Why musicians are literally climbing trees this weekend

Happy Tuesday, friends! Hope your week is off to a great start. Last week, we announced the Scout will be merging with another local publication called Branch Out—if you missed it, you can read about it here. This week’s issue has a pair of chinchillas looking for a loving home (I was utterly shocked to learn they can live 20+ years), fantastic local music (including an outdoor event way up in pine trees), and a cornucopia of Twin Cities happenings to check out. Have fun out there!

— James

This week, say hi to Doug the Pug from Texas, Cocoa the gentle Aussie Shepherd, and a pair of bonded Chinchillas, Stormy and Tsunami (did you know Chinchillas can live for 20+ years?).

Meal box packing with Appetite for Change. The food is grown on their urban farms and goes to families in North Mpls. Great opportunity for groups of 5-10!

Tree Planting with Great River Greening and Habitat for Humanity. Come help plant a tree canopy for a new residential development in East Saint Paul on 9/20.

Video Storyteller for Joy Collaborative. They’re looking for a videographer who can volunteer 4-6 hours and help tell the story of their impact on youth with life-limiting conditions.

A man in Duluth walks up to 12 miles daily, reaching out to unhoused neighbors—a beautiful picture of recognizing the dignity in every human being. Read the full story

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Join Frogtown Green for their free, family-friendly Climate Carnival on Saturday, August 16th, 1-4 PM, at the Lily Pad. Come for free food, great games and fabulous prizes, leave with a bag of swag, a full belly and a new sense of commitment to doing what you can about climate change, right in the neighborhood. Learn more

Join Wilderness Inquiry on a Mississippi River Day Canoe Trip on August 24th, 1-5pm. Experience the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River and learn about this wonderful resource flowing through the Twin Cities. Paddle from Hidden Falls Regional Park to Harriet Island on a guided 3-4 hour route with shuttle service back to your vehicle. Family friendly event! Youth must be 30 lbs or more to fit in provided life jackets. Save your spot

Join Gifting Grove and fiber artist Natalie Shekey for Sustainable Shades: Dyeing Wool with Food Waste on August 26th, 5:30-8:30pm at The LAB MPLS. Explore natural dyeing using local wool and food waste dyes in this inspiring workshop that honors the full gift of the Earth. Learn sustainable techniques without harsh chemicals, enjoy appetizers by Chowgirls, and take home your hand-dyed skein plus a natural dye booklet. Get your ticket!

Wellness Wednesday, 9:30am at Eastman Nature Center, Osseo
Low-impact trail walk with meditation and breathing exercises; gear provided, drop-ins welcome.

Music on the Cortile: Ray Bonneville, 12pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul
Bluesy Americana lunchtime concert—bring your lunch to the Musser Cortile.

Summer at the Cedar #6: The Burroughs, 6pm at The Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls
Dance to funky brass band at a free summer show.

Break The Bubble, 6pm at Arbeiter Brewing Company, Mpls
21+ friendly mixer to make new connections—no pitches, just conversation.

Plant Swap, 6pm at Dual Citizen Brewing Company, St. Paul
Swap or sell plant cuttings and pots with fellow plant lovers over pints.

BuckSlam August Poetry Slam, 6:30pm at Indeed Brewing Company, Mpls
Lively monthly poetry slam with performances from local slammers.

Community Connections Book Club, 6:30pm at Washburn Library, Mpls
Discuss The Power of Bridging and build community through conversation.

Women, Woods and Wine Hike, 7:30pm at Eastman Nature Center, Osseo
Women’s evening hike ending at a campfire; BYO wine.

Make a Collage With Recycled Books, 10am at Hopkins Library, Hopkins
All-ages drop-in collage making with books, magazines, and provided supplies.

Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra Performance, 6pm at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Free evening of traditional and modern mandolin music with free parking.

Reuse Minnesota Fundraiser, 6pm at La Doña Cervecería Brewery, Mpls
Support reuse with dinner and a silent auction.

Cat Video Festival, 6:30pm at CHS Field, St. Paul
Curated cat videos outdoors; gates 6:30, show 8pm.

