A neighbor's guide to Twin Cities lake living

Events Guide

Events Guide

Festivals, markets, fireworks, and community happenings across the Twin Cities lake communities.

Events Across the Lake Communities

The Twin Cities lake communities keep a packed event calendar year-round, and the shift from summer to fall is well underway. Marketfest, Manitou Days, the Washington County Fair, the Gopher to Badger Half Marathon, and Summer Tuesdays have all come and gone, and the last of the August festivals closed out the month. Pine Tree Apple Orchard is open for its 2026 season, the kids are back in school, and Friday brings the long Labor Day weekend (September 4-7). September is one of the most loaded months on our calendar, with Germanfest, the Taste of White Bear Lake, the Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl, Take Me to the River, and the start of peak fall color all ahead. Here is what is happening now and in the weeks to come.

Labor Day Weekend & Early September 2026

This Week & Coming Up

  • St. Mary's Germanfest -- Friday, September 4, in Stillwater. A 21+ evening with live polka bands, German food, beer and wine, games, and souvenirs at St. Michael and St. Mary Catholic Church. $5 entry.
  • Waldfest 60th Anniversary -- Monday, September 7 (Labor Day), noon-6 PM at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter (8390 Lofton Ave N, in the City of Grant near Stillwater). A free, cash-only Bavarian party in the pines with the Bill Koncar Band, the Hammer-Schlagen nail-driving game, Gasthaus radlers, and the famous roast pork sandwich. The 60th edition of this beloved Labor Day tradition. gasthausbavarianhunter.com
  • Art in the Park at Spruce Park -- Runs through Monday, September 7, 11 AM-1 PM daily in White Bear Lake. Free art classes for ages 3-12. The last chance for free kids' art classes before summer fully winds down.
  • Pine Tree Apple Orchard -- Now open for the 2026 season in White Bear Lake. Apple picking and the farm store are underway, with the pumpkin patch (Oct 3-25), corn maze (Sep 26-Oct 25), wagon rides, and pony rides still to come. pinetreeappleorchard.com
  • SkolFest -- Saturday, September 12, 6 PM at the Crooked Pint Ale House in Mahtomedi. A Minnesota Vikings fan celebration with Skol chants, decked-out fans, and community spirit to kick off the football season. Eventbrite Mahtomedi
  • Grape Stomp at Saint Croix Vineyards -- September 12-13 at 6428 Manning Ave N in Stillwater. Minnesota's original grape stomp, free and family-friendly, with stomping competitions at noon, 2, and 4 PM, vineyard tours, live music, food, and wine tasting. Grape Stomp details
  • Swim Season & Boating -- Public swimming beaches close for the season after Labor Day weekend, so this is the last stand for a long lake swim. Boating is a different story: the public boat launches on White Bear Lake, the St. Croix, and the area lakes stay open well into fall, so the weekend on the water is still wide open (just plan for the holiday traffic at the ramps).

Recently Completed

What Just Passed

  • Forest Lake Arts in the Park: Finale (August 25) -- The last Arts in the Park of the summer season at Lakeside Memorial Park, with artist vendors, live music, food trucks, and a farmers market.
  • Hugo Military Rodeo Days (August 25-26) -- Bull riding, barrel racing, and rodeo fun at Dead Broke Arena supporting veterans and military families.
  • Mahtomedi Kindergarten Open House (August 27) -- Incoming kindergartners and their families met teachers and explored Wildwood Elementary.
  • Stillwater Flea Market (August 29) -- Vintage goods, antiques, handmade items, and local finds around the Washington County Fairgrounds.
  • Woodbury Days (August 28-30) -- The family festival at Ojibway Park closed out with live entertainment, food, carnival rides, and fireworks.
  • Stillwater River Boats Benefit Dinner Cruise (August 18) -- The 24th Annual Benefit Dinner Cruise on the St. Croix. Over 100 guests enjoyed a sunset cruise supporting local charities.
  • White Bear Lake Senior Carnival (August 19) -- Live music, petting zoo, summer fun, and activities for seniors and their families at the White Bear Lake Area Senior Center.
  • Riverboat Rave (August 21) -- Stillwater's floating dance party on the St. Croix.
  • Northern Lights Dressage Show (August 21-23) -- A regional horse show at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Equestrian Center drawing riders from across the Midwest.
  • Summer Tuesdays Finale (August 11) -- The last Summer Tuesday of the 2026 season at North Lowell Park in Stillwater. Live music, vendor market, and a free outdoor movie under the stars.
  • Lakeside Guitar Festival (August 14-15) -- A weekend of guitar performances from classical to blues at venues around White Bear Lake.
  • Broadway on the Saint Croix (August 14) -- A free outdoor performance of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Lowell Park in Stillwater.
  • Bird Photography Walk & Talk (August 15) -- Free photography walk at Oak Ridge Waterfowl Production Area. Learn more
  • Emerson Summer Festival (August 16) -- Community festival at St. Mary of the Lake in White Bear Lake with food, games, and fellowship.
  • Washington County Fair (July 29-August 2) -- The 155th edition wrapped at the Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo with over 75,000 visitors. Rides, livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, and live entertainment.
  • National Night Out / Night to Unite (August 4) -- Held across the east metro. Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Lake Elmo, and Hugo all celebrated neighborhood connections and first responders.
  • Relay For Life of Stillwater (August 8) -- A community walk at Lowell Park supporting the American Cancer Society.
  • Gopher to Badger Half Marathon (August 8) -- The scenic point-to-point race started at the Washington County Fairgrounds and finished in downtown Stillwater.
  • Lake Elmo Summer Sizzler (August 8) -- A 5K, 10K, 15K, and kids' race at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
  • Bridge the Valley Bike Rally (August 9) -- The Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club's annual ride through the St. Croix Valley. Proceeds support STRIVE mentorship, scholarships, and early childhood literacy. Read Melissa's recommendation
  • White Bear Lake Marketfest Finale (July 30) -- The 36th season ended with the Environmental Resource Expo. Over 130 vendors.
  • Hugo Military Rodeo Days (August 7-8) -- Bull riding, barrel racing, and rodeo fun at Dead Broke Arena.
  • Stillwater Lumberjack Days (July 17-19) -- The 92nd annual celebration with lumberjack shows, floating barges, and the Grande Parade.
  • Manitou Days (June 18 - July 4) -- White Bear Lake's signature summer festival with fireworks and the boat parade.

