16 Things to Do in Minneapolis This Week · September 3–6, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

MN State Fair Music Shows

The annual Minnesota State Fair wraps its final days with live music performances across the fairgrounds through September 7.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 – Sunday, September 7, 2026 · Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Ten Years of The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society

A 10th anniversary celebration of the beloved old-time radio listening experience at Crooners' Main Stage Showroom.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 4:00 PM · Crooners Main Stage Showroom

CFPA Performance Festival

The Center for Performing Arts presents its 30-year Fall Festival featuring in-house dance and performance companies on 38th Street.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 · 38th Street, Minneapolis

A Legend-ary Benefit Weekender

A curated burlesque showcase and historic MN Legacy Panel at Queermunity honoring Twin Cities burlesque pioneers and raising funds for legacy performers.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 11:30 AM · Queermunity, 3036 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Arts & Culture

Paola Evangelista | Altar of Bones

First Thursday opening reception for Paola Evangelista's solo exhibition 'Altar of Bones' at Solar Arts Building.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 · Solar Arts Building

Talking Volumes with Marlon James

Season 27 of the beloved Talking Volumes literary series opens with a discussion with Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James at The O'Shaughnessy.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 7:00 PM · The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, Saint Paul

Minneapolis: Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf – LIVE!

Horror writer Richard Hatem brings his Paranormal Bookshelf experience to life in a live literary event at Padraig's Brewing.

Monday, September 14, 2026 7:00 PM · Padraig's Brewing, Minneapolis

Free Events

Record Night at Fulton

Bring your favorite themed vinyl to share at Fulton Taproom on the first Thursday of the month — if they play yours, you get recognized.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00 PM · Fulton Taproom, 414 6th Ave N, Minneapolis

North Star Journey Live: Is College Getting More Affordable?

MPR News host Angela Davis moderates a live public forum on college affordability with experts and students in St. Cloud.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:00 PM · Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Music & Nightlife

Eddie Ifft at House of Comedy

Stand-up comedian Eddie Ifft performs multiple shows at House of Comedy Minneapolis over the Labor Day weekend.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:30 PM · House of Comedy, East Village, Minneapolis

Isssy, Floryence (MKE), & Nona

A multi-act indie showcase at Underground Music Venue - Cafe featuring Isssy, Floryence from Milwaukee, and Nona.

Friday, September 4, 2026 · Underground Music Venue - Cafe, 408 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis

The Current's Happy Hours: The Castle with Blessing Jolie

The Current brings a DJ set from Zack McCormick plus a live performance from Blessing Jolie to The Castle in Rochester.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 4:00 PM · The Castle, Rochester, MN

Date Night

Purple Reign: Remembering Prince with the R Factor

A dazzling Prince tribute show performed by The R Factor at Crooners' rooftop Belvedere stage with dinner service.

Friday, September 4, 2026 8:00 PM · The Belvedere at Crooners, Minneapolis

Outdoors & Active

WTNB Foam 6x6 Dodgeball Tournament

A free women, trans, and non-binary foam dodgeball mini tournament — no-blocking format, open to all skill levels.

Friday, September 4, 2026 6:30 PM CDT · Minneapolis

Sports

2026 Square Lake 70.3 Triathlon

A 70.3-mile triathlon and aqua bike competition at Square Lake — one of the region's premier endurance events of the fall season.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Square Lake

Food & Drink

Lake Street Taco Tour

The annual Lake Street Taco Tour celebrates immigrant-owned restaurants with incredible tacos, live music, and cultural community spirit.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 · Lake Street, Minneapolis