Event highlights this week include:
Nov. 8-10, New Ulm Shopping Opener Weekend
Nov. 8-11, Plymouth Bailame Dance Festival
Nov. 7-9, Alexandria Shoppers on the Hunt & Arts & Crafters Tour
Nov. 9, Park Rapids Big November Craft and Vendor Show
Nov. 8-10, Grand Marais Lake Superior Storm Festival
Southern Minnesota
Nov. 2 - Dec. 15, Rochester Historic Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours The History Center of Olmsted County presents Historic Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours. Tours will begin at the History Center of Olmsted County with light refreshments and an introductory film. Guests will then be taken to/from Mayowood Mansion via a vintage red trolley, courtesy of Rochester Trolley and Tour Co. Reservations are required. History Center of Olmsted County & the Historic Mayowood Mansion. 507-282-9447
Nov. 7-9, Madison Norsefest The annual Norsefest celebration includes a lutefisk supper, lutefisk-eating contest, outhouse races, a Super Raffle and Scandinavian Arts and Crafts Show. Prairie Arts Center. 320-598-7301
Nov. 8-10, New Ulm Shopping Opener Weekend This fun-filled weekend for ladies includes a juried art show, gourmet food sampling, open houses, decorating classes and much more! The Women's Expo & Craft Fair features hand-crafted items and specialty products and services by more than 100 vendors, with a few other craft shows also taking place over the weekend. The GnomeMade Market features artists' creations in roughly 17 houses. Also enjoy wreath-making workshops, a Bar Crawl & Cocktail Competition with Russell Davis, numerous live music events, library book sale and Christmas Open House at Schell's Brewery. And Wine Diva Days will include wine tastings, Wine Diva specialties from a wood-fired oven, and a full appetizer menu at the Winery Cafe at Morgan Creek Vineyards. Downtown New Ulm and area venues. 507-233-4300; 507-947-3547
Nov. 9-10, Winona Holiday Harvest Food and Wine Festival Hop on the Great River Road Wine Trail and hit one or all of the 12 fantastic wineries for a fun and relaxing weekend adventure. Visitors will enjoy live music, a variety of wines from the tasting rooms, and featured wines and ciders paired with holiday foods at each of the wineries on the Trail! Buy your tickets online and save $10 or pick up your tickets at any of the Great River Road Wine Trail wineries. 507-474-9463
Nov. 15 - Dec. 22, Lanesboro Sanders Family Christmas It's Christmas Eve, 1941, and America is going to war. But in North Carolina's little Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the boisterous Sanders Family Singers band together with Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe to buoy the congregation's spirit. Conceived by a Commonweal favorite, director Alan Bailey, and brimming with warmth, hilarity and foot-stomping bluegrass music, Sanders Family Christmas will have your toes tapping and your heart singing. Commonweal Theatre Company. 507-467-2525
Nov. 16, Winona Tundra Swan Watch Visit the Weaver Bottoms area then travel to the Brownsville Overlook near Brownsville for spectacular sights and sounds of tundra swans. Interpreters will be onboard to answer questions, and binoculars, spotting scopes and brochures will be provided for the day. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The tour begins at the Winona Visitor Center. 507-494-6238
Nov. 16, Harmony Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo with more than 50 vendors selling a variety of crafts, handmade goods and specialty items. Fillmore Central High School. 507-886-2469
Nov. 16, Faribault The Okee Dokee Brothers The Grammy Award-winning Duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers, return to the Paradise to showcase songs from their newest album, Winterland as well as favorites from all their collections! A voyage from autumn to spring, Winterland presents winter adventures and music the entire family can enjoy. As four-time Parent's Choice Award winners, The Okee Dokee Brothers put their passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music. Their goal is to inspire children and their parents to get outside and be creative. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Nov. 22, Fairmont Fairmont Glows Festival Kickoff the holiday season with the annual Glows Festival and watch as the City of Lakes transforms into the City of Lights! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Fairmont Municipal Airport via the North Pole Express around 4 p.m. Don't forget to bring your camera! Then head to Downtown Plaza at 6 p.m. for the annual Glows Parade, complete with Santa, wonderful floats, thousands of lights and pre- and post-parade activities. 507-235-5547
Nov. 23, Red Wing The Bodeans Those who have followed BoDeans' remarkable 30-year musical career know that their blend of compelling songs and high energy performances have retained an unpretentious rock & roll loyal following like no other. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 8, Minneapolis Anjelah Johnson - Technically Not Stalking Anjelah became an internet sensation with her viral video, “Nail Salon” which led to many stand up, television and film opportunities. That same year she joined the cast of “MADtv” as a series regular, which spawned another internet sensation, “Bon Qui Qui.” This original character, a disgruntled fast food employee with no filter, has been enjoyed, viewed and replicated by over 65 million people worldwide. Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007
