Lowertown Sounds takes over Mears Park in Saint Paul tonight at 6 pm with local rockers Kiss the Tiger and indie folk outfit Keep for Cheap. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and soak in a summer evening of free local music surrounded by downtown’s trees and food trucks, as highlighted by Minnesota Parent. If you prefer a lakeside vibe, head to the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis at 7:30 for Minneapolis Music in the Parks, another free show near the water as featured in the Family Fun Twin Cities music guide.

This weekend the Irish Fair of Minnesota returns to Harriet Island from Friday through Sunday, according to FOX 9. Enjoy nonstop Irish music and dance, authentic food, cultural demos, pub tents, and a huge kids’ zone. Organizers call it one of the most authentic Irish fests in America and admission is free.

Baseball fans, the Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals at Target Field all weekend long. Friday night’s game features post-game fireworks. Saturday celebrates Native American Heritage with special giveaways, and Sunday, kids score a back-to-school backpack. FOX 9 notes these games are prime events for both families and sports fans.

Saturday brings two unique touches. The Minnesota Garlic Festival takes place in nearby Hutchinson at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. From 10 to 5, enjoy garlic-forward eats, chef demos, live music, and a bustling marketplace. Back in the city, the First Free Saturday at Walker Art Center lets families dive into art and nature outdoors in the Sculpture Garden, with art projects and gallery access, as recommended by Family Fun Twin Cities.

For theater lovers, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical is running at the Orpheum Theatre through August 17, while Cabaret continues at the Guthrie and Grease electrifies the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, as spotlighted in the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine event calendar.

On Sunday, families won’t want to miss the First Free Sunday at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in downtown Saint Paul, supported by Securian Financial. Reserve your spot for play-based exhibits spread across four floors, including the “Monsters on Summer Vacation” pop-up.

Saint Paul’s neighborhood festivals, free summer concerts, and art walks continue throughout the week. Highlights include Centennial Lakes Park’s summer series in Edina and endless options around the city that guarantee there’s music in the air somewhere every night.

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