Head over to Saint Paul’s West Side for "La Fiesta Mas Caliente de Minnesota"—Minnesota’s Spiciest Celebration—Cinco de Mayo! Mexican and other Latino organizations celebrate their culture by hosting a variety of performances. Aside from delicious food, you can expect to see a colorful parade, a lowrider car show and music to keep the party going all day (and evening) long.
Make your way to Harriet Island during August to witness the greenest weekend in Saint Paul at the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Just like St. Patrick’s Day, this fair brings out the Irish in everyone. Come by for music, food, drink and workshops—all designed to share the Irish culture. The proceeds of this festival benefit the new (non-Irish) immigrant projects and other Irish cultural activities throughout the year.
Join in the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," whether you are from the Twin Cities or are just visiting for the weekend fun at the Minnesota State Fair, the second largest fair in the US. Taste a variety of locally grown and homemade food, listen to a wide range of music on the three stages and learn about Minnesota’s evolving agricultural industry—from livestock displays to machinery and science exhibits. You'll feel like a resident of the state after partying at this festival.
Join in the seasonal, citywide festival of the arts at the Saint Paul Art Crawl. All along Downtown, Lowertown and Harriet Island, vendors and local artists set up tents and galleries to display their wares. Listen to local bands perform on stage and in the parade during this three-day long extravaganza, watch performances by theater and ballet groups and admire the art and culture of the Capital City.
When a New York report in 1885 wrote that Saint Paul was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" during the winter months, residents were outraged and decided to put on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival to prove this statement wrong. See the festival that embraces the cooler side of Saint Paul culture and transforms the Capital City into a winter wonderland.
If you’re feeling the blues, stop by the Selby Avenue Jazz Festival. Since 2002, people from all walks of life have gathered as a community to celebrate the residents and businesses of the area through music, food and other activities. See what the local vendors have to offer, take in the eclectic culture and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz.