July 2008 Fairs & Festivals

Date Modified: 06/24/2008 4:00 PM

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JUNE 30 – JULY 5
Cannon Valley Fair (Cannon Falls, MN)
Since 1915 the Cannon Valley Fair Association has strived to bring you a great fair, designed to promote livestock, agriculture, education and manufacturing. One of the most popular events is the Demolition Derby. This year the Cannon Valley Fair will feature three Demolition Derbies. Check website for schedule of events and ticket information.

Dates: June 30 - July 5, 2008
Location: Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Phone: (507) 263-3548
Website: www.cannonfalls.com/ftp/cannonvalleyfair

JULY 1 - 22
Minnesota Beethoven Festival (Winona, MN)
The mission of Minnesota Beethoven Festival is to increase appreciation of classical music and the work of Ludwig von Beethoven through education and the presentation of nationally-and-internationally recognized artists. Music at the festival includes such greats as: Brahms: Sonata in F minor, Op. 34b, Holst: Mars from The Planets, and Shostakovich: Concertino Op. 94. See website for more information

Dates: July 1 – July 22, 2008, 7:30pm
Location: Figliulo Recital Hall, St. Mary's University, Winona, MN
Phone: (800) 657-4972
Email: info@mnbeethovenfestival.org
Website: www.mnbeethovenfestival.com

JULY 2 - 6
La Crosse Riverfest 2008 (La Crosse, WI)
Come to Riverfest in La Crosse to check out our schedule for the many musicians, entertainers, events, vendors, and of course the 4th of July Fireworks!  Enjoy music, entertainment, crafts & family fun each day!  Enjoy the all that Riverfest has to offer at Riverside Park in Historic Downtown La Crosse where 3 rivers meet!

Dates: July 2 – July 6, 2008
Location: Oktoberfest Grounds, La Crosse, WI 54602
Phone: (608) 782-6000
Website: www.riverfestlacrosse.com

JULY 3 - 5
Freedomfest (Austin, MN)
Each year Austin plays host to thousands of visitors for a three day festival over the Fourth of July weekend. Several events, including fireworks, concerts, street dances, games, parades and the like help to make this festival top notch every year. For more information & a schedule of events visit www.austincoc.com.

Dates: July 3-5, 2008
Location: Bandshell Community Park, 4th Street and 9th Place SW, Austin, MN
Phone: (507) 437-4561
Email: spamtown@smig.net
Website: www.austincoc.com

JULY 3 - 6
Harmony’s Fourth of July Celebration (Harmony, MN)
Join us in beautiful Harmony for the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration complete with great music, food and entertainment. A few of the events include: the kids carnival, toad races, train rides, fireworks, and so much more! Check website for a complete list of events and event locations.

Dates: July 3 - 6, 2008
Location: Main Street, Selvig Park & North Park, Harmony, MN 55939
Email: visit@harmonytel.net
Website: www.harmony.mn.us

JULY 5
Doc Evans Jazz Festival (Albert Lea, MN)
"Doc" Evans Jazz Festival is back! This festival will be held in Albert Lea at the beautiful Fountain Lake Gazebo on Saturday, July 5. This festival offers a full afternoon of only the finest of Minnesota's Jazz & Dixieland bands!

Date: July 5, 2008, 12pm – 5pm
Location: 2566 N. Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 373-2316
Website: www.albertleatourism.org

JULY 9 -13
Winona County Fair (St. Charles, MN)
The Winona County Fair is full of fun for the entire family! Livestock shows, military night, music, carnival rides are just a few of the events taking place at this year's fair.  The Grandstand schedule features a horse pull, two demolition derbies, the Circle Track Race, and tractor pull. Visit the website for more information.

Dates: July 9 -13, 2008
Location: Winona County Fairgrounds, Chatfield, MN 
Email: winonacountyfair@juno.com
Website: www.winonacountyfair.com

JULY 11 - 13
Mazeppa Daze (Mazeppa, MN)
Activities begin Friday evening with a parade, street dance and mini-fireworks display. Saturday will feature a flea market, ATV pull, chicken BBQ, fireworks and street dance. Softball tournaments on Saturday and Sunday. Volleyball tournaments, horse pull and car show will take place on Sunday.

Dates: July 11-13
Location: Event locations vary, Mazeppa, MN, 55956
Phone: (507) 843-3685

JULY 11 - 13
Pridefest 2008 (Rochester, MN)
Rochester GLCS presents the 11th annual Rochester Pridefest. The weekend kicks off Friday with the Dragogonza at Rookies Sports Bar, admission is $10. Saturday join the fun at Central Park in downtown Rochester and check out the many vendors from 11am till 4pm. Then wrap up your evening at the Pride Dance at Rookies, starting at 8:00pm.

