Palmer’s is closing. Go before it becomes a memory.

Welcome back, friends. Hope the week’s treating you alright. The calendar’s lighter with the State Fair in full swing, but there’s still plenty worth showing up for. On Sunday, I finally got to see Cornbread Harris, 98, jamming on the piano at Palmer’s Bar, a historic spot set to close next month. It was surreal: a few dozen of us crammed together, watching a legend pour joy into a place on the verge of memory. Palmer’s has been a Minneapolis staple since 1906, and it’s set to call last round on September 14, which made the night feel even more like a benediction.

It filled me with wonder. The kind that surprised me as much as standing on a glacier in Colorado last week. Cole Arthur Riley describes that feeling in This Here Flesh: “It was one of those rare occasions that I knew was becoming a part of me as I lived it… a kind of pleasure that made me feel a part of something, where beauty meets belonging.” That line captures what Sunday felt like. Beauty tipping over into community. Moment into memory.

Maybe it sounds small, but I left feeling rooted, like I was learning a place and its people in real time. Riley quotes the Japanese artist Makoto Fujimura: “The most courageous thing we can do as a people is to behold.” Maybe that’s our job this week: behold what’s here while it’s here. Show up, look long, let it mark us back.

— James

This week, meet two Retriever/Shepherd siblings who’ve overcome tough beginnings, Antonio and Luisa, and gentle Layla the senior Calico cat.

Build Dignity Packs with Bridge to Basics. Help assemble hygiene kits like Bright Smiles Bags (toothbrush + toothpaste) or Period Packs for neighbors in need across the Twin Cities. A great way for individuals or groups to make an immediate impact and support dignity for all.

Shopping Day Volunteers with Joseph’s Coat. Help welcome shoppers, sort donations, or assist on the store floor at this free store serving neighbors with dignity and respect. Shifts available Mondays and Wednesdays, morning or afternoon.

Events Volunteers with The Free Book Buggie. Help kids discover and take home free books at community events across the Twin Cities. A fun, family-friendly way to spark a love of reading and support lifelong learners.

Racket reviewed the best, worst, and most middling foods of this year’s Minnesota State Fair with their new innovative rating system. Check out the foods

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Welcome the season at Susty Social Hour: Autumn Equinox Edition on Friday, Sept 12, 5:30–7:30pm at Bang Brewing in Saint Paul. Wander the prairie garden, collect native seeds, record a nature story, and craft seed paper gratitude cards. Sip sustainable brews, meet friendly neighbors, and discover simple ways to support local climate action—free and welcoming to all. RSVP

MidCity Farmers Market, 4–8pm at 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul
Come on out to The Great Neighborhood Get-Together at this week’s market.

2025 Loft Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers Mixer + Open Mic, 4–7pm at The Loft at Open Book, Mpls
Connect with fellow BIPOC writers, network, write together, and share at the open mic.

Bike Night, 5–8pm at Arbeiter Brewing Company, Mpls
Ride in for food, friends, and fun—co-hosted by Fury Du Nord and BRAPB.

Festival of Nations & International Festival of MN Happy Hour, 5–8pm at Dual Citizen Brewing Co., St. Paul
Reconnect with festival friends, enjoy global bites, and celebrate Minnesota’s cultures.

East Phillips Neighborhood Festival, 5–8pm at East Phillips Fields and Patio, Mpls
Community celebration with activities, entertainment, and food options.

Urban Foraging Workshop (Southwest), 5–7pm at Lake Nokomis Community Center, Mpls
Discover edible plants and foraging basics on a guided urban hike.

50+ Adventures: Sunset Canoe, 6:30–8pm at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington
Group sunset paddle with all equipment provided; registration required.

Sunset Yoga in the Dome — 14 Floors Above Minneapolis, 7–8pm at Sheraton Mpls Downtown Convention Center
Unwind with skyline views during an all-levels yoga class in a glass dome.

Underground Wonders & Historic Charm: Forestville/Mystery Cave Tour, 9am–4pm departing 150 S Broadway, Rochester
Full-day bus tour of historic Forestville and Minnesota’s longest cave, lunch included.

Llama Fest at Textile Center, 12–2pm at Textile Center, Mpls
Pet llamas, try crafts, and shop llama-themed goodies; hands-on fun for all.

Climate Jeopardy, 5–7pm at 825 Arts, St. Paul
All-ages trivia night exploring climate and history—play solo or with a team for fun and learning!

Richfield Farmers Market, 8am–12pm at 6335 Portland Ave, Richfield
60+ local farmers and producers, fresh food, and special events.

Swap — Puzzles & board games, 10–11:30am at Heritage Library, Lakeville
Swap complete puzzles, board games, and trading cards.

Flower Pounding Workshop, 10am–1pm at MWMO Stormwater Park, Mpls
Make botanical prints from garden flowers; free with registration.

Wander with a Naturalist, 10–11:30am at William O’Brien State Park, MN
Guided hike tailored to interests; great for all experience levels.

Monarch Madness, 10–11:30am at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Learn about monarchs, catch and tag butterflies; ages 5+, registration required.

Craft Club @ the lake, 11am–1pm at Bde Maka Ska Volleyball Courts, Mpls
Bring a craft project, relax by the lake, and meet fellow makers.

From Lake to Plate, 1–2pm at Fort Snelling State Park
See fish cleaning and cooking demos; great for newcomers.

The Iron Giant, 8:15pm at East Side Sculpture Park, St. Paul
Free outdoor screening—bring a blanket; hot dogs and popcorn included.

Native American Music and Arts Festival, 10am–5pm at Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Onamia
Celebrate with Native artists, drum songs, food trucks, and family activities.

Disasters on the Riverfront Tour, 10:30am–12pm at Mill City Museum, Mpls
Guided walking tour of riverfront disasters, industry, and local history.

Sweater Weather Get Together, 12–5pm at Get Bentz Farm, Northfield
Fiber arts market, Spinner’s Circle, and hands-on activities.

Beginner Fishing, 2–4pm at Bush Lake Beach Fishing Pier, Bloomington
Learn fishing basics with gear provided; ages 11 and under with adult.

2025 Waldfest, 12–6pm at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, Stillwater
Live music, Hammer-Schlagen (the world’s most famous nail-driving game), Bavarian food, and beer for Labor Day.

JD Rivers' Garden Fall Produce Market, 10am–2pm at JD Rivers' Produce Garden, Mpls
Harvest your own produce—pay by the pound, cash only.

Vitality Arts: Watercolor — Portrait of Place, 1:30–4pm at Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mpls
Five-week workshop for adults 55+; materials provided, scholarships available.

Sunset Yoga, 6–7:15pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
All-levels yoga set to music; register ahead or drop in.