Summer guide to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota campus might quiet down in the summer, but the University’s work doesn't stop—and sometimes, work can be fun! Bookmark this guide to what’s happening.
Summer in Minnesota can feel like a whirlwind. There’s almost too much to do. And even though the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus might quiet down in the summertime, the University’s research, education, and outreach don’t stop.
To help you stay on beat this summer, we’ve curated a list of some of the events, exhibits, concerts, and other happenings at the University of Minnesota and its metro locations. It’s not a comprehensive list, because again—So. Many. Options. But there’s enough here to offer something for everyone and get you started down the path of curiosity, which inevitably leads to new discoveries and your next adventure.
Get inspired at WAM
The whimsical waves of the stainless-steel façade of the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis reflect summer’s sunshine as a shining beacon for the arts. And while the outside of WAM itself is something to behold, the inside is an ever-changing showcase of art experiences that help broaden visitors’ understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Opening on June 25, “Global and Minnesota Visions, Past & Present” examines the concept of future cities as a means to create more habitable, just, and sustainable places for people to live, work, and play. On view through Sept.14, free of charge, as always. While you’re there, don’t miss the two-story giant glass fish and lots of other WAM exhibits!
Celebrate a century of the University of Minnesota Press
In 2025, the University of Minnesota Press celebrates 100 years of creative publishing, including groundbreaking ideas and influential works from authors such as Ellen Willis, Werner Herzog, Sean Sherman, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Allen Ginsberg, Louise Erdrich, and many others. Celebrate the press’s history and its dynamic publishing program by dropping by the exhibit, “Local Roots, Global Reach: A Century of the University of Minnesota Press,” open now through summer at the James Ford Bell Gallery in the Elmer L. Andersen Library.
See sentinels of the sky up close on Saturdays
On the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Saint Paul sits a center unique to the Midwest and renowned around the nation and world—The Raptor Center (TRC), housed within the College of Veterinary Medicine. And every Saturday this summer, you can get up close and (safely) personal with live raptor encounters.
The exciting show-style programs feature three raptors (typically an owl, a hawk, and a falcon) presented one by one, during which participants can learn what makes these birds unique and see them each on the glove. After the program, you'll go on a tour of The Raptor Center and meet even more ambassador birds. Tickets are $5 for kids, $8 for adults.
TRC also offers a variety of summer camps for kids of varying ages for those who’d like to really dig their claws in, including the Wizarding World of Wildlife (July 7-11); Soaring with Raptors (July 14-18), Working with Wildlife (Aug. 4-8), and more.
Age-Friendly University Day
The University of Minnesota isn’t just for the young. Retirees, older Minnesotans, and lifelong learners can join the School of Public Health for a day filled with discussions about healthy aging, mindfulness, fighting ageism, and more. The annual celebration will feature speakers, including Minnesota’s First Lady, Gwen Walz.
The event is free to attend virtually, but for in-person attendees, a $25 fee will support a full day of learning and networking, including panel discussions and breakout sessions, along with breakfast and lunch. McNamara Alumni Center. Register to receive the Zoom link. June 23.
Explore more offerings for older adults through the U of M's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Amazing Advances in Astrophysics public lectures
If your neck isn’t tired from looking up at the raptors, join the University of Minnesota's School of Physics and Astronomy for views of space through an astounding series of free public lectures on amazing advances in astrophysics, where you’ll learn about the mysteries of the universe and what your local astrophysicists are doing to solve them.
Lectures include "Superman Meets Newton and Einstein" (June 24); "Weird Galaxies and Wonderful Animals: Why Big Data Needs YOU!" (July 1); "Catching Some Gravitational Waves" (July 8); and many more. Tuesdays, June 24-July 29, Tate Hall Lab of Physics.
