What are your plans for the summer?

One student offers a guide to summer activities in Minnesota

Since we’re currently in the middle of Dead/Finals week here at MSU, it can be tough to remember what is at the end of these tough two weeks. Just keep in mind that by May 6, we are finally on summer break! For some people, that means going home and job searching or starting a new job. For others, it means two months of uninterrupted Netflix and video games.

Even though these both sound great, because you’re either earning money or you’re able to relax without the worries of studying, there are a lot of fun things to do in Minnesota over the summer. Since we only get to enjoy warm weather for a few precious months, I would encourage you to make the most of it and get out and experience a fun summer with your family and friends, or do some solo exploring! Since there’s so much happening over the summer, here’s a list of five fun things to do over the summer in Minnesota!

Twin Cities Pride Parade/Festival
This year, the annual Pride Festival will take place on June 25 and 26, with the parade happening on the 26th. The festival is meant to celebrate the love between everyone, whether it’s a man and woman, a man and man, or a woman and woman. If you’re interested in volunteering at the event, you can find more information at tcpride.com. The festival will take place at Loring Park in Minneapolis and the parade will happen at Third Street & Hennepin Avenue.

Basilica Block Party
The popular concert put on by the radio station Cities 97 is always a fun experience for music lovers all over Minnesota, and all proceeds go towards the preservation and upkeep of the famous Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. This year, the concert will take place on July 8 and 9. The two-day concert will feature artists including The Fray, Death Cab For Cutie, and Craig Finn. Tickets can be purchased at basilicablockparty.org.

Mill City Farmers Market
Sometimes we don’t want to go party all night; instead, we want to rise and shine, and go support local farmers and growers. If this is more your speed, visit the Mill City Farmers Market. The farmers market has something for everyone; if you want to go and buy fresh, local produce, the farmers and vendors have you covered. If you want to sit down and enjoy some live music, the farmers market also hosts local artists who perform free concerts to the shoppers! To find more information and times, visit the Mill City Farmers Market website.

Visit Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
If you know you want to get out and enjoy the sun during the summer, you can’t go wrong with a park. Minnehaha Falls is a lovely regional park that has gorgeous waterfalls and sites all over the park where you can enjoy a lovely picnic. Want to bring your dog with you? Minnehaha Falls has an off-leash dog park for your four-legged friend to enjoy, as well! Get out there and enjoy the glorious outdoors that only Minnesota can offer.

Go to a fee concert at Lake Harriet Band Shell
During the summer, the Lake Harriet band shell offers both free concerts and outdoor movies to everyone! You can spend a whole day at Lake Harriet Park, and most people do. You can rent paddle boards or boats, take a stroll through the garden, grab some lunch or an ice cream at one of the various restaurants around the area, spend some time at the beach, and end the night with an outdoor movie. What screams “summer” more than spending an entire day outside?

We’re so close to the end of the semester, and even though it may seem like the tests and studying won’t end, they’re closer to being done than you realize. And when all is said and done, you can go and enjoy your summer by doing any of the things listed here, or go do something fun and crazy! Good luck with finals, and enjoy your summer as much as you can.