Criteria for Inclusion of Events in the Minnesota Explorer Newspaper Calendar of Events

GOAL OF CRITERIA: Promote Minnesota festivals and events that have potential for generating overnight travel in Minnesota.

Events may be entered into our system at any time. Dates for inclusion of events in print publications can be found under "Minnesota Explorer Newspaper" on the Print Advertising page of this website.

Events to be included in the calendar:

• Festivals and other events that are primarily entertaining or recreational in nature, that are likely to be of interest to a broad number of travelers.
• Arts and entertainment events, including: art exhibits, professional dance concerts, music concerts (primarily professional), theater performances (primarily professional), special exhibits (usually at historic museums or similar sites), Omnimax films and film festivals.
• Sports events designed to draw out-of-town participants, such as: major bike rides and events, major fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, major motor races, marathons, major running and walking events, professional team sports, and U of M sports. Sports events that are part of community festivals will not be listed separately under sports.

Limitations:

• Historic sites, museums and many other attractions regularly schedule special events on many or most weekends throughout the year. Space will not permit including all these events. Limit: 3 events per major site per season, maximum; 1 event for minor site. (print edition only)
• No theater performances without specific play named.
• Many arts groups (such as orchestras) have numerous performances, beyond our space limits. Limit: 5 arts performances/performance series per group. (print edition only)
• Calendar entries must be submitted through the Tourism Manager website.

Events Not Included in the Calendar:

• Trade, consumer, club, hobby or collectors' shows. (Exceptions: antique shows deemed large or varied enough to draw out-of-town visitors; sports & travel shows promoting Minnesota travel.)
• Craft sales, except major, juried shows drawing regional handcrafters or craft shows that are part of a larger community festival and are listed in the description of the event. (While craft sales are popular, hundreds of church, school, holiday, benefit, and other local sales are held throughout the state, and including them would swell the calendar's size.) Shopping center events, except major events at the Mall of America – a significant travel destination.
• Meals (dinners, breakfasts, etc) except those mentioned in description of a larger event.
• Flea markets, swap meets, sidewalk sales or crazy days. (Simply too many to include.)
• Lectures, slide shows, conferences or other educational events.
• Events longer than 3 weeks. (Exceptions: Renaissance Festival, Sommerfest)
• Style shows.
• Private home tours.
• Club events.
• Retreats requiring at stay at a lodging facility, or requiring reservations.
• Ongoing activities with no specific dates.
• Church fairs or bazaars.
• Religious services.
• Season opening dates of attractions.
• Civic events.
• Events directed toward very specific audience (example: trail rides, for those who own their own horses; town reunions).
• Events that require advance reservations (except for arts or sports events).
• In general, events with limited appeal.

This criteria is subject to change.