Writer: Joshua Andino
2 min read May 2022 — With Memorial Day fast approaching, now is the time to make plans in advance. Pent-up demand after two years of pandemic lockdowns is likely to drive even larger crowds throughout the Twin Cities, which are hosting a number of different events and activities for the long weekend. Whether it be sports, music festivals or just enjoying the natural attractions present throughout the cities, here are a number of different activities that’ll be underway in the coming week and Memorial Day weekend.
Minnesota State Fair Kickoff to Summer
After its successful debut in 2021, the Minnesota State Fair is back with its Kickoff to Summer at the Fair. Attendance will be limited to 15,000 people per day, with longer hours on the weekends. The Kickoff begins Thursday, May 26 and ends in the early Memorial Day afternoon. Tickets guarantee entry for a 5-hour time slot, so planning may be necessary if anyone is interested in reaching a particular attraction or show. Food, live music, specialty vendors and a number of fair activities will be available, promising a fun time for both families and friends.
Caterwaul 2022
Heralding its return to live and in-person events, the Caterwaul 2022 music festival will be a four-day event beginning Friday, May 27 and ending on Memorial Day. Primarily featuring a long list of rock and punk bands, the shows will be hosted between local favorites Mortimer’s and Palmer’s Bar. The festival is currently selling four-day passes for $110, with single-day tickets being sold for $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Proof of vaccination is required, with Saturday and Sunday featuring after-parties upon conclusion of the main event.
Catch the game
It’ll be a busy week for Twin Cities sports fans. The Minnesota Lynx will be hosting two games at Target Center this weekend, the first against the New York Liberties on Tuesday, May 24. They’ll have another game over the weekend on Sunday, May 29 against the Los Angeles Sparks. For those who prefer baseball, the Twins, currently ranked first in the American League Central division, will be playing a 7-game homestand against both the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals from May 23 to May 29. The first three games will be played against the Tigers and the following four against the Royals.
Biking, hiking and the great outdoors
The Twin Cities region, specifically Minneapolis, is considered to be one of the most bike-friendly regions in the U.S. With a number of trails and bike paths and dozens of outdoor parks all along the Mississippi, it won’t be difficult to enjoy the long weekend on two wheels or on two feet. Whether it’s Boom Island Park, Lake Nokomis Beach, the Mississippi Walking Trail or Winchell Trail, there’s plenty to do if strolling through the outdoors while staying close to home is preferred.
Honoring fallen soldiers
While there will be festivities, fun and games, there will also be the honoring of those who made such possible: military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. The opening tour of the new visitor center at Historic Fort Snelling, the Air National Guard Museum or the Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony are all places to appreciate and honor the country’s fallen soldiers.
