The Giant Pencil Gets Sharpened This Weekend

Happy Tuesday, friends! There are a ton of exciting events happening this weekend, but one takes the cake for quirkiest—the public sharpening of a twenty-foot pencil at Lake of the Isles (what in the world??!). Find the full details down below in our events list.

Sheep Take Over A Solar Farm

Driving up Highway 10 anytime soon? If so, keep an eye out for thousands of solar panels outside of Becker. Take a closer peek and you might notice something peculiar: hundreds (soon to be thousands) of sheep. Last week, the sheep were released into the solar farm to keep vegetation at bay. Their grazing prevents prairie fires. Apparently tall prairie grasses and massive electrical equipment don't play well together! The sheep also aerate and fertilize the soil with their hooves and manure, supporting more pollinators like bees and butterflies. And the sheep benefit from shade. It's called agrivoltaics, and it's a pretty smart setup.

Thanks For Coming Out

Last week's happy hour at Arbeiter Brewing drew around 40 of you for great conversations. I was so caught up talking that I forgot to take pictures (send me yours if you have them!). Thanks to everyone who came. It was wonderful watching new connections form. Already looking forward to the next one.

Volunteering Update: Your Turn to Choose Our First Event

After 153 of you expressed interest in volunteering together, it's time to plan our first group event. This 5-minute survey will help us choose a cause and timing that works for as many of us as possible. Looking forward to seeing what we decide on!

TAKE THE 5-MINUTE SURVEY →

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Join us Wednesday, June 25 at Arbeiter Brewing for a lively evening celebrating Wildflyer Coffee and the incredible young people in our Work & Life Skills Training Program.

Your support matters now more than ever. We're calling on our neighbors and community to come together in support of dignified employment opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness–empowering them to go from surviving to thriving.

Tickets are $15–$50, with a Free Community Ticket option. All tickets include dinner, dessert, and drinks!

ADOPT PETS

This week, meet Harlow, a playful Retriever mix puppy, Chloe, a Chihuahua mix perfect for quiet companionship, and Pico, a Domestic Shorthair kitten ready for endless lap snuggles.

HELPING HANDS HUB

Little Free Library builds community and expands book access through volunteer-led book-sharing boxes. Help fight book deserts this summer by delivering free book bundles to Little Free Libraries in underserved areas. Share books

Appetite for Change uses food to build health, wealth, and social change in North Minneapolis. Help tend their urban farms this summer and fall; weed, harvest, and grow 50+ varieties of produce using sustainable practices that feed local families and fuel community programs. Groups of 5-15 welcome! Grow change

BrightSide Produce delivers fresh, affordable produce to underserved Twin Cities neighborhoods. Volunteer to pack boxes at MidCity Kitchen or deliver food directly to families using your own car. Flexible shifts available. Lend a hand

Want to feature an event with a poster? Reach out here

Join MidCity Farmers Market for their 2025 season opening on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 4–8pm at 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul. Experience live music, fresh produce, local food trucks, and handmade goods in a sunny corner setting. Well-behaved dogs on leash are more than welcome (just not inside food tents)! Learn more

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

Wednesday (6/4)

55+ Ceramics, 10am - 12pm at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Mpls
Adults 55+ can paint, detail, and fire ceramics—bring your own or buy green ware, all skill levels welcome!

Climb To The Top, 11am - 1pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul 🆓
Climb the North Tower via a secret door for spectacular Saint Paul views.

Seed Sorting Party, 1-2pm at Nokomis Library, Mpls 🆓
Volunteer to sort and label seeds for the community library—learn about seed saving and gardening with Seed Sages!

New Brighton Farmers Market Opening Day, 3-7pm at New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton 🆓
Kickoff summer at the local farmers market, shop produce and goods.

Drawing & Coloring Circle, 6-7:30pm at George Latimer Central Library, St. Paul 🆓
Relax and get creative with drawing prompts or your own project—materials provided, all skill levels welcome!

MN Cuban Film Festival: Los Zafiros: Music From the Edge of Time, 7pm at The Main Cinema, Mpls
Award-winning documentary screening, explore Cuban music and culture. $11 admission.

Thursday (6/5)

Urban Roots and St. Paul Public Library Garden Storytime, 10:30-11:30am at Urban Roots Children's Garden, St. Paul 🆓
Enjoy story-time and a hands-on garden activity for families and preschoolers at Rivoli Bluffs Farm and Restoration Site!

Maple Grove Farmers Market - June 5 Market, 3-7pm at Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove 🆓
Weekly market with local food, produce, and music.

Sketches of Life Drawing Workshop with Don Thomas, 5-7pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul 🆓
Drop-in, learn easy drawing techniques, all supplies provided for free. Bring your own stool or chair.

"Pup Parade" and Pet supply donation drive, 5:30-7:30pm at Brackett Field Park, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Walk your dog in a festive pet parade, support local animal shelters.

Music in the Gardens, 6-7:30pm at MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Live music throughout the gardens; relax outdoors, select dates all summer.

Dayton's Bluff: Sewing to See, 6-8pm at Mississippi Market Co-op, St. Paul 🆓
Learn Sashiko embroidery and group wearable art, all levels.