Nov. 8, Bloomington Fins & Flights Beer Tasting Don't miss Fins & Flights, a unique beer-tasting event that lets you get closer than ever to sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish and more at SEA LIFE Aquarium - all after hours! Explore the aquarium while enjoying beer from Minnesota's top local breweries, and assemble your own pretzel necklace. Learn more and purchase tickets online at FinsandFlights.com. East Entrance, Level One at the Mall of America. 952-853-0612
Nov. 8-10, Minneapolis Minneapolis Holiday Boutique The Holiday Boutique brings together more than 200 exclusive, high-quality vendors and artisan designers that offer the latest styles, trends, jewelry, gifts, children's items and gourmet foods. Discover beautiful, custom made gifts when you explore the artisan booths at the show. And check out the many theme nights and promotions taking place! U. S. Bank Stadium. 952-933-3850
Nov. 8-10, Minneapolis GalaxyCon Minneapolis GalaxyCon Minneapolis is more than a comic con! It is a 3-day of fandom that celebrates superheroes, anime, fantasy, science fiction, video games, pop culture and more. Fans will meet TV and movie stars, comic creators, voice actors, cosplayers, writers, pop culture personalities, local artists and collectibles vendors. Lots of people dress up as their favorite characters, and people come from all over to see and be seen! Minneapolis Convention Center. 919-907-0424
Nov. 8-11, Plymouth Bailame Dance Festival The Bailame Dance Festival is four electrifying days of music, dance, workshops and fashion! DJs will play the best of Bachata, Salsa, Zouk and Kizomba in dedicated ballrooms, and participants can dance until 4 a.m. all 3 nights! In addition to nightly themed parties, there will be more than 50 local and international artists, over 30 dance performances, upwards of 70 dance workshops and lots of vendors! Crowne Plaza West. 763-559-6600
Nov. 8 - Jan. 5, Shakopee Sever's Holiday Lights Drive along and enjoy more than 1,000,000 lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes for an unforgettable new Twin Cities tradition. Stay in the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle while enjoying this one-of-a-kind magical display. Sip on hot cocoa and snack on mini donuts, caramel popcorn and other treats from Drew’s Concessions. Sever's new site at 3121 W 150th Street. 952-270-6293
Nov. 9-10, Chisago City Fall Sip and Shop! Browse a wide array of unique clothing, jewelry and craft items from roughly a dozen vendors while enjoying special sips of a new vintage and the warmth of the toasty fireplace. Special treats and freshly-brewed mulled wines will make this experience even more cozy! Winehaven Winery & Vineyard. 651-257-1017
Nov. 9 - Dec. 14, Scandia Girls & Dolls Tea Parties Girls ages 6-96 are invited to a fancy tea party with your doll! There will be stories, games, dances, crafts and music centered around historical information of the mid-1800s. Special Christmas teas will include the legend and celebration of Lucia. It will be a fun afternoon for girls of all ages. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
Nov. 14-17, Shakopee Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair Hundreds of the nation's finest artists and crafters will display and sell their handcrafted works at the Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair. The Arts & Crafts tour of shows are consistently ranked in the Top 100 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. In addition to shopping tons of treasures, there will be an hourly gift certificate winner, plenty of food and drink, lots of family fun and free parking. Canterbury Park. 402-331-2889
Nov. 16, Shakopee CommUNITY Day Community is About Unity. The public is invited to this free event to explore Hocokata Ti and learn more about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Native American history and culture through a series of interactive learning stations. The stations will provide visitors with an overview of topics and issues important to Indian Country, including arts and crafts, Native American culture and language, local history, Indigenous foods, film showings, federal policy impact, gaming history and much more. Hocokata Ti. 952-233-9151
Nov. 16-17, Plymouth Minnesota Bluegrass Fall Jam Don't miss this indoor music festival featuring numerous groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband and related forms of acoustic music. Enjoy nightly stage shows, instrument workshops, Theme Jams, Open Mic times, the Grass Seeds Academy for kids and teens, and the Great Minnesota Ukulele Gathering. Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West-Plymouth. 651-456-8919
Nov. 17, Minneapolis Holiday Open House This annual Holiday Open House on the Sunday a few weeks before holiday shopping begins in earnest. Help us launch the winter season with cider and Somali coffee, locally-made treats, and hundreds of pots in our galleries. Free hands-on clay activities featuring Petite Plates and Pie Penguins, and artist demonstrations will both inspire and captivate you. Stay for a just quick bit of shopping or bring friends or family and make a whole day of it. Northern Clay Center. 612-339-8007