Late Summer & Fall Events

  • St. Mary's Germanfest -- Friday, September 4, in Stillwater. A 21+ event with live polka bands, German food, beer and wine, games, and souvenirs at St. Michael and St. Mary Catholic Church. $5 entry.
  • Taste of White Bear Lake -- Saturday, September 12, 2-5 PM at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. A Rotary Club fundraiser featuring food and drink samples from local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries, plus a silent auction, cork pull, and live music. Tickets are $40. Taste of White Bear Lake
  • SkolFest -- Saturday, September 12, 6 PM at the Crooked Pint Ale House in Mahtomedi. A Minnesota Vikings fan celebration kicking off the football season.
  • Grape Stomp at Saint Croix Vineyards -- September 12-13 at 6428 Manning Ave N in Stillwater. Minnesota's original grape stomp with stomping competitions, vineyard tours, live music, and wine tasting. Details
  • 3rd Annual Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl -- Saturday, September 12, around Bald Eagle Lake. A self-guided tour of local artists' studios and pop-up galleries. A wonderful community tradition celebrating local creativity.
  • River Valley Yoga Festival -- Friday, September 11, in Stillwater. A day of outdoor yoga, meditation, and wellness on the banks of the St. Croix. Discover Stillwater
  • Knit the River Cruises -- Friday, September 11 (5-7:30 PM) and Saturday, September 12 (11 AM-1:30 PM) on the Stillwater River Boats. All skill levels welcome. Darn Knit Anyway
  • St. Jude of the Lake Cornfest -- Saturday, September 12, 2-10 PM in Mahtomedi. Live music, kid inflatables, bingo, bake sale, raffle, roasted corn, food from local restaurants, beer, wine, and margaritas. A wonderful community festival at the church grounds.
  • Mahtomedi Food Truck Friday -- Friday, September 12, 5-7 PM at the District Education Center. The final Food Truck Friday of the season. Mahtomedi Community Ed
  • Log Run Half Marathon & 5K -- Saturday, September 19, starting at 101 Water St N in Stillwater. Scenic riverfront course along the St. Croix. Part of the Run Stillwater 2026 race series.
  • Stillwater Wine, Spirits & Brews Cruise -- Saturday, September 19, on the Stillwater River Boats. A scenic tasting cruise on the St. Croix.
  • Anthony Shore as Elvis Dinner Cruise & Concert -- Thursday, September 17, on the Stillwater River Boats. A dinner cruise featuring an Elvis tribute performance.
  • Climate Week Trash Dash -- Tuesday, September 15, in Stillwater. A community cleanup run/walk during Climate Week. Organized by Sustainable Stillwater. Sustainable Stillwater
  • Outdoor Gear Swap -- Wednesday, September 16, in Stillwater. A community gear exchange for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover Stillwater
  • One Last Tri (Olympic/Sprint Triathlon) -- Sunday, September 20, on White Bear Lake. The season's final triathlon event.
  • Take Me to the River -- Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20, across the St. Croix Valley. A signature festival of festivals with art fairs, music performances, and open artist studios. A fantastic way to experience the valley at peak fall color. takemetotheriver.info
  • White Bear Township Day -- Saturday, September 19, 2-8 PM at Polar Lakes Park. Free family-friendly festival with live music, vendor market, car show (9th Annual Car/Bike Show), BINGO, VFW Beer Gardens, food trucks, and fireworks. Township Day info
  • Stillwater Fall Craft & Gift Show -- Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, at Washington County Fairgrounds. 150+ crafters and vendors featuring fall decor, Halloween items, and handmade gifts.
  • Washington County Bluegrass Festival -- The annual festival at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Typically held in early fall. Check Discover Stillwater for the confirmed 2026 date.
  • Rivertown Fall Art Festival -- October 3-4 in downtown Stillwater. The 49th annual festival. Over 10,000 visitors expected. 10 AM-5 PM both days.
  • Stillwater Harvest Fest -- October 10-11 in downtown Stillwater. Free festival with family activities, live music, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, chili cook-off, and the pumpkin regatta on the St. Croix. harvestfeststillwater.com
  • Elizabethan Syngers -- October 8 & 9, 1-3 PM at Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake. Renaissance choral performances in the orchard.
  • Ladies of the Lake Quilting Show -- October 22-23 & 29-30 at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. Local quilters showcase their work.
  • Wild Wanderers: Costume Hike -- Saturday, October 24, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. A family-friendly Halloween hike. Check Lake Elmo Park Reserve events for details.
  • Stillwater Fall Craft & Vendor Show -- Friday, November 27, at Stillwater Armory. Presented by RSG Development.

