100 Things to Do Before the State Fair

If you click off the days from Memorial Day until the first day of the State Fair, you’ve got 88 days to make it the best summer ever. How are you going to fill your bucket with what the Twin Cities has to offer? And where are you going to start? Right here—and you better get crackin’!

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1: Jump-Start Summer

St. Paul owns the first weekend in June. The Flint Hills Family Festival (June 2–3) is filled with fun for kids in St. Paul’s Rice Park and at the Ordway. Plus, Grand Old Day (June 4) returns after a three-year hiatus and packs Grand Avenue with music, eats, a parade, and more.

2: Get Ready

Those winter toes haven’t seen sunlight in months and definitely deserve some TLC. Schedule a pedicure stat (you, too, guys!) and prep those little piggies for summer fun. Nail studio of your choosing—just do it.

3: Ease on Down the Road

Bike the Nordeast brewery district, a hot spot for beer. Start with a Wonderstuff Czech-style pilsner on the gorgeous patio at Bauhaus Brew Labs, mix it up with a Hop-A-Wheelie cider at Sociable Cider Werks, and burn it off with a climb up Central Avenue before quenching your thirst with a Köld one at Fair State Brewing Cooperative.    

4: Dive into a DQ

The season really starts when you hit an old-school DQ. And yes, classic locations still exist, including 4400 East Lake Street in Minneapolis, 1720 Lexington Avenue North in Roseville, and 7825 Medicine Lake Road in Golden Valley. But the East 38th Street DQ in south Minneapolis is summer perfection: walk-up window only, patio tables and planters, bikes of neighborhood kids thrown haphazardly to the side.

5: Art Fair Adventures

Wander through a summer art fair. They are like a museum met a flea market at a party, and they’re glorious. Kick off art-fair season with the Edina Art Fair, June 2–4. In that same weekend, enjoy the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival in St. Paul on June 3. The Eagan Art Festival runs June 24–25. Art at St. Kate’s in St. Paul is July 8. And the biggest of them all, the Uptown Art Fair, runs August 4–6. Will you be hunting for the perfect piece to fill the spot over your couch or simply strolling through to get a sense of what feels new and now in 2023?

6: Pick Yourself Some Berries

Summer is sweeter when you gather your own strawberries at White Bear Lake’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard (mid-June to early July—check ahead for availability) and taste the rewards. pinetreeappleorchard.com

7: Hit the Ballpark

Cheer on the Twins at Target Field during an epic home stand—10 games in 10 days, June 13–22—that sees the Twins battle the Brewers, the Tigers, and the rowdy Red Sox. twins.com

8: Dip a Paddle in Our Great Rivers

Get out on the water and give kayaking a try. Borrow a kayak through the Mississippi River Paddle Share or rent one for a St. Croix adventure at Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental. paddleshare.org; taylorsfallscanoe.com

9: Scan at St. Paul's Skyline

Experience summer coming to life while you take a walk along the High Bridge, where you can soak in the view of our capital city. Heck, kick-start your day while toting your morning brew.

10: Amp Up Your Date Night

Make an impression with an Insta-worthy, LED-lit swan-shaped sunset paddleboat ride with your sweetie at Como Lake. Make a wish on the first star you see.

11: Find Some Spare Time

Rainy day? Avoid a split and go for a turkey at classic Twin Cities bowling alleys like Bryant Lake Bowl and Ranham Bowling Center, below The Nook (both a bargain at $5 a game).

12: Taste the Coastal Life

Explore one of our favorite local water towns—Excelsior—for shopping, good eats, and antiques, all on the edge of Lake Minnetonka. Check out Hotel Excelsior for a mini getaway.

13: Do Yoga with a Goat

Try doing a downward dog with a goat balancing on your back out at The Hayloft in Hastings. Goat yoga actually has mental and physical health perks.

14: Scavenger Hunt

Find a lady’s slipper. A variety of northern orchid, most bloom in May, but our state flower, the showy lady’s slipper (or Cypripedium reginae), waits until the middle of June to hold the stage alone. No need to wander the state to find it: Visit Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park. Mpls.

