Only 2 days left to join our volunteer crew 🚨

Welcome back, everyone. We’re in the thick of summer, and many of us have plans and trips to look forward to. If you’re sticking around town, there’s quite a few interesting happenings going on the 4th, no matter if you’re a firework fiend or would rather do a mushroom-themed outdoor escape room (that’s me). Hope you have a great rest of your week and find some opportunities for both deep joy and deep rest. I’ll see you out there!

We're down to 15 spots out of 20 for our Second Harvest Heartland volunteering session. If these aren't claimed by Thursday, July 3rd, Second Harvest will open the remaining spots to the general public.

Quick recap:

Heads up: You'll need to create an account on Second Harvest's website to reserve your spot. Their signup process takes a few extra steps, but it's worth it to secure your place with our group.

Post-volunteer hangout spot still being finalized – but it'll be worth sticking around to meet your fellow community members.

Deadline: July 3rd. After that, Second Harvest opens these to everyone.

This week, meet Brooklyn the Beagle mix whose loyalty can be earned with cheese and peanut butter, Violet the Retriever mix and brand-new Minnesota resident, and Eddie the kitten who enjoys making new feline friends.

Have an opportunity you’d like to share with our community? Tell us about it here

The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation supports families through direct services, advocacy, and research. Volunteer by purchasing and assembling infant care kits—choose between Baby Clothing Packs, Bath Time Kits, or Diaper Packs—families through the African American Babies Coalition. Work on your own schedule and help infants get a healthy start. Support Saint Paul families today

The Link breaks cycles of poverty through innovative youth and family support programs. Join their August 5th Survivor Kit Packing Event at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake to assemble welcome kits for youth entering Minnesota's only gender-inclusive shelter for ages 12-17. Family-friendly volunteer opportunity supporting healing from exploitation. Pack welcome kits and support youth

Mill City Farmers Market Charitable Fund builds healthier, sustainable communities by supporting local food producers and improving food access. Volunteer as a Zero Waste Educator on Saturdays to guide composting, manage waste stations, and inspire greener habits while earning market perks and connecting with fellow change-makers. Support a greener farmers market

Got news about your business to share, a cool project to spotlight, a position you’re hiring for, or just feel like connecting with 8,000 awesome people?

Audrey Christine Co: Audrey will join your family for a few hours of authentic connection at your home, resulting in beautiful photos that express your family's honest personality. We will plan an activity for you to gather around (having a picnic, doing a puzzle, reading books, etc.). In addition to candid moments, we'll take portraits of groupings of your choice (full family smiling at the camera, mom + child together, etc.). Get 10% off an at-home family lifestyle session

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. Ready to join us? Reserve your spot on Resy or follow us on @jooksingmn for the latest updates.

MidCity Farmers Market comes alive each Wednesday in a sunny corner of St. Paul, from 4-8pm. Last week’s market was rained out, so the Plant Swap is happening this week instead! It’s 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

The Twin Cities Miles for Melanoma 5K brings the community together on Sunday, August 10th at Lake Phalen in St. Paul to support melanoma patients, survivors, and caregivers. Last year's event drew 300+ attendees and raised over $56,000. This year's goal: $53,000 for melanoma research, education, and advocacy. Join us!

🆓 - free event admission
🐕 - dog-friendly

Wellness Wednesday, 9:30-10:30am at Eastman Nature Center, Osseo 🆓
Guided, low-impact nature hike with wellness elements—rain or shine, ages 14 and up.

Brew Babies, 5-6:30pm at Wandering Leaf Brewing Company, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Parents and caregivers meet up with little ones for friendly community time at the brewery.

Groovin' In The Garden: Leslie Rich & The Rocket Soul Choir, 6-8pm at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul 🆓
Family-friendly, free outdoor concert, climbing wall, local food and drinks. Lawn chairs encouraged!

Game Night, 7-10pm at MetroNOME Brewery, St. Paul
Unwind midweek with board games and brews in the taproom.

Charanga Tropical – Latin Sounds of Summer, 7pm at Dakota, Mpls
Sizzling, danceable Cuban jazz night featuring violins, vocals, and Latin rhythms.

Plymouth Symphony for the Cities, 8:30pm at Hilde Center For The Performing Arts, Plymouth 🆓
Free outdoor community concert by the Minnesota Orchestra.

A League of Their Own, 9:05pm at The Commons, Mpls 🆓
Movies in the Parks screening of the classic baseball film at downtown's outdoor venue.

Summer STEM Event With Twin Cities PBS, 10am–12:00pm at Brooklyn Park Library 🆓
Free family event for Pre K-grade 3 featuring Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts activities, costumed character meet-and-greet, and take-home booklet.

Garden Storytime, 10:30-11:30am at Rivoli Bluff Farm, St. Paul 🆓
Garden storytime and nature activities for kids and families—outdoor fun for all ages.

