Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - May 1, 2019

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Explore Minnesota Events Update - May 1, 2019 

Festival of Nations at St. Paul RiverCentre, May 2-5; photo by Lucy Hawthorne

 
Event highlights this week include:

May 2-5, Winona
100 Mile Garage Sale

May 4, St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo - West Side Saint Paul

May 4, Nisswa
KFAN Golf Opener Tent Party: Live Music by Rock Godz

April 25 - May 18, Moorhead
Theatre B Presents "Cry It Out"

May 3-5, Sandstone
Women's Wellness & Adventure Weekend & Kettle River Paddle Festival

 

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central]
[Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

 

Southern Minnesota

April 5 - May 25, Lanesboro
Holmes and Watson
Don't miss this twisting, tantalizing mystery! Sherlock Holmes has been dead three years when Dr. Watson receives a message from a mental asylum: three patients are claiming to be Sherlock Holmes. Did the world's greatest sleuth fake his own death? Who's the real detective and who are the impostors? Find out in this gripping, witty, intelligent thriller. Commonweal Theatre Company. 507-467-2525

May 2-5, Winona
100 Mile Garage Sale
Residents and stores clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale imaginable! A trail of distinctive colored ribbons will identify participating garage sales along Hwy 61 from Red Wing to Winona. Numerous cities along the Mississippi River. 507-452-0735

May 3-4, Winona
Mid West Music Fest
Mid West Music Fest (MWMF) is an all-ages, multi-venue, multi-genre and multi-day music festival. The festival features an exciting line-up of over 100 bands and musicians in 11 venues across downtown Winona. Headliners include Charlie Parr, Frankie Lee, Chastity Brown, Communist Daughter, Lucy Michelle, Black-Eyed Snakes, Black Market Brass and many more. Other highlights include a chance for children of all ages to try out instruments, and the Sounds Like School stage where young talent can collaborate with seasoned headliners. Various venues in Winona. 507-452-0735

May 4, Faribault
Big Hats & Big Hearts - Derby Party for the Arts
Don't miss this annual spring tradition featuring live music, hat contests, Derby-themed games, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and Derby-themed beverages, live and silent auctions, door prizes and the greatest two minutes in sports on a big screen. Celebrate and support the arts through this great evening of fashion, fun and friends! Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372

May 10-12, Rochester
Gold Rush
The original Gold Rush is now in its 47th year. This is one of the largest shows in the Midwest, covering the entire 52-acre fairgrounds with indoor and outdoor spaces. Roughly 1200 dealers from all over the country will be displaying their wares including antique furniture, primitives, glassware, pottery, jewelry, clocks, watches, lamps, coins, art, toys, advertising, farm & car collectibles, hunting & fishing items, and Funky Junque. Olmsted County Fairgrounds at Hwy 63 S & 16th St SE. 507-269-1473

May 10-12, Lake City
Spring Warbler Weekend
Join experienced birders who will help you find and identify warblers, owls, orioles, and many other birds. Groups will take trails or travel by car in Hok-Si-La and nearby parks on the Mississippi River. Also enjoy gathering, socializing, eating and recording at Hok-Si-La Park. 651-340-3487

May 17-19, Spring Grove
Spring Grove Syttende Mai
Celebrate Norwegian Independence and Norwegian ancestry during Syttende Mai in Spring Grove. Don't miss the Blast Off Banquet & Social Hour, Running with My Gnomies, Musikk Fest, grand parade, Nordic dancers, kids' pedal pull, corn hole tournament, daily garage sales, games in the park, walks on the Norwegian Ridge Birding & Nature Trail and much more. Viking Memorial Park. 507-458-7793

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

March 1 - Sept. 28, Chanhassen
Mamma Mia!
One mom. One daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525

May 2-5, 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, 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 2-4 & 9-11, Isanti/Cambridge
Spring Unique Boutique & Antiques Tour
The Spring Unique Boutique & Antiques Tour is a self-guided tour of 11 unique shops filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage, repurposed, enhanced and one-of-a-kind items and treasures. A great way to kick-off your summer. Various locations in the communities of Isanti, Cambridge, Bradford and St. Francis. 763-267-1770

May 3-5, Stillwater
St. Croix Valley Art Opener Studio Tour
The annual Art Opener Studio Tour provides an outstanding opportunity to visit an eclectic mix of artists in studios nestled in the scenic St. Croix Valley. The tour features the artwork off 22 artists and 10 locations, as well as fiber and clay demonstrations throughout the weekend. Studios in downtown Stillwater and nearby towns. 651-351-1717