15: See the Zoo a New Way

Perhaps from 32 feet aboveground amid the canopy, perhaps, at the Minnesota Zoo’s new 1.25-mile Treetop Trail, opening July 28. Catch a glimpse of not only birds in all seasons but also the terrestrial residents wandering below, like bison, tigers, and moose—oh my! Apple Valley

16: Celebrate Midsommar at the American Swedish Institute

The castle and grounds hum with a day’s worth of activities at the popular June 17 festival, which includes music, dancing, and family activities. 2600 Park Ave., Mpls., asimn.org

17: Farmer's Market Snacks

When at the Lyndale location of the Minneapolis farmers market, go find Tammy Wong’s Rainbow Chinese for crazy-good tea drinks and hot egg rolls to eat while you shop.

18: Food Truck Frenzy

Where’s the beef? There’s a cult-favorite burger truck that’s been the talk of the online burger boards. Look for Station No. 6 in suburban parking lots. stationno6foodtruck.com

19: Sip a Pint while Holding Court

Roll a few balls at Brit’s Pub’s lawn bowling green—no athletic prowess is required, but a Pimm’s Cup or two never killed someone’s game. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.

20: Celebrate Dad

Grab your pops for an alfresco Father’s Day at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, June 17–18, where local art, eats, brews, and music abound along the Mississippi on Minneapolis’s West River Parkway.

21: Say Yes to a River Cruise

Get to know the mighty Mississippi and enjoy a guided 90-minute excursion that departs from Harriet Island and lets you take in the High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, and Pike Island. riverrides.com

22: Build in Some Chill Time

You and the kids will enjoy the break. Fun Lab offers 22,500 square feet of laser tag, ropes courses, bumper cars, and more. And don’t forget the new mini golf (and a cocktail for you). 10650 NE Baltimore St., Blaine

23: Make it a Girls' Day

Lock in a date with your BFFs and head to Wayzata. Grab a spa service at The Hotel Landing, hit the shops along Lake Street, and wrap up lakeside with rosé and sushi rolls at CōV.

24: Gondola, Anyone?

Indulge in Venice vibes without leaving the state. Head to charming Stillwater for a one-hour gondola cruise on the St. Croix. gondolaromantica.com

25: Watch the Jets Fly

Enjoy a cocktail at Holman’s Table at the small and exclusive St. Paul airport. You don’t need a ticket to feel like a jet-setter as you dine and watch planes come and go.

26: Bebop at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival

This premier event in St. Paul’s Mears Park, June 23–24, celebrates 25 years with headliners that include Christian McBride, Nabaté Isles, and Camille Thurman. twincitiesjazzfestival.com

27: Did Someone Say Valleyfair?

With a season pass, you can practically set up camp at this destination of delight…so go all in, including a food and beverage plan. Who needs a country club? Instead of golf, you can drop 275 feet in a blink on the Power Tower.

28: Scavenger Hunt

Discover a piece of public art. Such as Spannungsfeld at the U of M Physics and Nanotechnology Building. The title of Julian Voss-Andreae’s piece of opposing male and female figures is a German term from quantum physics that translates to “the tension held between polar opposites.” 115 SE Union St., Mpls.

29: Walk on Water

Put your balancing skills to the test and rent a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) through Wheel Fun Rentals on the shore of Bde Maka Ska, starting at $22 an hour, to get a whole new perspective on this city lake. wheelfunrentals.com

30: Saddle Up and Ride

Want some ranch experience without heading to the Wild West? Saddle up for an hour-long trail ride at River Valley Ranch, which happily accommodates total newbies and seasoned pros alike. Carver, rivervalleyhorseranch.com

31: Dust Off Your Clubs

Hole out on a city golf course. Yes, we have epic public park systems, but don’t sleep on the foresight it took to create our vast network of quality public golf courses. In Minneapolis, Theodore Wirth, Hiawatha, and Gross are just the tip of the excellent-course iceberg, while St. Paul boasts WPA-era marvels such as Highland National and Como. minneapolisparks.org/golf; stpaul.golf

32: Beer Here

Thirsty? North loop has grown up around Fulton, but this og taproom is still a hot spot. The patio deck flows from the open garage door walls, and the full kitchen cranks out the good stuff: nachos, a meatloaf cheeseburger, even a fulton philly with beer cheese. 414 6th Ave. N., Mpls.

