Minneapolis’ Behemoth Brewery and Taproom Goes Vegan for One Night

How is summer racing past the midway point already? Such is the chorus of folks across the state who, burdened by responsibility, experience time at a much quicker rate. Remember when summer lasted forever as kids? Those were the days.

Anyways, we’re older now, and being older means we have spending money to throw at copious amounts of food and booze (although, we like free events too). Read below to find the best local events to stuff your face or drink to your heart’s content.

Wicked Wine Run

Would you rather run in the name of wine? No problem. The Wicked Wine run takes place throughout the property at St Croix Vineyard. This one is interesting because there are actually two options. First, a typical 5k that ends with a glass of wine. After that, you also have the option of doing a 1k walk, which will end up being a wine tasting with four stops. On top of all that, there’s an afterparty and a request to dress as zany as possible.

When: August 10th; 5:30 pm - 9 pm

Where: St Croix Vineyard, 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater

Pricing: $60

Why It’s Worth Your Dollars: Like the brewery running series, it’s a chance to really earn your alcohol with a nice bout of exercise. Plus, the 1k will offer even more sampling opportunities.

Surly Goes Vegan

The Twin Cities Veg Fest is coming September 15th and Surly is throwing this mini dinner party to help fund it. Your ticket will include your choice of entree and an opportunity to join in karaoke at the end of the night. Get there early for appetizers, DJ-spun music, and a cash bar.

When: August 12th; 5 pm - 8 pm

Where: 520 Malcolm Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis

Pricing: $18 - $65

Why It’s Worth Your Dollars: All tickets will help support what will be the largest vegan festival in the Midwest, Veg Fest. Plus, your ticket automatically enters you into a drawing to receive a gift basket filled with donations from Veg Fest exhibitors.

Smack Shack [Official]

Crayfest 2019

This celebration of crayfish booze has been going on for seven years so you know it’s gotta be pretty good. Live music, eating contests, and prime people-watching are all incentives to go. What’s that? You don’t do crayfish? Well, fine, there’s burgers and brats too.

When: August 3rd; 12 pm - 7 pm

Where: 603 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis

Pricing: $40 - $50

Why It’s Worth Your Dollars: It’s all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-(responsibly) drink. Would you really allow yourself to miss out on such a beautiful thing? Plus there’s music from Prince cover band Chase & Ovation.

Twin Cities Polish Festival

This celebration of Polish culture is a classic Twin Cities event. There’s tons to do and see: two different entertainment stages, activities for kids, unique vendors, and loads of traditional food and drink.

When: August 9th - 11th; 5 pm on the 9th // 10 am on 10th & 11th

Where: 43 SE Main St, Minneapolis

Pricing: FREE

Sweet Gypsy’s Waffles [Official]

St. Paul Food Truck Festival

The Uptown Food Truck Festival moves to St. Paul in August. And what better place to host the event than Mears Park in Lowertown? Also, there’s no cost of admission. You’re just paying at each individual vendor. So just stroll right on to the premises and pig out to your heart’s desire on Pin Up Panninis, Sambusa’s, vegan treats from Reverie, crunchy Sweet Gypsy’s waffles, and so much more. It’s a who’s who of the Twin Cities’ food trucks.

When: August 17th; 12 pm - 10 pm

Where: 3221 5th St E, St Paul

Pricing: FREE