4,468 pounds of potatoes (and why that matters) 🥔

Happy Tuesday, friends. This weekend's lineup might be the toughest choice you'll face all month—we've got Rondo Days commemorating the historic Rondo community, the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, Street Machines Nationals, Minneapolis Sister Cities Day, and more all happening just this weekend. But alas, I'm afflicted by that common condition known as "can only be in one place at a time."

We had a great first group volunteering session at Second Harvest Heartland this past Saturday. Twelve Scout readers out of twenty-two total folks showed up, and together we sorted and packed 4,468 pounds of potatoes for our hungry neighbors—that's 3,723 meals in the 2 hours we were there. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was good work with good people, and I loved meeting you and serving alongside you. There'll be similar opportunities in the future—keep an eye out for them.

With that, I'll leave you be to explore the rest of this issue. Hope you find something that calls to you this weekend.

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Cookie, a curious and spunky Border Collie mix, Amani, a Retriever mix and budding social butterfly, and Stella the adventurous, little kitten.

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?

MidCity Farmers Market comes alive each Wednesday in a sunny corner of St. Paul, from 4-8pm. This week’s market features a puzzle and game swap. Bring an item or two to pass onto others, and return home with something new! Check out the deets

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.

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

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

Support the Grove Book Club’s Inaugural Meetup!

Head to Curioso Coffee – Uptown on Saturday, July 26, from 9–11 AM to join the first-ever Grove Book Club gathering! Enjoy creative reflection, a group discussion of The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer (a fairly short read!), and swap a book at the community exchange. All are welcome—bring a book, your ideas for next month’s pick, and connect with neighbors over coffee and creativity.

Looking to read The Serviceberry before the event? Grab your copy at Magers & Quinn or Comma, a bookshop—both local favorites have it in stock!

🆓 - free event admission 🐕 - dog-friendly

Great River Walking Tour, 10-11am at Upper Landing Park, St. Paul 🆓
Discover St. Paul's riverfront history on a scenic, guided walk along the Mississippi. Meet at 9:50am.

Cooking Class with Chef Blong, 3:30–5:30pm at Rondo Community Library, St. Paul 🆓
Teens 12–18: learn healthy backyard-inspired cooking—no registration, limited space!

Nokomis Farmers Market, 4–8pm at Nokomis Farmers Market, Mpls 🆓
Shop fresh produce, local goods, and connect with neighbors at this weekly Nokomis market.

Plant And Clay Crawl - Personality Pots, 6–8pm at Dame Errant, Mpls
Pick a succulent, make and decorate your own coil pot. $60, advance registration.

Keiko Matsui, 7pm at Dakota, Mpls
Acclaimed jazz pianist Keiko Matsui brings transcendent melodies and her band to the Dakota.

2025 Rivertown Days Festival, Thursday–Sunday at Downtown Hastings 🆓
Block party with music, food trucks, carnival rides, and arts & crafts in Hastings.

Open Doors on Grand Avenue, 5–7:30pm at Grand Avenue, St. Paul 🆓
Early birds: shop, dine, enjoy live music—happening every 3rd Thursday through August.

Rogue Valley, 7pm at Dakota, Mpls
Indie Americana riverside: Rogue Valley with support from LSD. Blues, harmonium, and more.

The Secret Garden, 7pm at Elision Playhouse, Crystal
Musical reimagining The Secret Garden—explore renewal, community. Sliding scale $20/$30/$40.

An Evening With Shamarr Allen, 7:30–10:30pm at The Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls
High-energy New Orleans live show—jazz, funk, blues, and more. $17–22.

Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, Friday–Sunday at Minnehaha Falls Park, Mpls 🆓
150 artists, live music, food all weekend—this lively art fair kicks off Friday.

Stillwater Lumberjack Days, Friday–Sunday at Lowell Park, Stillwater 🆓
Classic fest: live music, games, derbies, kids’ fun, and festivities all weekend.

Street Machine Nationals, Friday–Sunday at MN State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
Hot rods, trucks, big marketplace. $13–$20, kids 12 and under free.

Midsummer Art Fest, 12–6pm at White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake 🆓
Arts fest: outdoor sale, live music, workshops, exhibitions. Browse, create, enjoy art.

Color Blockprinting, 5:30–7:30pm at Sun Ray Library, St. Paul 🆓
Youth 12–18: hands-on blockprinting with Diana Eicher; take home colorful prints.

Red Bird Chapbooks Poetry Reading and Open Mic Night, 6:30–8pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul 🆓
Hear new poetry from Nigerian poet Chiwenite Onyekwelu, then take the mic—refreshments served.