33: Patio Crawl

Looking for a view? Riva Terrace is back for its second (divine) rooftop summer at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. Lots of new nibbles, cocktails, events, and music. 245 Hennepin Ave., fourseasons.com/minneapolis

34: Squeeze the Most Out of June 21st, the Longest Day of the Year

Walk around Lake Harriet at sunset with an ice cream cone from Bread and Pickle (maybe you’ll get lucky and catch one of the many musical acts that take the band shell stage throughout the summer). Or bike across the Stone Arch Bridge and raise a glass at El Jefe. Or meet friends at City House, overlooking Harriet Island. Or bring your pup to St. Paul’s Hidden Falls Regional Park to watch the sun sink over Minneapolis. Sundown is at 9:03 p.m., but the sky will be light until 11 p.m.

35: Celebrate the Local LGBTQ community at Twin Cities Pride

Don your best rainbows, watch the Pride March, catch a drag show or concert, shop BIPOC- and LGBTQ-owned vendors, and more at this annual party for a cause. Loring Park and Parade Park, June 23–25. tcpride.org

36: Cruise Classic Cars

Peep some pompadours and hundreds of rumbling hot rods of the Grease era at Back to the 50’s Weekend, June 23–25 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, thanks to the Minnesota Street Rod Association. Cue up Elvis and go. msrabacktothe50s.com

37: Go Antiquing

Get lost in a picturesque, farm-like setting of 300 antiques and vintage dealers at Traders’ Market in Elko, July 1–3. We love it because the setting is unique, and the dealers are scattered indoors and out. If you like this kind of thing, just go. tradersmarket.us

38: Gotta Hit a Saints Game

Catch a St. Paul Saints game at CHS Field. Every Friday home game features fireworks, and Thursdays are “Thirsty” with $2 beers. If you hit the July 2 game, versus the Gwinnett Stripers, you can even bring your dog. milb.com/st-paul

39: Road-Trip to a Small-Town Festival

These events often combine a vivid sense of community identity with an effervescent spirit of hospitality. Two faves: Lindström’s Karl Oskar Days (July 5–8) is built on the town’s Swedish heritage via a unique literary connection, and the Pine Island Cheese Festival (June 2–4) is built on cheese.

40: Scavenger Hunt

Find eye-popping fireworks. There’s lots of sparkle on the Fourth of July, but true boomheads know the biggest bang is found at the Target Fireworks along the Mississippi riverfront during Aquatennial. Or go in search of community festivals that cap it off with lots of wow.

41: Picnic with the Pops

Make time for a bona fide only-in-summer experience: the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. You don’t need a ticket, but you do need a plan, since parking can be a challenge. (A preperformance picnic just adds to the appeal and gets you there a little early.) It’s a slice of classic summer that only happens in July, and this year marks the 73rd season. Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. mplspops.org

42: Bake Seasonal Pie

July is raspberry season, and you can gather your own at Berry Hill Farm in Anoka to make the freshest raspberry pie to eat now and jam to enjoy all winter long. berryhillfarm.com

43: Beer Here

Ready to kick back? Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley has garage doors that open, firepits ready for cool nights, and string lights over everything, making it a great place to watch trains roll by on a summer night. 38 Northern Stacks Dr., Fridley

44: Food Truck Frenzy

Ready for something new? You’ll find the Paella Depot at many street fairs and festivals this summer, dishing up the seafood-and-rice “hotdish of Spain.” paelladepot.com

45: Art Museum Adventures

Need to escape the heat? Cool down doing a cool thing: browsing art. The Weisman Art Museum is fascinating both inside and out and has an exhibit of art by adolescents called The World Inside You that runs until June 25. Mia’s self-guided audio tours are sneaky good, and the Walker Art Center has Free First Saturdays wherein you can take the money you saved on admission and put it toward lunch at Cardamom instead.

