Twin Cities Scout #05

Happy Tuesday, friends!

It’s time to dust off your shorts and rompers—starting Thursday, we’re looking at summery highs in the 60s. Are you one of those classic Minnesotans grilling in shorts in the middle of January? If so, carry on—you were built for this.

In keeping with the spring vibes, our local happenings below are packed with gardening-themed classes and events. I’m planning to grow basil and peppers on my balcony this year. Maybe I’ll see you at one of those classes?

Exciting news: our discount card officially has a name—TC Scout Passport! I've been busy reaching out to local restaurants, and we’re starting to build some incredible partnerships. Next week, you’ll have the chance to help shape the Passport by voting on community-driven pricing. In the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek at the card design:

Three hikes on the east side of the metro for you to explore this week:

Are you up for a bite-sized challenge this week? Try putting your phone on airplane mode or leaving it in the car during a hike or one of your walks. It's a small experiment, not a huge commitment like giving up social media for a whole month—but it might surprise you.

Speaking of big commitments, have you ever daydreamed about ditching your smartphone altogether and going back to a flip phone? (Let’s be honest: the Motorola Razr was peak telecommunication design.) Spoiler alert: switching to a "dumb phone" probably won’t magically solve your screen-time struggles. But this fascinating article makes a compelling case for stepping away from pocket-sized technology more often—and the long-term benefits it can bring.

Here’s the thing: a phone “detox” doesn’t need to feel like a high-pressure, infomercial fix. It’s more about creating space. By flipping on airplane mode, you might find a moment of calm, notice the budding spring growth, or even strike up an unexpected connection with a neighbor. Sometimes, the simple changes lead to the most serendipitous outcomes.

Meet Kennedy, a Retriever-Hound puppy who’s smart, curious, and loves treats. Mikey, a Retriever-Australian Shepherd mix, is vaccinated and ready to bring energy to your home. Tate, a house-trained Retriever-Shepherd mix, has a calm nature and is waiting in Minneapolis for his forever family.

One unexpected joy of creating this newsletter is discovering amazing organizations that help our cities thrive. Here are four great opportunities to get involved and make a difference in your community.

Bridging helps people achieve housing stability by providing quality furniture and household goods. Volunteer roles include warehouse assistance, office support, and furniture repair. Make an impact

Frogtown Farm promotes sustainability, stewardship, and community through urban agriculture. Volunteer for hands-on fieldwork to learn about growing food or join group projects. Strengthen local food systems

Baby’s Space empowers families in Minneapolis through culturally responsive early childhood education and family support, breaking cycles of poverty and trauma. Volunteer by assisting classrooms, prepping crafts, serving meals, or sharing talents to help create a thriving community. Nurture the next generation

CAPI has several ways to get involved in their work supporting refugee and immigrant communities, including their food shelf. Get involved

If you’d like to feature an event with a poster, reach out & say hello.

Mark your calendars for May 4th! BlackStack Brewing hosts a Book & Vinyl Fair featuring local favorites like Twin Cities Record Show, Wild Rumpus, Subtext Bookstore, and Comma, A Bookshop. Don’t miss it!

Wellness Wednesday, Eastman Nature Center - Join a guided trail walk with meditation and wellness activities at 9:30am. Trail Zen

Pint 4 Pint Blood Drive with American Red Cross, Forgotten Star Brewing - blood drive from 10:30am - 4:30pm. Save Lives

The Evolution of Music, Nokomis Library - Join artist Soli Hughes to explore music history from the 50's to present day at 1pm. Musical journey

Plant Swap, Dual Citizen Brewing - Plants and pints at Dual Citizen. Bring your plants, pots, cuttings, and anything plantlike to buy, sell, or swap with your fellow green thumbs at 6pm. Please sir, can I have some more…plants

Hiromi's Sonicwonder, Dakota - Experience renowned pianist Hiromi's funkiest and heaviest album performance at 7pm. Jazz fusion

Trivia Night, BlackStack Brewing - Test your knowledge at general trivia every Wednesday with prizes for top teams. Starts at 7pm. Flex your brain

Night Hike, Wood Lake Nature Center - Quiet stroll along Wood Lake trails, followed by hot chocolate and a fire. Ages 10 and up. 7:30pm. Evening Adventure

Awkward Siblings Photoshoot, Inbound Brew Co. - Create hilariously awkward photos with your siblings at this National Sibling Day event starting at 4pm. Strike a pose

Early Evening Jazz: Joel Shapira, Berlin - Nationally acclaimed Minnesota guitarist performs solo at 4:30pm. Jazz Vibes

Vision and Voice: Young Adult Night, Minneapolis Institute of Art - Mix and mingle with chill vibes, food, performances, and art for college-age individuals (18-26) at 6pm. Night Vibes

Intro to Watercolor Painting, Brackett Recreation Center - Six-week intro course with guided instruction on techniques and themes starting at 6pm. Brush up skills

Beer Battle: Drastic Measures vs. Invictus, The Gnome Craft Pub - Ten beers, five courses, two breweries competing for your votes at this legendary dinner at 6pm. Brewery Showdown

Golden Hour, Marigold - Unwind at this sober happy hour with delicious NA beverages. Starts at 4pm. Catch the vibe

Wall-E: A Clean and Green Movie Night, Longfellow Recreation Center - Indoor Earth Day celebration with WALL-E screening, themed activities and snacks at 5:30pm. Earth Day Fun

Break the Bubble, Summit Brewing Company - Social event for making friends 21+ featuring name tags and themed conversation starters at 6pm. Mingle

