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🐂 Rodeos, Riffs & Redneck Rumbles

🐂 Rodeos, Riffs & Redneck Rumbles

Plus: MN's Best County Fairs

Joe Carmack
July 16, 2025

Your Weekend Forecast

Street Machine Nationals

7/18 - 7/20

Picture an entire weekend at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul where folks line up to tackle the QA1 autocross races, test their skills on the Street Machine Challenge course, and make some noise at the burnout contest. Between runs you’ll find rows of classic muscle cars, hot rods and street trucks, plus a laid-back performance marketplace with gear from industry pros. It’s a chilled-out celebration of power, paint jobs and good company.

Watermark Art Festival, Bemidji

7/19 - 7/20

A welcoming space to see, make, and buy art while celebrating Indigenous culture through music, dance, film, and storytelling. It’s a thoughtful mix of creativity, community, and conversation grounded in Native traditions.

MN Yacht Club Festival

7/18 - 7/20

Not sure where the yachts come in - this one’s all about the tunes. Two stages, no overlapping sets, and a killer lineup right along the Mississippi. Expect river views, shady trees, and plenty of room to just hang out and soak it all in.

Bayfront Reggae & World Music Fest

7/19

Now in its 19th year, this laid-back gathering brings together touring musicians, global flavors, and local makers in a breezy open-air setting along Lake Superior. It’s the kind of weekend where good music, good food, and a great view all come together without any rush.

3M Open Golf Championship

7/21 - 7/27

A week of top‑tier pro golf set on a beautifully designed course in suburban Minnesota. Expect a competitive field, scenic fairways, and an easygoing vibe under summer skies. It’s the kind of event where fans can chat with pals, follow the action, and soak it all in.

You settle into a cozy booth at Diane’s Place, where the charm of Chef Diane’s Hmong–American kitchen shines through in every bite—from her signature savory eggplant to flaky croissants and inventive cocktails. The vibe’s easy and genuine, with flavors that feel thoughtful and homey.

After dinner, head over to Columbia Golf Club—no fancy membership needed. Rent a set of clubs to share and hit the driving range for a chill, low-key summer evening outside. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the indoor golf simulators make a solid backup plan. No skills required—just good vibes and a few swings.

It’s county fair season! We’ll get to the Great Minnesota Get-Together soon enough. First, here’s a roundup of some of Minnesota’s Best County Fairs.