I want to support my neighborhood and last year was a five-star day, so that's why I went with four…read morestars rather than three. It has soooo much potential since it's not as enormous as the other summer block parties, but this year was more of a three-star experience. I hope they learn some things this year and really knock it out of the park next year. I don't clearly remember the first year of the Lyn Lake Fest, but last year, it was packed, it was easy-ish to get a beer, Har Mar Superstar killed it. This year (year three), it felt kind of empty and nothing grabbed my attention enough to stick around for very long. The beer "garden"/parking lot was full, but not the street, at least not when I was there around 4-5 p.m. Plenty of cute dogs though. The local lineup on the mainstage was awesome this year (Koo Koo Kangaroo, Black Blondie, Peter Wolf Crier, Haley Bonar, Heiruspecs headlining), but I think they could have done without the second stage. One band was playing on that northernmost stage with almost no people paying attention. I felt bad for them. The food options were improved this year, with the Chef Shack and Magic Bus Cafe on-site with the Lyn-Lake restaurants. Heidi's also had some burger specials specifically for the event. Summit had their beer truck out and I also saw someone with a to-go Bloody Mary. I never figured out where it came from though. Damn. Lots of other Lyn-Lake and local businesses had booths, like Nice Ride, Hair Police, The Loft Salon, some crafters selling cute jewelry and other odds and ends. Both salons were doing feather extensions. Maybe that should have been discussed among the salons before go-time, because they were just a couple of tents away from each other. And what was up with the poodles (with NEON-dyed fur, the poor things) being groomed right there in the middle of it all? There were little balls of pink dog fur blowing in the wind blocks away. Gross. Absurdly gross.

Well, I've been waiting for someone to write a review about this 2nd annual Summer event. Having…read morenot found any, I guess I'll start. Wow! That was a lot of fun. I bought some passes on Crowd Cut for myself and a buddy of mine and had spread the word to some other friends to get passes and join us as well. It was a hot and humid day, but that sure didn't detract anyone from showing up as the line of people nearly seemed endless at times. This could have been due to my salivating eagerness to get at that beer or the one over there, or the one over there, etc. I lost count of all the beers I sampled, but fortunately I texted myself on which ones I really liked. What a great marketing idea as well! Have people pay to get in to a place to try a two ounce sample of multiple brands and styles of beer knowing that it will pay off at the liquor stores and bars in the future, now that's thinking. The choice in Food Truck representation was very good, however there should have been at least one more option. I don't think I would have paid full price to attend this, but a Crowd Cut deal made it affordable. Next year, if they have it again, I'll probably do the VIP option. Also, thanks YELP! I treasure the bottle opener you guys were giving away.

What a grand idea! This place had it all. Plenty of food options and music to entertain. Not…read moresure if this is a regular event but certainly one that you should keep on your calendar. The variety was nice. The lines were long so plan to wait for your food. Mear park was full of people and parking was surprisingly plentiful despite being the weekend and a Saints game going on. Highly recommend.

This year marked my second consecutive year of attending this festival and I have to say...it gets…read morebetter every year! The variety of trucks is great (even for gluten free vegan!) And the park is beautiful. Everyone seemed to be having a blast! My only issue is that with such a popular event the lines can be quite long and the park can be very crowded. Can't be shy; push your way through and get a little rough!

I've only been here once, and what an event it was!! It…read moretruly does capture the atmosphere of Jazz music. The location is perfect, while it can be hectic getting into downtown and parking, I would suggest going green and spend an all day visit. Taking the rail or bus either way you'll be greeted with GREAT music! They have several stages, played at different times in which you walk from one block to another should you feel the need to explore. Food is wonderful! Plenty of FOODTRUCKS and local eatery. BIGRIVER pizza near CHS and farmers market is AWESOME! Not to mention too, there will Art booths set up from local artist. Including myself :-)) Http://DeMeglioart.com I'll be there FRI-SAT It's a place to come and it's FREE, not the food of course!

Love it! Well organized, Talented Musicians, Great Security, and just a fun Summer Festival!…read more I normally stay at the Mears Stage because I live right there but many other venues around like Black Dog, Amsterdam, and Union Depot Stage, have acts playing at the same time. I think the bigger name bands play at the Main Stages however. Thursday night is a perfect night, not too busy. Friday night is still great but Saturday does get really really crowded so get your spots saved early on that day. I must applaud the Security Team this year. Last year I had a few pesty drunks bugging me, since I am a magnet for that type but this year, while sitting with my friend Ron, a drunk started bothering him, and within a minute, Security was right on it! Bam! Get out of here! It really made me feel good that they were very visible this year!! Thank you to the organizers who arranged this fine security group!

