It's happening! Our first group volunteer event 🙌

Happy Tuesday, friends. I hope your week is off to a good start! This newsletter has evolved into something I never expected—a hub for volunteering and giving back. I’ve heard from and met many of you wanting to make a positive impact on your community. It’s inspiring, and I’m beyond grateful to have you here. Can’t wait to potentially serve alongside you at our first group volunteering event (final details are down below)!

The 2025 Wedge LIVE Cat Tour is happening tomorrow tonight in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood. Yes, you read that right—you can go check out local cats with your friends and hundreds of your neighbors. If that’s not your cup of tea, this issue is jam-packed with many more opportunities to connect with others and get outside. Maybe I’ll see ya out there?

—James

We’ve got our first group volunteering event planned!

Here's what we're doing:

This hit everything you asked for. Supporting families in transition was your top choice. Saturday afternoon timing. Medium-sized group so we can actually make an impact without it feeling overwhelming.

After our session, we'll figure out somewhere nearby to hang out if you want to meet other folks in this growing community of ours. More details to come.

Sign up here - you'll need to create a quick Second Harvest account, but that's it.

I'm not sure how fast these will fill, but I have a feeling they will! Any spots not claimed by July 3rd will be released to the public.

P.S. Our regular Helping Hands Hub will be returning next week after a brief hiatus.

Let me introduce you to Essie the Poodle/Retriever, Valor the Retriever, and Lilly the cat. Could your home be the one they’re looking for?

I’m excited to launch “The Bulletin” this week, a digital spin on a classic way to share local updates and happenings. Got news about your business to share, a cool project to spotlight, a position you’re hiring for, or just feel like connecting with 7,000 awesome people? Let’s chat

Jook Sing pops up at Bar Brava this summer! We're thrilled to share that our modern Chinese pop-up restaurant has a new home at Bar Brava, the 2025 James Beard Award nominated natural wine bar. Join us this summer to experience a vibrant intersection of Chinese heritage, Midwest roots, and modern technique, all paired with some of the best natural wines. Reservations now open--find us on IG @jooksingmn or visit our website.

MidCity Farmers Market comes alive each Wednesday in a sunny corner of Saint Paul, from 4-8pm. This week at the market: Plant swap 🪴! Like a free little library, but for plants looking for a new home, cuttings, and other supplies for houseplants! Check out the deets

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

Join Robert Lehmann for a deeply moving evening as he shares his debut album "Ancestral Currents" at The Cedar Cultural Center on Friday, June 27 at 8pm (doors 7pm). This beautiful musical journey weaves together his Lolo's stories from the Philippines with traditional Filipino instruments and rich keyboard compositions, exploring themes of family, immigration, and healing. Opening act sunpearl will set the perfect ambient tone for this all-ages, intimate seated experience. Get your tickets

🆓 - free event admission
🐕 - dog-friendly

Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project, 4pm-7pm at Nokomis Beach, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Enjoy a jazz workshop and live beachside concert—open to all ages.

Raising the Bar, 5:45–8:15pm at The Neu Neu, Mpls
Inspiring evening celebrating women transforming non-alcoholic beverage industry with panel discussion, tastings, and shopping experience.

2025 Wedge LIVE Cat Tour!, starts 6pm near The Wedge, Mpls 🆓
Tour neighborhood cats with Grand Marshal Susan Lynx—register for free tickets and showcase your own feline friends! Check out the tour route here.

Groovin' In The Garden: Flamin' Oh's, 6-8pm at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul 🆓
Free outdoor concert series in Como Park with Flamin' Oh's, food trucks, and family activities.

GAME NIGHT, 7pm-10pm at MetroNOME Brewery, St. Paul 🆓
Hump Day game night with a variety of board and card games. Bring a game for a BOGO.

Movies in the Parks: Barbie, 9:05pm at The Commons, Mpls 🆓
Watch the Barbie film with friends and family outside in one of Minneapolis’ beautiful parks.

Vinyl Revival Listening Party, 3-4:30pm at Minneapolis Central Library 🆓
Community listening session with fellow music lovers—request songs, bring vinyl, dance, and enjoy HCL's enormous collection!

Summer Nights in Rice: Ethno USA 'On the Road', 5-7pm at Rice Park, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Live music, dancing, and community vibes in Rice Park. Free and open to everyone.