Have your kid start that novel early with Minnesota Writing Project Youth Camps
Youth are invited to join other young writers to make new friends and write their hearts out during Minnesota Writing Project Youth Camps, which support young writers in a collaborative atmosphere where they can explore writing in many forms against the backdrop of the University of Minnesota. In the morning, young writers will participate in activities led by experienced teachers. In the afternoon, campers will visit cool places around the University such as the Weisman Art Museum, a virtual reality studio, and the aerospace building. Camps are available for campers entering grades 3–8. Register to attend and see camp dates and fees.
Show your pride at the Twin Cities Pride Festival and more
The University of Minnesota prides itself on creating a welcoming environment for people of all sexualities and gender identities, so it makes sense that the University will host a booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 28-29. Free giveaways this year include a clear cross-body bag and UMN Pride pin. On June 29, the University of Minnesota Marching Band will hit the pavement—joined by Goldy Gopher—in the Twin Cities Pride Parade, starting at 11 a.m. See more U of M Pride events.
Meanwhile, throughout summer, the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at University of Minnesota Libraries will host “Indivisible: Celebrating 25 years of the Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies.” The exhibit celebrates the historical visibility and representation discoverable in the Tretter Collection by displaying the breadth of ephemeral materials we preserve.
Be sure to ring the Bell
The Bell Museum has a truly mammoth selection of exhibits and hands-on experiences for people of all ages this summer. Visitors can explore the origins of the Big Bang and trace the growth of the universe in the new Bell Museum original planetarium show, Our Expanding Universe (recommended for ages 10 and up). Time your visit right and you’ll have even more out-of-this-world experiences during Super Solar Saturdays, where expert astronomy staff will guide you through safe solar observing while teaching you about our closest star.
Once you’ve had enough of the solar system, return to planet Earth and the Twin Cities by popping into the Bell’s award-winning makerspace, Solution Studio, where you can explore research happening in your own neighborhood as part of the University of Minnesota’s MSP Long Term Ecological Research project studying urban ecology in the Twin Cities. On view through Aug. 31.
Later in the summer, be sure to join scientists and students for the Bell Museum’s Learning Landscape (Aug. 5-9) to experience the process of measuring, cataloging, and preparing natural history specimens.
See (and smell) nature’s best ideas at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The best ideas nature has to offer are curated for Minnesotans and visitors from around the nation at the renowned University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. From free guided garden tours to inspire your own green-thumb efforts, to summer culinary classes that embrace the great outdoors, the Arb truly has something for every nature lover.
Throughout summer, the culinarily curious can choose from a delicious line-up in the “Grow. Harvest. Eat.” series, including Garlic on the Table (June 25); Basil and Blooms (July 30); Corn and Color (Aug. 20); and more.
And did someone say Potato Day? That’s just one event in a series of eight family-friendly Summer Fun at the Farm activities, with a new theme each week that connects visitors with the food they eat by inviting them into the fields to help harvest and learn about different crops. Fun activities for the entire family include tours of crop plots, food gardens and orchards, cooking presentations and samples, a pollinator quest scavenger hunt, and other games and beekeeping demonstrations. Saturdays, July 19-Sept. 6. Coming soon:
Other Arb events include Firefly Viewing Nights (June 26-28; July 3, 5-6, and 10-12) and the Aug. 9 opening reception for the exhibit “Verdant Remedies: Unearthing Hmong Art and Nature.”
Camp for Kids Who Stutter
Many kids who stutter have never met anyone else who stutters, which can be a very isolating experience. The Sioris Family University of Minnesota Kids Who Stutter Summer Camp invites children who stutter to meet one another in a fun and supportive environment. The camp focuses on the social, emotional, and attitudinal aspects of stuttering, with the goal of helping campers increase their confidence, independence, and joy in communication. July 14-18.
Ever wanted to start your own farm? Here’s how
If you’ve ever dreamed of that bucolic country life, starting a farm might be for you. Join University of Minnesota Extension and researchers during Organic fruit and vegetable field day for updates on organic fruit and vegetable research and tour the Student Organic Farm and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in St. Paul. You’ll learn about organic insect management, integrating livestock into vegetable farms, new crops for Minnesota, irrigation strategies, and more. July 15, Cornercopia Student Organic Farm, Falcon Heights.
