Celebrate summer behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang, EcoSport, or Bronco at the fabulous festivals and events packed with fun summer activities around Bloomington, MN. Join the Scottish festivities, watch a colorful parade, admire beautiful artworks, listen to Minnesota’s rising music stars, and shop for crispy fresh farm produce.
1. Minnesota Scottish Fair Street Party
Celebrate all things Scottish on July 15 between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the annual Minnesota Scottish Fair Street Party at the Celtic Junction Arts Center at 836 Prior Avenue North, Suite #300, in St. Paul, about 18 miles away. It’s a cheerful occasion with traditional music, dance, and food.
Stroll through Highland Row to admire the clans’ colorful tartans and attend the exciting Highland Games, which include stone-throwing, weight tossing, hammer-throwing, caber-turning, and sheaf tossing. Listen to Celtic music, pipers, and drummers, watch Scottish Highland dancing, and feast on delicious authentic Scottish cuisine.
2. Hopkins Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade
Take the road to Hopkins, roughly 12 miles from Bloomington, on July 16 for the spectacular 89th annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade. The weekend-long festival, held on the third weekend of July since 1935, attracts crowds from miles around. There is plenty to do and see, from arts and crafts events and a bustling marketplace to live entertainment and delicious festival food.
The festival’s highlight is the fabulous Grande Day Parade down Main Street, a colorful, vibrant affair with floats, pets, and of course, the Raspberry Festival Royalty made up of the queen and her princesses.
3. Loring Park Art Festival
One summer art and culture highlight each year is the Loring Park Art Festival in the scenic Loring Park at 132 Willow Street in Minneapolis, just a quick ten-mile drive from Bloomington.
The two-day festival starts on Saturday, July 29, at 10 a.m., when 140 artists circle the picturesque pond to exhibit and sell their works. Take a leisurely stroll over the rolling green lawns to view magnificent art, admire the beautiful gardens, listen to music, and enjoy delicious food.
4. On the One Music Festival
A summer event not to miss is the On the One Music Festival on Saturday, August 26, between noon and 8 p.m. at the Normandale Lake Bandshell at 5901 West 84th Street right here in Bloomington. The free, family-friendly festival features the brightest stars in the Minnesota music scene across various genres, from reggae and neo-soul to Afrobeat and hip-hop.
5. Bloomington Farmers Market
Head to the Bloomington Farmers Market on the East Lot of Bloomington Civic Plaza at 1800 West Old Shakopee Road to meet the friendly local farmers and makers and buy crispy fresh summer fruits and veggies.
Browse the many stalls for honey, maple syrup, artisan cheese, jams, jellies, and delicious freshly baked goods. The market runs on Wednesdays between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. until August 23 and Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. until October 14.
Take advantage of the warm weather and have plenty of fun this summer. While you’re out and about, pop in at Freeway Ford today to test drive one of the latest models on the showroom floor.
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