    • Apple Orchards & Fall Harvests

    Pick Your Own Season is Underway

    • Pine Tree Apple Orchard -- 425 White Bear Ave N, White Bear Lake. Now open for the 2026 season with expanded hours as the harvest picks up. Apple picking, pumpkin patch (Oct 3-25), corn maze (Sep 26-Oct 25), wagon rides, and pony rides. A beloved local institution since 1957. pinetreeappleorchard.com
    • Aamodt's Apple Farm -- 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater. Open daily 10 AM-6 PM through October. Currently picking First Kiss and SweeTango apples. Pick-your-own open 10 AM-5 PM. Fresh-baked pies, caramel apples, and weekend hayrides. aamodtsapplefarm.com
    • Sunnybrook Apple Orchard -- 9085 Jeffrey Blvd N, Stillwater. Wed-Fri 10 AM-4 PM, Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. Opens early September through the fall. A quieter orchard option with a relaxed family atmosphere.

    Fall Colors & Foliage

    The St. Croix Valley puts on a spectacular show every autumn. For 2026, peak color in the St. Croix Valley and Washington County is projected for early to mid-October (roughly October 10-19), with the first hints of red and gold in the maples expected to appear around mid-September. As of this long weekend we are still mostly green, but the maples along the river will start to shift in the next couple of weeks. The DNR begins posting its weekly Fall Color Finder reports in early September, which is the best way to time an outing. The Take Me to the River weekend (September 19-20) and Rivertown Fall Art Festival (October 3-4) are both excellent excuses to get out and see the colors. For real-time color updates as the season gets closer, check the DNR Fall Color Finder.

    Farmers Markets & Weekly Events

    • White Bear Lake Farmers Market -- Fridays, 8 AM-noon, downtown Clark Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets. 50+ vendors. Through Friday, October 30. Peak summer produce is still going strong. City of White Bear Lake
    • Mahtomedi Area Farmers' Market -- Saturdays, 8 AM-noon, at Veterans Memorial Park (Triangle Park). Runs through September 26. Local produce, baked goods, and handmade items. Market info
    • Stillwater Farmers Market -- Saturdays, 7:30 AM-noon, at 3rd & Pine Street (Riverview Parking Lot at Stillwater Veterans Memorial). Runs through Saturday, October 24. The area's largest farmers market with produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts. Discover Stillwater
    • Lake Elmo Farmers Market -- Saturdays, 9 AM-1 PM, at Lake Elmo Elementary (11030 Stillwater Blvd N). Local produce, meat, eggs, flowers, and artisan breads. The 2026 season typically runs through mid-August and may have wrapped up for the year. Check the Minnesota Grown listing to confirm.
    • Mahtomedi Concerts in the Park -- Select Wednesdays, 6-7 PM, at Wedgewood Park. Free outdoor concerts through August. Check Mahtomedi Community Education for the current schedule.
    • Smith + Trade Mercantile Artisan Market -- Second Saturday of each month through September, downtown Stillwater. A curated market of local artisans, makers, and craft food vendors.

    Boating & River Resources

    • St. Croix Valley Boat Club -- A welcoming member-run organization for anyone who loves boating on the St. Croix River. Group cruises, social events, and a great way to meet fellow boaters. Open to powerboaters, sailors, pontoon captains, and kayakers alike. Visit the SCVBC Read Melissa's recommendation

    Community Calendars

    For the most current listings, these are the calendars locals actually use:

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