|
Event highlights this week include:
May 11-13, Rochester
Gold Rush
May 10-12, Chanhassen
Rainy Days & Mondays: The Music of the Carpenters
May 12, Zimmerman
Bird Tour & Spring Celebration
May 12 & 13, Thief River Falls
Uff Da Day & "Migrasong - the Tunes They Carried Across the Sea"
May 12-13, Chisholm
Genealogy Genie and Mother's Day Brunch
Southern Minnesota
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 12, Faribault
fABBAulous
This show-stopping performance led by Dianna Parks and Mary Lieser is the full ABBA experience. A talented cast of Southern MN's finest musicians collaborate to recreate the entire ABBA Gold album in a dance party style. The “Dancing Queens” will light up the stage with their amazing vocals and sizzling ABBA style. The Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
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
May 25-26, Northfield
May Fly Music Festival
The Contented Cow's May Fly Festival takes place outside (weather-permitting) over two days with performances at the Contented Cow in downtown Northfield, overlooking the Cannon River. Enjoy music by Chance Meetings, The Favorite Things and The 99ers on Friday, with music by Skipidilly, Dimestore Watch and Bad Advice Club on Saturday. 507-663-1351
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 10-11, St. Paul
Broadway Mixtape Live: Showstoppers
Remember those show-stopping Broadway performances that turned performers into stars? Now you can relive those unforgettable moments in the theater that grabbed your heart and made your jaw drop as the greatest, most recognizable hits of Broadway are delivered with all their punch and power by some of the Twin Cities' finest musical theater artists. Be moved again by some of your favorite Broadway musical numbers from throughout the ages, including tunes from Dreamgirls, Funny Girl, and Dear Evan Hansen. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. 651-224-4222
May 10-12, Chanhassen
Rainy Days & Mondays: The Music of the Carpenters
Returning by popular demand is this stellar tribute to The Carpenters. Aimee Lee, the quintessential "Karen," is backed by 12 musicians who re-create that classic Carpenters sound. Come and delight in the nostalgia!
Fireside Theatre at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
May 11-12, Prior Lake
Ladies Weekend
It's a weekend designed with the ladies in mind when Ladies Weekend returns to Mystic Lake! Highlights include live music, fancy cocktails and the opportunity to pose for free souvenir photos with hunky male models. Ticketed events include Friday and Saturday night performances by Thunder From Down Under,
>>>> http://www.exploreminnesota.com/events/36144/thunder-from-down-under
and Sip ‘N’ Craft sessions. Mystic Lake Casino. 952-496-6563
May 11-13, Harris
St. Croix Valley Potters Tour
This is a free Spring Studio Tour of potteries along the St. Croix River Valley showcasing handmade pottery from over 60 regional, national and international potters. The seven pottery studios are located in the upper St. Croix River valley, in Chisago County, less than a one-hour drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Admission to all the studios is free and open to everyone. Map and details. 651-674-4656
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 State 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
May 18, Minneapolis
Pulse Twin Cities
Pulse Twin Cities is a free event with incredible music and a powerful message. Featuring Grammy Award–winning artist Lecrae, Hillsong Young and Free, Tye Tribbett, international speaker and author Nick Hall, a special performance from Las Vegas based dance crew The Jabbawockeez and a Guinness World Record breaking pillow fight. Pulse Twin Cities will bring a positive message about hope to this community. No tickets necessary. U.S. Bank Stadium. 612-248-8080
May 18, Prior Lake
I Love the 90's Tour
I Love the 90's Tour stars some of the most iconic and indelible names in rap, hip-hop and R&B. Attendees will reminisce about the trend-setting decade with performances by Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd, Rob Base and Young MC. Mystic Lake Casino. 952-496-6563
May 18-19, Minneapolis
Cirque Goes to the Movies
Hear the Orchestra perform film score selections from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Titanic and more while (all around and flying overhead!) the internationally-acclaimed aerialists, acrobats and jugglers make the most astounding feats look easy. Minnesota Orchestra. 612-371-5656
May 18-19, Chanhassen
River: The Music of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon
Three top Twin-Cities female singers, Rachel Holder-Hennig, Deb Brown & Jana Anderson, pay tribute to legendary songwriters: Carole King, Joni Mitchell & Carly Simon. While these artists have an extensive list of works, "River" will focus on their most popular pieces...the songs that take the audience on a nostalgic journey through their own lives remembering the women’s music movement of the ’60s & ’70s: their prom, first kiss, weddings, heartaches and other life experiences. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
May 18-20, Minneapolis
NEMAA Presents the 2018 Art-A-Whirl
Presented by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, and it takes place all over Northeast Minneapolis. This is a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, purchase original artwork, and connect with over 650 artists working in more than 20 different mediums at roughly 50 locations. The 23rd Annual Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public. 612-788-1679
May 19-20, Stillwater
Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market
The Stillwater Flea & Crafter's Market features over 100 unique vendors, local crafters, food trucks, music and more! Make a day of it in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley -- admission is free! Washington County Fairgrounds. 715-557-1785
