Celebration 2018 at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, April 19-22; photo by Leslie Anderson
Event highlights this week include:
April 21, Austin
Taste of Nations Festival
April 12-28, Minneapolis
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
April 21, Spicer
Earth Day & Recycled Outdoor Gear Sale
April 18-28, Thief River Falls
Arts Expo & Annual Art Exhibit Reception
April 21, Mountain Iron
Iron Range Earth Fest 2018
Southern Minnesota
April 21, Owatonna
Circus Pages
Experience all the splendor and glamour of international circus stars, exotic animals and heart pounding daredevil action! Fun for the whole family! Four Seasons Centre. 507-451-1093
April 21, Austin
Taste of Nations Festival
The 7th Annual Taste of Nations Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating diversity. Activities include games, entertainment, dance performances, music, art and food from all over the world! Austin Armory. 507-279-3977
April 21, Wabasha
A Taste of Wabasha
Enjoy great food from the area’s best restaurants, as well as a silent auction, live painting event and special raffle -- all from the beauty of the National Eagle Center. Help support the eagles, the great educational programs and wild eagle-viewing offered throughout the year. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
April 27-29, Le Sueur
Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Swap Meet
The 41st Annual Pioneer Power Show is an antique machinery swap meet, flea market, antique show and craft show with very 900 vendors indoors and outdoors -- this is the largest event of its kind in the United States! Admission is free for spectators. Le Sueur County Pioneer Power grounds. 507-934-5841
April 27-29, Lanesboro
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
Explore the art and scenery of southeastern Minnesota and surrounding area during the 18th Annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour. This self-guided tour features 26 artists at 19 studios, galleries and other locations. Visitors can see artists at work, providing demonstrations, and shop for ceramics, turned wood, paintings, fiber arts, sculpture, leaded stained glass, jewelry and more. Studios are open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 507-467-2696
April 28, Marietta
Salt Lake Birding Weekend
The 41st Annual Salt Lake Birding Weekend offers birders a chance to view over 150 different species! Volunteers will guide birders around Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge, and the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine and Big Stone counties. 952-595-9265
May 4-6, Red Wing/Lake City/Wabasha/Winona
100 Mile Garage Sale
Residents and stores clean out their attics, garages and basements to create this spectacular garage sale. A trail of distinctive colored ribbons will identify participating residents and businesses from Red Wing south along Hwy. 61 through Frontenac, Lake City, Camp LaCupolis, Reads Landing, Wabasha, Kellogg and Winona. 651-385-5934
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Feb. 3 - May 27, Minneapolis
Power and Beauty in China's Last Dynasty
They ruled with unrivaled opulence. They led secret lives of infinite power and pleasure. They built an empire to end them all. Now, from the mind behind the groundbreaking theatrical performance Einstein on the Beach, comes this story of China’s last emperors. A rare spectacle of art, light, and sound that places you inside the palace walls. Among the desires and dreams, the mystery and splendor. Seated is limited, and tickets are timed. Reserve your experience today. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
March 2 - June 16, Excelsior
Guys and Dolls
Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Enjoy just the show, or a show with lunch or dinner. Old Log Theatre. 952-474-5951
March 6 - May 13, Minneapolis
Corduroy
Join Corduroy on his delightfully destructive chase through every section of the department store in search of his missing button. Will the night watchman find him and return him to his shelf before he can find this important button? Will Lisa ever convince her mother to let her give the bear a home? The tender, enduring story about true friendship stirs up the stage with a bustling rumpus of action! Children's Theatre. 612-874-0400
March 23 - April 30, Apple Valley
Farm Babies
Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. There's nothing cuter than baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids and bunnies. Check out the special "egg" treats for the animals. This fun enrichment activity includes colored Jell-O eggs, pinatas, and hard-boiled eggs. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
April 12-28, Minneapolis
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
The 37th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival brings 250+ new feature length and short narrative and documentary films representing 70+ countries to audiences throughout the region. This year’s lineup features a Virtual and Augmented Reality Showcase, a Minnesota Made series with 80+ locally created films, retrospectives on the work of Frederick Wiseman and Sarah Pillsbury, and number of parties and social events including the MSPIFF Preview Party and annual XYZ Party. This is the largest film event in the Midwest. St. Anthony Main Theatre (and other theaters and venues). 612-331-7563
April 19-22, Chanhassen
Celebration 2018
Celebration 2018 will take place at Prince's iconic home and creative sanctuary, Paisley Park. Enjoy four days of live music, rare concert screenings, panel discussions and special presentations highlighting Prince’s tremendous talent and influence.
