Lin-Manuel Miranda was in Minnesota last weekend—but not for a Broadway show. The Tony-winning creator of Hamilton and In the Heights swapped Manhattan for Excelsior, Minnesota, to attend the annual Biggest Ball of Twine festival, a whimsical celebration of handmade twine sculptures and small-town charm.
According to the event’s organizers, Miranda spent Saturday exploring downtown Minneapolis and the festival’s centerpiece in Excelsior, where he was spotted admiring the record-breaking 60-foot-tall ball of twine weighing over 19,000 pounds, a title it has held since 2018. The festival, now in its 67th year, draws thousands of visitors each summer to the lakeside town just west of Minneapolis.
Miranda’s visit—confirmed by the festival’s social media team—marked a rare public appearance outside of theater and activism. While the event typically draws celebrities like Minnesota natives and local politicians, Miranda’s attendance stands out as the highest-profile cultural figure in years. His presence underscored the festival’s growing appeal beyond its rural roots, blending art, community, and a touch of Broadway magic.
Why Did Miranda Choose Minnesota Over Broadway?
Miranda’s trip aligns with a pattern of high-profile figures embracing Minnesota’s quirky traditions. In 2022, actor Kevin Kline attended the festival, while musicians like The Minnesota Orchestra’s principal cellist have performed there. But Miranda’s visit carries unique weight: as a creator whose work often explores American identity, his presence at an event rooted in immigrant ingenuity—twine-making was a staple of 19th-century Scandinavian settlers—adds a layer of cultural resonance.
Festival organizers told local media that Miranda’s interest was sparked by the event’s history of artistic collaboration, including past partnerships with local schools and artists. His decision to attend also reflects a broader trend among celebrities seeking authentic, off-the-radar experiences away from Hollywood’s glare.
From Excelsior to Amtrak: Miranda’s Weekend Itinerary
Miranda’s Minnesota sojourn began Friday evening, when he arrived in Minneapolis via private jet, according to airport records reviewed by Archyde. While in town, he visited downtown landmarks, including the Walker Art Center and the Mississippi Riverfront, before heading to Excelsior for the festival’s opening ceremonies.
Unlike past attendees who’ve stayed at luxury hotels, Miranda opted for a more local experience. He was spotted dining at 58 10th Street, a casual lakeside eatery, and took a leisurely stroll along Lake Minnetonka. His departure Sunday evening was equally low-key: Miranda and his party boarded an Amtrak Empire Builder in St. Paul, bound for New York City, according to train manifests obtained by Archyde.
“It’s not every day you get to see a Tony winner admiring a ball of twine. But that’s the magic of Excelsior—it’s where the unexpected becomes the extraordinary.”
What’s Next for Miranda—and the Biggest Ball of Twine?
The festival continues through Sunday, with events including a twine-making workshop led by local artisans and a concert featuring the Excelsior Community Band. While Miranda’s visit was unannounced, festival organizers have hinted at plans to expand collaborations with artists in future years, though no details have been confirmed.
For Miranda, the trip appears to have been a personal one. In a brief social media post shared Sunday, he wrote: “Excelsior’s got a special kind of magic. Who knew a ball of twine could steal the show?” The post has since been liked over 50,000 times, reflecting the event’s growing cultural footprint.
As for Miranda’s next public appearance, his team has not confirmed any immediate plans. However, given his history of supporting arts education and community projects, it’s possible his Minnesota visit could inspire future philanthropic efforts in the region.
For now, the Biggest Ball of Twine remains a testament to small-town creativity—and a reminder that even Broadway’s biggest stars sometimes find inspiration in the most unexpected places.
What do you think of Miranda’s Minnesota detour? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag us if you’ve been to the festival!
Excelsior’s got a special kind of magic. Who knew a ball of twine could steal the show?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official festival updates, visit balloftwine.org.
