Special Events in St. Paul

January - February
St. Paul Winter Carnival
A gala winter festival, the nation's oldest and largest, that encompasses ice-carving and snow-sculpting contests, a chili cook-off, snow volleyball, parades and the coronation of a carnival king and queen.

March
Winter Jazz Fest
Twelve hours of jazz on five stages from more than 100 regional and national guitarists, singers and performers of bop, blues, big band, salsa, swing, chanteuses, and funk.

April
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival
The largest festival of its kind in the Upper Midwest attracts at least 120 entries from more than 50 countries. Screenings at various cinemas.

July
Taste of Minnesota
The state's largest outdoor festival features several stages with top national musicians performing, food from across the state, fireworks, children's activities, the Bridging the Arts festival and more.

August
Minnesota State Fair
One of the largest fairs in the country, complete with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a lumberjack competition, horse show and simulated NASCAR racing.

October
Central Standard Film Festival
This film festival presents independent films that reflect the geographical diversity of American regional filmmaking. Screenings of more than 50 features and shorts at various cinemas in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

November,
Broadway in Minneapolis
Brings popular Broadway musicals to the Twin Cities.

December
Hill House Holidays
The James J. Hill House is dressed for the season, with dramatizations of family and servant life during circa-1900 holiday preparations. Weekends throughout December.