16 free things to do and get in St. Paul, including 7 entertainment, 5 attractions, 1 free items.
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Daily, 10am–4pm
Como Park Zoo & ConservatorySt. Paul
Como Zoo in Como Park is free to visit, open daily 10am to 4pm. A voluntary donation ($8 adult, $5 child) is appreciated but not required.
Verified Oct 27 · comozooconservatory.org
No catch
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm (through April 30, 2027)
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Como ParkSt. Paul
Como's glass conservatory, with its Sunken Garden flower shows and tropical rooms, is free. Fall–winter hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (through April 30, 2027), plus some extended Mondays. Donations welcome, not required.
Verified Oct 27 · comozooconservatory.org
No catch
Tours hourly: Monday–Friday 9am–3pm, Saturday 10am–2pm
Minnesota State CapitolSt. Paul
Admission to the Minnesota State Capitol is free, and 45-minute guided tours leave at the top of each hour: weekdays 9am to 3pm, Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Start at the information desk in Room 126, right of the south entrance. A $5 donation is suggested, not required.
Verified Oct 27 · mnhs.org
No catch
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am–noon & 2–4pm; Wed 4–7pm
Keystone Community Food CenterSt. Paul
Keystone's food center on University Avenue gives emergency groceries with no appointment, first come, first served: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to noon and 2 to 4pm, Wednesday 4 to 7pm. Call 651-917-3792 with questions.
Verified Oct 27 · keystoneservices.org
Catch: Only for: people who need emergency food
Tuesday–Thursday 10am–4pm; Friday 10am–2pm; Saturday noon–4pm
American Museum of Art, University of St. ThomasSt. Paul
The art museum on the second floor of the Anderson Student Center at the University of St. Thomas is free with no tickets needed. Open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 10am to 2pm and Saturday noon to 4pm. Closed on major holidays, during university breaks and exams, January Term and all summer.
Verified Oct 27 · theamaa.org
No catch
Thu, Nov 12, 12:00 PM
Landmark Center, Courtroom 317St. Paul
The Schubert Club's free lunchtime Courtroom Concert series continues Thursday, November 12, 2026 at noon with cellist Patricia Ryan and pianist Joe Trucano in Courtroom 317 of St. Paul's Landmark Center.
Verified Oct 27 · schubert.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 14 · check hours
Rice ParkSt. Paul
Downtown St. Paul lights the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights, a 40-foot digital tree with a light show set to Christmas music, at a ceremony in Rice Park on November 14, 2026. The city hasn't posted a time.
Verified Oct 27 · stpaul.gov
No catch
Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Dec 20
Union Depot East PlazaSt. Paul
St. Paul's European Christmas Market fills Union Depot's East Plaza for five weekends, November 20 to December 20, 2026: Fridays 3 to 9pm (Nov 27 from 1pm), Saturdays 11am to 9pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm. Heated warming tents and holiday atmosphere; food, drinks and gifts cost extra.
Verified Oct 27 · stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Catch: Free entry: food, drinks and gifts cost extra
Thu, Dec 17, 6:00 PM
Landmark Center, CortileSt. Paul
Carols by Minnesota composers fill the Landmark Center's Cortile at this free Schubert Club Courtroom Concert, Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 6pm (also at noon the same day).
Verified Oct 27 · schubert.org
No catch
Thu, Jan 7, 12:00 PM
Landmark Center, Courtroom 317St. Paul
The Artaria String Quartet plays a free lunchtime Schubert Club Courtroom Concert on Thursday, January 7, 2027 at noon in Courtroom 317 of St. Paul's Landmark Center.
Verified Oct 27 · schubert.org
No catch
Sat, Jan 30, 2:00 PM
Saint Paul Winter Carnival parade routeSt. Paul
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival's daytime parade steps off Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 2pm. Free to watch from the curb; check the Winter Carnival site for the route.
Verified Oct 27 · wintercarnival.com
No catch
Sat, Feb 6, 5:15 PM
Saint Paul Winter Carnival parade routeSt. Paul
The Winter Carnival's evening torchlight parade runs Saturday, February 6, 2027 at 5:15pm. Free to watch; check the Winter Carnival site for the route.
Verified Oct 27 · wintercarnival.com
No catch
First Sunday of the month
Minnesota Children's MuseumSt. Paul
The Minnesota Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul is free on the first Sunday of every month. Reserve a free timed ticket in advance and arrive within 10 minutes of your time.
Verified Oct 27 · mcm.org
Catch: Free reservation required: arrive within 10 minutes of your time
Thursdays, 4–8pm (not Thanksgiving)
Minnesota History CenterSt. Paul
Admission and parking at the Minnesota History Center are free on Thursday nights from 4 to 8pm. Thanksgiving (Nov 26) isn't on the schedule. Regular adult admission is $15. No reservation is required; the event page has an optional RSVP form.
Verified Oct 27 · mnhs.org
No catch
Seven-day loan, while passes are on the shelf
Saint Paul Public LibrarySt. Paul
Saint Paul Public Library lends passes that get you and your family into any Minnesota state park with no entry fee, for a seven-day loan. Passes sit at eight library locations; they can't be put on hold or moved between branches, so check the catalog for one on the shelf.
Verified Oct 27 · sppl.org
Catch: Library card required · No holds: pick one up at a branch that has it
Second Thursday of the month; arrive by noon (last consultation starts by 12:30pm)
St. Paul United States Courthouse
Volunteer Lawyers Network gives free bankruptcy advice at the St. Paul U.S. Courthouse on the second Thursday of each month, first come, first served. Arrive by noon: the last consultation starts by 12:30pm, and the attorney may leave early if no one has come by noon.
Verified Oct 27 · vlnmn.org
Catch: Only for: people who qualify for VLN help
