Next week, look for “Branch Out” in your inbox

Welcome back, friends. Big update: next week completes our merger with Branch Out, a community newsletter from the nonprofit Gifting Grove, so the Scout will officially continue under the name Branch Out on Substack. The feel, focus, and cadence readers expect—hyper-local events and ways to plug in—will stay the same, with more chances to participate in the gift economy. The newsletter will remain free; if the new direction isn’t a fit, unsubscribing is always an option, no hard feelings.

This partnership grew out of months of conversation with founder Veronica Mangio and a shared conviction that generosity, relationships, and care for place beat pure transactions every time. Expect the same voice, sharper design, and a few new features as we make the jump to Substack next week. Watch for “Branch Out” in the inbox line.

Before moving on, our thoughts are with the Annunciation community. The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota’s Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund has raised $788,922 to date; if contributing feels right, here’s the link to give.

— James

This week, say hello to Tuna the Lab/Poodle mix, Amberly the Korean Jindo, and Caramello the Tortoiseshell cat.

Vienna neighbors are turning single parking spots into tiny parks with small city-backed grants, creating shady, resident-led hangouts that make streets friendlier. Want the story of how locals made it happen and how the city helped? Read the full piece

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The Monarch Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly’s migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, crafts, native plant sales, and education opportunities. Come join the 17th iteration of this annual event this Saturday, September 6th, from 10am to 4pm at Lake Nokomis. Learn more

Come out to Talk to Me Day at Loring Park, Saturday, Sept 13th, 12–6pm. A one-day festival for intentional conversations with community groups, hosts, and curious strangers—no small talk required. Meet people who love what you love, share stories, and close summer on a high note. RSVP for free

MidCity Farmers Market, 4pm–8pm at 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul
Come check out artisanal foods, artists, street food, & live music.

WEN Rooted in Restoration, 5:30pm–7:30pm at Orvin “Ole” Olson Park, Mpls
Plant native shrubs and learn hands-on habitat restoration with the Women’s Environmental Network.

Drawing & Coloring Circle, 6pm–7:30pm at George Latimer Central Library, St. Paul
Relaxed meetup to draw or color together; supplies available, all ages welcome.

Poetry Lovers Converge, 6:30pm–8pm at Golden Valley Library, Golden Valley
Share original or favorite poems, or simply listen; all languages and styles invited.

An Evening with Jennifer Knapp, 7:30pm at The Parkway Theater, Mpls
Grammy-nominated folk-rock artist performs an all-ages evening set; doors at 6:30pm.

Drop-in Mending, 8:30am–10am at Minneapolis Central Library, Mpls
Fix clothing or bags with staff guidance; materials provided, no registration needed.

Paddle with a Naturalist, 9am–11am at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Guided canoe outing to spot lake wildlife and learn habitats; reservation required.

Nature-inspired Clay, 5:30pm–8pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Create functional ceramics using hand-building techniques; all levels welcome.

Plants, Pollinators and Pints: Angie Hong, 5:30pm–6:30pm at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Mpls
Talk on native plants and pollinators.

Milkweed Books presents Wendy Johnson on Kinship Medicine with Nick Estes, 6pm–7:30pm at Milkweed Books, Mpls
Reading and conversation on kinship medicine, healing, and plants.

Herbs in the Hood, 6pm-8pm at Loring Park, Mpls
Step into the wild & discover the medicine growing right beneath your feet. Free and open to all.

Live Music: Mega Yacht Jazz Combo, 7pm–9pm at Urban Growler Brewing Company, St. Paul
Accordion, guitar, bass, and drums play genre-spanning jazz in a casual taproom.

S’mores on the Patio, 8pm-10pm at Minneapolis Cider Co, Mpls
Enjoy complimentary s'mores on the patio every Friday starting at 8 PM. Just bring yourself and a good story.

U-Pick + Open House, 9am–1pm at Get Bentz Farm, Northfield
Pick natural dye plants, tour the fiber mill, and shop local yarn.

St. Louis Park Art Fair, 10am–5pm at ROC — Recreation Outdoor Center, St. Louis Park
Browse 70+ artist booths with food trucks, demos, and community art.

Field Fest at the Arb, 10am–3pm at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Harvest activities, food trucks, beer garden, entertainment, and book signing.

Monarch Festival, 10am–4pm at Lake Nokomis Community Center, Mpls
Celebrate monarch migration with music, food, art, and conservation learning.

Intuitive Paint and Stitch, 10am–1:30pm at Treehaus Studio, Osceola, WI
Create intuitive paintings and embroidery; all materials included for adults.

Art Play! — Watercolor, 10am–2pm at Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mpls
Hands-on watercolor activities and a scavenger hunt for all ages.

Northeast Vintage Block Party, 11am–6pm at Moth Oddities, Mpls
30+ vintage vendors with food, drinks, and a DJ outdoors.

Mushroom Foraging Foray, 1pm–4pm at Twin Cities park (location shared upon booking)
Guided mushroom identification and safe foraging; adults, with youth welcome alongside adults.

Greenway Glow Arts Festival 2025, 4pm–10pm at 2834 10th Ave S, Mpls
Art, music, theater, and night festival vibes along the Midtown Greenway.

Twin Cities Clay Party!, 6pm–10pm at Northern Light Art Studio, St. Paul
Try clay, demos, snacks, and community fun—free public event.

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour, 7:30am–1:30pm at Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul
Scenic routes with live music and fun stops across the city’s parks and trails.

Saint Paul Farmers Market, 8am–1pm at 290 5th St E, St. Paul
Local produce, vendors, and entertainment every Sunday morning, rain or shine.

Bird Photography Hike, 9am–11am at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Learn wildlife photo tips and spot migratory birds with a naturalist.

Family Kayaking, 10am–12pm at Fish Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove
Learn kayaking basics with all equipment provided; registration required.

Paws On Grand, All day at Grand Avenue, St. Paul
Pet-friendly day with adoptions, races, walks, and vendor fun along Grand Ave.

Public Building Tour, 12:30pm–1:15pm at Landmark Center, St. Paul
Short tour of history, restoration, and gangster lore at the landmark building.

Longfellow River Gorge Festival, 12pm–4pm at W. River Pkwy, Mpls
Riverside festival with nature activities, local vendors, and neighborhood fun.

Monthly Bluegrass Jam, 12pm–3pm at Caydence Records & Coffee, St. Paul
Join or listen to an open bluegrass jam in a cozy cafe.

Forest Bathing, 2pm–4pm at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Guided Shinrin-yoku session for relaxation and nature connection.

Frø Film Screening and Seed Saving Workshop, 2pm–4pm at American Swedish Institute, Mpls
Screen the documentary and learn seed-saving best practices with MN SEED.

Storytelling For Adults, 1pm–2:30pm at West 7th Community Center, St. Paul
Workshop to build storytelling confidence and performance skills.

Fix-It Hub, 4pm–7pm at St. Anthony Library, St. Anthony
Repair household items with skilled volunteers; learn sustainable fix-it skills.

Lowry at Night: Outdoor Escape Room, 6:30pm–8:30pm at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Team up to solve clues in an outdoor escape challenge; ages 16+.