It's festival time: Cities and towns across the metro area are gearing up for community-wide gatherings

The festival season ­— that distinctive, if not uniquely Minnesota, tradition — is nearly upon us, with no shortage of options on the schedule. There are festivals that honor heritage (Pioneer Days), history (Defeat of Jesse James Days) and symbols of both (Tater Daze). They celebrate the arts (Riverfest and Craft Fair), music (Jazz Festival on the Prairie) and cultural diversity (International Festival). They have alliterative names (Duk Duk Daze) and catchy ones (Whiz Bang Days). And, of course, there is the ­cornerstone celebration of summer: July 4th.

The events have a number of things in common, but one stands out: They give people a chance to get outside and mingle with neighbors, and they instill civic pride. Here are some happening around the metro:

International festival of Burnsville July 12

In the early 2000s, Margo Swanson coordinated volunteers for an international festival at Nicollet Junior High in Burnsville.

The festival gave students the chance to showcase projects they'd done about countries around the world. At one point, "We outgrew the space when we introduced a mariachi band to several hundred students all doing 'the macarena' in the gym," she said.

That experience dovetailed nicely with a city effort that arose shortly thereafter to cele­brate the city's growing diversity. It also took the form of a festival celebrating world cultures. She jumped at the chance to help with that, as well, she said.

The annual International Festival of Burnsville started in 2007 after a try-out at the city's Fire Muster event the year before, said Swanson, who is the festival's chairwoman.

That's where the festival comes in. Swanson, who leads the planning committee, said the idea is that as community members get acquainted and learn from one another, "the stereotyping and isolation will diminish."

At the festival, people get to know one another through their art, including an exhibit with the theme "Bringing Heritage Home," live music, ethnic food, presentations, multicultural displays, a "parade of flags," traditional costumes and various family-friendly activities, she said.

It makes for a vibrant event, which happens at Nicollet Commons Park and the nearby Ames Center, according to Swanson.

Swanson, who is the site lead for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district's community education program called Project K.I.D.S. at Edward Neill Elementary, said it's also a fun way to meet students' families.

She especially enjoys seeing people approach the giant world map and pinpoint their country of origin. "Whether they've been in Burnsville for years or only months, they are proud to call Burnsville home," she said.

What: International Festival of Burnsville

Where: Nicollet Commons Park and Ames Center (formerly Burnsville Performing Arts Center)

When: July 12, 3-9 p.m.

Information: www.intlfestburnsville.org.

Tater Daze June 12-15

When the city was forming, potato farms were its main industry. Tater Daze gave farmers a chance to promote their business.

Sannes was a "Tater Spud," or volunteer, at the 1968 festival. That year, though the city still had 18 potato growers, the area's potato farms were already on the decline, and the landscape was changing, she said.

In its early years, the festival spanned eight days. Today, it's only four, but there's still plenty of action scheduled: baseball, bingo, live music including a Father's Day Blues Fest, root beer float social, hot air balloon rides, movie screening, fireworks, carnival, talent show and Golden Spud Hunt — similar to St. Paul's Winter Carnival medallion hunt.

A special fundraising effort is adding another layer, as well. Between now and the end of the festival, the city is trying to raise $75,000 for Brooklyn Avenues, a transitional housing project for homeless youth, said Mayor Jeff Lunde. The St. Paul-based Otto Bremer Foundation will match whatever the city raises up to that amount, said Lunde.

If the city reaches its goal by the festival's last day, as a part of a game show-like "Couch Potato Challenge," Lunde will perform 75 ­Stupid Human Trick-type feats — "within reason. I won't break the law."

What: Tater Daze Festival

When: June 12-13, 5-11:30 p.m.; June 14, 7 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; June 15, noon-5 p.m.

Where: 4701 Oak Grove Pkwy., Brooklyn Park

Information: www.brooklynpark.org/ tater-daze or call 763-493-8013.

Whiz Bang Days July 10-13

The magazine, "Captain Billy's Whiz Bang," was a playful read that aimed to cheer up servicemen, according to Candice Norton, a festival organizer and longtime Robbinsdale resident.

The magazine's publisher, Wilford Hamil­ton "Captain Billy" Fawcett, had previously been an Army captain. Whiz Bang refers to the "land-to-land" bombs that were used in World War I — that is, the bombs whizzed by and landed with a bang, she explained.

The magazine did so well that the city incorporated the title into the community festival's name when it began 66 years ago.

Today, a traditional ice cream social kicks off the festivities. Other highlights include an art exhibit, flower show, log rolling, bocce ball tournament, bingo, inflatable rides, parade, wine tasting, talent show and food trucks. The classic car show is also coming back for its second year, as it got a good turnout last year, she said.

The festival also will mark the opening of the city's new Lee Park baseball field on Thursday, July 10. A number of former Twins players will be on hand for that, and a Little League game will break in the new field that day, she said.

Over the festival weekend, the 60-member City Band that formed in 1906 will give a concert in the park.

Lively music at the block party near the city's water tower, which stands out for the robin illustration on its exterior, is "intended to make you want to get up and dance," she said. That's what she gravitates to at the festival. "There's nothing better than having a lot of neighbors all in one area," enjoying the food, music and camaraderie, she said.

What: Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days

Where: downtown Robbinsdale area; W. Broadway between 37th and 42nd avenues N. and beyond (see online schedule for full listing)

When: July 10-13 (check website for times) Information: www.whizbangdays.com or e-mail info@whizbangdas.com or call 763-531-1212.

The Rivertown Art Festival, one of many outdoor celebrations happening in Stillwater in the coming months, is a "strong presence in the artist community," says Todd Streeter, who heads the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

That has partly to do with its longevity; the festival has been around for 37 years.

The 120-plus artists already signed up will set up on the north end of Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater.

Every year, the artists' offerings run the gamut, with pottery, woodworking, metalwork, ceramics, clothing, drawing, jewelry, painting, photography and other media on display. And some artists' creations don't fit into any one category.

The art show is a juried event that gives out awards to top-notch artists, which demonstrates the idea that "we take it seriously," Streeter said.

While they're checking out the art, people can also take in the local sights, like the quaint downtown area, St. Croix riverfront and the historic Lift Bridge. "We encourage people to walk through the different stores and eateries and make a day of it. There's so much to see and do," he said.

What: Rivertown Art Festival

Where: Lowell Park, 101 Water St. S., Stillwater

When: Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Information: www.rivertownartfestival.com.