cloud community. This will be a full afternoon and evening of live music, games, activities, vendors, a grill off, health clinics and information, and so much more. It’s fun for the whole family and everybody is welcome! Learn more
Summertime by George
Wednesdays starting June 22
Summertime by George! is a free concert and festival put on by the Rotary Club of St. Cloud at the local and beautiful Lake George Park in downtown, St. Cloud! The area is transformed into a fun and active place every Wednesday with free live music from big local and regional bands, local vendors, artisans, and a kid’s zone for the entire family to enjoy! The event occurs from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. each Wednesday night, with the featured artist starting at 6:30 p.m. View the lineup and learn more here.
Rapid River Days
June 23 – 25
This annual festival takes place in Sauk Rapids over the course of four days each year. Thursday enjoy the Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant, Friday is the parade, Saturday there will be a 5K followed by the Rapids River Food Fest, live music, and more! Bring the whole family out for this summer celebration of great food, good people, and fun times. Learn more
Granite City Days
June 23 – 26
Granite City Days is the Annual Festival for the City of St. Cloud! Thursday features the 49th Annual Lemonade Art Fair and opening ceremonies. Friday enjoy the music of the Little River Band at the Liberty Block Party. Saturday is packed with the Granite City Days parade, St. Cloud’s Got Talent show, and fireworks at night. Sunday wraps with a 5K race, heritage day and closing ceremonies. Learn more and start making plans now!
Evening Paddle
June 30
Come out and enjoy an evening of paddling. Never been in a canoe, kayak, or on a stand up paddle (SUP) board? No problem. Basic instruction will be provided if needed. All equipment and life jackets will be supplied. You can arrive to class ready to have fun on the water. This will take place at Warner Lake Boat Landing in Clearwater, and all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up now!