<\/p>\n
The weekend offers something for nearly every kind of visitor and resident. Brewery crowds will gather at Utepils Brewing for UtePaLooza. Electronic dance music fans will head downtown for Martin Garrix at The Armory. Families can choose from The Wizard of Oz at Children\u2019s Theatre Company, Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo, Gibbs Farm, the Bell Museum, and farmers markets on both sides of the river. Sports fans have St. Paul Saints baseball in Lowertown and Minnesota United soccer at Allianz Field. Moviegoers will find major new theatrical releases, including Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, I Love Boosters, Passenger, and The Devil Wears Prada 2.<\/p>\n
The weekend also carries civic and historical weight in Minneapolis as George Floyd remembrance programming continues around the anniversary of his murder, while Memorial Day observances across the metro offer families, veterans, and visitors opportunities for public reflection.<\/p>\n
Here is MinneapoliMedia\u2019s expanded guide to some of the major entertainment, cultural, family, sports, nightlife, and visitor-friendly events happening across the Twin Cities this weekend.<\/p>\n
Major Weekend Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Utepils Brewing UtePaLooza returns as a three-day summer music festival at Utepils Brewing, bringing live rock, alternative music, food, drinks, and outdoor social energy to Minneapolis for Memorial Day weekend.<\/p>\n The festival is one of the stronger casual gathering options for visitors who want live music without committing to a traditional ticketed concert. The brewery\u2019s location near Bassett Creek and the Cedar Lake Trail corridor also makes it a popular stop for cyclists, brewery groups, and people exploring the western Minneapolis brewery district.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Limited on-site parking is available. Rideshare, biking, and early arrival are strongly encouraged.<\/p>\n Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center The Oddities and Curiosities Expo brings one of the weekend\u2019s most unconventional attractions to the Minneapolis Convention Center. The traveling expo features unusual antiques, taxidermy, dark art, preserved specimens, handcrafted oddities, gothic vendors, alternative fashion, jewelry, and horror-inspired collectibles.<\/p>\n The event draws artists, collectors, horror fans, and visitors looking for a different kind of Memorial Day weekend experience.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: The Convention Center is close to Nicollet Mall, Orchestra Hall, downtown hotels, restaurants, and multiple parking ramps. Expect heavier traffic around downtown Minneapolis.<\/p>\n Venue: The Armory International electronic dance music star Martin Garrix brings one of the weekend\u2019s biggest nightlife events to downtown Minneapolis. The Armory is expected to draw a large late-night crowd for a high-production concert featuring lights, bass-heavy sound, dance-floor energy, and a major downtown after-hours atmosphere.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Downtown East can become congested during major Armory events. Rideshare, hotel parking, or light rail access may be easier than driving directly to the venue.<\/p>\n Festivals, Culture and Community Events<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: George Floyd Square Memorial Day weekend carries deep meaning in Minneapolis because May 25 marks the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. George Floyd Square remains one of the most internationally recognized civic spaces in the city, and visitors can expect remembrance gatherings, public art, community reflection, local music, activism-centered programming, and neighborhood engagement around the square.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Street access and traffic patterns may vary. Visitors should consider parking several blocks away, using public transit, or arriving by rideshare.<\/p>\n Venue: Hook & Ladder Theater Island Summer Splash brings Caribbean music, reggae, dancing, food, and social energy to Hook & Ladder\u2019s outdoor and indoor performance spaces. Scheduled performers include International Reggae All Stars, Socaholix, Innocent Reggae Band, Brandyn Lee Tulloch, and Wain McFarlane.<\/p>\n This is one of the weekend\u2019s strongest music-and-dance gatherings for people looking for a social, high-energy environment.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Hook & Ladder is located near Minnehaha Avenue and is close to light rail, restaurants, and neighborhood bars.<\/p>\n Venue: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Kickoff to Summer at the Fair offers visitors a smaller early-season taste of the Minnesota State Fair experience, with food, entertainment, and family activities at the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Parking around the fairgrounds can become busy. Visitors should plan extra time for arrival and departure.<\/p>\n Theater and Performing Arts<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Children\u2019s Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage Children\u2019s Theatre Company continues its production of The Wizard of Oz with multiple performances throughout Memorial Day weekend.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: The theater sits next to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, making it easy to combine the show with a museum visit.