Welcome back, friends. I’m attempting to recharge a bit this week, so today’s issue will be truncated. The newsletter you’re used to shall return in all its fullness next week. However, this week is still overflowing with hand-picked things to do, smells to smell, and sights to see. There’s a cat video festival on Sunday, which seems like the universe’s ultimate approval for sharing cat memes around the office. Anyhow, I hope you have some fun, find time to connect with others, and maybe even get to slow down a bit yourself. I’m grateful for you being here, and I’ll see ya out there.
— James
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Help Twin Cities Craft Club prepare kids for going back to school by participating in a school supplies drive on Tuesday, August 5th from 6-8pm at Red Balloon Bookshop. All supplies from this drive will be going directly to Twin Cities United Way! At the event, we'll write encouragement cards for the students who receive the school supply packs we put together, and then spend the rest of the evening working on our crafts. Supplies for the encouragement cards will be provided. Learn more & RSVP here
Wednesday (7/30)
Music on the Cortile: Laura Hugo, 12-1pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul
Enjoy your lunch with live music by Indigenous singer-songwriter Laura Hugo in the Musser Cortile.
MidCity Farmers Market, 4-8pm at 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul
Community Appreciation Day with live music from HighQ, plus fresh produce, art, hot food, and cool treats.
Nokomis Farmers Market, 4-8pm at 5167 Chicago Avenue, Mpls
Weekly market with local food vendors and family activities; community vibes guaranteed.
Bike Night, 5-8pm at Arbeiter Brewing Company, Mpls
Join Fury Du Nord and BRAPB for Bike Night at Arbeiter!
Community Workshop: Nature Crafts in the Park, 6pm at East Phillips Park, Mpls
Come together for beading, painting with Mulberry ink, and other crafts.
Groovin' In The Garden, 6-8pm at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul
All-ages outdoor concert with School of Rock, food trucks, and fun.
Community Night & The Big Picnic, 6-8pm at Silverwood Park, Saint Anthony
Bring your favorite picnic for music from 26 Bats! and fun contests.
Karaoke Night, 6-7:30pm at George Latimer Central Library, St. Paul
Belt out favorite tunes and K-pop dances at this casual, all-ages karaoke night.
Thursday (7/31)
Unearthing Hmong Art & Nature, All day at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Explore art from 12 Hmong artists—nature, culture, and healing.
Sitting Silence, 11am-12pm at Fort Snelling State Park, Picnic Island, MN
A quiet hour in nature, open for writing or reflection.
Family Fishing Night, 6-8pm at Powderhorn Park, Mpls
All ages welcome for free lakeside fishing—equipment and friendly anglers provided.
Ice Cream Social, 6-8pm at Phelps Park, Mpls
Games, face painting, inflatables, and lots of free ice cream with neighbors.
Louis Armstrong Birthday Bash w/Southside Aces, 7pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Celebrate Armstrong’s legacy with jazz classics and Southside Aces.
Themed Trivia: Lord of the Rings, 7pm at Headflyer Brewing, Mpls
Trivia night for Middle-earth fans—pizza available!
Friday (8/1)
Create & Renew Mini Retreat — Process Art Workshop, 9am-3:30pm at Heart Space, Mpls
A full-day adult retreat for creativity, mindfulness, and resilience skills.
The Internet is Here to Stay: Positives and Pitfalls for our Children, 9:30am-12:15pm at Washburn Center, Mpls
Training for caregivers on youth digital safety, tech habits, and mental health.
Silly Miss Tilly's All Out 80's Karaoke Party!, 6pm at Can Can Wonderland, St. Paul
Wear 80s gear, sing for prizes—family-friendly before 8:30pm, adults after 9pm.
S'mores on the Patio, 8-10pm at Minneapolis Cider Company
Complimentary s'mores on the patio—bring yourself and a story!
Saturday (8/2)
Southwest Farmers Market, 8:30am-1pm at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Mpls
Lively market with fresh produce and local goods for everyone.
Summer Wild Edibles, 9-11am at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park
Hike and learn to identify and harvest wild foods responsibly.
Saturday Morning Hike with a Naturalist, 10-11am at Frontenac State Park
Join a short guided hike to discover wildlife and scenic trails.
Powderhorn Art Fair, 10am-5pm at Powderhorn Park, Mpls
Enjoy 150+ artists, installations, food trucks, and community fun. Also on Sunday.
Art Play! – Bead Bonanza, 10am-2pm at Minneapolis Institute of Art
Beading workshops; make jewelry and crafts, open to all ages.
SoMi Art Fair, 10am-6pm at Bachman's on Lyndale, Mpls
300+ artists, demos, live music, and food—runs through Sunday.
