Cinco de Mayo; photo courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
Event highlights this week include:
May 4-6, Red Wing/Lake City/Wabasha/Winona
100 Mile Garage Sale
May 3-6, St. Paul
Festival of Nations
May 5-6, Brainerd
Cuyuna Rock, Gem, & Mineral Society Rock Show
May 4, Detroit Lakes
Arlo Guthrie - The Re:Generation Tour
April 29 - May 6, Duluth
Homegrown Music Festival
Southern Minnesota
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 5, Austin
Close to You: Tribute to the Carpenters
Don't miss singer and playwright Lisa Rock's moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter. Historic Paramount Theatre. 507-434-0934
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
May 12, Marshall
Southwest Minnesota Spring Craft & Vendor Show
The 2nd Annual Spring Southwest Minnesota Craft & Vendor Show features a wide array artwork, crafts and merchandise with roughly 130 vendors participating. Red Baron Arena & Expo. 507-537-1865
May 18-20, Preston
Preston Trout Days
The annual Preston Trout Days celebration includes an adult fishing contest, kids' fishing contest, family bike ride, petting zoo, chicken bar-b-que, city-wide garage sales, Lions Club pancake breakfast, Grand Parade, street dance, firemen's beer tent, car show, family-fun activities, golf tournament, food vendors and more! While in Preston, check out the nearby National Trout Center for exhibits and experiential programs on trout and salmon biology & behavior, cold water ecology, geology, fly fishing, fly tying, spin fishing, aquatic entomology and local fishing information. 507-765-2153, 507-765-2452
May 18-20, Houston
Bluegrass Festival
The Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association present its annual May Bluegrass Festival with multiple bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday — come for a day or the entire event! Camp on-site at Cushon's Peak Campground, or stay at one of the nearby motels or bed & breakfasts. 507-864-8109
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
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, Golden Valley
Walk for Animals 2018
The Walk for Animals brings together more than 8,000 people and 3,000 animals to wag, walk and raise funds for homeless and neglected pets across Minnesota. Every dollar raised for the Walk helps provide medical treatment, behavior programs and nurturing care to nearly 23,000 animals who come into the society's four Minnesota shelters each year. Animal Humane Society's Golden Valley location. 952-435-7738
May 5-6, St. Paul
GrillFest
Minnesota Monthly's 7th Annual GrillFest brings you the hottest grills, recipes and instruction so you can barbecue like a pro. Get the latest grilling tips at the grilling stage and find special pricing on grills and products that will make you the envy of your neighbors. A GrillFest ticket covers food, wine and beer sampling at many of the booths and feature areas. GrillFest will occur rain or shine. CHS Field. 612-371-5800
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
May 12, Bloomington
World Migratory Bird Day
Enjoy discovery hikes lead by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Staff throughout the day, as well as mist netting and bird banding, bird crafts, educational activities, bee box and birdhouse building, a University of Minnesota Raptor Center live raptor demonstration, and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center bird release. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 952-854-5900
May 12, Minneapolis
Wild Kratts LIVE!
The animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, "come to real life" in a classic Wild Kratts story. The Kratt Brothers activate their Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain, and the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention and keep the animals of the creature world safe once again. Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
May 12, Falcon Heights
Spring Fairgrounds Hobby Show
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum's annual Spring Fairgrounds Hobby Show and Sale will feature model railroad layouts in a variety of scales, and dozens of vendors and collectors selling model railroad items and all types of memorabilia. Minnesota Sate Fairgrounds - Education Building. 651-647-9628
May 12, Waconia
Sister Saturday
Sister Saturday is a girls' day out in Waconia! Bring your sister, friends, cousins and/or mother to Waconia for the Swag Bag Drop at 9 a.m. with free swag bags to the first 50 ladies at two locations, a free fashion show with door prizes, and shopping and dining deals all day long. Participating shops and restaurants throughout Waconia. 952-442-5812
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Pump and Dump Show - 2018 Parentally Incorrect Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, 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
I Love The 90s Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, May 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
Chicago - The Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 5-10
Paul Simon: Homeward Bound Farewell Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, June 8
Dropkick Murphys at The Armory, June 8
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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
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
May 12, Brainerd
Spring Arts and Craft Show
The Brainerd Public Schools Community Education is sponsoring a spring arts and crafts show with more than 150 artists and crafters presenting quality handmade items! Refreshments will be available. Admission is free. Brainerd High School. 218-454-6926
May 19, Alexandria
Mai Fest
Celebrate Mai Fest in downtown Alexandria! Syttende Mai is Norway’s Constitution Day and its most celebrated holiday! Celebrate your Norwegian heritage at Mai Fest with a traditional Scandinavian lunch, live choral, flute and fiddle music, traditional Scandinavian lawn games such as Kubb and Hnefatafl, Viking jewelry making, rosemaling and refreshments. Runestone Museum at Fort Alexandria. 320-763-3160
Northwest Minnesota
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. 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 11, Ulen
Deuces Wild
Dave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld bring their extraordinary talents together as Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos -- a piano variety act offering a Las Vegas-style mix of musical comedy. For over 15 years they have traveled coast to coast in the United States as the most sought-after dueling piano act in the country. Top Hat Theatre. 218-596-8853
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
May 16-19, Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds
Observe nearly 200 species of birds during the 21st Annual Festival of Birds! Witness the spring bird migration in a unique transition zone of tall-grass prairie, northern hardwood and conifer forests, and wetlands in the Detroit Lakes area. The festival kicks off with "For the Birds" by Kevin Kling at the Historic Holmes Theatre. In addition to weekend bird tours, enjoy "Eagles, Swans & Falcons, Oh My!" by Carrol Henderson. 218-847-9202
Northeast Minnesota
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
May 12-13, Chisholm
Genealogy Genie and Mother's Day Brunch
On May 12, see examples of records in the IRRC Genealogy Database from the most popularly requested to those that many know little or nothing about. Return on May 13 for a scrumptious brunch to celebrate moms everywhere, prepared by our Executive Chef, Quaid Fetkenheuer. Reservations are not required but recommended. Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-254-7959
May 13, Pine City
Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Trap Shooting and Sporting Clays
This class is for learning the concept and skills of trap shooting and/or sporting clays. Please bring your own firearm and ammunition. Wings North. 320-629-4868
May 19-27, Duluth
Duluth Dylan Fest
The 8th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest has an exciting line-up of events in locations throughout downtown Duluth. Just some of the highlights include a Bob Dylan Exhibit Opening Reception, performance by The Big Wu at Armory Arts & Music Center, Dylan Pub Trivia, Blood on the Tracks Express train ride from Duluth to Two Harbors to Duluth, Dylan Fest Singer-Songwriter Contest, a Farewell Brunch, and much more! 218-391-6299
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