46: Watch Some Hoops

Root on the Lynx at Target Center and watch new star Napheesa Collier and 2023’s number two overall draft pick Diamond Miller take on reigning WNBA champs the Las Vegas Aces as part of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup series on July 9. lynx.wnba.com

47: Get a Little Crazy

There’s no chance for boredom at Can Can Wonderland, where you can play all the video games you want for $12 per person (better yet, on Wednesdays, it’s $10, and free for those 5 years old and under)—not to mention all the other crazy things to do at this fun spot. 755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul

48: Log Some Time at Stillwater

One of Minnesota’s oldest cities, Stillwater hosts its 86th annual Lumberjack Days July 14–16, with a downhill derby, lumberjack competitions, a parade, live music, food and shopping vendors, and fireworks.

49: Hit the Road

Run for beer with the Minnesota Brewery Running Series (June 25’s is hosted by Wild Mind Ales). Prefer a less-hoppy hop? Find another 5K to run or walk this season—they happen all summer for causes, charities, and plain old fun.

50: Putt-Putt at the Walker

Dominate your opponents— conceptually, artfully, or actually—on the Walker Art Center’s like-no-other Skyline Mini Golf course.

51: Farmers' Market Snacks

If you see the Amazing Momo tent at the St. Paul farmers’ market, or any others around town, do not walk by without getting a pan-fried tibetan dumpling.

52: Slurp a Slushy

Frozen booze is a gift from above. Tuck into a worthy brain freeze with slushies on the astroturfed patio at Duke’s on 7 in Minnetonka. Or consider the frosé on the rooftop of The Lexington as the right way to wine on the east side.

53: Enjoy a Minnesota United FC Game at Allianz Field

Home Leagues Cup matches at arguably the Twin Cities’ most beautiful stadium—July 23 versus Club Puebla and July 27 versus Chicago Fire FC—should be especially interesting.

54: Explore an Outdoor Sculpture Garden

The nearby Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker offers a quick escape, and Franconia Sculpture Park, just south of Taylors Falls, makes for a great day trip. walker.org; franconia.org

55: Chalk Up Some Fun

Prepare to be amazed by what artists can do with sidewalk chalk at the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival (August 12–13) or at Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove (June 10–11). mplsstreetartfest.com; chalkfestmaplegrove.com

56: Line Up for a Perfect Pairing

One of summer’s great pleasures is listening to the distant roar of Minnehaha Falls while stuffing your face with fried seafood on the shady deck at Sea Salt. Add a cold beer, and you’re set. Minnehaha Regional Park

57: Get Out of the City

Head to the big lake and catch some of the best blues bands in the country at the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth, August 11–13. The only challenge will be staying blue at the most picturesque venue in the state. bayfrontblues.com

58: Hail a Water Taxi

See the Minneapolis skyline from a whole new point of view by way of an innocent, low-tech, charming six-seater water taxi owned by Minneapolis Water Taxi. Depart from Boom Island and enjoy a sunset cruise.

59: Find a New Groove

Expand your musical horizons at The Great Beyond. Located in tiny Franklin, this event is in its third year of bringing world-class techno and house DJs to the Minnesota River Valley Sanctuary and Retreat. It’s a proper rave. July 28–30. greatbeyond.us

60: Have a Dairy-Free Day

Vegans and gluten free-ers don’t have to miss out on sweet treats, thanks to Minnesota Nice Cream’s soft serve, cones, and wacky-fun toppings fit for all at its Northeast and Stillwater locations. Now that’s nice.

