Father's Day in June 19, 2011. Here's what's happening in Minneapolis and St. Paul for the Fathers Day weekend.
Plus, ideas of what to gifts to get - or make - Dad, and where to take him out for brunch on Sunday.
Fathers Day Events on Father's Day Weekend
All events are on Father's Day, June 19, unless otherwise noted.Father's Day 5K Walk or run at Lake Como in St. Paul on June 19. Heart disease is the number one premature killer of men, but taking exercise can significantly reduce his risk. So encourage dad to get outside with you, and spend a fun morning walking or running as a family at Lake Como, for charity, and for Dad's healthy heart. As well as the 5K run, there's also a 1.5 mile walk.
Farmington's Dew Days Days The community celebration in the southern suburbs runs from June 15-18. On the Saturday before Father's Day, Dew Days has a carnival, rib cook-off, family entertainment, pizza eating contest, live music, and a beer garden. Still hungry? On Father's Day, you can take day to a $9 steak fry.
The Stone Arch Festival is held on June 18 and 19 in Minneapolis' Riverfront district. Over 250 artists, food, live music from over 40 acts, dancing, and the Art of the Car display will be at the free, family-friendly arts festival.
The Ramsey County Historical Society Gibbs Museum will have their own home made ice cream sundaes and root beer floats, and admission will be free for fathers accompanied by their child on June 19.
See a Minnesota Twins game. The Twins are playing at home against the Padres on June 17, 18 and 19. First time at Target Field? Here's a guide on where to park, where to eat, and where to get a beer. Watch the Minnesota Sinfonia at the Caponi Art Park. Explore the sculpture garden, take a short hike on the wooded trails, and watch a free concert from the Minnesota Sinfonia at their Theater in the Woods. The music is suitable for all ages - their repertoire includes music as diverse as the Harry Potter score to Strauss.
Father's Day Brunch Cruise on the Mississippi. The Padelford Riverboat Company is running a Father's Day brunch cruise on the Mississippi River on their old-fashioned riverboat.
Father's Day Brunch Cruise on the St. Croix. Father's Day Brunch cruises depart from Afton, or Hudson, WI for a champagne brunch on a boat on the beautiful St. Croix river. In the evening, there's a Father's Day Comedy Dinner Cruise, departing from Hudson, WI. Father's Day Trains. Does dad like trains? The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is running a Father's Day brunch train, and a Father's Day dinner train, departing from just across the state line in Osceola, WI.
The Nature Valley Grand Prix and Bike Festival begins on June 10 through until the final on June 19. On Father's Day, take Dad to watch the finale or world-class riders in the Stillwater Criterium, thirty high-speed laps of downtown Stillwater. There's more races, plus art, music and stunt rider demonstrations all week.Father's Day Lunch and Outdoor Activities at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement enjoy brats and burgers, then do outdoor activities like archery and rock climbing with Dad. $10 per adult, $6 per child, and pre-registration is required. Pa and Ma Day at the Landing. Play old-fashioned sports, dance, ride in a horse-drawn trolley, join in with a baseball game at The Landing, a historic trading site in Shakopee. Dads get in free with one paid admission.
Father's Day Gifts
Why not make something for dad? He'll appreciate it more than another tie. Here are some workshops about Minneapolis and St. Paul where the supplies are provided, and all you need to do is bring your creativity.Creative Kidstuff has a fish printing workshop on Saturday June 18 at all their Twin Cities stores. Make a custom fish-printed shirt for dad, using a real fish. You bring the shirt, they supply the fish.
Paint Your Plate has a vast selection of plain ceramics to decorate for dad. Paint Your Place is at 1132 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, telephone 651-225-8034. There's another Paint Your Plate at 5027 South France Avenue in Edina, telephone 612-929-6666.
Simply Jane Studios in South Minneapolis is a similar concept, but offer canvases, gardening tools, office supplies and many more items which children can customize with paint. Drop in any time to create dad a masterpiece, or come to the Father's Day workshop on Saturday June 18.
Does Dad like art, but you don't know one end of a paintbrush from the other? Or you are slightly too old for fish prints? Try the Walker Art Center Shop, full of man-friendly gadgets and cool, artist designed clothes and objects. Dad will love the sleek, stainless steel barbecue wares.
Father's Day Brunch
Father's Day brunch is a tradition for many families. The Twin Cities Dining Guide has a list of restaurants open for Father's Day.Reservations are usually necessary for Father's Day brunch. Call your favorite restaurant, or make reservations for Father's Day brunch online for many restaurants across the Twin Cities at OpenTable.com.
Here's some selections for Father's Day brunch:
The Marquette Hotel's Father's Day brunch is served in the Windows on Minnesota restaurant, on the 50th floor of the IDS center in downtown Minneapolis. With an amazing view over the city, it's a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Spill the Wine in Minneapolis offers a Father's Day brunch, plus a bloody mary bar, and a champagne bar.
Chez Daniel in Bloomington, is serving their usual French-American Sunday brunch, but why change something this good?
Sunsets in Wayzata has a wonderful lakeside location, and more different brunch items than dad can possibly eat. It'll be fun to try though. There's another Sunsets in Woodbury too, but it's in a strip mall.
Brunch at the Afton House Inn. Father's Day Brunch Buffet at this historic Afton House Inn.