Dances at the Lake Festival, 7–8:30pm at Lyndale Park Gardens, Mpls 🆓
Dance performances by adult/youth troupes in Mpls’s rose garden—bring a blanket or chair!

2025 Doggie Walk, 8am at Lake of the Isles Park, Mpls
Walk 3 miles with Justice Alan Page, your pup, and neighbors—raising funds for education.

Forest Bathing, 9–11am at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake 🆓
Rejuvenate with guided Japanese “forest bathing” (Shinrin-yoku) in scenic surroundings. Reservation required two days beforehand.

Raft with The Wandering Naturalist Podcast, 9am–12pm at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Float the Mississippi and attend a live podcast taping. $35 per person, gear included.

Stillwater Flea & Crafter Market, 9am–3pm at Washington County Fairgrounds, Stillwater 🆓
200+ vendors: antiques, crafts, collectibles, food. Free parking!

Household Items and Small Tools Swap, 10am–12pm at SouthWest Metro Lending Library, Chaska 🆓
Browse or bring small household items and tools—swap or simply take what you need.

Tiny Forests, Ancient Partnerships: Moss and Lichen, 11am–12pm at St. Croix State Park 🆓
Guided walk: discover moss, lichen, and their ecosystem roles. All ages.

Cultures in Bloom: A Summer Market, 11am–4pm at Union Depot, St. Paul 🆓
Shop multicultural vendors; enjoy family passport activities and a summer treat.

Rondo Days, 11am–7pm at 271 Mackubin St, St. Paul 🆓
Celebrate Rondo’s history with entertainment, food, and activities.

Wildflower Stroll, 12–1pm at Fort Snelling State Park 🆓
Nature walk: identify Minnesota’s summer wildflowers with a naturalist guide.

Twin Cities Record Show, 12–4pm at The Haralson Room, Mpls 🆓
Shop vinyl, CDs, cassettes, vintage tees, posters, and music collectibles.

Grow Your Own Microgreens, 2–4pm at 565 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie 🆓
Plant a microgreen sampler and learn how to care for and use your harvest.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone™ - Minnesota Orchestra, 7–9:30pm at Orchestra Hall, Mpls
Movie on the big screen with a live orchestra performing John Williams's score.

Float-in Movie: "Space Jam", 9–11pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony 🆓
Float or paddle at sunset and watch “Space Jam” lakeside—radio/speakers provided.

Twin Cities Beach Blast 2025, 10am–2:30pm at Thomas Beach, Mpls 🆓
Family fun with Milk Carton Races, sandcastle contest, and prize giveaways on the beach.

Nature Watching, 10am–12:30pm at Fort Snelling State Park 🆓
Take a 3-mile guided stroll and observe nature with a local park naturalist.

Family Canoeing, 10am–12pm at Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie
Canoeing basics and family exploration—all equipment provided. $12 per person.

#KidsLit is Lit - Kids Book Fest, 12–4pm at Arbeiter Brewing, Mpls 🆓
Family festival of stories, book readings, games, music, and food—bouncy castle included!

Minneapolis Sister Cities Day, 1–5pm at Nicollet Island Pavilion, Mpls 🆓
Celebrate with international entertainment, ice cream, and global sister city highlights.

Swing Night with Beasley's Big Band, 5:30–8pm at Minneapolis Cider Taproom, Mpls
Dance lesson at 5:30, then swing to live big band—$10 at the door.

NOISE PARTY Vol. 11, 7–10pm at The Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls
TC experimental music: ambient, drone, noise, visuals, six performers. $20 general admission.

Outdoor Yoga at California Street Farm!, 4:30–5:30pm at California Street Farm, Mpls
Stretch out with vinyasa yoga in an urban farm. $15, bring your own mat.

Storytelling- Open Mic Mondays, 7–8:30pm at American School of Storytelling, Mpls 🆓
Monthly open mic: up to 10 storytellers, 10 min each. Doors at 6:30.

Sarah Reich, 7pm at Dakota, Mpls
World-class tap dance, jazz, and rhythm from renowned choreographer and Savion Glover protégé.

Welcome to Night Vale, 8pm at The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
Cult hit podcast live—mystery, humor, and music. Stand-alone story for all.

Fix-It Hub, 4–7pm at St. Anthony Library, St. Anthony 🆓
Bring broken items and learn repair skills from friendly volunteers—family-friendly and sustainable.

Stillwater Summer Tuesdays, 5–8:30pm at Downtown Stillwater 🆓
Market, live music, Lego kids crafts, and outdoor movie (“Sonic 3”) after sunset.

Lord Huron, 7:30pm at Armory, Mpls
Lord Huron and guest Lee Fields perform—doors 6pm, show 7:30pm.