April 19-21, Shakopee
Junk Bonanza Vintage Market Spring Show
Purveyors and fans of vintage finds, beautiful antiques, architectural salvage and artisan-repurposed and upcycled goods are offered at this amazing shopping experience held indoors in three buildings at Canterbury Park. More than 150 hand-picked vendors will participate. Also enjoy special free demonstrations and activities, guest appearances and presentations. Canterbury Park. 612-227-8161
April 21, Roseville
Earth Day Celebration
Enjoy boardwalk tours, activities, crafts and planting for butterflies from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., including interactive performances by Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade. The event concludes with the popular Walking Parade and birthday cake for all. Harriet Alexander Nature Center. 651-792-7012
April 21, Hastings
Earth Day Birding Festival
Celebrate the many birds of Minnesota at the 4th Annual Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival. Just some of the many highlights include an “Introduction to Birding” class, “Raptors 101,” bird banding demonstrations, and guided bird trips in the Hastings area. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. 651-437-4359
April 21-22, St. Paul
Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration Presented by Xcel Energy
Bring the family for a fun weekend of activities, crafts and education programs that explore animals, plants and people -- you'll leave with some great ideas for reducing your own impact on the planet, and improving our natural habitats. In addition to Party for the Planet, enjoy the last weekend of the Spring Flower Show! Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. 651-266-6400
April 26-29, Minneapolis
Art in Bloom
This free four-day festival will showcase 165 fresh, floral arrangements inspired by works of art in Mia’s collection and more than a dozen large-scale installations by Twin Cities florists throughout the museum. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
April 27-29, St. Paul
Saint Paul Art Crawl - Spring 2018
This St. Paul tradition for 27 years features the artwork of more than 350 artists in over 33 locations. Meet amazing artists specializing in a variety of media from watercolors to wood, ceramics to dance, and more! 612-567-0551
April 27-29, St. Paul
Minnesota Horse Expo
This is Minnesota's largest equine trade show with over 700 trade show booths in five State Fair buildings and lining the streets of the Expo grounds. Enjoy this easy access marketplace for merchandise related to horses and their owners. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 952-922-8666
April 28, Buffalo
Ladies Day Out - Birthplace of Occasional Shoppes
Buffalo is the birthplace of the occasional sale concept with more than 20 unique specialty shoppes open this weekend. 763-682-4902
April 28, Shakopee
Clink! Minnesota Wine Pop-up Shop at Canterbury Park
Clink!, Minnesota’s largest one-day “pop-up wine shop,” will show-off locally produced wines from dozens of Minnesota wineries and food sampling from restaurants and local food producers. This event gives Minnesota wineries a chance to bring their wines to the people, and attendees the experience of visiting 30 wineries in one day! Tickets are limited. Please purchase tickets ahead of time. Canterbury Park. 651-325-7057
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Joel McHale at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, April 20
Bill Maher at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 21
Lavell Crawford at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 21
Max Raabe and Palast Orchester at the Pantages Theatre, April 21
Marco Antonio Solis at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, April 21
Prince - Live on the Big Screen at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 21
Tech N9ne's Planet Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis, April 21
Under the Streetlamp at Ames Center in Burnsville, April 21
Voices for Vision featuring Kat Perkins & Blind Joe at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 21
Al Stewart at the Dakota in Minneapolis, April 23-24
Jersey Boys at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 24-29
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles (Touring) at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, April 27
C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 27-28
Bon Jovi - This House is Not For Sale Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, April 28
Charlie Pride at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, April 28
Disney Junior Live: Dance Party at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 1
Pump and Dump Show - 2018 Parentally Incorrect Tour at the Pantages Theatre, May 5
Kenny Chesney - Trip Around the Sun Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, May 5
Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 6
Tony Bennett at the Historic State Theatre, May 10
Trixie Mattel at the Pantages Theatre, May 10
Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota at Ames Center in Burnsville, May 10
Anthony Jeselnik at the Pantages Theatre, May 11
Dita Von Teese at the Historic State Theatre, May 12
Jeff Foxworthy at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, May 12
Wild Kratts Live at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 12
Todd Rundgren's Utopia Tour at the Historic State Theatre, May 13
Shania Twain at the Xcel Energy Center, May 15
Hall & Oates with Train at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 16
David Byrne at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17-18
Tomi Lahren at the Pantages Theatre, May 19
Rob Lowe - Stories I Only Tell My Friends at the Historic State Theatre, May 20
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
April 6-22 (Friday-Sunday), St. Cloud
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Based on the Academy Award–winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! Paramount Theatre. 320-259-5463
April 20-29, Alexandria
Nunsense
Nunsense is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Andria Theatre. 320-763-8300
April 21, Spicer
Earth Day & Recycled Outdoor Gear Sale
This fun and educational experience for the whole family features booths, exhibits and activities to inform participants about water quality, energy efficiency, land management, and much more. More than 30 exhibitors will attend. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. 320-354-5894
April 21-22, Hutchinson
Spring Fling Open House
Check out all of the new pottery pieces in the gallery, hot off the kilns, along with works of art by visiting artists. Clay Coyote Gallery. 320-587-2599
