Twin Cities Events Roundup (August 15-31st)
Wait… there are still events happening during the Minnesota State Fair?!
🎉 Nine Years Already?
This month marks nine years since I first started Twin Cities Collective back in 2016 on Instagram and Facebook. Honestly, it still blows my mind. When I started, it wasn’t because I had some grand plan — I just noticed something missing.
There were so many amazing people doing incredible things in the Twin Cities… but they were all in separate silos. I’d go to networking events, but none of them felt like me. So I decided to try something different and host my own.
✨Transitioning to this Newsletter
Over time, I realized something: I’m not really an event host. My true skill is connecting people. I love helping someone discover a new group, business, or event they’d never heard of before. I was burned out on hosting and TCC was in limbo.
But then people kept asking me, “What are you going to next?” At first, I’d send individual DMs or emails. But eventually I thought — why not just share everything I’m finding in one place? And that’s how this newsletter really became my thing and continuing the brand I spent so many years building.
The coolest part? Just last month, I went to a couple of events I’d featured here, and people came up to tell me they found them through this email newsletter.
That made my whole week. People taking action after reading this newsletter.
🚀 My One Big Ask: Go to an event this month!
Here’s the thing: reading about events is great, but going to them is where the magic happens.
I try to include a mix — free, paid, big, small — but no matter what you choose, the first step is actually showing up. Networking is a long game. The more you’re out there, the more people see you, the more opportunities come your way.
And this isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a freelancer, work a 9–5, are in between jobs, or home with kids — meeting people who inspire you (or teach you something new) is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
🎤 VOTE NOW!
Twin Cities Startup Week Speakers
Twin Cities Startup Week is one of my absolute favorite weeks of the year (Get your early bird tix now-Coming in October). I’ve submitted a talk, and I’d love your help getting it on the schedule. Voting is open until August 20th — it only takes a minute, and it would mean so much to me if you clicked over and cast your vote. Also vote for all the topics that interest you!
Startup Week voting is a great way to shape the event lineup and support local voices you believe in. It’s one of the few times the community truly gets to help decide what’s featured — so take a few minutes and make your picks.
📅 Events You Should Know About (Late August)
Here’s what’s coming up in the next couple weeks — pick one and go! You never know who you’ll meet.
Note: Less events than normal due to end of summer/St. Fair but still a bunch to go to!
🌟 Upcoming Events
TODAY SLP The Coven – 1st Birthday Party
📍 The Coven, St. Louis Park
🗓 Thursday, August 15th | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Celebrate one year of The Coven’s St. Louis Park location with free coworking, community, creativity, and connection. Expect music, treats, and plenty of local entrepreneur energy.
MN Women in AI – Monthly Happy Hour
📍 The Market at Malcolm Yards, Minneapolis
🗓 Tuesday, August 19th | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
This casual networking meetup is for women in AI and allies who want to connect over drinks, swap ideas, and talk tech in a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for meeting other innovators and making new industry friends.
🔗 Link
AI for the Rest of Us – Half-Day Conference
📍 MN Vikings Museum, Eagan
🗓 Thursday, August 19th | 8:00 AM
A practical, beginner-friendly conference exploring how AI tools can actually work for your business and life—no computer science degree required. Hosted by Lorignite & Blue Phoenix Learning, expect actionable takeaways and local networking.
🔗 Link
Social Goods Exchange at All Square
📍 All Square, 4047 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
🗓 Tuesday, August 20th | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
A gathering of social entrepreneurs, change-makers, and mission-driven leaders to share ideas and build partnerships. Hosted at the impactful All Square café, which supports justice-impacted individuals.
Women Ignite! 2025
📍 Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
🗓 Wednesday, August 20th | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
An empowering networking event hosted by NAWBO Minnesota, bringing together women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners. Expect inspiring speakers, resource sharing, and plenty of opportunities to make meaningful connections.
The Visible Woman Workshop
📍 Fridley, MN
🗓 Thursday, August 21st | 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM
A full-day personal branding workshop for professional women who want to boost their visibility, presence, and influence. Expect strategy sessions, LinkedIn polishing, and big empowering energy.
Creative Mornings: Kate Meier – Movement is the Moment
📍 Forgotten Star Brewing
🗓 Friday, August 22nd | 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Part of the global Creative Mornings speaker series, this session features Kate Meier exploring the connection between movement, creativity, and living fully. A great way to start your Friday inspired and caffeinated.
Break the Bubble – Make New Friends
📍 Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul
🗓 Thursday, August 22nd | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
An easygoing social mixer for adults looking to expand their circle beyond work and existing friend groups. No icebreakers, no awkward forced games—just good conversation over drinks.
AGC Boat Cruise
📍 Boarding at 98 Walnut St, Hudson, WI (St. Croix River)
🗓 Tuesday, August 26th | Boarding 5:30 PM | Cruise 6:00 – 8:00 PM
A scenic networking evening on the St. Croix River with Accelerated Global Connections—mixing business and pleasure on a summer night. Expect light refreshments, fresh air, and plenty of conversation.
🎡 Spotlight: The Great Minnesota Get-Together
If you’re new to the Twin Cities, let me be the first to tell you: the Minnesota State Fair isn’t just an event—it’s basically a season. From August 22nd through September 2nd, over 2 million people will make their way to the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, making it one of the largest state fairs in the country.
What to expect? A little bit of everything:
Food on a stick — from deep-fried pickles to (yes) spaghetti and meatballs.
Free entertainment — music stages, marching bands, roaming performers.
Big-name concerts — the Grandstand lineup is worth checking if you love live shows.
Animal barns — adorable farm animals, horse shows, and even llama costume contests.
Local makers & vendors — shop Minnesota-made goods and art.
💡 Pro Tips:
Wear comfy shoes—you’ll easily hit 10,000+ steps without realizing it.
Go early in the morning for smaller crowds.
The Skyride and SkyGlider are perfect for taking a break and getting a bird’s-eye view.
If you’re going with a group, set a meeting spot (cell service can be spotty).
If you’re new to town, the fair is also an amazing way to meet people and soak in Minnesota culture—whether you’re a die-hard foodie, music fan, or people-watcher.
📍 Fairgrounds Location: 1265 Snelling Ave N, Falcon Heights
📅 Dates: August 22 – September 2
🔗 More Info & Schedules: mnstatefair.org