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Hanson at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 8 Cat & Nat at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 9 Chris D'Elia at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 9 Trisha Yearwood at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 9 Theresa Caputo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 10 Eric Andre: Legalize Everything Tour at the Pantages Theatre, Nov. 11 & 22 The Beach Boys at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Nov. 15 The Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 15 Maren Morris: The World Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis, Nov. 16 The Screwtape Letters at the Pantages Theatre, Nov. 16 World of Dance at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 16 The Phantom of the Opera (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 20 - Dec. 1 Chris Janson at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Nov. 23 Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 24 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical (Touring) at Ames Center in Burnsville, Nov. 26-27 Louis the Child at The Armory, Nov. 27 Alice Cooper at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 29 Brockhampton at The Armory, Dec. 3 Disney On Ice Presents Worlds of Enchantment at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 5-8 A.C.E at the Pantages Theatre, Dec. 6 The New Standards at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 6-8 deadmau5 at The Armory, Dec. 7 101.3 KDWB's Jingle Ball at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 9 The Band's Visit (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 10-15 The Blenders at the Pantages Theatre, Dec. 12-15 Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 13-23 Twin Cities Ballet: A Minnesota Nutcracker at Ames Center, Dec. 13-15 Monster Jam at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Dec. 14 Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Nov. 7-9, Alexandria Shoppers on the Hunt & Arts & Crafters Tour Shoppers "on the hunt" will enjoy great deals and store specials throughout downtown Alexandria. During the Arts & Crafters Tour, discover handmade items of all kinds at nine Alexandria area homes. Many homes will also offer holiday music, treats and refreshments. 320-763-3161; 320-763-0102
Nov. 8, St. Joseph/Collegeville Theatre Re Presents: The Nature of Forgetting The Nature of Forgetting merges evocative movement with compelling live music to tell the story of a middle-aged father struggling in the early stages of dementia. Collaborating with London neuroscientist Kate Jeffery, Theatre Re performs a moving articulation of the countless dimensions of memory and amnesia. This life affirming journey into a weakened mind is about the resilience of humanity, the celebration of a life well lived and the eternal spark we all share and is still there when memory is gone. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at Saint John's University. 320-363-5777
Nov. 9, Brainerd Holiday Arts & Craft Festival The Holiday Arts & Craft Festival features arts and crafts by more than 100 artists and crafters with quality handmade items. Refreshments will be available and admission is free. Brainerd Senior High School. 218-825-0410
Nov. 16, St. Cloud Granite City Train Show Buy, sell, trade or just view hundreds of trains under one roof at the Granite City Train Show. Vendors will be selling and buying trains, accessories, books, videos, railroad collectibles & memorabilia, antique trains & toys, hobby items and more! There will be operating model and toy train displays, and kids can help build a wooden train layout and run a model train. Register to win door prizes, including a Lionel Train Set or an FSM HO structure kit. Food and refreshments will be available. St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-0033
Nov. 16-17, Onamia Applique Beading 2-Day Workshop Learn the techniques of applique beading and make an applique beaded coin purse to take home. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided on Sunday. Registration is required three days prior to the workshop. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Nov. 23, St. Joseph Kevin Kling & Friends: Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log Best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," Kling delivers hilarious, often tender stories that have delighted audiences around the country. With Yule Log, the Minnesota native captures the essence, merriment and humor of family holiday traditions. Wry tales of Midwestern Americana take surprising turns from the offbeat to the insightful. Yule Log features Simone Perrin, SJU alum Dan Chouinard and other surprise, familiar guests. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at St. John's University. 320-363-5777
Northwest Minnesota
Oct. 11 - Nov. 30, Bemidji Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island View original artwork by 20 Indigenous artists from across the United States and many tribal nations. Bring Her Home highlights the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, sharing the visual stories of the impacted women through paintings, digital work, sculpture and photography. An opening reception will be held Oct. 11. Watermark Art Center. 218-444-7570
Nov. 9, Thief River Falls Holiday Craft Show The 43rd Annual REA Holiday Craft Show features a huge variety of handmade items from over 40 crafters. Ralph Engelstad Arena. 218-681-2183