<\/p>\n Venue: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage The Guthrie Theater continues Louisa May Alcott\u2019s Little Women, adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Arrive early to walk the Guthrie\u2019s Endless Bridge, which offers one of the best public views of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis.<\/p>\n Venue: Gremlin Theatre Unlabeled Theatre Company presents Once Upon A Mattress at Gremlin Theatre inside the Vandalia Tower arts complex.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: The surrounding area includes Lake Monster Brewing Company, King Coil Spirits, OG ZaZa Pizza, and other Creative Enterprise Zone destinations.<\/p>\n Live Music and Concerts<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Fine Line The Decibel Magazine Tour brings Cryptopsy, Necrot, Spirit Adrift, and Blood Monolith to Fine Line in downtown Minneapolis.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Fine Line is in the Warehouse District, near First Avenue, Target Center, restaurants, bars, and late-night downtown activity.<\/p>\n Venue: Turf Club Whitney performs with Lucky Cloud at Turf Club in St. Paul.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: The venue is near the Green Line, making it easy to reach from either downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul.<\/p>\n Venue: Pantages Theatre Joe Jackson & Band bring a downtown theater concert option to the Pantages Theatre.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Pantages Theatre sits in the Hennepin Avenue theater district, close to restaurants, parking ramps, hotel bars, and downtown nightlife.<\/p>\n Sports<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: CHS Field The St. Paul Saints host Omaha during Memorial Day weekend at CHS Field.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: CHS Field is walkable from restaurants, breweries, patios, Mears Park, and Union Depot.<\/p>\n Venue: Allianz Field Minnesota United hosts Real Salt Lake at Allianz Field in St. Paul.<\/p>\n Visitor Note: Allianz Field is on the Green Line corridor, making it one of the easiest major Twin Cities venues to reach by public transportation.<\/p>\n Family Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Minnesota Zoo Farm Babies remains one of Minnesota Zoo\u2019s most popular seasonal spring attractions.<\/p>\n Venue: Bell Museum The Bell Museum offers astronomy programming and educational exhibits for families and science-minded visitors.<\/p>\n Movies and Cinema<\/strong><\/p>\n Opening Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters this weekend, making it one of the major blockbuster draws of the holiday movie calendar.<\/p>\n Current Status: In theaters The Devil Wears Prada 2 remains in theaters this weekend and offers a strong option for date night and friend groups.<\/p>\n Farmers Markets and Outdoor Picks<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Mill City Museum area Mill City Farmers Market is one of the best visitor-friendly morning stops in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n Venue: Lowertown St. Paul The St. Paul Farmers\u2019 Market remains one of the strongest outdoor gathering points in Lowertown.<\/p>\n Memorial Day Observances<\/strong><\/p>\n Venue: Lakewood Cemetery Lakewood Cemetery\u2019s Memorial Day ceremony offers one of the metro\u2019s most historic remembrance gatherings.<\/p>\n Venue: Fort Snelling National Cemetery Fort Snelling National Cemetery remains one of Minnesota\u2019s central Memorial Day destinations.<\/p>\n Visitor Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n For downtown Minneapolis events, especially The Armory, Fine Line, Pantages Theatre, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and Guthrie Theater, visitors should expect heavy parking demand, especially Friday and Saturday evening. Rideshare, hotel parking, Metro Transit, and early arrival are strongly recommended.<\/p>\n For St. Paul events, CHS Field and Lowertown are highly walkable, while Allianz Field is one of the best venues in the metro for light rail access.<\/p>\n For families, the strongest daytime combinations are Children\u2019s Theatre Company and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Farmers Market and the riverfront, and Minnesota Zoo with nearby south metro dining.<\/p>\n For date night, the strongest pairings are Little Women at the Guthrie with riverfront dining, Joe Jackson at Pantages with downtown restaurants, Once Upon A Mattress with Lake Monster Brewing or King Coil Spirits, and UtePaLooza with a brewery-focused evening.<\/p>\n The Weekend Takeaway<\/strong><\/p>\n The May 22\u201324 Memorial Day weekend calendar shows the Twin Cities moving into full summer mode. Minneapolis and St. Paul are offering a dense mix of outdoor music, theater, sports, family attractions, community remembrance, film openings, farmers markets, and late-night entertainment.<\/p>\n The strongest visitor strategy is to plan by neighborhood. Downtown Minneapolis is best for The Armory, Fine Line, Pantages Theatre, the Minneapolis Convention Center, Guthrie Theater, and major nightlife. St. Paul is strongest for Saints baseball, Minnesota United soccer, Turf Club, Lowertown dining, Como-area family destinations, and light-rail-friendly entertainment.