Minneapolis Food Truck Festival, 11am-9pm at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Mpls
40+ food trucks, games, live music, and giveaways—support Feed My Starving Children.
12th Annual Backyard Blues Festival, 11am-9pm at Dual Citizen Brewing Co, St. Paul
All-day blues from local and national talent—free and all ages.
Rondo Block Party, 11am-6pm at Rondo Neighborhood, St. Paul
Food, fun, and music celebrating Rondo culture and history.
Nershfest, 12-10pm at 56 Brewing Co, Mpls
Annual local music fest with bands, beer, and good vibes.
Bikes and Botany, 2-4pm at Hosmer Library, Mpls
Free bike tune-up clinic and produce giveaway hosted by Plant-Grow-Share and Full Cycle.
Mississippi Valley Orchestra Crewtet, 6-8pm at White Squirrel Bar, St. Paul
18+ orchestra plays non-traditional tunes indoors; sing along if you like. Rare Saturday plaza show!
Universe in the Park, 8:45-10pm at Eastman Nature Center, Osseo
Astronomy talk, stargazing, and telescopes with astrophysicists.
Talib Kweli, 9pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Evening of live hip-hop with Talib Kweli.
Sunday (8/3)
Kingfield Farmers Market, 8:30am-1pm at Rev. Dr. MLK Park, Mpls
Neighborhood farmers market with produce and local crafts.
Somali-Swedish Culture Exchange, 10am-4pm at American Swedish Institute, Mpls
Free music, food, crafts, and activities celebrating Somali and Swedish heritage.
Haven and Hub, 10:30am-12:30pm at Queermunity, Mpls
Gathering with talks, refreshments, and thoughtful small group discussions.
Minneapolis Vintage Market, 11am-4pm at Utepils Brewing, Mpls
Outdoor market with vintage goods, music, and a photo booth.
Little Africa Festival & Parade, 12-9pm at Hamline Park, St. Paul
Lively parade, performances, authentic food, and community celebration.
Monthly Bluegrass Jam, 12-3pm at Caydence Records & Coffee, St. Paul
Open bluegrass jam—bring your instrument or come for coffee.
Pints and Prints, 1-3pm at Wandering Leaf Brewing Co, St. Paul
Linocut printmaking workshop—carve, ink, and print while enjoying a pint.
Campfire Cooking: Farmers Market Edition, 4-6pm at Baker Outdoor Learning Center, Maple Plain
Campfire cooking with fresh market finds; reservation required.
CatVideoFest 2025, 4:30-5:40pm at The Main Cinema, Mpls
World’s top cat video festival; proceeds benefit animal rescues.
Ski Show, 6-7:30pm at Little Goose Lake, White Bear Lake
Water ski stunts and performances from the Ski Otters.
Ted Olsen & Friends: Joyfire, 7-9:30pm at Berlin, Mpls
Jazz bassist Ted Olsen reimagines his acclaimed debut album.
Monday (8/4)
Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra Performance, 7-8:30am at Como Lakeside Pavilion, St. Paul
Start your day with beautiful plucked-string music by the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra. Free!
Family Fun Night at Vikings Training Camp, 5-11pm at TCO Stadium, Eagan
Happy hours, live performances, and a special look at the 2025 Vikings.
Neighborhood Pickleball, 6-8pm at Folwell Park Tennis Courts, Mpls
Free outdoor pickleball for all—equipment and instruction provided.
Line Dancing with Billie, 6:30pm at Fat Pants Brewing Co, Eden Prairie
Beginner-friendly line dancing instruction for all ages.
Uproar Comedy Open Mic, 7-8pm at Bryant Lake Bowl, Mpls
Weekly comedy open mic—get dinner, drinks, or take the stage.
Tuesday (8/5)
Now.Make.Art:Clay City, 10am-2pm at Merriam Park, St. Paul
Kids and caregivers sculpt city creations for free—hands-on, playful, and messy fun.
Green Minds: Medicinal Plants, 5-7pm at North Regional Library, Mpls
Garden tea, plant stories, and herbal blends for mind, body, and spirit.
Zines Workshop Series With Emily Mehr, 5:30-7:30pm at East Lake Library, Mpls
Make and share your own zine—materials provided, all skill levels welcome.
Zine Scene: Readings and Workshop, 5:30-8pm at Minneapolis Central Library
Local zinesters host readings and a hands-on zine workshop.
BIPOC Improv Jam, 6-8pm at Queermunity, Mpls
Beginner-friendly improv jam.
Minnetonka Community Reads: The Serviceberry, 6:30-8pm at The Marsh, Minnetonka
Discuss “The Serviceberry” in a collaborative community read event. Free copies available!