May 4, St. Paul
Cinco de Mayo - West Side Saint Paul
This award-winning, family-friendly experience features over six blocks of food, music, dancing and children's activities, as well as a lowrider car show, colorful parade and a "People’s Choice" salsa tasting contest. Embrace the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture! Cesar Chavez Street - District del Sol. 651-223-7400

May 4-5, St. Paul
Grillfest 2019
Join Minnesota Monthly in celebrating its 8th Annual Grillfest, a two-day summer kickoff event full of food, fun and most importantly, grilling! This year's event will feature food, beer and wine sampling from many great vendors, special pricing on grills and products, and grilling tips that are guaranteed to make you the envy of your neighbors. CHS Field. 612-371-5834

May 4-5, Excelsior
Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour
The Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour features the artwork of 34 artists in 14 home studios in the lake communities of Deephaven, Excelsior and Minnetonka. A large variety of media and styles will be for sale, with some artists offering demonstrations of works in progress. 952-475-1491

May 5, Minneapolis
MayDay Celebration
Join more than 50,000 people from near and far as they fill the streets both as participants and spectators for this day of celebration and community. Enjoy a spectacular parade, live music, dancing, performances, poetry, canoe rides, wide array of foods and information tables. Don't miss the MayDay Tree of Life Ceremony where children and adult dancers, puppeteers, a live orchestra and four giant serene puppets representing the Prairie, Sky, River and Woods awake the Tree of Life. The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre’s annual MayDay parade, ceremony and festival has been a vibrant example of art's roles in community building for 45 years. Powderhorn Park. 612-721-2535

May 10-12, Lake Elmo
Shepherd's Harvest Festival
The 22nd Shepherd's Harvest Festival is Minnesota's largest sheep and wool festival. Events include Minnesota’s largest fleece competition, sheep shearing, fleece skirting demos, book-signings and more. Families always enjoy the sheep and goats in the barn and this year there will be a new Farm Work Stock Dog Trial! The fairgrounds are filled with music, food, artisans and animals. Washington County Fairgrounds. 612-961-9625; 763-242-2488

May 10-12, Harris
St. Croix Valley Potters Tour
This free spring studio tour of potteries along the St. Croix River Valley celebrates the hand-made pottery. Seven studios will be showing and selling great handmade pottery from over 54 regional, national and international potters. Studios from Harris to Shafer. 651-674-4656

May 11, Minneapolis
Ira Glass
Ira Glass, the beloved host and creator of NPR's hit weekly radio show This American Life, invites us into his creative process, mixing audio clips, music and video to tell captivating stories live onstage, and sharing lessons and insights gathered over his career. This American Life is heard each week by over 2.2 million listeners on more than 500 public radio stations, with another 2.5 million downloading each podcast. Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007

May 11, Waconia
Sister Saturday
This girls day out in Waconia features free swag bags for the first 50 women at 2 locations, a fashion show, and shopping and dining deals at participating shops and restaurants throughout Waconia. Bring your sisters, mothers and friends! 952-442-5812

May 11-12, Minneapolis
The Loft's Wordplay
The Loft's Wordplay aims to be the biggest party for words Minnesota has ever seen. Imagine a weekend full of famous authors (Stephen King!) and celebrated books, readings, conversations, workshops, kids’ activities, demonstrations, one-of-a-kind happenings on outdoor stages, book signings, quiet reading corners, boisterous parties, food trucks, beer tents and books, books, books! Also enjoy a Friday night author concert with the Rock Bottom Remainders at First Avenue. The Loft Literary Center. 612-215-2575

May 17, Minneapolis
Art Girls For Questscope
Art Girls for Questscope will bring together art enthusiasts and philanthropists across the Twin Cities in support of refugee and marginalized youth. Hosted by The Art Girls, a local arts organization, four Minnesota artists will have beautiful works of art for sale to benefit Questscope. Le Meridien Chambers. 612-607-6476

May 18, Chaska
A Day of Birding Walks and Workshops
Join birding enthusiasts and experts from around the region and celebrate the spring migration amidst spring flowers. The day is packed with featured presenters, workshops, classes, organization booths and guided walks. All must pre-register. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400

Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Double Dare Live! at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 1
Jessie James Decker at the Historic State Theatre, May 2
Overkill at Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis, May 3
Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 3
Garth Brooks at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, May 3-4
ABBA - The Concert at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, May 4
P!NK: Beautiful Trauma Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 5
The 1975 at The Armory in Minneapolis, May 7
The Play That Goes Wrong at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 7-12
Autonomy: A Theatrical Thrill Ride at the St. Paul RiverCentre, May 9-12
An Evening with 98 Degrees at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, May 10
RBRM: Ronnie, Bobby, Rocky & Mike at The Armory, May 10
David Crosby at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 10
The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota: Narnia at Ames Center in Burnsville, May 10-12
Chicago at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, May 11
Ira Glass - Seven Things I've Learned at the Historic State Theatre, May 11
Griz at the Armory, May 17
Sammy Hagar & The Circle at the Mystic Lake Ampitheater, May 17
Celtic Woman - Ancient Land
Cher: Here We Go Again Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 18
Jim Jefferies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 18
Marianas Trench at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, May 25
Foreigner at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, May 26
Dear Evan Hansen - The Tony Award-Winning Best Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 28 - June 29
Adam Sandler at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, May 31
John Prine at the Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, May 31
Eddie Izzard at the Historic State Theatre, June 1
Juice WRLD at the Armory, June 1
Todd Rundgren at Ames Center in Burnsville, June 3
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster

Central Minnesota

May 3, St. Cloud
Church of CASH - The Johnny Cash Show
Whether you are an old-timer that grew up listening to Mr. Cash or someone who loves the classics, the Church of Cash will deliver the music of Johnny Cash with style and energy. Church of CASH is loyal to Johnny's song and the message, and performs his music with a youthful spirit that engages all audiences. Pioneer Place on Fifth. 320-203-0331

May 4, Nisswa
KFAN Golf Opener Tent Party: Live Music by Rock Godz
Attend the annual KFAN Golf Opener Tent Party and enjoy great food, beer and live music outside, under a large tent. Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Course. 218-963-2234

May 4, Onamia
Loom Beading Workshop
Learn the art of loom beading through hands-on experience. Create a design, transfer it to a loom and learn how to adhere the loom work to leather or cloth for a finished piece. Online registration is required at least three days prior to workshop. Mille Lacs Indian Museum. 320-532-3632

May 11, Brainerd
Spring Arts and Craft Show
This is your chance to check out quality handmade items by more than 150 artists and craftspeople. Admission is free. Brainerd High School. 218-454-6926

May 11, Waite Park
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story & Dinner
This is the true story of Buddy Holly's meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when "That'll Be The Day" hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later on "The Day The Music Died." This rocking musical features over twenty of Buddy's greatest hits, including "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy," and "Rave On," plus Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" and the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace." The show lasts roughly 2 hours, plus 60 minutes for dinner. Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre. 320-258-2787

May 11-12, Brainerd
Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Mineral Society Rock Show
The Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Mineral Society will host roughly 70 indoor and outdoor vendors, as well as the Wheel of Rock Fortune, rock cutting, "rocky answers" by the Rock Wizard, speakers and presenters, a Kids' Corner and great concessions. Buy, sell and trade! Crow Wing County Fairgrounds Curling Club Building. 218-829-4992

May 19, Sunburg
Syttende Mai Celebration
Attend the 15th Annual Syttende Mai Celebration filled with full, family events. Enjoy a Grand Day Parade at 3:30 p.m., along with a pedal tractor pull, quilt raffle, Sunburg Lakers Baseball Game, petting zoo, open mic at the Kultur Hus, non-denominational church service and more. Downtown Sunburg. 320-235-3552

Northwest Minnesota

April 12 - June 9, Moorhead
The FMVA BIG Art Show
For two months each spring, the artwork of the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Artists (FMVA) fills the 4th Floor Gallery at the Hjemkomst Center. Pieces from art educators, emerging artists and established artists make this one of the largest and most comprehensive local art shows in the region. Each piece is complemented with artist statements describing the creation's influences, mediums used and process. Hjemkomst Center. 218-299-5511

April 25 - May 18, Moorhead
Theatre B Presents "Cry It Out"
Three new moms from different backgrounds bond over parenting babies. Seem simple? Well, friendship, marriage and careers are anything but simple in Cry It Out, a comedy with dark edges. Cry It Out takes an honest look at the absurdities of navigating women's choices, family life and job security in modern day America. Theatre B. 701-729-8880

May 3, Detroit Lakes
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy blends a vibrant fusion of classic American jazz, swing and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. After 25 years together and countless appearances on film and TV, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will show you that it's still cool to swing! Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-7469

