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🍭Taffy, Tunes & Oh, Canada

🍭Taffy, Tunes & Oh, Canada

Plus, MN's Best Candy Shops

Joe Carmack
July 30, 2025

I was today years old when I learned what a Derecho storm was. It’s like they’re making up new kinds of crazy weather! In any case, I hope everyone stayed safe without too much damage. Things look clear for a great weekend ahead, so get out and enjoy it!

-Joe

Your Weekend Forecast

Dragon Boat Festival, Bemidji

7/30-8/2

In Paul and Babe’s hometown, this weekend’s not just about dragon boat racing—though the colorful boats and paddle-pounding action on Lake Bemidji are a sight. There’s also a 5K and Kids Fun Run, a big ol’ Friday night taco feed, and live music under the entertainment tent. Families spread out along the beach, teams cheer from the shoreline, and the whole thing feels like one big, summer-lakefront get-together—just with a little more paddling.

“Bulls, Broncs & Barrels”

8/2

Dust flies, boots stomp, and the bulls don’t mess around. This small-town rodeo’s got the classics—bull riding, barrel racing, and a crowd that knows when to cheer. It’s fast, loud, and a little gritty, just the way a summer rodeo oughta be.

Fringe Festival

7/31-8/10

This is a quirky, open‑access performing arts festival in the Twin Cities, featuring hundreds of short shows—comedy, drama, dance, improv, puppetry and more—scattered across theaters in Cedar‑Riverside and beyond. It draws a diverse mix of local and touring artists offering fresh, experimental work in an inclusive, community‑oriented atmosphere.

National Night Out

8/5

Neighbors pull out lawn chairs, pass around potato salad, and catch up while the kids run wild and someone blasts tunes from a Bluetooth speaker. It’s low-key and local, with block parties popping up all over. Click below to find the one happening near you.

Canadian Days

8/1-3

In Little Canada, MN this small-town celebration packs in all the summer staples—fireworks, a parade, live music, and a good ol’ fashioned medallion hunt. There’s a pancake breakfast, a 5K, and plenty of time to hang out at Spooner Park with neighbors, lawn chairs, and lemonade.

Club 300 resides in Anoka’s historic Old Post Office building, offering a modern supper club experience stitched into local heritage. Known for its intention-driven dining, many folks rave about the prime rib and island ribs, or the tequila shrimp pasta when they’re feeling bold. The atmosphere is cozy yet refined—with multiple courses, thoughtfully curated cocktails, and even a speakeasy-style basement bar if you want to linger a bit longer after dinner.

Just a short walk away is Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, tucked right into historic downtown Anoka. This intimate theater hosts a full calendar of productions—musicals, dramas, comedies, and even live music nights as part of their “Music in the ’Burbs” series. There are no bad seats in the house, plus a comfy lobby with a bar, popcorn, candy, and coffee you can bring right into the show. Feels like city-class theater with small-town charm.