Twin Cities Scout #07

Happy Tuesday, friends. After a long, sleepy season of winter grays, the overlap of spring and Easter feels especially meaningful to me—a reminder of the preciousness of new life and fresh beginnings.

Speaking of hope and new things on the horizon…

Last week, readers voted on what they thought was a fair price for the TC Scout Passport. 55% voted for $20, 25% for $15, 9% for $25, and 11% for “other”. So $20 it is—thanks for weighing in!

A couple of you asked where the money goes—fair question. It covers the time and costs of keeping this newsletter running and making the Passport happen, like partnering with local restaurants and creating something meaningful for our community. These partnerships give restaurants a boost and help you discover new favorites.

This newsletter will always be free, but Passport sales will help keep it sustainable. I’m still finalizing our restaurant partners—stay tuned for an update soon. Thanks so much for your support!

When we launched last month, it was all about nurturing real connections in our community. Since then, this little newsletter has grown quickly, and it feels like the right time to finally bring folks together in person. Would you join a casual happy hour at a local brewery? The hope is for readers to meet, share stories, and connect. We’re also toying with ideas like inviting local food vendors!

Creativity is everywhere in the Twin Cities, and this new section hopes to highlight the local artists and makers behind it. From time to time, someone new will be featured—bringing fresh ideas to life through art, music, or other creative projects. Their stories might just spark some inspiration of your own.

Today, we’re excited to shine a light on Maria Ahrens.

Maria Ahrens is a self-taught watercolor artist based in Northeast Minneapolis. She rediscovered fine art while initially pursuing a career in the fashion industry, but what began as a just-for-fun creative outlet slowly evolved into its own career trajectory. She started out painting fun things like vintage typewriters and evening gowns, but her body of work has expanded into something that resonates more deeply with who she is as a woman and how she experiences the world through that lens.

Maria’s experience in fashion is certainly present in her work, and she also draws inspiration from people, architecture, nature, and her travels. She would describe her painting style as realism with a dash of whimsy. Her watercolor artwork is remarkably detailed, and she often experiments with contrast and color to direct the eye and influence perception.

This unique approach will be on full display at Art-a-Whirl next month, where Maria is excited to showcase her latest pieces. You can find her at the A-Mill Artists Lofts from May 16–18, sharing her creative process and connecting with art lovers in person.

To see more of Maria’s work and stay updated on her artistic journey, visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @mariaahrensart.

I’d like you to meet Molly the curious Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, Archie the Wirehaired Terrier mix who’s rumored to be part kangaroo, and Gander the Domestic Shorthair kitten who’s a big fan of soft beds.

Want to make a difference in your community? Here are three ways you can help support important local projects:

Neighborhood Roots brings neighbors together to buy, eat and learn about local food. They operate the Kingfield, Nokomis, and Southwest Farmers Markets and are looking for help setting up/tearing down markets and staffing info booths. Make a difference

Joy Collaborative is design-driven nonprofit that creates Joy Rooms for youth with life-limiting conditions. Are you a cabinet maker, electrician, painter, or wall-covering installer? If so, this is a great opportunity to transform the lives of kids. Building and/or finish materials are provided. Learn more

Planting People Growing Justice is passionate about dismantling the pipeline to prison by promoting reading and increasing diversity in books among students. They’re looking for a volunteer photographer/videographer to help document their organization’s journey. Snap for good

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Have an opportunity you’d like to share with everyone? Drop us a note at hello(at)twincitiesscout.com

Three new trails for you to explore this week:

Want to feature an event with a poster? Reach out to hello(at)twincitiesscout.com

Bring your family out to Frogtown Green’s Neighbor Night, May 1 from 3–7pm, at Frogtown Community Center. Don’t miss this free evening of connection, curiosity and community! LEARN MORE

Craft Night, Arbeiter Brewing Company - Bring crafts and meet fellow crafters at 6pm. Craft here

Earth Week Water Party, The Market At Malcolm Yards - Celebrate the ways water connects us in the Twin Cities with art-making at 6:30pm. Free event! Celebrate here

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical, Children's Theatre Company - The hit musical will be showing 4/15 - 6/15. Showing tonight at 7pm. Join the magic

Cena entre Panas with Chef Gustavo Romero, Crasqui - Savor a dinner that celebrates Latin American flavors while supporting immigrant communities—good food for a great cause! Reservations available for 5:00 or 7:30pm. Reserve dinner

Courtroom Concert: Lumina, Landmark Center - Free one-hour concert with Lumina Women's Ensemble at 12pm. Enjoy music

April 24 Indoor Market, Maple Grove Community Center - Explore a fully stocked indoor market at 3pm. Learn more

West End Art Crawl, The Shops at West End - Enjoy art, food, and culture at 4pm. Crawl time

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center, Minnesota History Center - Enjoy free admission and parking from 4 - 8pm. Explore history

Dining Out For Life 2025, Estelle - Enjoy dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, where 25% of all food sales will go towards the Aliveness Project. Reservations starting at 5pm. Learn more

Mending 101 with Curiosity Studio, Minnesota History Center - Free event for learning mending techniques at 6pm. Check it out