Mufasa: The Lion King, 8:55pm at Brackett Field Park, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Outdoor showing of Disney's new "Mufasa"; bring a blanket.

Clue (1985), 9pm at Riverview Theater, Mpls
Catch the cult classic murder-mystery comedy on the big screen—late night, all seats $5!

Friday (6/6)

Artisan Home Tour, 12-6pm throughout the Twin Cities
Tour stunning custom homes around Minneapolis during this extended summer showcase (Runs 6/6 - 6/22 on Fri, Sat, and Sun). Single home for $7, all for $35.

Golden Hour, 4-7pm at Marigold, Mpls
Sip tasty NA beverages, unwind, and meet new people from the community.

Early Evening Jazz: Twins Perform the Music of Thelonious Monk, 4:30-6:30pm at Berlin, Mpls 🆓
Enjoy a fresh take on Thelonious Monk’s classics by local jazz trio Twins—no cover, all ages welcome.

McNasty Brass Band w/ Rhythm Nation, 7pm at Icehouse, Mpls
New Orleans-inspired high-energy brass and jazz concert from a local group, doors 6pm, show at 7pm.

The Garfield Movie, 9pm at Webber Park, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Outdoor movie night: family-friendly Garfield fun, bring a blanket/chair.

Saturday (6/7)

Introduction to Birding, 9:30am - 12pm at Eastman Nature Center, Osseo
Beginner-friendly birdwatching, learn to spot and ID local birds, $12.

Art In The Hollow, 10am-5pm at Swede Hollow Park, St. Paul 🆓
Celebrate East Side St. Paul with art, music, food trucks, performances, and over 100 local artists in beautiful Swede Hollow!

St. Anthony Park Arts Festival, 10am - 5pm at Como & Carter Ave, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Celebrate creativity in a lively St. Paul neighborhood with artists, musicians, families, and community gathering for art, music, and connection.

Chalkfest Maple Grove, 10am - 6pm at Downtown Maple Grove 🆓
See stunning chalk art, free entertainment, family activities Saturday through Sunday.

Free Professional Headshots, 10:30am - 12:30pm at Hayden Heights Library, St. Paul 🆓
Get a free professional headshot for LinkedIn, social media, or your resume—business attire recommended, all are welcome!

Pitch 'n' Putt Championship, 11am - 1pm at Eagle Lake Reg. Park, Plymouth 🆓
Pitch and putt golf for all skill levels, casual championship.

4th Annual Lake of the Isles Pencil Day, 1-2:30pm at Lake of the Isles, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Watch the giant pencil sculpture get sharpened with music, storytelling, giveaways, and a special tribute to Prince’s birthday!

Lake Street Roots, Rock, Deep Blues Festival XXII, 2-10pm at Hook and Ladder Theater, Arbeiter Brewing Co & More, Mpls
Enjoy the sunshine at this block party with 7 music stages, art, food, vibrant community.

Rootstock featuring Poetic Roots, 4pm at Icehouse, Mpls
Live music, vendor market, and more at this celebration of Black music from across the diaspora.

TaikoGROOVE, a concert dance party, 7-9pm at The Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls
Energetic Japanese drumming and a dance party vibe, all ages.

Saturday Night Improv Show, 7:30-8:45pm at Strike Theater, Mpls
Top Twin Cities improv troupes, monthly showcase, tickets required.

Forrest Gump, 9pm at Lake Harriet Bandshell, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Bring a blanket for this outdoor PG-13 classic, part of free movie series.

Sunday (6/8)

Sunday Morning Yoga, 11am - 12pm at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Mpls
All abilities yoga class, includes a beer/cider, bring your mat, $10.

Naturalist Hike, 12:30-2:30pm at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Guided nature exploration, discover local habitats and wildlife. Register by Saturday, 6/7.

Watch the Beekeeper at Work, 1-1:30pm at MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Observe beekeeping indoors, see pollinators in action, registration required.

Wildflower Prairie Hike, 1-2:30pm at Afton State Park, Afton 🆓
Guided prairie hike to explore Minnesota wildflowers—1.6 miles of vibrant blooms and nature insight.

Free Family Fun Day: Art in the Park, 1-3pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony 🆓
Free creative fun for families, hands-on art outdoors, 1–3pm.

Monday (6/9)

Our Backyard opens, 10am at Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Climb, dig, and play in this Big Backyard outdoor exhibit—adventure for families!

Tuesday (6/10)

Minnetonka Farmers Market, 2-6pm at The Marsh, Minnetonka 🆓
Locally produced groceries, crafts, music, and kids activities.

Curious about Camping, 10-11:30am at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake 🆓
Intro to camping skills, hands-on demos for beginners.

Fluid Table Tennis-Community Ping Pong League, 7pm at Minneapolis Cider Co.
Purchase a wristband at the bar for $8 dollars and get ready for great games, great drinks, and great new friends to share them with!

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, 9pm at Bottineau Park, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Outdoor screening of the new Ghostbusters, bring chairs and friends, starts at 9pm.