It's the final weekend of Aquatennial, Loring Park is packed with artists, and Minneapolis Black Business Week is right around the corner — here's everything happening in the Twin Cities the week of July 24, 2026. In this episode: Aquatennial wraps July 24–26 — catch the Milk Carton Boat Race, floating lanterns, and the Boom Island bounce party before the city's civic festival closes out for the year. Loring Park Art Festival — 150+ juried artists, free admission, Saturday July 25 (10am–6pm) and Sunday July 26 (10am–5pm) at Loring Park. Mill City Farmers Market — Saturdays 8am–1pm at 750 S 2nd St, between Mill City Museum and the Guthrie. Also: Carifest (Caribbean music and food, July 24–25) and Chaska River City Days (July 24–26). Minneapolis Black Business Week, July 27–Aug 2 — the sixth annual edition kicks off with a summit featuring Sheletta Brundidge. Spotlight founder: Jakesa Thompson's Happy Plate, an allergy-inclusive dessert startup launched just last month. Minnesota cannabis market hits a record $22M in monthly sales — 3,541 applicants, 281 licenses issued, 100+ active retail dispensaries statewide. The OCM petition window closes July 31 at 4pm — your chance to petition for new cannabinoid products, categories, or delivery methods. Sports at home — Minnesota Lynx at Target Center (July 25, 26, 28, 29), Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps at Allianz Field (Sat July 25, 7:30pm), St. Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers at CHS Field all weekend. New restaurant openings — Tasca Madrid (Spanish tapas and paella in the former Handsome Hog space, St. Paul, soft open July 19) and Haraz Coffee House (Yemeni coffee at 3001 Lyndale Ave S, opened late June). Live music at First Avenue — United We Dance Rave (Fri July 24), Off Campus Night (Sat July 25), Audrey Hobert (Mon July 27). Sources: Mill City Farmers Market Minneapolis Farmers Market (Lyndale) Minneapolis.org — Summer Events (Aquatennial, Carifest) Loring Park Art Festival Chaska River City Days — Family Fun Twin Cities First Avenue Shows St. Paul Saints Schedule Minnesota Lynx 2026 Schedule Minnesota United FC Tickets Star Tribune — Restaurant Roll Call (Tasca Madrid, Haraz Coffee) Minneapolis Black Business Week — City of Minneapolis Minneapolis Black Business Week 2026 Guide — Spokesman-Recorder Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management Subscribe: mplsvegan.com Full transcript George: —and I'm telling you, Laura, I walked over the Stone Arch this morning and it was already warm at seven. Laura: George, you say that every single week like it's breaking news. George: Ope, well, this time I mean it. The river had that shimmer, you know the one. Laura: I do know the one. But you also said that in FEBRUARY about a puddle, so. George: Okay, fair. Fair. Laura: It's the last weekend of Aquatennial though, so the whole downtown's got that... hum to it. George: Right, and the Milk Carton Boat Race is this weekend, which — every year I say I'm gonna build one, every year I don't. Laura: You are NOT building a boat, George. George: I could! Laura: You could not. But the floating lanterns though... that part gets me every time. George: Yeah, the lanterns are something else. And Boom Island's doing the bounce party to close it out. Laura: Which is chaos in the best way. Bring water. Actual water. George: Not pop? Laura: Not pop, George. Water. It is JULY. George: Speaking of the heat, patio weather is doing its thing. What's the plan for you this weekend? Laura: Honestly? Mill City Farmers Market Saturday morning, then maybe drift over to Loring Park for the art fest. George: Oh, Loring Park Art Festival, yeah — that's Saturday and Sunday. Laura: Hundred and fifty artists, free, shade under the trees. That's a whole day right there. George: And Mill City's still eight to one, Saturdays, right between the museum and the Guthrie. Laura: Mhm. I go for the peaches and leave with, like, a bouquet, three jars of honey, and regret. George: Regret is the fourth vendor. Laura: It really is. George: Which reminds me — this show is brought to you in part by mplsvegan.com, our friends over there mapping out the plant-based scene in the Cities. Laura: And speaking of, are we doing the vegan run-down? George: Let's do it. What's on your patio list right now? Laura: J. Selby's in St. Paul, obviously. That patio in summer? Come on. George: The Dilla is undefeated. Laura: Undefeated, George. And Herbivorous Butcher up in Northeast, you can do a sandwich, walk it over toward the Arts District. George: I still think about their Italian sub from, like, two years ago. Laura: Wow, thanks for that update, hot off the presses. George: Hey, some things stay with you! Laura: They do. Reverie's another one — grab something, sit outside, watch South Minneapolis go by. George: Hard Times Cafe if you want the whole vibe. Coffee, biscuits, people-watching. Laura: Trio Plant-Based for when you want to feel a little fancy without actually being fancy. George: And Hello Pizza — I know it's Edina, but a slice on the patio when it's this warm... Laura: You're allowed to like Edina, George. It's okay. George: I never said I didn't! Laura: You said it with your whole face last month. George: Uff da. Okay. Laura: And The Herbalist if you want that lighter, veggie-forward thing. George: That's a solid list. Honestly, you could do a different patio every night this week and not repeat. Laura: Which brings me to something — you mentioned the Aquatennial vibe, and I keep thinking, this is also the kickoff of Minneapolis Black Business Week. George: That's right, Jul...