As far as I can remember, I have loved street festivals. Growing up in NYC I recall always being…read morepleasantly surprised while walking down a street with no specific intention to check out a street fair but would love the pleasant surprise of bumping into one. I loved the array of food, clothes, music, people. and whatever else would be available at these fairs because I always have fond memories of walking for blocks and blocks of city streets just taking it all in. As I got older I began to seek them out on my own. The NYC Bastille Fair was one of my favorites. Now that I am in Minnesota, I checked out the Bastille Day Block Party and although the size was limited they sure packed a lot into this block! Live performances, fries, ice cream, beer galore, food trucks, wine tasting vendors and more. I came curious and left happier and full. It is definitely a nice summer event to check out if you have the time! -After all, it's only once a year.

This is a really fun event. Cocktails at the castle is one of ASI's big events that both races…read moreFunds for the organization, but also introduces people to the museum. It is a really well done event. The setting itself is gorgeous. If you haven't visited the museum/Turnblad do it now. But there's so much going on at this event that everyone can have fun. The bands were incredible. There were a variety of different art activities that you could participate in both inside and out. I liked that several of them related to the Main exhibit that is taking place there right now. They worked with Du Nord spirits to come up with four signature cocktails. We tried two of the four they were both excellent and the rest looked fantastic. They also had four signature mock tails. The food curated for the event also looked great but we made the mistake of eating before we went. The mood was festive and there were people of all ages from 21 on up there. I went with just one friend. I think it could've been even more fun if we brought a crew but either way I think it is an extraordinary sFriday night out with just a special someone or friends. Big thank you to @mspyelp and the American Swedish Institute for providing me the tickets.

A fun night of wine, cocktails, music and mansion exploration…read more Wine from Chile. Cocktails made with Du Nord spirits and small bites from FIKA were all good. We had shrimp piri piri, preserved mango couscous salad, and the coconut cardamom Basbousa cake. The music was from Obi Original & the Black Atlantics. Nigerian Music. Was great.

I'm glad we went later in the evening. There were a lot more places to park on the side streets. I…read moreguess they do have a shuttle bus if you don't want to drive. Nice little neighborhood festival set up along Ford Parkway. Booths, vendors and carnival fair type food. -Midway area -Half Price Book Tent Sale- Lots of great deals and steals here, plus the store is open. -People watching -Lots of families -Food area had cheese curds, corn dogs, mini donuts- all the typical fair stuff. Big Mangoes on a stick. Its a nice little neighborhood get together in St. Paul. Something do to.

Its fine. Its a nice distraction. I miss that the beer dabbler event is no longer associated with…read morethis, and the new rides area this year was almost entirely inflatables, and I find them to be gross. Especially on hot days - all the stink and sweat...horror. Its a great way to kill an afternoon, but expect to spend way more money than you'd like, especially if you have kids and end up in the rides area. Fireworks are decent.

We come to this every year, and it's always a lot of fun. The MN Scottish Fair & Highland Games is…read moreheld outdoors in the field of a church in Eagan (although the location is changing for next year), and the nearby businesses allow parking in their lots. Think of it as the cute, mini version of the Irish Fair? They have heavy games (caber toss for the win), highland dancing, pipe bands, clan tents, celtic music, a Scottish marketplace, food and drink, and some classic (European) cars - including one previously owned and signed by the Spice Girls? I was all in. The food and drink selection aren't extensive, but they do the trick. As long as I can get a few pints from McCracken Pub - or a wee dram of scotch if I'm feeling feisty - I'm a happy fair-goer. There was also an ice cream truck (golf cart) cruising around! It was blazing hot today, but still glad we all went. Looking forward to see what next year's new venue has to offer.

Scottish Fest used to be one of my favorite festivals. But it has really gone downhill in the past…read morefew years. First of all, they keep moving the location and the date. This year was in some obscure church parking lot. And July is WAY too hot for people wearing wool. It used to be in May which was perfect. They've lost a lot of vendors over the years. There was ONE vendor selling anything resembling Scottish food. Hardly any merch vendors anymore, the few that were there are also at every local festival. The sheep herding demonstration that was advertised never happened, we waited until well after 4 for it. In general, unless you can get there in the morning when the highland dance competition is going on, there is little to see. We arrived shortly after noon and felt quite ripped off. There was an out-of-tune brass band (WTF) playing, the only dancing that was happening was the uninclusive Royal Scottish group, and we kept trying to find the heavy games, but all there was were a bunch of people standing around. ONE pipe band played the entire time we were there. Really, $17 per person is WAY too expensive for what we were able to see. They should really discount heavily the price of admission after 12pm, as there is nothing to see or do. We were very disappointed. There are other ethnic festivals that have FREE admission that you get to see and hear much more. Please, Scottish Fair, fix your festival!