Let's Hear It for July

It’s July in Minnesota and Twin Cities Metro folk couldn’t be happier! We hate to brag, but seriously, our summers are fabulous! Everywhere we look the landscape is bursting with color. Flower beds are strutting their stuff, geraniums and petunias are outgrowing the confines of their window boxes and daylilies are spots of color on a green background of lush lawns. 

July music and magic are in the air. Fairs, festivals, art, concerts, food and drink await us from one end of the Metro to the other!  Here is a short list that piqued my interest for this month. Hope they give you some ideas and help make this summer the best since Grandma won the Blue Ribbon for her apple pie at the state fair!

The Minneapolis Pops - Every Weekend in July

Can you believe it? This year marks the 66^th year our own Minneapolis Pops has been providing free concerts in the Twin Cities. Every year I look forward to this well-performed music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.  Concerts begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday and 5:30 pm on Sunday and they are free.  Pack a picnic basket and arrive early for dinner al fresco and a choice spot for the concert.  Visit the Minneapolis Pops online.

                                                                                                                         

The Doobie Brothers July 16

The Doobie Brothers are as American as Apple Pie and one of the country’s most enduring music institutions. This 4 times Grammy-winning band has been on the scene for 40 years and their songs are still relevant today. Here is a great opportunity to hear these fabulous musicians play hits like “Black Water,” “What a Fool Believes” and “Takin’ It to the Streets.”  Need more info? Check out this link. 

St. Paul Goes Italian - July 16 & 17

Celebrate Italian culture on Harriet Island at the Festa Italiana. Enjoy art, music, dance, food, drink and experience the sights and sounds of Italian right here in Minnesota.  Take a gondola ride, play bocce ball, sample Italian wines and check out some Italian cars and motorcycles.  A great time is sure to be had by all. Mama Mia, it’s even a free event! Get the skinny on this great celebration on the festival website.  

 

Boz Scaggs in Concert July 18

Grammy Award-Winning vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Boz Scaggs and his band will perform a full evening of music including such unforgettable Scaggs' hits as "Lowdown" and “Lido Shuffle”. Also featured will be cut from his new studio album, “A Fool to Care”.  His return to the State Theater is presented by the Hennepin Theater Trust Check online for more information. 

 

Aquatennial July 22-25

We love to celebrate in Minneapolis. Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of summer for the city of Minneapolis to party in the sun. There are multiple events throughout the day and evening of the celebration.  Here are some of my favorite picks! 

Centerpoint Energy Torchlight Parade – July 22

Be prepared to light up downtown with floats, bands, and fun. This is a one-of-a-kind parade and an Aquatennial flagship event. The parade begins at 8:30 and the route, Hennepin Ave between Dunwoody College and 5th St. Explore this link for complete details! 

 

Twin City River Rats July 23

The two-time winning regional waterskiing team is back this year with a new theme – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! This is a family friendly fun show featuring high-flying stunts, barefooting, swivel skiing and human pyramids. Bring the family and enjoy the show on the banks of the Mississippi just south of the Broadway Bridge! Shows at 6 and 8 PM.

Aquatennial Tennis Tournament July 24

If tennis is your thing, (psst Joe Houghton) you will not want to miss this tournament!  Four defending champions highlight the field at the 2015 Aquatennial Tennis Classic at Canadian Pacific Plaza on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 5th Street next to the Lightrail Tracks in downtown Minneapolis. 

 

Target Fireworks July 25

Target brings one of the 5 top firework shows in the country to Minneapolis to wrap up the Aquatennial in grand style. Thousands will gather in the Mill District to watch fireworks bursting in air over the Mississippi River. Pre-firework festivities begin at 6 PM.

A final reminder, Minnesota has great state parks to explore, beautiful lakes for swimming and boating, and miles and miles of trails for biking, walking and hiking. Just get outdoors and bask in the glory of July in the Twin Cities and celebrate summer in your own favorite way.

As always, from Joe Houghton and the Minnesota Property Group team, we wish you a fabulous month! Stay safe and enjoy!