12 free things to do on Father's Day in the Twin Cities
It doesn't matter if you're making last-minute plans or have things schemed out; there are heaps of Father's Day activities that can be done for free.
Here are a dozen activities you can do for free over Father's Day weekend.
The festival along the Mississippi River is back this weekend. It'll have art vendors, food trucks, live music, and other performances throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the free live music includes Couch Potato Massacre, Radiator Girl, Willows, Dan Israel, John Magnuson Trio, Shug E, and others. June 14–15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — along West River Parkway from N 4th Avenue to S 11th Avenue, Minneapolis
The Eagan art park and NAMI Minnesota are hosting a free festival with creative workshops and activities, including drumming, rock stacking (yes, really), forest bathing, mobile metal casting, and other hands-on art projects. Plus, you're in the art park, so, take a stroll and enjoy some sculptures. June 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Rd., Eagan
Minneapolis has an incredible number of free concerts in its parks throughout the summer. That includes Father's Day, when you can see the a cappella group CANTUS (2 p.m.) and Just Dave and the Rockin Allstars (5:30 p.m.). June 15 — Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy., Minneapolis
The market is back this summer with live performances, art, a beer garden, a lion dance, and, of course, a ton of food. It's free to enter, but if you're heading there on Saturday, it may be worth going early, since the largest of Saturday's many "No Kings" protests is taking place nearby. To accommodate, the market is opening early on Saturday. June 14, 12–11 p.m. and June 15, 2–10 p.m. — 425 Rice St., St. Paul
Bloomington's Sunday Funday series is hosting "a vibrant celebration of 50 years of Hmong resettlement and powerful contributions to Minnesota's cultural landscape." The day is loaded with live music and dancing, as well as a couple of food trucks. June 15, 5–8 p.m. — Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington
Got a cat dad? Head to the inaugural Hamline Midway Cat Tour, which is a bit like the Wedge Live Cat Tour that's held in Minneapolis each year. You walk around the neighborhood with neighbors and say hello to cats. It's exactly what it sounds like. June 14, 10 a.m. — starts at St. Columba Church, 1327 Lafond Ave., St. Paul
The Minnesota Latino Museum is hosting a party around its "Alebrijes" exhibit on Raspberry Island, which opened on May 19. Saturday's party includes live mariachi, a performance from María Isa, art activities, puppet-making, and food. June 14, 12–5 p.m. — Raspberry Island in St. Paul
Dad love board games? There are game "nights" that can scratch that itch. Tower Games in Minneapolis has a Magic the Gathering gathering, Rail Werks Brewing Depot in Columbia Heights hosts a board game night every Sunday, and there's even a tabletop game get-together at the Maple Grove Library with games on hand and no experience required. Various locations
The 98-year-old pianist is a Twin Cities legend. He's still playing blues and jazz classics all over town every week, including his Sunday residency at Palmer's Bar. June 15, 5 p.m. — Palmer's Bar, 500 Cedar Ave. S, Minneapolis
It's a St. Paul treasure, to be sure. For a suggested donation, you get access to the Como Zoo, which has its polar bear program, giraffe feeding, and seal show on the schedule for Father's Day, among other activities, on Sunday. Open daily — Como Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul
Get inspired with a stroll around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or through the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Maybe the journey will even be so inspiring that you'll want to let dad head to the Hosmer Library's Zine Club to make a zine (they've got all the materials you'll need). Various locations
Unsurprisingly, breweries are throwing dad-themed hangouts. That includes Surly Brewing (11 a.m.–5 p.m., which will have music, beer, and food; Brühaven, which will have BOGO drinks for dads, a paint and sip class, and a food truck; and Boom Island Brewing, where dad's first pint is on the house from 12–7 p.m. Various locationsThis story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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