A list of music festivals in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and around Minnesota.
1. Bella Music Festival, Late May
The three day Bella Music Festival gets bigger every year. Rock, folk, rap, electronic and experimental artists, mostly local Minnesota and Wisconsin acts, perform in Harmony Park in Geneva, around two hours south of the Twin Cities.2. Soundset, Memorial Day
A one-day hip hop and rap festival showcasing artists signed to local record label Rhymesayers. Minnesota's hip hop scene is surprisingly strong and Rhymesayers artists - Atmosphere being the best known - tour nationally and internationally.3. Rock the Garden, Mid June
The Current radio station and the Walker Art Center co-produce Rock the Garden. Local and national acts perform in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.4. Taste of Minnesota, July 4th Weekend
This event has two things: food, and music. Formerly a free event, now ticketed to avoid problems with crowds. Acts signed to play at the festival are usually classic rockers who just won't quit touring, plus a selection of local acts and Christian music.5. Basilica Block Party, Early July
St. Mary's Basilica and Cities 97 hold the long-running Basilica Block Party to raise money for the upkeep of the church. The music plays on Friday and Saturday evenings, usually on an early July weekend.The lineup mixes hot local artists with national acts. Some of the latter can be a little past their best, but still, a very popular event that usually sells out soon after tickets go on sale.
