🥩Steaks, Stouts & Street Rods

Serving Dad up a juicy weekend.

Author

Joe Carmack
June 12, 2025

Cheers to you, Dad. Friendly reminder to celebrate the dads in your life this weekend—especially if that’s you. This week’s episode goes out to the dads and may result in meat sweats. You’re welcome.

-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

Back to the 50's Weekend

6/20-22

The State Fairgrounds turn into a time machine for this one—rows and rows of vintage rides, from perfectly restored classics to loud-and-proud hotrods. It’s not just about cars, either. There’s live music at the Bandshell, a craft fair, a model car contest, and all the fair food you can handle. Whether you're into chrome and fins or just looking for something fun to wander through, it’s a solid way to spend a summer day.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

6/15 - 16

Summer in Minneapolis really shows up around the riverfront, and this festival is where it all starts. You’ll find art, live music, and plenty of local food trucks stretched along the Mississippi. It’s an easy, laid-back way to welcome the warm weather back.

 

Drive-In Movies

ongoing

Catching a movie at a drive-in just feels like summer in Minnesota. Whether you're stretched out in the grass or parked with snacks in the front seat, it’s all about that easy, nostalgic vibe. A simple way to wind down and soak in a warm evening.

 

Cruisin' on the Croix

June-Sept

A warm evening by the river in Stillwater sets the scene for rows of vintage cars and classic cruisers. It’s easygoing, a bit nostalgic, and full of small-town charm. Whether you’re into hot rods or just enjoy a good stroll with something to look at, it’s a great way to break up the week.

 

Turtle Fest

6/18 - 22

In Perham, summer means the whole town comes alive for a week of easygoing fun. There’s music in the streets, food smells drifting from local vendors, and something happening around every corner. It’s the kind of small-town energy that feels familiar and just right.

Start the evening tucked into the cozy basement of the Historic Itasca Building at Acme Comedy Company, where the laughs come easy and the vibe is effortlessly cool. With its low ceilings, intimate setup, and smart crowd, it’s the kind of spot that turns a regular night out into something memorable. Whether it’s a sharp new voice or a seasoned comic, the lineup always delivers.

After the show, take a short stroll through the North Loop to Spoon and Stable, where the setting shifts from punchlines to polished plates. Housed in a beautifully restored former horse stable, this spot blends Midwest comfort with French-inspired technique. The atmosphere is warm, the dishes seasonal, and the whole experience feels like the perfect follow-up to a night of laughter.

A Sky-High Road Trip to the Duluth Air Show

🚗 The Journey

Load up the car, grab your co-pilot, and hit the road toward Duluth. Roll the windows down, cue up your best road trip playlist, and watch the scenery shift from city streets to wide-open skies. As you get closer, don’t be surprised if the soundtrack switches to the distant whoosh of jet engines—it means you’re headed in the right direction.

✈️ The Main Event

Welcome to the Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, where the sky isn’t just the limit—it’s the stage. Fighter jets scream overhead, stunt planes swirl like they’re doodling in the clouds, and the Air National Guard’s C-130 Hercules makes its slow, powerful sweep across the horizon. It’s loud, fast, and absolutely mesmerizing.

🛩️ Walk Among Giants

On the ground, it’s a whole different kind of magic. You’ll find aircraft lined up like a parking lot for superheroes—open for exploring, photo ops, and pilot chats. Ever wondered what a cockpit really looks like? This is your moment.

🌭 Snacks & Side Missions

Don’t skip the essentials: local food trucks, shaded hangout spots, and a family zone that keeps everyone entertained between flyovers. Whether you’re sipping lemonade or juggling a hot dog and camera, the vibe is relaxed and full of wonder.

🚁 A Little Heart

Beyond the high-flying thrills, there’s a strong sense of pride here. The whole event is a nod to Minnesota’s aviation roots and the folks who’ve served. It’s loud, sure—but there’s heart beneath the roar.

💥 Why It’s a Once-in-a-Lifetime Kind of Thing

Because standing under a sky full of precision aerobatics, after a good drive and a better hot dog, surrounded by people who still point up when something cool flies by—that’s a feeling worth chasing. At least once.

Happy trails!
- Joe

PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites… 🙋‍♂️😃

Joe Carmack, MN/WI Realtor
763-291-8083 [email protected] LivingInMN.com