May 11, Bemidji
Northern Minnesota’s Largest Women’s Expo
The Sanford Center and Sanford Health are proud to present the 2nd Annual Northern Minnesota’s Largest Women’s Expo where women can relax and be pampered while they are inspired and empowered. Highlights include many special presentations, more than 50 craft and vendor booths, make-and-take tables, spirits tastings, entertainment on the patio, food trucks and more. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit organizations that support women and women’s initiatives including the United Way of Bemidji and Hands of Action International. Sanford Center, George W. Neilson Convention Center. 218-441-4000

May 11-18, Thief River Falls
Norwegian Heritage Week
Don't miss out on the fun, daily events taking place during this week-long celebration of Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day. Just some of the many highlights include: Uff Da Day at Pioneer Village with Viking re-enactors, Scandinavian crafts, Lefse demonstrations, Norwegian songs, rommegrot, coffee and other Scandinavian treats; "Tomte and the Troll" at the United Methodist Church with a high-energy, interactive performance of this Nordic cultural fairy tale; Uff Da Challenge at Hartz Park, an adventure race for beginners and seasoned pros in the obstacle race world; and Bric-A-Brac Market honoring a long-standing Scandinavian tradition of flea markets with a wide variety of vendors sharing their vintage, junk, thrifted and handmade creations. Various locations throughout Thief River Falls. 218-686-0205

May 15-18, Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds
Observe up to 275 species of birds during the 22nd 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 "The Return of the Peregrine Falcon" by Carrol Henderson at Maplelag Resort, followed by weekend bird tours, a bazaar, exhibitors and presentations. 218-847-9202

Northeast Minnesota

April 26 - May 4, Duluth
Renegade Theater Presents: Birds of a Feather
Birds of a Feather recounts the story of Roy and Silo, the two Central Park Zoo chinstrap penguins who partnered, adopted an egg, hatched and raised a chick together. Roy and Silo are no strangers to the spotlight. In 2005, they were the subject of a widely contested children's book, And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. The book, temporarily pulled from school bookshelves in Loudoun County, became one of the most banned books in America. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. 218-336-1417

May 3-5, Sandstone
Women's Wellness & Adventure Weekend
Located on the shores of Grindstone Lake, the Audubon Center of the North Woods’ 535 acres of beautifully varied landscapes provide the perfect setting for this complete holistic adventure. Spend this weekend with your friends or take the opportunity to get away by yourself, meet new people, and learn new skills. Choose from a variety of mind, body & spirit activities, enjoy a massage, schedule a private reading or healing touch session, or just relax and take in nature. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648

May 3-5, Sandstone
Kettle River Paddle Festival
This paddling festival on the Kettle River brings together whitewater and flat water paddlers for a weekend of paddling fun. Participants and onlookers will enjoy river races, Whitewater Rodeo stunts and tricks, and Paddlers' Party dinner and social. Bring your 14-foot raft, stand-up board, kayaks, canoes and dories, and join in the fun. All are welcome! Robinson Park on the Kettle River. 651-302-1774

May 11, Grand Rapids
Itasca Orchestra May Concert with the New Standards
The Twin Cities based Big Band Trio will be bringing their eclectic mix of music to perform with the Itasca Orchestra. Some of the musical selections include songs performed by Prince, Elvis Costello and the Clash. They are creating a worldwide following as they reinvent music performed by pop, funk and jazz musicians. Their exceptional musicianship and engaging performance will make this a show you won't want to miss. Myles Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5780

May 11, Two Harbors
Free Open House at Split Rock Lighthouse
Enjoy the beauty and history of Minnesota's North Shore during a free open house day at Split Rock Lighthouse. Tour the light station and fog signal building. Stop by the visitor center to see exhibits on the North Shore's tourism and commercial fishing industries and view a film about the early shipping industry on Lake Superior. 218-226-6372

May 11-26, Duluth
Winnie the Pooh
This honey-filled delight is as sweet as it is fun, based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne. Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course, sharing snacks. Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555

May 18, Ely
Ely's Annual Citywide Rummage Sale and Business Crazy Day
Ely's Citywide Rummage Sale and Business Crazy Day offers something for everyone with over 60 sales. You'll find a variety of rummage sales around town and numerous unique shops and restaurants downtown will offer amazing deals! Throughout the city of Ely. 218-365-6123

May 19-26, Duluth
Duluth Dylan Fest
The 2019 Duluth Dylan Fest will include the Armory Arts & Music Center benefit concert, a Dylan-themed art show, poetry reading, a singer/songwriter contest, lectures by "Dylanologsts," concerts and more. May 24, 2019 marks the 78th birthday of Duluth’s native son, Bob Dylan, 2016 Nobel Prize recipient. Venues throughout the city of Duluth. 218-391-6299

 

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