61: Get Your Country Music Fix

Break out your cowboy hat and join the 80,000 Daisy Dukes–wearing fans who descend on WE Fest, August 3–5, as Soo Pass Ranch becomes the capital of the country music universe with the most curated list of performers in the genre. wefest.com

62: Work Out, Then Chill Out

Jump rocks and burn energy at Taylors Falls, then refuel with a stop at Be Wild Burgers, in a rehabbed vintage DQ for style points. Malts, fries, and a pickle burger will blow your mind. 406 S. Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI

63: Bike the Byway

In 1883, the Minneapolis Park System decided to shield the city’s most intrinsic natural resources—its lakes and waterways—with a vast swath of public parkland stitched together with walking and biking trails, now called the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, which includes 51 miles of biking trails that traverse more than 4,600 acres of urban parkland. Go explore it! minneapolisparks.org

64: Do Rats Swim?

Round out your summer by watching the aquatically amazing Twin Cities River Rats. The team performs their water-ski acrobatics shows on the Mississippi riverfront, just south of the Broadway bridge, every Thursday during the summer (plus Tuesdays in August).

65: Chase a Waterfall

Get to know natural treasure Hidden Falls Regional Park, now restored to its Civilian Conservation Corps glory with its wide, beautiful staircase. Discover the beach and find Hidden Falls Creek. Trace it up to Mississippi River Boulevard, where it cascades from a hidden source. 1313 Hidden Falls Dr., St. Paul

66: Scavenger Hunt

Slow down and enjoy a few hours outdoors. Pick a place you’ve never been, maybe the Lyndale Park Peace Garden by Lake Harriet or Normandale’s Japanese Garden in Bloomington or Harriet Island along the Mississippi in St. Paul. DIY lunch (or get it to go from a place like Yum! Kitchen or France 44 Cheese Shop), grab a blanket, and enjoy a new part of the Cities.

67: Patio Crawl

Want something unexpected? Ok, yes, it is a furniture store, but the rooftop restaurant at Restoration Hardware in Edina is unmatched. Twinkling chandeliers, greenery, and so much style make it a hot spot. 6801 France Ave. S., Edina

68: Beer Here

Time to chill? Tucked into the ruins of the historic Hamm’s Brewery, Saint Paul Brewing has one of the most art-filled and whimsical patios that also delivers on beer and wood-fired pizza. 688 Minnehaha Ave. E., St. Paul

69: Rainy Day Adventures

Don’t let Mother Nature stop you from pondering, well, Mother Nature. A jaunt to the Bell Museum on the U of M’s St. Paul flank will give you all the local wildlife, albeit deceased, you could hope to see and a planetarium for peeping the cosmos. The Science Museum of Minnesota is another solid option for a mash-up of science and fun. Meanwhile, the Mill City Museum is a worthwhile stop to learn more about Minneapolis’s vast and explosive milling history, and a rainy day spent at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul is never a day wasted.

70: Round Up Some BBQ

Head out to Minnetrista for some great under-the-radar barbecue at Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque. What started as a smoker sitting next to a jerry-rigged hay-bale patio space is now a full-fledged restaurant with indoor seating. That brisket and the pulled pork sammie are worth a jaunt. 8175 MN-7, Minnetrista

71: Take to the Sky

Get really high (and go really fast) at Sand Creek Adventures’ zip line course (1,600 feet of combined zip line at an average of 100 feet high) in Jordan, 40 minutes south of the Cities. sandcreekadventures.com

72: Stop and Smell Some Roses

Wander through the Noerenberg Gardens, part of the Three Rivers Park District, in August to enjoy the peak summer blooms and beautifully tended beds of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and grasses in this historic garden that overlooks Lake Minnetonka. 2865 North Shore Dr., Wayzata

73: Make Room for Putt-Putt

Put your putting skills to the test at Minnetrista’s Big Stone Mini Golf course, which combines mini golf, giant sculptures, gardens, and farm animals—guaranteed fun (and friendly competition) for all. Looking for a rainy-day alternative? Stay dry at MOA’s Moose Mountain Adventure Golf.

74: To the Summit

Lace up your sneaks to travel back in time. The 90-minute audio walking tour of St. Paul’s Summit Avenue from Explore Minnesota will guide you along the historic street while you soak in the architecture of some of our state’s most famous Gilded Age mansions. exploreminnesota.com

75: Scavenger Hunt

Find a cozy bonfire. They’re around if you look. How about Crosby Farm Park in St. Paul, down by the river, with its Scandinavian art brut firepit, big enough for you and three dozen friends? You can even bring your own fixings for s’mores. And hey, as far as we’re concerned, hitting your neighbor’s backyard firepit counts—bonus points if you bring (you guessed it) fixings for s’mores.

