7 things to do in the Twin Cities this Fourth of July weekend

Looking for something beyond hot dogs this Fourth of July? You’re in luck — three food festivals are taking over both sides of the river this weekend.

The big picture: Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis Saturday-Sunday with nearly 50 food vendors, a block-long artist marketplace and all-day live music across three stages. Free, but tickets are required

  • What we’re watching: The Jucy Lucy Hall of Flame on Saturday, where those with stomachs of steel (and stretchy pants) can eat a flight of three full-sized Jucys from Matt’s Bar, The Nook and The 5-8 Club. $40

Plus: Head to St. Paul on Saturday for Minnesota’s first Native American Food Truck Festival, with nearly 20 native-owned food trucks and chefs popping up at Harriet Island Regional Park from 11am-7pm. Free

  • And if that’s not enough: the second annual Taste of St. Paul will also take place Saturday and Sunday with food trucks, live performances and a kids zone. Free

In other entertainment news …

🌭 Challenge Joey Chestnut’s record at Minneapolis cocktail bar Meteor’s inaugural hot dog eating contest Friday afternoon. In addition to the classic speed eating competition, there will also be a “performance” category for those who can eat one single hot dog “the best.”

  • “Points are based on name, balance, originality, presentation, crowd engagement, and delivery,” according to the bar’s Instagram post. Free

🩲 Show some skin at the 19th Freedom From Pants Ride on Friday, the annual Fourth of July clothing-optional bike ride around Minneapolis. This year’s route starts downtown at 6pm with stops at Loring Park, Cedar Lake Beach and Sabo Bridge. Free

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