Maple Grove Farmers Market, 3-7pm at Church of the Open Door 🆓
Outdoor farmers market with local produce, foods, live entertainment, crafts, and kids' activities.

Charity Science on Tap at Indeed: Rare Animals and Plants, 6-7:30pm at Indeed Brewing, Mpls 🆓
Happy hour and conservation science chat with Science Museum researchers. Animal and plant lovers, don't miss it!

St. Paul Conservatory Faculty Concert Series, 6:30-7:30pm at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul 🆓
Faculty musicians perform live in this free concert as part of Free Thursday Nights.

Firefly Viewing Nights, 8:30-10:30pm at MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Experience thousands of fireflies on guided evening walks—family-friendly and magical.

River at Risk: Escape Room Without Walls, 9:30am-12pm at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Outdoor escape room for teens and adults, advance registration for $15.

Red, White & BOOM!, 10am–10pm at Water Works Park, Mpls 🆓
Minneapolis' largest Fourth of July celebration with yoga, pickleball, dancing, food trucks, and fireworks over Mississippi River.

The Fiendish Fungus: Nature Escape Room, 1:30-4pm at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Save wildlife from an invasive fungus—puzzle-solving outdoors, ages 13+.

Como Pops Ensemble, 3-4:30pm at Dock & Paddle, St. Paul 🆓
Afternoon Independence Day show with Como Pops—bring the family for lighthearted summer music.

Windows at Marquette Firework Lounge, 8:30pm–11pm at IDS Tower, Mpls 🆓
Panoramic views of Minneapolis Fireworks from the 50th floor with food and cocktails available for purchase.

Mill City Farmers Market, 8am-1pm at Mill City Farmers Market, Mpls 🆓
Shop Urban Roots' fresh produce, herbs, fruit and meet local growers. Every other Saturday.

The Fiendish Fungus: Nature Escape Room, 9:30am-12pm at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Puzzle-solving nature adventure—collaborate to save the park, ages 13+.

Sidewalk Talk, 10am–12:00pm at Minneapolis Central Library 🆓
Grab a chair and be heard—community listening project focused on reducing loneliness through heart-centered conversation.

Experience the Twin Cities' Saturday Riverwalk Food Tour, 11am–2pm at Gold Medal Park, Mpls
Explore Mill District and St Anthony neighborhoods while sampling food and learning local history.

Hair of the Dog: 5th of July Party, 12-3pm at Forgotten Star Brewing Co, Fridley 🐕
Americana covers, BOGO pints, $5 bloody beers, and best hot dog costume wins a pitcher!

Gong Show Short Film Competition, 8-10pm at Parkway Theater, Mpls
Audience decides which films get "gonged" off screen—night of laughs and local indie shorts.

Sensory Friendly Sunday, 10am at Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Quieter museum experience plus Omnitheater for visitors who prefer less sensory stimulation.

Monthly Bluegrass Jam, 12-3pm at Caydence Records & Coffee, St. Paul 🆓
Pick, strum, or just listen! All skill levels welcome at the neighborhood bluegrass jam.

Classic Car Show, 12-3pm at Forgotten Star Brewing Co, Fridley 🆓 🐕
Admire stunning classic cars, sip a brew, and enjoy family-friendly vibes.

Romance Book Fair, 12-4pm at BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul 🆓
Meet authors, shop local romance titles, and enjoy craft beer—all in the taproom!

Star of the North Band, 2:30-4pm at Dock & Paddle, St. Paul 🆓
Sunday concert—bring lawn chairs for this classic outdoor performance.

Scrap and Yap: Secret Garden Edition, 6-9pm at Wandering Leaf Brewing Company, St. Paul 🆓 🐕
Junk journaling, crafts, and creative conversations for local crafters—supplies provided.

Minnesota United FC vs Holstein Kiel (International Friendly), 7pm at Allianz Field, St. Paul
Soccer meets international flair: cheer the Loons against German team Holstein Kiel.

Mufasa: The Lion King, 9:05pm at Painter Park, Mpls 🆓
Movies in the Parks screening of Disney's latest Lion King film with Spanish subtitles available.

Used Book Buying, 4-7pm at Cream & Amber, Hopkins 🆓
Trade your books for store credit—up to 20 accepted, every Tuesday afternoon.

District 10 Lake Como Cleanup, 5-8pm at Dock & Paddle, St. Paul 🆓
Volunteer to pick up trash and beautify Lake Como—help keep the park clean.

Tuesday Community Table Tennis, 7-10pm at Minneapolis Cider Company
Drop in, play ping pong, and meet new friends.

Moana 2, 9:00pm at Hiawatha School Park, Mpls 🆓
Movies in the Parks screening of Disney's sequel featuring Moana's new ocean adventure.