Marketfest White Bear Lake: A Complete Guide
Marketfest is one of White Bear Lake’s defining summer events — a Thursday-night downtown market and celebration that runs through the summer. For residents, it’s a weekly community gathering. For visitors, it’s a window into what makes White Bear Lake distinctive.
Here’s the practical Marketfest guide for residents and visitors.
What is Marketfest?
Marketfest is a weekly Thursday-night downtown market featuring local artisans, food vendors, live music, and community activities. The event has been a White Bear Lake tradition for years and draws thousands of attendees each Thursday.
- Held in downtown White Bear Lake
- Thursday evenings during summer (typically June-August)
- Free admission
- Family-friendly atmosphere
What you’ll find
- Local artisan vendors — handmade goods, art, crafts
- Food vendors — local restaurants, food trucks, specialty items
- Live music — local musicians and bands
- Family activities — kid-friendly entertainment
- Community organizations — local groups and businesses
- Beer garden in some years
Practical tips for attending
- Park early — downtown fills up quickly
- Bring cash for vendors who may not accept cards
- Dress for outdoor weather (it can change)
- Plan for crowds — popular weeks are busy
- Family-friendly but pets typically not allowed
- Many local restaurants extend hours during Marketfest
Why Marketfest matters to White Bear Lake
Marketfest is more than a market — it’s a weekly community gathering that defines summer in White Bear Lake. Local businesses build their schedules around it. Residents plan summer evenings around Thursday Marketfest visits. It’s part of what makes the city’s small-town feel real.
Schedule and timing
Marketfest typically runs:
- Thursday evenings, usually 6-9 PM
- June through August (varies by year)
- Some years feature special themed weeks
- Specific schedule announced annually by local organizers
Other White Bear Lake events
- Manitou Days — Memorial Day weekend festival
- Holiday Lights of White Bear Lake
- Snow Sculpting events
- Summer concerts at Sunset Park
- Various seasonal celebrations
Local businesses and Marketfest
Marketfest features local White Bear Lake businesses and creates ongoing community connections. Restaurants, shops, and service businesses all benefit. Owl Roofing supports local community events; we’re a local Minnesota company invested in the success of the communities we serve.
“Marketfest is the best part of summer in White Bear Lake. Owl gets the local community feel.”
— Brian Edge, local resident (Google review)
Other White Bear Lake content
About Owl Roofing
Owl Roofing is a family-owned exterior contractor founded in 2020 by Tim Brown and Noah Bergland in Shoreview, MN. We service White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Forest Lake, Birchwood Village, and the broader east Twin Cities metro.
- Minnesota General Contractor licensed
- BBB A+ accredited
- 350+ exterior projects since 2020
- Manufacturer certifications top tier with GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas
- Real reviews on Google, BBB, Houzz
- You meet Tim or Noah directly — no salespeople
For roofing, siding, windows, gutters, or any exterior project in White Bear Lake — call Tim and Noah at (651) 977-6027 or use our contact form.
Living in White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake combines lakefront character with established east-metro residential life. The community is known for:
- Iconic White Bear Lake itself — sailing, fishing, swimming, ice fishing in winter
- Distinctive downtown with locally-owned restaurants and shops
- Strong public schools through ISD 624
- Annual community events like Marketfest and Manitou Days
- Premium lakefront properties balanced with affordable starter homes
- Mature tree canopy and established neighborhoods
- Easy access to St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the broader east metro
For homeowners looking to invest in their property — through roofing, exterior work, or other home improvements — White Bear Lake offers a solid market with strong long-term value.
What Woodbury homeowners say about Owl
★★★★★
“Worked with Noah and it was a great experience. He was very responsive to any questions I had. Good team did a great job getting the roof replaced. For smaller things Noah went above and beyond.”
— John Wharton, via Google
★★★★★
“Noah did an excellent job with our roof and windows, and the entire experience was straightforward from the beginning. He communicated clearly, showed attention to detail, and delivered high-quality work. His team was efficient and professional throughout.”
— Brian Edge, via Google
★★★★★
“Noah is the real deal. After our insurance denied our roof claim and the first roofer walked away, Noah showed up the next day and said he thought he could get us a new roof. He came through. I call him The Roof Whisperer.”
— Tyler Moberg, via Google
All reviews verified from Owl Roofing’s public review profiles. See more at our reviews page.
Frequently asked questions
When is Marketfest?
Where is it held?
Is admission free?
Can I bring kids?
Is parking available?
Are there food options?
Local White Bear Lake roofing
Owl Roofing is family-owned, Minnesota-based, and supports the WBL community. Free inspection. Call (651) 977-6027.
