Festivals are a celebration of all of the best things life has to offer: culture, heritage, pride, and most importantly, food. Eating isn’t just for survival; it’s an incredible way to connect humanity and share our lives and narratives with others around the world. Those who understand how magical and imperative the art of food is have the ability to connect communities and enjoy life in the tastiest of ways. In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the best way to celebrate is by hitting up these eight local food festivals:
The State Fair is Minnesota's most beloved annual event. The Great Minnesota Get Together comes around at the end of August every year and draws in almost two million visitors within a two week span. If you have an adventurous palette and can stomach everything deep fried and on a stick, it's a foodie paradise. Deep fried alligator? Oh yeah. Deep fried candy bar? Yup. This year the fair is even introducing pizza burritos.
In Saint Paul, Saint Patrick's Day isn't the only time you can pretend to be Irish (or celebrate your genuine Irish heritage). Every summer, the city hosts the largest free Irish Fair in the country, and is notably one of the most exceptionally Irish experiences. Every pub, restaurant, beer, and whiskey made in the Twin Cities is represented at the fair. This is way better than just drinking green beer on Saint Patty's Day.
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3. Minnesota Monthly's Food and Wine Experience (Minneapolis)
For one weekend a year, the Minneapolis Convention Center is filled to the brim with some of the most extraordinary foodies in the Twin Cities. Minnesota Monthly sells tickets to the weekend-long experience with cooking demonstrations, savory food, beer, and wine that are guaranteed to leave everyone happy. It's a bit more upscale than your average food festival!
Have you ever wanted to experience the cuisine from every corner of the world? For over 85 years, The Festival of Nations has sought to encourage others to embrace cultures from around the globe through art, music, and food. During this festival, you can enjoy food from Peru to Scandinavia (and anywhere else your heart desires) without skipping a beat.
We don't often give Saint Paul enough love, so that's where Grand Old Day comes in. Once a year, the city throws a giant festival with a variety of artisans, musicians, and food vendors present. Wander Grand Avenue and experience what makes Saint Paul just as grand as it's twin city.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival was founded after some East Coasters insulted the magnificent city by comparing it to Siberia and called it utterly unlivable. Since then, Saint Paul has made its revenge by cranking up the fun and holding a winter carnival that just can't be beat. While you're meandering along pathways and viewing intricate ice sculptures, this carnival shines as a food festival as well. Every delectable bite is sure to keep you warm through the Minnesota cold nights.
In recent years, food trucks have become all the rage in Minneapolis and beyond. The city has caught food truck fever and has decided to hold an annual food truck festival in the trendiest neighborhood in town. The food festival hosts over 50 food trucks. Brownies, falafel, pizza, frozen yogurt, tacos? They're all there.
Northern Spark might just sound like an all-night art fair, but it's also a perfect party for foodies! For such a hip art fair, the food fare must match. Grab a Colombian-style hot dog, spicy strawberry ice cream, and greasy bar food while you wander the streets of Minneapolis.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are stellar food cities, and Twin Cities residents know it. Food festivals are arguably the best way to showcase the cities chops (sometimes both literally and figuratively)! Do you have a favorite festival for food in the area? Let us know in the comments below!
