1. Cokato Corn Carnival
Each year, this event serves at least 12,000 juicy ears of buttered corn to attendees. Other attractions include games, corn bingo and entertainment. (5-10 p.m. Aug. 11; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 12; 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Peterson Park, 655 Broadway Av. S., Cokato, Minn. cocatocorncarnival.com)
2. Float Fest
Here’s an inaugural festival for paddle partyers. Boat enthusiasts can bring their own kayak or rent one to paddle along the Mississippi. A post-paddle celebration takes place in Graco Park with food trucks, music and yard games. (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. North Mississippi Regional Park, 5116 N. Mississippi Dr., Mpls.; noon-4 p.m. Sat. Graco Park, 15 8th Av. NE., Mpls. paddleshare.org)
3. Liz Draper and Friends
An afternoon music pop-up where Draper, Charlie Parr and Chris Gray will do a set in honor of the late Spider John Koerner. (Noon-4 p.m. Sun. Edna’s Park, 412 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. mplsartsandculture.org)
4. Mall of America Birthday Bash
Minnesota’s supersized mall turns 33 this year. Celebrate with Hurricane Karaoke, a photo booth, a cupcake from Carlo’s Bakery and activities. (1-3 p.m. Aug. 11. Rotunda, Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington. mallofamerica.com)
5. Maple Grove Grooves and Foods
Musician Mick Sterling’s traveling summer music series this week features Chase and Ovation, who pays homage to the music of Prince. Food options available include the Groove Burger, the Marco Polo Italian sandwich and Mama Donato’s pizza. (5 p.m. Wed. Town Green Plaza, 7991 Main St., Maple Grove. groovesandfoodfestival.com)
6. St. Michael Daze & Knights Festival
In its 18th year, the ever-growing event is moving to a new location for a third time. The fest includes a parade, bingo and citywide garage sale. (5 p.m.-midnight Fri.; 8:30 a.m.-midnight Sat. Town Center Park, 4320 Landmark Drive NE., St. Michael. stmdazeandkightsfestival.com)
7. Beaches, Bands and Brews
Grab your swimsuit and head to the beach before fall weather creeps in. Play yard games, dance to music by Shirts and Skins and enjoy food from local eateries. (5:30-8:30 p.m. Fri. East Medicine Lake Park, 1740 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth. plymouthmn.gov.)
8. Heights Fest
Formerly known as “Parks Celebration,” the festival has been rebranded to encompass a citywide sense of community. Events include a movie in the park, food truck festival and mini-golf and pickleball tournaments. (4:30-10 p.m. Fri.; Noon-4 p.m. Sat.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Various locations throughout Mendota Heights. mendotaheightsmn.gov)