Toby Ramaswamy / DeCarlo Jackson / Robert Lehmann / Evan Slack, 7pm at Berlin, Mpls
Improvised electro-acoustic soundscapes from local artists.

Artmobile at the Library with East Side Arts Council, 1pm at Arlington Hills, St. Paul
Drop-in family art classes on the Artmobile; supplies provided.

Early Evening Jazz: Nick Bhalla, 4:15pm at Berlin, Mpls
Two sets of meditative solo piano jazz; no cover.

Sunset Canoe, 6:30pm at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Canoe at dusk with instructors; ages 14+, $12, gear provided.

Ruthie Foster, 7pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Grammy-nominated soulful powerhouse live on an intimate stage.

Movies in the Park: Kung Fu Panda 4, 9:15pm at Phelps Field Park, Mpls
Outdoor screening of Po’s newest adventure—family-friendly fun.

Tour des Jardins, starts 8am at Summit Hill Community Garden, St. Paul
Bike or drive between gardens, enjoy tours, snacks, and a wrap party.

Swap - Puzzles & Board Games, 9:30am at Galaxie Library, Apple Valley
Trade puzzles, board games, and cards—bring gently used items.

Outdoor Survival - Shelter Building, 10am at William O'Brien State Park
Build bushcraft shelters and learn survival basics; family-friendly.

Japanese Papermaking, 10am at Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Mpls
All-day workshop on traditional papermaking; beginners welcome.

Summer Foraging Workshop, 10am at Location provided upon registration
Beginner-friendly foraging hike hosted by Ironwood Foraging on wild foods and safety.

2025 Music in the Trees, 11am at Belwin Conservancy, Afton
Move among musicians performing in red pines; outdoors and accessible. Runs Saturday through Sunday.

Minneapolis International Festival, 12pm at Minnehaha Regional Park, Mpls
Celebrate global cultures with live music, dance, art, and demos.

5th Annual Dark Sky Festival, 3pm at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
Probably far enough away to not be considered local, but this event offers stargazing, telescope viewing, and night-sky programs for all ages.

{trés} - Late Show, 8pm at Berlin, Mpls
Grammy-nominated trio fusing classical and jazz.

Nature Knolling, 10am at Treehaus Studio, Osceola, WI
Collect natural objects and create meditative flat-lay photos during this workshop that spans two Sundays (8/17 and 8/24).

Open Streets Cedar Riverside, 11am at Cedar & Riverside, Mpls
Car-free streets for biking, walking, music, food, and play.

50 Years of Vietnamese Americans in Minnesota Celebration and Exhibit Opening, 11am at Landmark Center, St. Paul
Performances, activities, and stories honoring Vietnamese American heritage

Local Love: Vintage + Preloved + Makers Market, 11am at Honour Coffee, Mpls
35+ vendors featuring vintage clothing, home goods, books, art, pottery, and more.

Zine Club, 12:30pm at Hosmer Library, Mpls
Drop in to make zines; tools and materials provided.

Prairie Flower Photo Hike, 1pm at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Macro-photo hike among blooms; all ages; register ahead.

Mahjong 101 Class, 1pm at Dual Citizen Brewing Co., St. Paul
Beginner-friendly Mahjong class with a drink and swag.

Cozy K-Pop Pop-Up, 2pm at Hopkins Library, Hopkins
Crafts, Hangeul practice, games, and K-pop fandom fun for all.

2025 Obon Festival, 3pm at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul
Japanese music, food, dance, and lantern ceremony.

SUPs, Stroll & Singing Bowls for Women, 5:30pm at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Women-focused hike and paddleboard with relaxing sound bath.

Silent Book Club, 6pm at Inbound BrewCo, Mpls
Cozy silent reading session—bring a book and enjoy a pint.

Travis Anderson Trio: The Music of Studio Ghibli, Disney & Pixar, 7pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Swinging jazz takes on beloved film themes; ticketed show.

Gregory Alan Isakov with Ocie Elliott, 7pm at Surly Brewing Festival Field, Mpls
Outdoor concert, doors 5:30pm, rain or shine.

Movies in the Park: Minecraft Movie, 9:15pm at 40th Street Park, Mpls
Outdoor family screening set in the blocky world of Minecraft.