76: Taste the Tropics

Grab a friend and try a Scorpion at the new Tilted Tiki Tropical Bar and Restaurant in Stillwater. Dip your straws into the giant drink in a bright bowl arranged around a flame, and go on the kind of journey you can only take when you know that fun can be awfully funny. 324 S. Main St., Stillwater

77: Be A-Mazed

Located near the end of the Three-Mile Drive loop, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Maze Garden, a lush zigzag of 1,600 shrubs, is a fun challenge for kids and adults alike, and a lookout deck helps parents keep an eye on wandering littles. Chaska, arb.umn.edu

78: Hit a County Fair

Warm up for the big show by exploring one of a dozen county fairs in the month of August, including: Washington County Fair, Stillwater, August 2–6; Dakota County Fair, Farmington, August 7–13; Goodhue County Fair, Zumbrota, August 8–12; and Carver County Fair, Waconia, August 9–13.

79: Farmer's Market Snacks

The husband-and-wife team behind Banh Sizzle at the mill city farmers market has been bringing Vietnamese street food to shoppers since 2020.

80: Food Truck Frenzy

Hungry? Bow down to the Eggroll Queen, which has crispy and hot jumbo egg rolls for $5—but get the fried rice on the side for extra. eggrollqueen1.com

81: Go Treasure Hunting

Summers are for estate sales. Surf estatesales.net by city, zip code, or item on a Friday night, then get up early on Saturday, grab a latte to go, and stand in line solo at a neighborhood sale—’cause it’s much better than standing in line in the cold.

82: Take a Whack at a New Sport

Don’t let another summer pass without trying pickleball. If you’re a member of Life Time, it has more local courts than anyone. Otherwise, check out Lucky Shots Pickleball Club in Northeast, followed by a postgame cocktail next door at Brother Justus. (You’re welcome.)

83: Medieval Times

Time-travel to the 16th Century at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee. Eat, drink, and be merry while you mingle with royalty, artisans, and entertainers weekends starting August 19. renaissancefest.com

84: Scavenger Hunt

Get your feet wet. Is there anything more joyful than watching a kid run into a lake? If that’s not for you, then take it slow. Roll up your pants, leave your shoes on the beach, and wade in at least once this summer. (And with all the lakes in our metro, water is easy to find.) That cool liquid running between your toes? That’s the very essence of freedom, of joy, of summer. And you might like it so much that next summer, you’ll just run into the lake!

85: Ride the 1914 Cafesjian’s Carousel

Restored to its original glory at Como Park, this enchanting and delightful ride is a must-visit for kids and art lovers (at $3 a ride!). Every rider must pick their favorite horse out of the 68 who spin to the tunes of the Wurlitzer organ. ourfaircarousel.org

86: Patio Crawl

Something classic and chill? The Mississippi Pub is a cool river tavern with a tiered patio. Get a burger, listen to live music, and watch the boats cruise by. 4455 E. 66th St., Inver Grove Heights

87: Farmer's Market Snacks

Reward your veggie purchases from the Richfield farmers market with some smoky meat treats from Soul to Soul BBQ.

88: Bike, Walk, or Push a Stroller Through Open Streets Minneapolis

More than a festival, it’s a car-free vision of a future that’s community-minded, and this year there are three summertime events: June 10 for East Lake Street (tacos!), July 16 for Glenwood Avenue, and August 20 for Cedar Avenue (sambusas!). Enjoy a celebration of community that’s free, fun, and friendly. openstreetsmpls.org

89: Watch the Birdies

Grab your binoculars and a field guide and head to one of dozens of birding destinations around the Twin Cities, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge stretching through the southern metro, Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Consult mn.audubon.org/birds/birding-minnesota for more options.

