Grand Old Day, the largest free celebration in the Midwest, takes place this weekend, on Sunday, June 2nd in Saint Paul.
Saint Paul’s Grand Old Day is the official Kickoff to Summer. As the largest free celebration in the Midwest, this Saint Paul tradition has been taking place for fifty years. After a few years off, we are happy to report this event is back to happening!
Grand Old Day Schedule of Activities
The festival is on
- 7:30 AM: Grand Old Day 3K On-Site Registration Opens
- 8:30 AM: Grand Old Day 3K (Register Now for 3K)
- 9:00 AM-5:00 PM:
- Vendor and Art Booths Open
- Car Show Starts (Hamline/Grand)
- Family Fun Zone Activities Begin (Kowalski’s)
- F1RST Wrestling Begins (U.S. Bank)
- Grand Market Opens (Green Mill)
- Sports and Wellness District Opens (Willwerscheid Funeral Home)
- Nonprofit and Artisans Corridor Opens (find all along Grand Ave)
- 9:30 AM: Parade with Grand Marshal Peter Kenefick
- 11:00 AM: Entertainment and Activities Begin (View 2024 Entertainment Lineup)
- Music Begins across 8 Stages
- Beer Gardens and VIP Lounges Open (Wristbands or VIP Passes required)
- 5:00 PM: Last Call for Beer Gardens; Snelling to Lexington closes (Entertainment District)
- 6:00 PM: Grand Old Day Event Ends
Find a complete list of activities on this map.
Although the festival is free, if you plan to visit the Beer Gardens, you need to purchase a wristband. Head here to save $10 by purchasing your wristband in advance.
If you are looking to add a little extra to your experience, a limited number of Grand Stage VIP passes are available to purchase. This VIP pass includes a swag bag, beer garden fast pass, premium concert viewing, VIP tent and lounge, commemorative lanyard, and more. A wristband to the beer garden is required for this package and is sold separately.
Are you wondering about parking options? Consider taking a shuttle. There will be free shuttle rides to Grand Old Day for guests along Summit Avenue. Shuttles will pick up at stops along Summit on the corners of Cambridge, Saratoga, Syndicate, Oxford, Victoria, and St. Albans. If opting for this route, expect to wait 30 minutes for a shuttle as Summit Avenue gets very congested during the event.
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Kim has worked in the field of Education prior to staying home to spend more time with her three children. She enjoys hunting for deals, especially on everyday items and family outings.
Kim has grown up and continues to live in Central Minnesota. She enjoys being active outdoors, gardening, attending sporting events, and spending time with her family.
Sharon Higgins Fischtrom says
So miss my Minnesota! Will always consider myself a Minnesotan even though I’ve lived in Madison & Sun Prairie, Wisconsin & in San Francisco, California as well as my current home in Columbus, Ohio.