Nov. 9, Park Rapids Big November Craft and Vendor Show The Big November Craft & Vendor Show features dozens of area crafters and vendors selling original artwork and quality products and services. A freewill donation concession stand will be available, with all proceeds going to The Kinship of Park Rapids. Park Rapids Century School. 218-236-6200; 218-732-4111
Nov. 15-24, Bemidji Annie "The sun will come out tomorrow, tomorrow..." Based on the comical antics of Little Orphan Annie, the little red-headed waif who wins over the hearts of the staunchest nonbelievers when it comes to the matter of hope. Journey with her to find her real parents amidst a world that is often full of charlatans and crooks. The Historic Chief Theater. 218-755-8942
Nov. 16, Longville "Brunch, Bubbles & Bling" Champagne Breakfast Start off the winter season right and enjoy some champagne, a style show, silent auction, door prizes, music and a delicious buffet breakfast! Wear your best "bling" while doing your Christmas shopping thing! Patrick's Restaurant. 218-363-2630
Nov. 16, East Grand Forks North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Dance Enjoy community dance, square dancing, dancing lessons, dance music, live music, fiddle music, reels, simple square and circles for all ages during the North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Dance. Music will be performed by the O’Neil Family Band, and teaching and calling will be led by Robin Nelson from Minneapolis. All are welcome! Free-will donation requested at the door. East Grand Forks Senior Center. 218-773-3850
Northeast Minnesota
Nov. 7-16, Duluth An Enemy of the People (a new adaptation) When a scientist discovers the town's water is toxic, the community must choose between jobs or environmental safety. A play as relevant today as when it was written in 1882. Marshall Performing Arts Center. 218-726-8561
Nov. 8-10, Grand Marais Lake Superior Storm Festival Treat yourself to a storm season retreat before the bedlam of the holidays begins. The seventh annual Lake Superior Storm Festival is a celebration of the power and wild beauty of Lake Superior. Highlights include a Storm Into Winter Showcase at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Disney’s The Little Mermaid by The Grand Marais Playhouse, Wave Dash festivities at Lutsen Resort, a Storms, Shipwrecks & Sinkings presentation at JHP Art Gallery, Gales of November Storm Fest Mystery Dinner at Moguls Grille & Taproom, and a Lakeside Poem & Remembrance Ceremony at Artist Point. Various sites throughout Cook County. 218-387-2524
Nov. 8-10, Tofte Girls Gone North Weekend Attend the 12th Annual Girls Gone North Weekend for a weekend of pampering, girl time and North Shore fun. Gather your girlfriends for happy hour at the Bluefin Grille on Friday night. Start your Saturday with yoga, join a “girls only” guided hike, watch the waves, get pampered at the Waves of Superior Spa, ditch your diet, learn something new, shop and drink wine! Lodging discounts are available. Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior. 218-663-7296
Nov. 10, Two Harbors Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of her 29 crewmembers on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost in Great Lakes shipwrecks. Split Rock Lighthouse. 218-226-6372
Nov. 10 & Dec. 8, Duluth Gag Me With A Spoon: A Community Storyshare Adeline Wright of Adeline Inc. is the creator of this event series. 'Gag Me With A Spoon' is an evening of open mic storytelling. In theme with the Moth and Mortified podcasts, anybody can come and share true, funny and interesting stories in eight minutes or less. Each GMWAS features storytellers and a featured musician followed by open mic journal sharing! Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. 218-336-1417
Nov. 15 - Jan. 5, Duluth Christmas Tours at Glensheen Mansion The Glensheen Mansion is your Christmas by day Christmas activity during the holiday season in Duluth. See 25 Christmas Trees and hunt for 25 hidden elves in the 39-room mansion! Try to spot the hidden elves as you admire the 25 Christmas trees, sample a free Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own shortbread cookie recipe, and finish off your tour by exploring the lakeside snowy grounds. Historic Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Nov. 22-24, Grand Marais Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival Celebrate the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional lifestyles in the North during Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival. Highlights include winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, gear swap, dancing, film festival, speakers and more. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
Nov. 23 - Dec. 28, Duluth Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" Experience America's largest free walk-through lighting display! This quintessential holiday event has something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by the 4 million+ lights, the 128' Christmas tree and all the free treats! Children 10 and under will receive a new knit hat and a bag of cookies from Santa. Admission and visits with Santa Claus are free but a new unwrapped toy or nonperishable food donation are encouraged. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-740-3535
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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