<\/p>\n This weekend offers residents and visitors a full picture of the Twin Cities at the edge of summer: music, sports, memory, food, art, theater, movies, family life, and civic reflection all unfolding at once.<\/p>\n Event Links and Tickets<\/strong><\/p>\n UtePaLooza \/ Utepils Brewing: Oddities and Curiosities Expo: George Floyd Global Memorial: Island Summer Splash \/ Hook & Ladder Theater: Minnesota State Fair \/ Kickoff to Summer: Children\u2019s Theatre Company \/ The Wizard of Oz: Guthrie Theater \/ Little Women: Once Upon A Mattress: Gremlin Theatre: Hennepin Arts: Martin Garrix at The Armory: The Armory Minneapolis: Decibel Magazine Tour at Fine Line: First Avenue \/ Turf Club \/ Fine Line Listings: Loons on the Lake Comedy Festival: Beer Choir: St. Paul Saints Schedule and Tickets: Minnesota United FC \/ Allianz Field: Minnesota Zoo: Bell Museum: Mill City Farmers Market: St. Paul Farmers\u2019 Market: AMC Southdale 16 \/ The Mandalorian and Grogu: Riverview Theater: Fandango \/ The Devil Wears Prada 2: Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony: Fort Snelling National Cemetery: MinneapoliMedia<\/em><\/strong><\/a> | Community. Culture. Civic Life.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nUtePaLooza 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Dates: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24, 2026
Times: Friday 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM; Saturday 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free entry; food and drinks sold separately
Best For: Couples, groups, singles, brewery lovers, live music fans
Website: https:\/\/www.utepilsbrewing.com\/series\/utepalooza-2026-summer-music-series\/<\/a><\/p>\nOddities and Curiosities Expo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days
Tickets: Approximately $15 to $20, depending on ticket type
Best For: Alternative culture fans, collectors, artists, horror fans, curious visitors
Website: https:\/\/www.showpass.com\/minneapolis-oddities-curiosities-expo-2026\/<\/a><\/p>\nMartin Garrix: Americas Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 500 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Tickets: Tiered general admission pricing
Best For: EDM fans, 21+ nightlife, high-energy groups, late-night visitors
Website: https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.com\/martin-garrix-americas-tour-minneapolis-minnesota-05-22-2026\/event\/06006383847D6F5D<\/a><\/p>\nGeorge Floyd Square Remembrance Weekend<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Dates: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24
Admission: Free
Best For: Civic remembrance, public art, community reflection, visitors seeking historical context
Website: https:\/\/georgefloydglobalmemorial.org<\/a><\/p>\nIsland Summer Splash<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Tickets: Approximately $20
Best For: Reggae fans, Caribbean music lovers, dancing, singles, groups, 21+ nightlife
Website: https:\/\/thehookmpls.com\/event\/island-summer-splash\/<\/a><\/p>\nKickoff to Summer at the Fair<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55108
Dates: Memorial Day weekend
Admission: Ticketed event
Best For: Families, food lovers, fair fans, visitors looking for a Minnesota experience
Website: https:\/\/www.mnstatefair.org<\/a><\/p>\nThe Wizard of Oz<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 23: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Sunday, May 24: 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Tickets: Approximately $25 to $129, depending on seating and availability
Best For: Families, children, grandparents, visiting relatives
Website: https:\/\/childrenstheatre.org\/whats-on\/the-wizard-of-oz-2\/<\/a><\/p>\nLittle Women<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Dates: Weekend performances continue
Notable Time: Friday, May 22 at 7:30 PM
Phone: (612) 377-2224
Best For: Couples, literary theater fans, downtown visitors, date night
Website: https:\/\/www.guthrietheater.org\/whats-on\/little-women\/<\/a><\/p>\nOnce Upon A Mattress<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 550 Vandalia St #177, St. Paul, MN 55114
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Saturday, May 23: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Sunday, May 24: 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
Best For: Theater lovers, couples, St. Paul visitors, musical comedy fans
Website: https:\/\/onthestage.tickets\/show\/unlabeled-theatre-company\/6983a1faf6437010406b845e<\/a><\/p>\nDecibel Magazine Tour: Cryptopsy, Necrot, Spirit Adrift and Blood Monolith<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Date: Friday, May 22
Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
Best For: Metal fans, underground music fans, 21+ downtown nightlife
Website: https:\/\/first-avenue.com\/event\/2026-05-decibel-magazine-tour\/<\/a><\/p>\nWhitney with Lucky Cloud<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 1601 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104
Date: Friday, May 22
Best For: Indie rock fans, St. Paul nightlife, couples, singles
Website: https:\/\/first-avenue.com\/shows\/<\/a><\/p>\nJoe Jackson & Band<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
Best For: Pop, rock, jazz-influenced songwriting, new wave fans, date night
Website: https:\/\/hennepinarts.org<\/a><\/p>\nSt. Paul Saints vs. Omaha Storm Chasers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 360 N Broadway St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates and Times:
Friday, May 22: 6:37 PM
