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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Minnesota  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Massachusetts'  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Minnesota celebrates festivals and events throughout the year, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to participate in a kaleidoscope of activities. Every corner of the state has communities with events highlighting the heritage and culture of the region, ranging from German Oktoberfest festivities to American Indian pow wows. Visit with colorful fur traders at Big Island Rendezvous in Albert Lea in October. Experience the colorful ethnic folk costumes, dances and mouthwatering delicacies at the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival in Moorhead each June. Or take part in the Mahkato Traditional Pow Wow in Mankato in the fall. Each festival offers a unique experience.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2014
Long known as the nation's oldest winter festival, since 1886 the Carnival provides indoor and outdoor fun, while reliving the ancient legend of springtime's triumph over winter. The celebration includes 75 events including parades, ice and snow carving competitions, ice skating, golf on ice and singing contests.
www.winter-carnival.com

Grumpy Old Men Festival, Wabasha
Feb. 22, 2014

20th Annual - Celebrate winter with that grumpy old man's hobby of ice fishing, in the town that inspired the movie of the same name. Other activities include an ice shack contest, Frisbee games, golf tournaments on snow, bird watching and a spaghetti dinner and dance. You won’t run into Walter Matthau or Jack Lemmon, but this quaint Mississippi River town knows how to celebrate.
www.wabashamn.org

Minnesota Twins Home Opener, Minneapolis
April 8, 2014
Fans will celebrate the first home game of the 2014 season for the Minnesota Twins baseball team at Target Field, the new home of major league baseball in the state. With one of the most unique, spectacular parks in all of America, spectators will be thrilled with the seating bowl situated in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=min

Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival, Moorhead
June 27-28, 2014
Authentic Scandinavian event featuring dancing, entertainment, booths and food celebrating the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The festival takes place at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center, home of the Viking ship that sailed from Minnesota to Norway in 1982.
www.nordiccultureclubs.org

Sommerfest, Minneapolis
July 1-27, 2014
This annual music festival is offered by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska. Sommerfest concerts are held over a four-week period in midsummer at Orchestra Hall; concerts range from light to classical. Outside the Hall, Peavey Plaza becomes a Marktplatz offering food stands and music. The orchestra performs free live music on the plaza before and after each show, ranging from folk to jazz to polka band.
www.minnesotaorchestra.org

Grand Celebration Powwow, Hinckley
June 14-16, 2014
This American Indian event is the largest Pow Wow in the Midwest with over 1,200 dancers, drummers and singers from nearly every tribe in the USA and Canada participating. In addition to the dancing, visitors learn American Indian traditions, eat Indian food and can purchase Indian crafts.
www.millelacsojibwe.org

Bayfront Blues Festival, Duluth
Aug. 8-10, 2014
One of the largest annual outdoor music festivals in the Midwest showcases nearly 30 national performances on two concert stages. Additional weekend events include a Moonlight Mardi Gras Cruise and live Blues at nearly 20 Duluth nightclubs. The event takes place in Canal Park on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.  Visit:  www.bayfrontblues.com

Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul
Aug. 21-Sept. 1, 2014
The Great Minnesota Get-together features world class entertainment, agricultural exhibits, horse shows, a rodeo, arts and craft displays, amusement park rides, a daily parade and food of every variety. The event attracts almost 2 million visitors each year.
visit:  www.mnstatefair.org

Big Island Rendezvous, Albert Lea
October 4-5, 2014
A celebration of history during the fur trade period of America (1650-1840) and early Frontier America features music performances by groups from throughout the US, over 300 tents and campfires with living history re-enactors carrying on daily life as it would have been over 200 years ago. Craftspeople demonstrate their skills and sell their wares, specialty food from bygone days is served and activities for all ages entertain visitors of all ages.
www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

Holidazzle Parades, Minneapolis
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, 2014
The annual Target Holidazzle Parade displays over one million brilliant lights as visitors watch their favorite storybook characters come to life. Lighted elaborate floats, musical groups and costumed characters parade down the Nicollet Mall at 6:30pm, even as the winter weather descends upon Minneapolis. The parade is free to watch, and runs Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season.
www.holidazzle.com  

Celebrate winter with that grumpy old man's hobby of ice fishing, in the town that inspired the movie of the same name. Other activities include an ice shack contest, Frisbee games, golf tournaments on snow, bird watching and a spaghetti dinner and dance.