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 in Minneapolis, , 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 in St. Paul, 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
Carol Burnett at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 15
David Blaine at the Historic State Theatre, June 15
Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 15
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 11, Willmar
Governor's Fishing Opener Event
Enjoy a free picnic meal (first 3000 attendees), concert, children's activities, exhibitors, beer/wine tent and shuttle service during the Governor's Fishing Opener Event. Bring a lawn chair and come prepared for any weather conditions. Robbins Island in Willmar. 800-845-8747
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 17-19, New London
Musicville: A New Children's Musical
Musicville takes you on an adventure with Maiden Melody and Radical Rhythm as they attempt to save their town from the Sorcerer of Silence. On their quest to the Castle of Composition, they pass through the Desert of Doo-wop, the Ocean of Opera, and the Terrible Terrain of Tango meeting musical friends and foes along the way. Their journey teaches them about new kinds of music, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of working together! Held at the Little Theatre of New London. While in the area on May 18 take part in the Mayors' Bike Ride when mayors from Spicer, New London and Willmar will be leading a ride starting at 5 p.m. in each of their communities. The ride and picnic (at Goat Ridge Brewery) are free, but participants need to pre-register at info@willmarlakesarea.com. 320-354-2559, 320-235-3552
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
May 26-28, Onamia
Minnesota American Indian Stories & Storytellers Film Festival, American Indian Music Fest & Memorial Day Powwow
On May 26, view short and feature films by and about Minnesota's Native American community throughout the day. Each screening will include an introduction by the directors or subjects of the films and will be followed by a Q&A session. The festival will include films on Native veterans, films by Minnesota native filmmakers, and the feature films, “Little Crow and the Dakota War” and “A Good Day To Die: Dennis Banks and the American Indian Movement.” On May 27, enjoy an American Indian Music Fest with music performed throughout the day by some of Minnesota's premier Native musicians. And on May 28, bring the family and join museum staff and community members in this social gathering honoring veterans past and present. Experience firsthand the excitement and joy of a contemporary powwow. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Northwest Minnesota
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 & 13, Thief River Falls
Uff Da Day & "Migrasong - the Tunes They Carried Across the Sea"
Uff Da Day is everything Norwegian such as Viking re-enactors, lefsa-tastings and other traditional Norwegian foods! Also on May 12, enjoy Viking Costume and Button Design contests, and the 19 historic buildings at the Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village. On May 13, head to the United Methodist Church for a concert and historical presentation by Norwegian professional musicians Inger-Kristine Riber and Reidun Horvel, with a focus on the music brought from the "old country" during the wave of immigration to the Midwest. 218-681-5767, 218-681-2116
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
May 19, Park Rapids
Minnesota Bike Opener
Attend the Heartland Park in Park Rapids and celebrate the start of biking season with a ride on the Heartland Trail! Itascatur and Northern Cycle will bring you bike safety info, tire changing demos and lots of giveaways. Invite everyone with a bike! Red Bridge Park & the Heartland Trail on Beach Road near downtown Park Rapids. 218-732-4111
May 26, Park Rapids
Spotting Spring Birds Program & Pioneer Village Tour
Discover the songs and sights of Minnesota's spring migratory birds! Join birder and instructor Ron Miller MD for a birding walk through Itasca State Park to discover recently arrived breeding birds as well as species passing through on their northward migration. The program begins at 8 a.m. Afterwards, get a feel for the early 1900s community of Lake Itasca at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds. See the Itasca Historic Sawmill, and explore various buildings including a country school, dove-tail one-room log house and logging museum. The tour begins at 10 a.m. The showgrounds are located on the north side of Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
Northeast Minnesota
May 11, Grand Rapids
Fishing Opener Picnic and Fishy 5k Run
Take part in the annual Fishing Opener Picnic! There will be inside and outside vendors, great food, prizes, face painting, free balloons, boat and car displays, carnival games, a 5K Fun Run, the Minnow Mile and the Fishy 5K! Old Central School. 218-326-6619
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. Then 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 18-20, Hinckley
Chmielewski 40th Anniversary Polkafest
Make plans to attend the Chmielewski 40th Anniversary Polkafest and enjoy 10 top bands, 30 hours of dancing, daily polka hop lessons, a World of Accordions museum exhibit, workshops and daily door prizes! Grand Casino Hinckley. 612-597-8116
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
May 25-27 Schroeder
Art Along the Lake: Spring
Art Along the Lake: Spring Gallery Tour features special exhibits, demonstrations and activities at galleries throughout Cook County. Start in Schroeder and stop at galleries to take in one-of-a-kind scheduled activities and demonstrations. 218-387-2524
Subscribe here to receive any or all of Explore Minnesota Tourism's updates by email.
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