Saturday, May 23: Check official schedule
Sunday, May 24: Check official schedule
Tickets: Prices vary by seating section
Best For: Families, baseball fans, visitors, groups, Lowertown dining
Website: https:\/\/www.milb.com\/st-paul\/schedule<\/a><\/p>\nMinnesota United FC vs. Real Salt Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 400 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 3:30 PM
Best For: Soccer fans, families, groups, visitors using light rail
Website: https:\/\/www.allianzfield.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\nFarm Babies<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Dates: Weekend programming continues
Admission: Included with zoo admission
Best For: Families with young children, grandparents, visiting relatives
Website: https:\/\/mnzoo.org<\/a><\/p>\nBell Museum Star Party<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55113
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: Evening programming
Best For: Families, science lovers, date night, children
Website: https:\/\/bellmuseum.umn.edu<\/a><\/p>\nStar Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Runtime: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Best For: Families with older children, Star Wars fans, blockbuster audiences
Website: https:\/\/www.amctheatres.com\/movies\/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-60322<\/a><\/p>\nThe Devil Wears Prada 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Runtime: 1 hour, 59 minutes
Genre: Comedy, drama
Best For: Date night, fashion-film fans, groups
Website: https:\/\/www.fandango.com\/the-devil-wears-prada-2-2026-243909\/movie-overview<\/a><\/p>\nMill City Farmers Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Visitors, families, food lovers, riverfront walkers
Website: https:\/\/millcityfarmersmarket.org<\/a><\/p>\nSt. Paul Farmers\u2019 Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 290 5th St E, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 23: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 24: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Families, visitors, casual walkers, Lowertown dining
Website: https:\/\/stpaulfarmersmarket.com<\/a><\/p>\nLakewood Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
Admission: Free
Best For: Families, veterans, civic remembrance, visitors staying through Monday
Website: https:\/\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org<\/a><\/p>\nFort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address: 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Best For: Veterans, families, civic remembrance, history-focused visitors
Website: https:\/\/www.cem.va.gov\/cems\/nchp\/ftsnelling.asp<\/a><\/p>\nFestivals, Culture and Community Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.utepilsbrewing.com\/series\/utepalooza-2026-summer-music-series\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.showpass.com\/minneapolis-oddities-curiosities-expo-2026\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/georgefloydglobalmemorial.org<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/thehookmpls.com\/event\/island-summer-splash\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.mnstatefair.org<\/a><\/p>\nTheater and Performing Arts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/childrenstheatre.org\/whats-on\/the-wizard-of-oz-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.guthrietheater.org\/whats-on\/little-women\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/onthestage.tickets\/show\/unlabeled-theatre-company\/6983a1faf6437010406b845e<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/gremlintheatre.org<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/hennepinarts.org<\/a><\/p>\nConcerts, Music and Nightlife<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.com\/martin-garrix-americas-tour-minneapolis-minnesota-05-22-2026\/event\/06006383847D6F5D<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/armorymn.com<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/first-avenue.com\/event\/2026-05-decibel-magazine-tour\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/first-avenue.com\/shows\/<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/loonsonthelake.com<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/beerchoir.org<\/a><\/p>\nSports<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.milb.com\/st-paul\/schedule<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.allianzfield.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\nFamily Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/mnzoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/bellmuseum.umn.edu<\/a><\/p>\nFarmers Markets and Outdoor Picks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/millcityfarmersmarket.org<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/stpaulfarmersmarket.com<\/a><\/p>\nMovies and Cinema<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.amctheatres.com\/movies\/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-60322<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/riverviewtheater.com<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.fandango.com\/the-devil-wears-prada-2-2026-243909\/movie-overview<\/a><\/p>\nMemorial Day Observances<\/strong><\/h2>\n
https:\/\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org<\/a><\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.cem.va.gov\/cems\/nchp\/ftsnelling.asp<\/a><\/p>\n