Spring’s Big Weekend: Art-A-Whirl, Maker’s Markets, and Permission to Rest

Happy Tuesday, folks!

I’ll be honest—I’m running on empty this week. My wife and I recently welcomed a teenager into our home. It’s been wonderful, but it’s also been a lot. Figuring out how to be a parent while also figuring out how to run this newsletter has been a special kind of exhausting. I’m sharing this as a gentle reminder (for myself and for you): rest matters. In a culture that always pushes for perfection, it’s okay to let some things go. If you’re feeling worn out, here’s your permission slip to slow down—even for an hour. The sun is shining (at least as I write this). Remember to step outside and enjoy it.

Last week, I spent some time working at Sunbean Coffee, a cozy spot tucked away in Minneapolis’ Longfellow neighborhood. I struck up a conversation with Fred, the owner, and asked how Sunbean came to be. Fred’s story was a reminder of why supporting local businesses matters to so many of us.

For years, Fred dreamed of opening a coffee shop. In 2024, he and his wife turned that dream into reality. Listening to Fred describe his ongoing awe as Sunbean comes to life was genuinely moving—he spoke of watching his creative vision unfold into a bright, welcoming space where people gather over coffee.

Every detail, from the cheerful colors to the playful wall art, is intentional. In Minnesota, where gray months are common, these bursts of color are meant to lift spirits, especially on dreary days. Fred and his team set out to make Sunbean a force for good in the community—and you can feel it the moment you walk in.

It’s places like Sunbean that remind us why it’s worth investing in local businesses. Each time we choose to support spots like this one, we’re building up our neighborhoods and shaping the kind of community we want to be part of. Thank you, Fred, for bringing your creativity and warmth to our corner of the world.

I’ll leave you with a thought from journalist and author Krista Tippett:

“Enough of us — across all of our differences — see that we have a world to remake. We want to orient towards that possibility. We want to meet what is hard and hurting. We want to rise to what is beautiful and life-giving. We want to do that where we live, and we want to do it walking alongside others.”

You can read more at the On Being Project.

I’m excited to announce details for our very first in-person hangout! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 28th, from 7–9pm at Arbeiter Brewing Co. in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Here’s what to expect:

There’s no set agenda for the night—just show up, connect, and enjoy good conversation. If you feel like slipping away to play board games or a round of pinball with someone new, go for it! To help myself really be present, I’ll be putting my phone on airplane mode (no pressure for you to do the same, but the option’s there if you want).

Bring a friend, bring your dog, or just bring yourself. If you’d like, you can RSVP here—it’s not required, but it helps me and Arbeiter get a sense of how many folks to expect.

I hope to see you there!

Ready for adventure, Lil Kim is a lively Labrador Retriever mix puppy—no relation to the rapper, though her barks and backyard zoomies are top-tier. Bella, an Anatolian Shepherd/Mastiff, offers gentle cuddles and calm companionship. Completing the trio, Nala is an energetic Domestic Shorthair cat, eager to share silly moments.

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Adopted an animal from this section? We’d love to know and even feature a picture of you and your new family member in a future issue. Say hi at pets(at)twincitiesscout.com

Foster Together helps foster, kinship, and adoptive families feel supported with essential goods and caring connections. Volunteers are at the heart of this work, whether offering a helping hand to families or organizing community drives. Get involved

Native American Community Clinic supports the health and wellbeing of Native families. This summer, you can help by assembling kits with travel toiletries, socks, hats, gloves, and healthy snacks for community members experiencing homelessness. Put kits together at home and deliver them to the Minneapolis clinic. Support NACC’s outreach

Are you a real estate pro? Neighborhood Development Center could use your expertise! Volunteer with them and help local entrepreneurs thrive by sharing your know-how in real estate, property management, or consulting. It’s a flexible, family-friendly way to give back and strengthen our community. Lend your expertise today

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Join Wildflyer Coffee on Saturday, May 17, from 10am–2pm for a Maker’s Market at their Minneapolis shop. Shop pottery, jewelry, treats, and more from local makers—including Wildflyer youth and staff. Proceeds support Wildflyer’s Work & Life Skills Training Program. Learn more!

Looking for big energy and creative vibes during Art-A-Whirl? Head to The Liquid Zoo at Bauhaus Brew Labs, May 16–18. Enjoy three days packed with free live music, local art, and tasty bites from Animales BBQ, Parlour, and more for all ages. Grab a brew, meet up with friends, and experience the spirited heart of Northeast Minneapolis!
Get the full details

🆓 - free event admission
🐕 - dog-friendly (qualifiers like patio-only will be mentioned in the event description)

Wellness Wednesday, Eastman Nature Center 🆓
Low-impact guided hike focused on holistic well-being, starts at 9:30am. Hiking details

MNmicro Film Festival, Marcus West End Cinema 🆓
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with empowering film screenings, red carpet interviews, filmmaker Q&As, and a mixer-honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander stories and voices. RSVP for free!

Out Loud at the Library: Open Mic, George Latimer Central Library 🆓
Share poems, music, or speeches; register to perform, enjoy food, community, and raffle prizes from 5:30-7:30pm. Register for free!

