Minnesota knows how to do food festivals right. From ribs and beer to food trucks and deep-fried everything, there’s something tasty happening almost every weekend. Add in live music and summer weather, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to get out and explore. Below are some of the top food festivals across Minnesota in 2025 — but that’s just a taste. Head to JamsAt.com to search for more festivals by genre, artist, location, and more.
Click into any event below to see lineups (if announced) and other details. Missing a festival with jams? Let us know — we’d love to add it!
Get ready to jam out and dig in, because Minnesota’s food festivals are where them JamsAt!
Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival – Owatonna
When: Friday, May 30th – Saturday, 31st, 2025
Where: Steele County Fairgrounds
Why Go: Smokin’ in Steele serves up slow-cooked BBQ and live blues in equal measure. This Kansas City Barbeque Society Sanctioned State Championship kicks off the summer with smoky flavors and smooth rhythms —all while supporting the Special Olympics.
MN Food Truck Festival – Hopkins
When: Saturday, June 21st, 2025
Where: Downtown Hopkins
Why Go: The Hopkins Food Truck Festival transforms Mainstreet into a hub of flavor with over 50 food trucks! Live music, craft drinks, and family-friendly games round out a summer afternoon that supports Feed My Starving Children.
Taste of Minnesota – Minneapolis
When: Saturday, July 5th – Sunday, 6th, 2025
Where: Downtown Minneapolis
Why Go: This free downtown festival transforms Nicollet Mall into a culinary and musical haven. Attendees can savor diverse dishes while enjoying performances from rock and rap artists.
Bavarian Blast – New Ulm
When: Thursday, July 17th – Sunday, 20th, 2025
Where: Brown County Fairgrounds
Why Go: Celebrate German heritage with steins in hand and feet on the dancefloor—Bavarian Blast features nonstop music, authentic cuisine, and a full-on dedicated Polka Hall that keeps the party spinning all weekend.
The Great Midwest Rib Fest – Prior Lake
When: Thursday, July 24th – Saturday, 26th, 2025
Where: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Why Go: This nationally recognized rib showdown features award-winning pitmasters, free outdoor concerts from major headliners, and a festival vibe that turns Mystic Lake into BBQ heaven for the weekend.
Mankato Ribfest – Mankato
When: Thursday, July 31st – Sunday, 3rd, 2025
Where: Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Why Go: Mankato Ribfest brings award-winning BBQ and chart-topping artists to a laid-back outdoor setting. A peak summer festival!
MN Food Truck Festival – Minneapolis
When: Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Where: Father Hennepin Bluff Park
Why Go: Featuring over 40 food trucks offering pretty much everything you are craving! It is more than just food truck; this festival has MUSIC all day, locals beer/cocktails, games, dog friendly, and did I mention all for a good cause?! Each wristband supports 3 meals provided to people in need via – Feed My Starving Children.
MN Food Truck Festival – Anoka
When: Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Where: Downtown Anoka
Why Go: This late-summer edition of the MN Food Truck Festival features 50+ food trucks dishing out bold bites and sweet treats. With live music, cold drinks, and activities for all ages, it’s a flavorful day out that also helps fight hunger through Feed My Starving Children.
Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights
When: Thursday, August 21st – Monday, 1st, 2025
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds,
Why Go: Dubbed “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this iconic fair offers a smorgasbord of over 1,600 food options, from Sweet Martha’s Cookies to deep-fried ranch. Complementing the culinary delights are daily concerts at the Grandstand and 900+ other shows (plenty are FREE)!
Cottage Grove Food Truck Festival – Cottage Grove
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Where: Kingston Park
Why Go: Set in Kingston Park, this festival features 30+ food trucks, live music, a beer garden, a marketplace, kid activities, all with free entry!