Dates: July 11 - 13, 2008
Location: Rookies Sports Bar (near Ramada Hotel), 1517 16th St SW, Rochester
Central Park, 1st Avenue NW, Rochester, MN
Website: www.glcsmn.org/pridefest.htm

JULY 11-13
Hayward Days (Hayward, MN)
Visit Hayward, MN for fun including mud bogging, a street dance, softball tournament and so much more!

Dates: July 12-13
Location: Hayward, MN
Phone: (507) 373-2316
Email: cvbdirector@albertlea.org
Website: www.albertleatourism.org

JULY 12
St. John’s Block Party (Rochester, MN)
Live music, food and beverages. Entertainment for adults and children. Held in downtown Rochester, the party offers a fun-filled day of music. Bands include: KnuFunk, The Alarmists, Romantica, Ari Herstand, Cloud Clut, Mission Nortena, Haley Bonar, SunPlug’d, Dan Israel and the Cultivators, and Led Penny, headliners are Soul Asylum and The BoDeans. Check website for more information.

Dates: July 12, 2008
Time: 12 noon – 12 midnight
Location: 11 4th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (507) 288-7372
Admission: $15 in advance/ $25 at door
Website: www.sjblockparty.org

JULY 11 - 13
Prairie Island Powwow (Prairie Island, MN)
The Prairie Island Indian Community will host its annual summer Wacipi Celebration Powwow, featuring dancers and drummers from all over the United States and Canada. Join in the pageantry and rich, cultural heritage of colorful apparel, breathtaking tribal dances and beautiful traditional songs. There will also be Native American foods and handcrafted jewelry, tools, and artwork throughout the celebration. Watch, listen, and feel the culture and history come alive! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 11 – 13, 2008
Location: Prairie Island Powwow grounds, located next to Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Phone: (651) 267-3023
Admission: Free
Website: www.prairieisland.org/pow_wow


JULY 12 - 26
Walnut Grove Family Festival (Walnut Grove, MN)
A family event held in the Walnut Grove City Park just one block from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. Craft and food vendors, family and kid activities, demonstrations, art activities and more. Both free and fee activities.

Dates: July 12, 19, 26, 2008
Location: City Park on Main Street, Walnut Grove, MN 56180
Phone: (800) 528-7280
Admission: Free
Email: wgfamilyfestival@yahoo.com
Website: www.walnutgrove.org
Directions to Event: In Walnut Grove MN, one block south from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, on Main Street.

JULY 14 - 20
Rushford Days (Rushford, MN)
Rushford is “Back and Stronger than Ever” for the community’s annual Rushford Days. The event features a softball tournament and food vendors all weekend, a classic car cruise on Wednesday, on Friday enjoy the dance, mutton bustin’, pony rides and more. Saturday offers a variety of children’s games and activities, tractor pull, parade, and dance. Sunday events include a church service, entertainment, classic car show, semi tractor show, motorcycle show, and entertainment by the Johnny Holm Band.

Dates: July 14 - 20, 2008
Location: Downtown, Rushford, MN
Email: keich@dow.org or mgudmundson@winona.edu
Website: www.rushford.govoffice.com
Directions from Rochester: Take I-90 E toward La Crosse, WI. Take exit 249 for MN-43 S toward Rushford. Turn right on MN-43.

JULY 14 - 19
Fillmore County Fair (Preston, MN)
The Fillmore County Fair is full of fun, with a demolition derby, arm wrestling contest, Wild Cow Milking Contest, plus 4-H exhibits and competitions, grandstand entertainment with Tonic Sol-fa performance, and much more! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 14 - 19, 2008
Location: Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Preston, MN 55939
Phone: 507-765-4325 or 507-937-3266 (during the fair)
Email: fillmorecountyfair@fillmorecountyfair.com
Website: www.fillmorecountyfair.com

JULY 15-20
Rice County Fair (Faribault, MN)
Come make memories at the Rice County Fair! The fair is your one stop for rides, food, music, and fun! Thrilling Grandstand shows every night including Super Cross Racing, Enduro Auto Races, Ultimate Bull Riding, Monster Truck, Truck and Tractor Pull and everyone's favorite - the Demolition Derby. Check website for schedule of events.

Location: Rice County Fairgrounds, Faribault, MN
Phone: (507) 332-2470
Admission: Free, small fee for parking
Website: www.ricecountyfair.net

JULY 14 - 20
Eyota Days (Eyota, MN)
Come join in the 30th Annual Eyota Days, with activity packed days beginning with Wednesday Church Night, continuing through Sunday. Events include numerous food vendors, craft & flea market, parade, a 5K Run & Walk, and more. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 14 to July 20, 2008
Phone: City Hall (507) 545-2135
Website: www.eyota.govoffice.com

JULY 16 - 19
Wabasha County Fair (Wabasha, MN)
Wabasha County Fair. Featured events include: Animal shows, 4H/FFA Livestock Auction, talent show, orchestra performance, Demolition Derby, Antique Tractor Pull, Captain Jack Barn Dance, Texas Hold 'Em Tournament and much more! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 16 - 19, 2008
Location: Wabasha County Fairgrounds, Wabasha, MN
Email: webmaster@wabashacountyfair.org
Website: www.wabashacountyfair.org
Directions: The fairgrounds are located at the junction of Highway 60 and Highway 61 in Wabasha