Dayton's Bluff: Paper Produce Pop Art, Mississippi Market Co-op - Create pop art with paper at 6:30pm. Create art

Varietopia with Paul F. Tompkins, The Fitzgerald Theater - Enjoy a modern variety show at 8pm. See the show

Spring 2025 St. Paul Art Crawl, Several Locations - St. Paul Art Crawl kicks off today, with many locations located throughout Ward 2 in St. Paul. Metro Transit is offering free transit passes for Saturday and Sunday. Check it out

Shinrin-yoku “Forest Bathing,” Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Experience nature's tranquility with an immersive, guided walk at 10am. Nature therapy

Arbor Day, Kenny Park - Plant a tree and enjoy family activities at 4pm. Celebrate Arbor Day

St. Paul Saints vs. Indianapolis, CHS Field - Enjoy a Saints game at 5pm. Game time

5th Annual Native Nations Fashion Night, InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront - Experience the flowing beauty of "Nibi-Indow / Mni Waun / I Am Water," a breathtaking fashion show honoring water as the essence of life. Starts at 5pm. Fashion night

One Good Human "In This Art Together", Northrup King Building - Kick-off event for a two-day artistic celebration of empathy, integrity, and the power of choosing kindness. Starts at 6:30pm. Artistic vibes

Karaoke Night, Inbound BrewCo - Enjoy Karaoke Night and craft drinks at 7pm. Sing out loud

S'mores on the Patio, Minneapolis Cider Company - Enjoy complimentary s'mores at 8pm. S'more fun

Strib Unbound: Outdoor Adventure For All, Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead - Free outdoor event with family-friendly activities from 9am. Adventure awaits

Saturday Vibe - Puppet Storytime, George Latimer Central Library - Music, puppets, and play at 11am. Storytime fun

3rd Annual Mama Market, Blooma - Celebrate women-owned businesses at this free event, starting at 12pm. Market here

Co-Op Kidsfest 2025, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative - Family fun weekend with community spirit and llamas starting at 12pm. Fun alert

2nd Year Anniversary Party, Wandering Leaf Brewing - Come celebrate Wandering Leaf’s second birthday with food from local vendors like Wrecktangle, live music, and family games. Bring your dog for a treat! From noon to 10pm. The full deets

Minnesota State Band Spring Concert, Minnesota History Center - Experience a mix of historical and new compositions at 1pm. Hear music

Clearly Grown Strawberry Pop-up, Arbeiter Brewing - Buy fresh strawberries, jam, and more at 1pm. Shop strawberries

Stars of the Night, Nokomis Library - Author Caren Stelson and violinist Judith Eisner present Nicholas Winton’s Kindertransport story—a free musical program for grades 4+ at 3pm. Learn important history with your kids

Streets are Watching Fashion Show, W Minneapolis (The Foshay) - Experience Black Fashion Week Minnesota’s kick-off event, an evening filled with bold looks, fierce energy, and the heartbeat of urban culture, at 7pm. Tix

jeremy messersmith, Turf Club - Musical performance from a local star at 8pm. Tix

Navigating by the Stars, St. Croix State Park - Stargazing and celestial secrets at 8:15pm. Stargaze

Qeej and Hmong Arts Festival, Union Depot - Celebrate Hmong culture with performances and workshops at 10am. Celebrate here

Nicollet Island Spring Market, Nicollet Island Pavilion - Discover local vendors and unique finds starting at 10am. Spring shop

BandWidth Community Band Festival, Landmark Center - Enjoy ensemble music performances at 12pm. Festival joy

Meet & Greet with Safe Hands Rescue, Forgotten Star Brewing - Adoptable dogs and puppies at the taproom starting at 12pm. Meet pups

Little Charity Book Club Spring Pop-Up, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative - Mobile bookstore on a sweet hand-painted mini-truck with proceeds supporting charities at 1pm. Browse books

Minnesota Frost vs. New York Sirens, Xcel Energy Center - Cheer on the Frost as they take on the Sirens during their Fan Appreciation and final home game of the regular season at 1pm. Get tix

Spring Wildflower Hike, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - Just an hour or so drive from Minneapolis, this stunning park is full of wildflowers for you to discover. Starts at 1pm. See the blooms

Outdoor Skills Workshops for Women, French Regional Park - Learn how to make knots and tarps for camping at 1pm. Deets

Earth Day Clothing Swap, Silverwood Great Hall - Celebrate Earth Day by making a difference for the planet and your wardrobe at 1pm. Swap clothes

MNUFC vs Vancouver, Allianz Field - Watch the Loons take on the Whitecaps at 2pm. Watch live

Bloom & Brew, Wooden Hill Brewing Co - Shop local artisans, drink local beer, and ring in spring. From 4:30 - 8pm. More info

Creating Art In and With Nature, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park - Create art using found natural objects at 5pm. Create art

Branford Marsalis Quartet, Dakota Jazz Club - Enjoy a Grammy-nominated ensemble's performance at 6:30pm. More deets

Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Just reply to this email—I read every message, and your input helps make this newsletter better.