Free Things to do in Minneapolis - Free Things to do in St. Paul

1. Free Beer and Free Wine

Take a brewery tour, and sample some Summit beer at the Summit Brewery in St. Paul on selected Saturdays. Reservations are required for tours.

The Surly brewery in Brooklyn Center has free tours, often with Surly beer samples, on Friday nights. Reserve a spot on a tour at Surly's website.

Another St. Paul brewery, the Flat Earth Brewing Co, has monthly free tours and tastings.

The Four Firkins, an amazing specialty beer store in St. Louis Park has regular beer tastings.

Free wine tasting are held at several local stores. Trader Joe's hold weekly wine tastings at their St. Louis Park and Woodbury stores. Surdyk's, the liquor store and deli, has regular free wine and beer tastings.

2. Free Sporting Attractions

The Minnesota Vikings training camp, held in late July and early August in Mankato, is free to attend.

The Twin Cities River Rats, the Ski Otters and the Shakopee-Prior Lake Shockwaves Water Ski Team put on free water ski shows all summer long.

And in winter, the US Pond Hockey championship is held at Lake Nokomis every January, and is free for spectators.

3. Free Museums, Galleries and Attractions

Many Minneapolis and St. Paul museums, galleries and attractions are free to visit, and many others have one or two days a month when admission is free. Here's where you can go and see gardens, art, animals, and history in Minneapolis and St. Paul for free.

4. More Free Places to Visit

Many Twin Cities landmarks are open to the public. Here's a couple that are free to visit.

The Guthrie Theater is a stunning building inside and out, for the glass floors, the intriguing spaces, and the wonderful Endless Bridge over the Mississippi River.

The Minnesota State Capitol gives regular free tours of the Capitol building, chambers, artworks, and weather permitting, the tours visit the golden horses on the Capitol's roof.

And in view of the Capitol, the Cathedral of St. Paul is also free to visit. There's a great view of St. Paul from the Cathedral's steps.

5. The Museum Adventure Pass: More Free Attractions

Your local library offers free days out with the Museum Adventure Pass. Visit the library to check out a pass, which admits two or four people to one of the participating destinations. Attractions change every year but currently include the Walker Art Center and Fort Snelling. All the public libraries in the Twin Cities metro area are participating, and any library member can get a free pass.

6. Free Music, Movies, Plays and Comedy

Every summer, starting in June, parks across Minneapolis and St. Paul show movies, hold concerts, and put on plays. There's something happening every summer evening and weekend across the Twin Cities.

7. Free Children's Activities

A list of places with free admission, places to see free shows and entertainment, free art activities, and more to entertain children.

8. Free Furniture, Plants, Baby Toys, Snowblowers....

As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Several online message boards help residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul find new homes for unwanted items of all kinds. Scan the messages for a free item you need for an art or craft project, supplies for remodeling your home or garden, and lots of other projects.

9. Free Yoga and Dance Classes

The Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis offers regular yoga and dance classes which are free to join. They are held right in the middle of the market so it helps if you don't mind an audience, and your frugal nature might be severely challenged by all the tempting food and wares for sale all around you!

10. Free Festivals, Parades and Entertainment

The Twin Cities have a packed calendar of annual events from the Winter Carnival in January to the Holidazzle Parade in December, and many of Minneapolis' and St. Paul's most popular events are free to attend.