Plant Swap, Dual Citizen Brewing Company, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Bring plants to trade, meet local enthusiasts, swing by anytime from 6-9pm. Plant swap

Arbeiter Cribbage Tournament, Arbeiter Brewing Company 🆓 🐕
Free monthly tournament, all skill levels, starts at 6:30pm. Cribbage sign up

Women, Woods and Wine Hike, Eastman Nature Center
Leisurely evening hike for women with BYO wine option, starts at 7pm. More on the hike

Maple Grove Farmers Market, Church of the Open Door 🆓
Local, seasonal food and vendors at this outdoor market, from 3-7pm. Market fun

Vinyl Revival Listening Party, Minneapolis Central Library 🆓
Community vinyl listening party: Request songs, play your own records, and connect with fellow music lovers, 3-4:30pm. More info

Board Game Night, St. Louis Park Library 🆓
Come and play new and classic board and card games. Open to all adults excited to game, whether you are an experienced or casual player. 5:30-7:45pm. Free fun

Hidden History Hike: Glen Lake Sanatorium, Glen Lake Golf & Practice Center
Explore fascinating local history during an evening hike, 6:30pm. Register by Thursday. Hike & history

An Evening with Dark Star Orchestra, Palace Theatre
Iconic Grateful Dead tribute band’s full show, 7:30pm. Groove tickets

Midtown Global Market Arts & Music Festival, Midtown Global Market 🆓
Enjoy live music, art, family activities, food demos, and diverse performances for all ages throughout the market. Starts Friday 11am and ends Sunday. Learn more

Learn 3D Printing, George Latimer Central Library 🆓
Wanting to learn more about 3D printing? Get some hands-on experience at this free event, 2-3pm. Get registered

Art-A-Whirl 2025 / Day 1, NE Minneapolis 🆓
It’s finally here! Northeast Minneapolis' 30th annual art crawl, all weekend long. 5-10pm today. Get all the deets

Hmong 50 Commemoration, Minnesota History Center 🆓
Celebrate 50 years of resilience: stories, performances, hands-on activities, food, and portrait exhibition, from 5-8pm. Reserve your spot

The Shinob Squad // Native Humor and Comedy, The Parkway Theater
Celebrate American Indian Month with native comedians sharing culture, family, and laughs in a memorable comedy show, at 7:30pm. Get your tix

Hipshaker MPLS | Funk & Soul Dance, Zen Arcade
Dance the night away as vinyl DJs spin rare funk and soul, 9:30pm. Dance Tix

Southwest Farmers Market Opening Day, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 🆓
Celebrate the grand opening of a new neighborhood market, 8:30am. Market kickoff

Letter Writing Social Hour, Arvonne Fraser Library 🆓
Unplug and reconnect: Write letters with provided stationery, stickers, and postcards.
From 10-11:30am. Get unplugged

Twin Cities Bird Festival, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park 🆓
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with live raptors, guided bird walks, food trucks, exhibits, and family-friendly activities at the Twin Cities Bird Festival. More deets

Crush-A-Whirl 2025, Turbo Tim’s Anything Automative Northeast 🆓
Crush-A-Whirl blends art, music, food, magic, family fun, and a live car crushing spectacle during Art-A-Whirl. From 12-6pm. Learn more

Art-A-Whirl 2025 / Day 2, NE Minneapolis 🆓
Galleries, shops, food trucks, music throughout the art district from 12-8pm. Art stroll

Zero K Run, Forgotten Star Brewing Co. 🆓 🐕
The fun run where you don’t run! Music, charity, food trucks, 1-4pm. Support CMT

Art Demo: Katie Andreeva, Pierre Bottineau Library 🆓
Beginner-friendly watercolor demo with NE Minneapolis artist Katia Andreeva. Learn techniques, experiment, and create art—materials provided! From 2-5pm. Learn more

Kingfield Farmers Market Opening Day, MLK Park 🆓
Shop fresh produce and support local growers, 8:30am. Market info

Brunch, Minneapolis Cider Company
Fresh-baked goods, crepes, coffee, and mimosas, from 10am. Brunch details

Art-A-Whirl 2025 / Day 3, NE Minneapolis 🆓
Open studios, live music, and food trucks, noon–5pm. Final day fun

Kayak Essentials, Fish Lake Regional Park
Intro class on kayaking skills and water safety, 1pm. Make sure to register by Wednesday. Kayak deets

Free Family Fun Day: Walk with a Naturalist, French Regional Park 🆓
Guided naturalist walk to spot wildlife, starting 2pm. Nature walk

Central Poetry Collective, George Latimer Central Library 🆓
Poetry workshops: brainstorm, write, and share in a supportive group. No experience needed! I signed up—see you there? From 2-3:30pm. Register for free

Swing Dancing with Beasley’s Big Band, Minneapolis Cider Company
Free swing lesson at 5:15pm, live band at 6pm for $10. Dance night

Puppy Playtime and Smol Dog Night, Unleashed Hounds and Hops 🐕
Puppies and small dogs socialize, with separate sessions from 5pm. Dog night

Open Mic Night, Inbound BrewCo 🆓 🐕
Share your music or catch local talent, 8pm. Open mic night

Skyline Soundbath Yoga with Windows at Marquette, IDS Center 🆓
Free hour-long yoga session with stunning city views, BYO mat, 5:30pm. Yoga RSVP

Taste of Linden Hills, St. Thomas the Apostle Gymnasium
Food fest with local bites from 10-12 restaurants, music, and silent auction, 6pm VIP/6:30pm entry. Taste tickets

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