Summer Music: Jack Werner, 7pm at The Commons, Mpls 🆓
Live outdoor folk and pop from Jack Werner. Great atmosphere in a downtown park.

Early Evening Jazz: TrioAmigos, 4:30-6:30pm at Berlin, Mpls 🆓
Kick off the night with live jazz in the North Loop—no cover, cozy setting.

Lowertown Sounds, 6pm-10pm at Mears Park, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Free local music outdoors, food trucks, drinks, and a vibrant Thursday night gathering downtown.

Nobody From Nowhere, 7:30pm at Lake Harriet Bandshell, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Outdoor concert featuring rock favorites—family-friendly, bring a blanket.

S'mores on the Patio, 8-10pm at Minneapolis Cider Company 🆓
Enjoy free s'mores and good company by the fire every Friday night.

Wild Robot, 9:05 pm at Audubon Park, Mpls 🆓
Grab blankets and snacks for this heartwarming animated adventure under the stars.

Saturday Mornings on the Farm, 9:30am-12pm at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista
Visit farm animals, explore the gardens, and experience sustainable agriculture for $6.

Saturday Morning Hike with a Naturalist, 10-11am at Frontenac State Park 🆓
Guided hike to learn about park history, geology, and wildlife—family-friendly and educational.

American Craft Fest (Day One), 11am-5pm at Union Depot, St. Paul 🆓
Celebrate crafts and creativity—dozens of makers, food trucks, hands-on activities for all ages.

Corgi Meet Up & Live Music in the Beer Garden, 12-3pm at Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley 🐕
Bring your corgi for a puppy playdate—enjoy treats and live music in the beer garden.

Letter Writing Social Hour, 1-2:30pm at Arvonne Fraser Library, Mpls 🆓
Beat screen fatigue with vintage social media—stickers, stationery, postcards, and pens provided for fun writing practice!

Family and Friends Log Rolling, 1-2:30pm at Baker Park Preserve, Maple Plaine
Try log rolling—equipment provided! Family-friendly and full of laughs, $6.

Kitchen Herb Garden Workshop, 3pm-5pm at Thorp Building, Mpls
Grow your own herb garden in terracotta pots—supplies, guidance, and local community at the MN Tool Library.

Break the Bubble, 6pm-9pm at Inbound BrewCo, Mpls 🆓 🐕
Connect with new friends during this fun networking night at the brewery.

Niny Salem, 7pm at Water Works, Mpls 🆓
Free jazz at the city's newest downtown riverfront space.

Minneapolis POPs, 7:30pm at Lake Harriet Bandshell, Mpls 🆓
Big band music by the lake—bring a chair or blanket for this lakeside tradition.

Firefly Viewing Nights, 8:30-10:30pm at MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Experience the Arboretum illuminated by fireflies along beautiful hiking paths.

American Craft Fest (Day Two), 11am-4pm at Union Depot, St. Paul 🆓
Celebrate crafts and creativity—dozens of makers, food trucks, hands-on activities for all ages.

Summer Swap: Puzzles, 1-3pm at Brooklyn Park Library 🆓
Drop-in event to find new puzzles and share ones you no longer need—bringing puzzles not required!

Family Canoeing, 1–3:00pm at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Learn paddling basics with expert instructors then explore the lake together—all equipment provided, reservations required.

St. Paul Saints vs. Louisville Bats, 2:07pm at CHS Field, St. Paul
Spend an afternoon at the ballpark, and cheer on the Saints as they take on the Bats.

Live Jazz: Emerson Woodshed Collective, 3pm at Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul
Smooth jazz in the taproom—perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Chinese Calligraphy, 1:00-2:30pm at West 7th Community Center, St. Paul 🆓
Learn Chinese character writing as art form combining visual art and literary meaning—supplies provided, adults and teens welcome!

Minnetonka Farmers Market, 2-6pm at The Marsh, Minnetonka 🆓
Weekly market with fresh produce, live music, kids' activities, and meals to-go.

Zines Workshop Series With Emily Mehr, 5:30-7:30pm at East Lake Library, Mpls 🆓
Learn to make your own little magazine and create copies using library equipment—materials provided, part of four-part series!

Annual Art House North Square Dance, 7-9pm at Art House North, St. Paul 🆓
Family-friendly square dancing led by a local caller—easy walk-throughs, fun for all.