April 27 - May 20, Waite Park
Clue: The Musical - Dinner Theatre
The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical which brings the world's best known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon? The board game will literally come to life in an innovative immersive staging of dinner and a show with 216 possible solutions, no two performances will be the same! Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre at GREAT World Headquarters. 320-258-2787
April 28, St. Joseph
Air Play
Get ready to ride the wind and dream with the modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience and the biggest snow globe you've ever seen will make audiences of all ages gasp and giggle. Escher Auditorium, College of Saint Benedict. 320-363-5777
May 5-6, Brainerd
Cuyuna Rock, Gem, & Mineral Society Rock Show
Anyone interested in rocks, gems and minerals should attend the Cuyuna Rock, Gem, & Mineral Society Rock Show featuring more than 50 indoor and outdoor vendors, concessions, rock cutting, a Rock Wizard, Children's Corner, & more! This is a buy, sell and trade show. 218-829-4992
Northwest Minnesota
April 18-28, Thief River Falls
Arts Expo & Annual Art Exhibit Reception
The 2018 Arts Expo & Annual Art Exhibit Reception features the artwork of students and adults from the 7 county area with cash awards for best artwork. Winners will be chosen by a qualified juror while the exhibit is on display, and they will be recognized at the Artist Reception on April 28. Also enjoy various presentations on the day of the Reception. Ralph Engelstad Arena. 218-745-9111
April 21, Detroit Lakes
"LIVE" at The Lodge with Mike Gilson
Enjoy an evening of guitar and vocals by Mike Gilson. Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit. 218-847-8439
April 22, Fosston
Jeff Menten & Paul Nye Concert
Violinist Jeff Menten and fingerstyle guitarist Paul Nye will perform in an acoustic music concert. Menten and Nye offer up a unique blend of acoustic music that artfully weaves modern and old-time classics and Celtic tunes with ragtime and blues, as well as some "J&P Originals." Fosston Library and Art Center. 763-999-1959
April 27-28, Bemidji
Pine to Prairie Fiber Arts Trail Studio and Cultural Tour
Tour open studios and workshops in Bemidji, Turtle River and Tenstrike, and enjoy artist presentations showcasing both traditional and contemporary textile art forms. And on Friday evening, head to the Wild Hare Bistro in downtown Bemidji for an artist reception and member exhibit. 612-961-1601
April 29, Bemidji
Piano Rolls
The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcomes pianist Russell Hancock for Grieg's Piano Concerto. Russell is a gifted pianist praised for the warmth and exuberance of his style. He debuts with the BSO for the Piano Concerto in A Minor by Edvard Grieg. Also on the program, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. Bemidji High School Auditorium. 218-444-7914
April 5, Longville
Global 6K for Water
The "Global 6K for Water" is organized through World Vision, with runners joining runners around the world to bring awareness to this important cause. Every entry provides clean water for one person for an entire generation. The distance will be 6K, which is the average distance a person, usually a woman or child, must walk to obtain water. This water, although necessary, is often contaminated and makes them sick. Once access to clean water is provided in an area, the mortality rate for children under 5 years old drops by half. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. at Empowered Fitness, and the race will begin at 10 a.m. 218-363-6410
Northeast Minnesota
April 18-21, Duluth
Into the Woods
Take a magical romp where the lives of well-known characters from familiar fairy tales intertwine. But the woods are dark, and we discover that even fairy tale characters are all too human. Marshall Performing Arts Center/Weber Music Hall at University of Minnesota Duluth. 218-726-8561
April 19 - May 5, Duluth
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity is a hopeless romantic who just wants to be loved. She sings, dances, laughs, and cries her way through romance after romance in the Big Apple. This bright, sexy and sophisticated comedy includes hit songs like "Big Spender", "If My Friends Could See Me Now", "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This", and "I'm a Brass Band Baby." Sweet Charity captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist. Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555
April 20-22, Lutsen
Midwest Extreme Snowmobiling Event
The Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Event includes hill climb, hill cross, and short course cross-country racing on and around the Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort. The race is open to anyone that wants to enter on a first come, first serve basis, with spectator access as well. This event is a two day qualifying race. Lutsen Mountains. 218-663-7281
April 21, Mountain Iron
Iron Range Earth Fest 2018
The Iron Range Earth Fest is turning 10! Earth Fest 2018 will feature vendors, hands-on demonstrations, food, live music, family activities, the 5th Annual Community Sustainability Initiative Contest & Silent Auction, the 2018 Green Innovator’s Expo and more! This year's theme, Reclaiming Traditions for a Sustainable Future, will tap into the sustainability knowledge of northeast Minnesota by inviting local experts to share their expertise on local products, services, foods, traditions and wilderness. Mountain Iron Community Center, Messiah Lutheran Church, Merritt Elementary School and Northeast Service Cooperative. 320-295-1637
April 28, Grand Rapids
Children's Fair
Community organizations and businesses come together to provide a free fun filled day of educational activities and information. Also enjoy a free Kiwanis pancake breakfast for children & families from 9-11 a.m., hands-on tours of huge vehicles, a carnival, live music and door prizes. IRA Civic Center. 218-327-5730
May 5, Grand Marais
Kites at the Harbor: Grand Marais Kite Festival
Experience an amazing spectacle in the sky when Grand Marais hosts the first annual Kites at the Harbor: Grand Marais Kite Festival. Children will have an opportunity to make a kite and then proudly fly it over the Harbor in a grand display. In addition, there will be professional kite flying demonstrations. Afterwards, head to the Gunflint Lodge up the Gunflint Trail for Finding Your Voice, an evening of story-telling and music by Minnesota original and renowned story-teller Kevin Kling and songstress Simone Perrin. 218-387-2524
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