90: Go-Kart Alfresco

Put the pedal to the metal and feel the wind in your hair (er, helmet) while you put your driving skills to the test at one of these outdoor micro speedways: Atwater Karting Speedway, Atwater; Lilli Putt, Coon Rapids; ProKART, Maple Grove; Skyline Raceway, Rochester; Summerland Family Fun Park, Sauk Rapids; or Wild Mountain, Taylors Falls.

91: Have Dinner at a Pizza Farm

First, get on Two Pony Gardens’ email list to get first crack at reservations. Then, gather family and friends and drive out for the good farm vibes and great farm pizza. There’s even the magic of fireflies! twoponygardens.com

92: Try Out the New Park Eats Around Town

Bde Maka Ska’s Lola on the Lake and Jamaican treasure Pimento Kitchen are supposed to open sometime soon (fingers crossed!). The Painted Turtle takes over the former Sandcastle spot on Lake Nokomis. And two interesting new spots are right on the Midtown Greenway bike trail. At Nicollet, there’s the new Eat Street Crossing food hall. At Elliot Avenue and East Lake Street, inside the Midtown Global Market, is the Indigenous Food Lab. All are perfect to fuel your summer vibes.

93: Scavenger Hunt

Find a new mural. The LynLake area now has more than 30 murals on big walls scattered through the neighborhood. Check out lynlakestreetart.com to plan your hunt, and then grab a beer at LynLake Brewery or a slice at Wrecktangle Pizza. Want more? St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone (near University Avenue and Highway 280) has more than 40 murals, plus several breweries, including Lake Monster with its great patio. creativeenterprisezone.org

94: Catch an Outdoor Flick

Stake out a perfect patch of grass and unpack your takeout picnic to get ready for a screening of a major motion picture with Movies in the Park from Minneapolis Park and Rec.

95: Taco Tuesday!

Load up on the salsa fixings and tamales from El Burrito Mercado, then slip out the back door and hit the elote stand for a perfectly sunny ear of corn rolled in mayo and queso fresco before being hit with spicy-salty Tajín spice. 175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul

96: Beer Here

Ready for a pit stop? At the end of the Lake Minnetonka bike trail, in Victoria, Enki Brewing gives you a patio and lawn on which to sprawl with suds. 1495 Stieger Lake Ln., Vctoria

97: Food Truck Frenzy

Need to eat and run? Jamo’s New Zealand Pie Co. knows that all you really want is a portable hand pie filled with the good stuff: steak and cheese, kale and mushroom, and butter chicken, to name a few. jamospies.com

98: Ice Cream Adventures

Strolling up to an ice cream counter as the sun sets around 9 p.m. is a summer memory maker. If you’re walking up to Conny’s Creamy Cone in St. Paul, you’ll have to weigh the options with more than 30 flavors of soft serve. In Excelsior, you’re standing in line at Licks Unlimited, waiting for a double scoop of Superman. But since this summer marks 100 years of stacked scoops from Nelson’s Ice Cream in Stillwater, maybe that’s worth the drive. connyscreamycone.com, licksunlimitedmn.com, nelsonsicecream.biz

99: Hello, Water Parks

Valleyfair’s Soak City is freaking amazing, but it’s not the only place in town with sick, slick slides. Here are just a few of our favorite municipal water parks where you can get your water game on: Bunker Beach, Coon Rapids; Cascade Bay, Eagan; Jim Lupient Water Park, Minneapolis; SandVenture Aquatic Park, Shakopee; and the St. Louis Park Rec Center.

100: Patio Crawl

Twilight in the city? Nestled on the oldest street in Minneapolis, the Aster Cafe is the best stop for Stone Arch Bridge walkers and Mississippi river strollers. 125 SE Main St., Mpls.

You made it through our list. Did you find a bunch of things you want to do? Did you learn about someplace new you want to try? Did you rediscover a long-lost summer love you haven’t visited in some time? Gang, we earned this summer big-time, so it’s time to make the most of it. No excuses. We’ve primed the pump and given you 100 Things to Do… Before the State Fair!

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