‘Speaking of Work’
It can be hard to want to work in the summer, but what about hearing from leaders in our community about their work? The U of M's Speaking of Work series is a free lecture series created for professionals across the Twin Cities business community and beyond offering firsthand learning from leading organizations. Next up in the series, join Thad Levine, former Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Minnesota Twins, as he leads discussions on talent acquisition, team development, and retention. Walk away with behind-the-scenes knowledge of managing an MLB team and actionable strategies that organizations can leverage to build stronger and more resilient teams. July 16.
Free beekeeping education for Minnesota Veterans
The University of Minnesota Bee Lab provides free beekeeping education for Minnesota Veterans through the Bee Veterans program, which aims to create community through hands-on beekeeping training, while promoting the recreational and professional benefits inherent in working with honey bees. The program is for Minnesota veterans with any level of beekeeping experience (including no experience). July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Bee Veterans apiary, MSP airport.
Join the Summer Orchestra or Chorus or just attend a show
The University’s Summer Orchestra program brings together adult musicians of all backgrounds to rehearse and perform a compelling program of orchestral works. It is a great learning and community opportunity for anyone looking to advance their orchestral skills. There is no audition required, but some orchestral experience is recommended before joining. If instruments aren’t your thing, maybe the Summer Chorus program is your jam? Both programs will host free, upcoming concerts, too with the orchestra performing July 24, and the chorus on July 26.
End summer with a bang at the Great Minnesota Get-Together
The Great Minnesota Get-Together wouldn’t be quite as great without the University of Minnesota, which has been present at the Minnesota State Fair for generations.
In fact, the U of M will be represented at 10! State Fair buildings this year, where visitors can engage with everything from robots to baby animals. Be sure to stop by the Gopher Dairy Bar—where proceeds benefit student activities—for a cool shake or a refreshing glass of milk. Or visit one of the many research demonstrations, where you’ll find many opportunities to participate in an actual University of Minnesota study. Aug. 21-Sept. 1. Be sure to check statefair.umn.edu later this summer (it's not updated for 2025 yet) for the full listing of University events.
Even more opportunities to engage with the U of M
Youth programs at the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota offers hundreds of programs each year to engage youth in every corner of Minnesota. Whatever your child’s interests, the University has a program that fits—along with the staff and faculty trained to enlighten minds and fulfill curiosity.
From a week of climbing trees (while learning about arborists), to learning about bees at the Bell (it’s all the buzz), to discussing planes, trains, and automobiles (while learning about transportation careers), we have it all. Visit youthcentral.umn.edu for more.
Know a future Gopher? Visit campus this summer
Have you ever considered attending the University of Minnesota or know someone who’s curious? Whether you're just starting to think about college or narrowing down your top choices, the University offers a variety of visit experiences to fit your needs. From immersive full-day events to quick, customizable tours, there’s something on the menu for every future Gopher, including sneak previews for high school students (July and August), enhanced visits for high school and transfer students ready to explore majors (June through August), and ongoing regular campus tours and info sessions.
African Diaspora Entrepreneur Innovations Symposium + climate change institute
The African Studies Initiative (ASI) at the University of Minnesota will host the African Diaspora Entrepreneur Innovations Symposium featuring the 2025 cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows from 19 African countries who recently participated in a leadership institute at the University. June 24, 530 Bruininks Hall. Then, on June 30 and July 1, ASI will host the “Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Africa Summer Institute.”
A conference for educational leaders
The annual Leading in Equity, Action, and Diversity (LEAD) conference is expanding to a three-day format in 2025. The event supports education leaders by offering actionable insights, tools, and strategies for creating more equitable education systems that eliminate racial harm and disparities in students’ opportunities, experiences, and outcomes. The third day of the event will focus on addressing barriers to school attendance for K-12 students and their families through collaborative, family-focused early interventions. July 29-31.
