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Event highlights this week include:
April 27-29, Lanesboro
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
April 26-29, Minneapolis
Art in Bloom
April 28, St. Joseph
Air Play
April 27-28, Bemidji
Pine to Prairie Fiber Arts Trail Studio and Cultural Tour
April 28, Grand Rapids
Children's Fair
Southern Minnesota
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
May 5, Plainview
Carley Bluebell Festival
The Carley Bluebell Festival celebrates the bluebell bloom at Carley State Park. Enjoy a variety of activities amidst bluebells and other wildflowers. Highlights include a Brown's Creek Bird Walk, Mothers' Day car making for Kids, Kids' Trout Fishing, and archery lessons. Downtown Plainview and Carley State Park. 507-534-2229
May 11-13, Rochester
Gold Rush
Gold Rush is an indoor/outdoor treasure hunter's dream with roughly 1200 vendors encompassing 52 acres! Expect to find Tiffany lamps, toys, vintage items, folk art, primitives, jewelry, art, books, stamps, pottery, glassware, records, dolls, vintage clothing, architectural salvage, advertising, hunting, fishing, gasoline and oil memorabilia, retro, industrial, repurposed and up-cycled items and much more! Olmsted County Fairgrounds (a.k.a. Graham Park). 507-269-1473
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
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 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 Shoppe
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
May 3-6, St. Paul
Festival of Nations
Festival of Nations, the largest multi-cultural event in Minnesota, brings together people from a vast array of backgrounds to celebrate their ethnic heritage. Through world-class entertainment with daily performances, exhibits, food, music, dance, and personal connections, this family-friendly festival provides a look into the traditions, history and journey of over 90 ethnic groups, and sheds light on how each one contributes to the American cultural landscape. St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-647-0191
May 5, Minneapolis
Kenny Chesney - Trip Around the Sun Tour
Kenny Chesney, an 8-time ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, will perform with Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion and Brandon Lay. U.S. Bank Stadium. 612-777-8700
May 5, St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo
Enjoy the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture at this award-winning, family-friendly experience with over six blocks of food, music, dancing, children's activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, "People's Choice" salsa-tasting contest and more. Cesar Chavez Street and District del Sol. 651-223-7400
May 5-6, Stillwater
St. Croix Valley Art Opener Studio Tour
The annual Art Opener Studio Tour offers an outstanding opportunity to visit an eclectic mix of diverse artists' studios nestled in the scenic St. Croix Valley. Check out fine art and contemporary crafts at studios in the Stillwater vicinity. Many fiber and clay demonstrations will also be offered throughout the weekend. While in Stillwater on May 5, head to Lift Bridge Brewery for the Big Brew Day for an exciting day filled with food served by B3 Food Truck, educational brew talks (1 & 3 p.m.) and some tasty Lift Bridge beer! 651-351-1717, 651-491-0013
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Jersey Boys at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 24-29
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles (Touring) at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, 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 in St. Paul, May 6
Tony Bennett at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, 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
Magic Men at the Historic State 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, 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
Slayer with Lamb of God & Behemoth at The Armory in Minneapolis, May 24
Frankie Valli at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, May 27
The Head and the Heart at The Armory, May 30
Barenaked Ladies at the Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, June 1
Chris Tucker at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, June 2
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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 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, Onamia
Quillwork Earrings & Native Skywatchers: Earth-Sky Connections
Before trade beads, the Ojibwe primarily used quills to adorn their clothing and tools. Learn to apply porcupine quills to birch bark to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind earrings to take home. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Before or after the workshop, check out Native Skywatchers: Earth-Sky Connections, an Ojibwe exhibit featuring paintings, wood carvings and ceramics created by local community members who participated in a Native Skywatchers art workshop. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
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! Buy, sell and trade at this show. 218-829-4992
May 12, Zimmerman
Bird Tour & Spring Celebration
Enjoy a morning bird walk and learn about migratory birds and pollinators. Afterwards, head to the Oak Savanna Learning Center for the Friends' plant sale, craft activities, and more guided hikes. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. 763-389-3323
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 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 with cash bar and complimentary appetizers. 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
May 4, Detroit Lakes
Arlo Guthrie - The Re:Generation Tour
Arlo Guthrie's father, Woody, hoped one day to have enough kids to form a family band, traveling the country and singing their songs together. The Re:Generation tour is the spirit of an American family making music together. Arlo's children Abe and Sarah Lee will be joining their dad to present music of the Guthrie Generation. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-7469
May 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
May 12, Thief River Falls
Uff Da Day
Uff Da Day offers everything Norwegian including Viking re-enactors, lefsa-tastings and other traditional Norwegian foods! Also enjoy Viking Costume and Button Design contests, and the 19 historic buildings. Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village. 218-681-5767
Northeast Minnesota
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 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
April 29 - May 6, Duluth
Homegrown Music Festival
The Homegrown Music Festival is Duluth's annual local music showcase held at more than 30 venues throughout the Twin Ports. Just some of the many highlights include music by nearly 200 acts, a children's music showcase, poetry, visual art, film, a classical music showcase, and even a kickball game! 218-590-1210
May 4-5, Tofte
Bluefin Bay: Spring Food & Wine Lovers Weekend
The Spring Food & Wine Lovers Weekend is for foodies, wine lovers, and lovers of the big lake. Take part in the Friday four-course dinner with wine pairings, Saturday Wine Tasting, Saturday five-course dinner with wine pairings, and/or a spa treatment at Waves of Superior Spa! Availability is limited so reservations are required. Bluefin Bay Resort on Lake Superior. 218-663-6200
May 4-6, Sandstone
Kettle River Paddle Festival
The Kettle River Paddle Festival brings whitewater and flat water paddlers together for a weekend of paddling fun. Enjoy a down-river race, Whitewater Rodeo, and a Saturday evening social with door prizes. Whitewater rafting tours are also on option. Robinson Park on the Kettle River. 651-302-1774
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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