JULY 16 -20
Dodge County Fair (Kasson, MN)
The 2008 Dodge County Free Fair plans to be a SPECTACULAR EVENT!! With 151 years of fairs in Dodge County, we are the oldest County Fair in Minnesota. The Dodge County Fair will include exciting Grandstand Shows, Chain Saw Artist, Exotic Petting Zoo with Pig Races, Pony & Camel Rides, and much, much more. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 16 - 20, 2008
Location: Dodge County Fairgrounds, Hwy 57 N, Kasson, MN
Phone: 507-634-7736
Admission: Free
Website: www.dodgecountyfreefair.com
Directions from Rochester: Head West on US-14 West 13 miles. Take the MN-57 exit toward CR-13/ Kasson / Mantorville. Turn right at MN-57/S Mantorville Ave. Head north on MN-57 1 mile.

JULY 18 – 20
Summerfest (LeRoy, MN)
LeRoy’s annual Summerfest celebration includes a variety show, car show, kiddie carnival, volleyball tournament, antique tractor pull, street dance, music, and of course a parade! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 18 – 20, 2008
Location: Leroy, MN - see website for event locations
Phone: (507) 324-5707
Website: www.leroy-mn.org

JULY 19
Rail Fair (La Crosse, WI)
The Rail Fair features a Railroad Show, Flea Market, Swap Meet, Buy, Sell, Trade, Model & Toy Trains, Railroadiana, Railroad Exhibits & Displays. Also get a guided tour of the steam locomotive caboose and grand crossing tower. Check website for schedule of events.

Date: July 19, 2008, 10am – 5pm
Location: Copeland Park, La Crosse, WI
Phone: (608) 582-4761 or (608) 784-0036
Website: www.4000foundation.com

JULY 23 - 27
Waseca County Fair (Waseca, MN)
The Waseca County Fair features agricultural, domestic and industrial exhibits from throughout the County. The fair offers something for everyone--from baking and flowers to livestock and antique tractors. Kids (young and not so young) will love the rides! Come enjoy the contests, food, singing, food, dancing, food, races and other grandstand entertainment and, of course, the food! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 23 - 27, 2008
Location: Waseca County Fairgrounds, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone: 507-835-8958
Admission: Free
Email: info@wasecacountyfair.org
Website: www.wasecacountyfair.org
Directions from Rochester: Take Hwy 14 west, 12 miles to 8th St. N.E. Turn right and travel 8 blocks to 8th Ave. N.E. Turn left to Waseca County Fairgrounds.

JULY 24 - 27
Hey Days (Hayfield, MN)
Hayfield's Hey Days is sure to be a great time for all, with a Friday night street dance with local band Next 2 Nothing and the grande parade taking place on Sunday.

Dates: July 24 – 27, 2008
Phone: 507-251-1907
Email: mtowey@frontiernet.net

JULY 25 - 26
Riverboat Days Festival (Wabasha, MN)
Arts, Crafts and Antique Fair, River Run and Walk, Pancakes in the Park, Fishing Tournament, Family Entertainment, Firemen's Waterfight, Grand Parade, Food, Live music in the Beer Garden with Troubleshooters playing Saturday night. All located along the Beautiful Mississippi River at Beach Park, Downtown Wabasha. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 25 - 26, 2008
Address: 137 W. Main St., Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-4158 or (800) 565-4158
Email: travelinfo@wabasha.net
Website: www.wabashamn.org

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3
Olmsted County Fair (Rochester, MN)
Carnival rides, food vendors, animals, exhibits and more! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 28 to August 3, 2008
Location: Olmsted County Fairgrounds, 16th St and 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Admission: $2.00 for Adults, $1.00 for Juniors (Ages 6-15) and Seniors (Age 60+), $5.00 for a weekly admission pass
Phone: (507) 288-4331
Website: www.olmstedcountyfair.com
Directions from Rochester, MN: Just south of downtown Rochester on Hwy 63, Broadway Ave.

JULY 29 - AUGUST 3
Freeborn County Fair (Albert Lea, MN)
The “Six Best Days of Summer” can be found at the Freeborn County Fair in Albert Lea, Minnesota. National music acts including Oak Ridge Boys, Craig Morgan, The Guess Who, Emerson Drive with Ashton Shepherd, and Jason Aldean will all perform at the Grandstand. Other attractions at the fair include a human cannonball, a hypnotist, chainsaw artist, the Pedal Pull, and a so much more! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: July 29 - August 3, 2008
Location: 1031 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Admission: $8 all day, Free admission for children under 10, Season tickets available
Phone: 507-373-6965
Email: fcfair@smig.net
Website: www.freeborncountyfair.com