Art fair Weekend
Aug. 5-7: Two of the summer's marquee shopping festivals coincide on one busy weekend in Minneapolis. The three-day Uptown Art Fair features 350 artists mostly from the United States, while the two-day Powderhorn Art Fair (Aug. 6-7) overflows with regional and local talent. Uptown is the more urban event occupying streets and intersections. Powderhorn's exhibitors pitch their tents around a pond in the leafy park at E. 35th St. and 15th Av. S. Both offer handmade sculpture, paintings, photos, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and accessories for self and home. Expect music, entertainment, family diversions, food and beverages. (uptownartfair.com; powderhornartfair.com.) Mary Abbe
Eaux Claires
Aug. 12-13: Justin Vernon's hometown festival in Eau Claire, Wis., was such a runaway success in its inaugural 2015 run that there was no doubt the Bon Iver frontman would revitalize Eaux Claires for a second run. Now, he's bringing stars the likes of Beach House, Vince Staples, Lucius and Unknown Mortal Orchestra to his campground in the Chippewa River valley. Far fewer Twin Cities acts made the cut this year, but Har Mar Superstar, Fog, and Kill the Vultures will all represent. (Foster Farms, Eau Claire, Wis. $169. eauxclaires.com.) J.F.
Summer Set music & Camping festival
Aug. 12-14: Summer Set is a veritable sensation. Now in its fifth year, the EDM-heavy three-day rave features its best lineup yet, with Skrillex, Bassnectar, Steve Aoki and Flux Pavilion all scheduled to pump bass into the St. Croix River valley. The strong hip-hop side of the roster includes Chance the Rapper, Fetty Wap and Flatbush Zombies, and it's all balanced by the likes of indie darlings Grimes and St. Lucia. (Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, Wis. Three-day passes with camping $184.50-$229.50. summersetfestival.com.) Jerard Fagerberg
Luke Bryan
Aug. 19: Country star Luke Bryan apparently wants to be a man for all Minneapolis stadiums. The reigning CMA entertainer of the year for 2014 and '15, he headlined last summer at TCF Bank Stadium and now he will play the inaugural concert at U.S. Bank Stadium. He's chalked up 15 No. 1 country hits, including last year's "Home Alone Tonight" with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, which will open, as will Dustin Lynch. (U.S. Bank Stadium, Mpls. $37.50-$123. ticketmaster.com.) Jon Bream
Metallica
Aug. 20: Finishing its first studio album in eight years, Metallica has announced only one concert for this year thus far. And it will be the first rock show ever at the new Vikings stadium. With Luke Bryan's country concert there the night before, the stage and sound system will already be in place. James Hetfield and the boys just need to crank up the volume and hope that the glass ceiling can handle the thrash and thunder. Metallica played the Metrodome, which occupied the same site, in 1988, 1992 and 2003, the last big show at the Dome. (U.S. Bank Stadium, Mpls. Sold out.) J.B.
Wilco
Aug. 20: Their free release "Star Wars" came out suddenly and unexpectedly in July 2015, but Chicago alt-rock heroes Wilco have waited a whole year to tour on their latest Grammy-nominated LP. The proto-Pitchfork stars will salute the end of summer alongside psych-rock slackers Kurt Vile & the Violators on the historic, gorgeous Hall's Island on the shores of the Mississippi. The show is the second hosted by First Avenue on the island, following last year's doubleheader of Father John Misty and Alabama Shakes. (Hall's Island, 1004 SE. Sibley St., Mpls. $50. first-avenue.com.) J.F.
Minnesota State Fair
Aug. 25-Sept. 5: Country and classic rock are mainstays at the State Fair. So it's not surprising that the reunited, not politically shy, country-leaning Dixie Chicks are booked for two nights (Aug. 27-28) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt is back at the fair (Sept. 5). Don Henley, the Eagles co-frontman who released an impressive country solo album last year, is set to open the fair (Aug. 25). Current pop stars Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas are also headed to the grandstand (Aug. 31). Other shows will be announced later. (mnstatefair.com.) J.B.