Secrets of the Whales, Orchestra Hall - Minnesota Orchestra performs live score to Disney+ series at 7pm. Ocean Melodies

Full Moon Family Hike & S'mores, Silverwood Park - Join a scenic hike under the full moon, followed by marshmallows and s'mores around the fire at 7pm. Deets

Joyann Parker Band, Crooners Supper Club - Authentic roots music blending soul, R&B, and blues on the Main Stage Showroom at 7:30pm. Soul vibes

Reverso, Berlin - Chamber jazz project led by Ryan Keberle and Frank West, performing original music inspired by early-20th-century French composers at 7:30pm. Jazz Fusion

Winter Market, Minneapolis Farmers Market - Fresh produce and goods available at this weekly winter market from 9am to noon. Shop local

Backyard Gardening Workshop, Gale Woods Farm - Full-day hands-on workshop to plan and plant your garden with personalized sessions at 9:30am. Green Thumbs Up

Homemade Maple Syrup, Wild River State Park - Learn to identify sugar maples, tap for sap, and make syrup on a woodland walk at 10am. Sweet Experience

Disco Death April (RSD) Vintage Market, Disco Death Records - Browse vintage treasures at this Record Store Day market featuring local vendors. Runs 11am-5pm. Vinyl Vibes

Film Screening: Cycle of Memory, Washburn Library - Award-winning documentary about a grandfather's Alzheimer's journey at 10am. More info

Terrarium Workshop, Wandering Leaf Brewing Company - Create your own miniature garden at this all-levels workshop at 10am. Includes materials and a beer token. Plant & Sip

MN Black Authors Expo, George Latimer Central Library - Join over 25 Black authors for workshops and family activities at this free public event starting at 10am. Discover Books

Pairs and Teams Jigsaw Puzzle Contest with Sarah Does Puzzles, Rosedale Center - Compete in pairs or teams to win prizes. Starts at 11am. Puzzle Time!

5k Beer Run + Trail Run Film Fest, Utepils Brewing - Fun 5K run followed by beverages, live music, food trucks, and trail running films at 11am. Run & Sip

The Linda Lindas, Fine Line - Band performs at 6:30pm. Songs tackle injustice and growing up. Catch the vibes

Andrew Walesch & His Orchestra, Dakota - Experience this ten-piece big band playing Basie, Bublé, Bennett, and Sinatra at 7pm. Jazz Night

An Evening with the Weary Ramblers, Crooners Supper Club - Folk duo performs blues and storytelling with multi-instrumental talents and tight harmonies at 7pm. Folk vibes

Full Moon Hike & Campfire for Women, French Regional Park - Join a moonlit trail hike followed by fireside s'mores under the full moon at 7:30pm. Night magic

Full Pink Moon Hike, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Celebrate spring with a magical 1-mile hike illuminated by pink lights at 8pm. Take a hike

612 Sauna Cooperative Silent Heat, Lake Nokomis Main Beach - Silent sauna sessions with cold plunges at 9:30am. Steamy Escape

Open Skate with Twin Cities Skaters, Quincy Hall - Join Northeast Farmers Market for free skating with all size rentals available, at 10am. Skate Away

Clay Catchall Dish Workshop, EARTHENjoy - Create a custom clay dish with Joy O'Conner. Light brunch and all materials included at 10am. Get crafty

Family Day: Sensational Sculptures, Minneapolis Institute of Art - Free monthly event with clay art, wearable sculptures, and Twin Cities Ballet performances at 10am. Get crafty

The Morning Social, Lucille's - Build your own bouquet at this workshop with coffee and non-alcoholic beverages starting at 10am. Flower Fun

Story Time & Crafts, Forgotten Star Brewing - Join local author Laura Inks Joswiak for stories and crafting in partnership with MN Parent at 10:30am. Book fun

Jerbear Bakehouse Pop-Up, Marigold - Marigold opens early for tasty pastries at 11am. Pastry Paradise

Coffee & Collage, SK Coffee Vandalia Tower - Join Twin Cities Craft Club for collage, journaling, and scrapbooking while enjoying coffee in a creative setting at 11am. Craft & Sip

Minneapolis Vintage Market, Machine Shop - Browse Minnesota's best vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods with coffee and food trucks at 11am. Vintage treasures

Growing Vegetables in Containers, Plymouth Library - Learn container gardening tips from a Master Gardener at 1pm. Green Thumb Tips

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening, Hopkins Library - Learn essential vegetable gardening skills from a Master Gardener, covering location, soil, watering and planting techniques at 1pm. Green Thumb Basics

JUSTICE-REFORMED Film Screening, Minneapolis Central Library - Documentary screening with panel discussion about incarcerated artists, including exhibit tour. At 2pm. Art & Justice

Jazz Appreciation Month, The Hook And Ladder Theater - Four local big bands perform at this free celebration co-sponsored by Musicians Performance Trust Fund at 2pm. Swing by

Em Beihold, Green Room - Pop songstress performs at 7pm. Tix

Board Games, Lake Monster Brewing - Join Saint Paul Board Game Group for games, friends and drinks at 6:30pm. Game night fun

Open Mic Night, Inbound BrewCo - Showcase your talent at this weekly open mic starting at 8pm. Email to sign up. Grab the mic

Zine Scene: Readings and Workshops, Minneapolis Central Library - Local zinesters share work and lead a making workshop with materials provided at 5:30pm. Create & Connect

Art & Wine After Dark, Minneapolis Institute of Art - Enjoy curator-led walkthroughs, wine tasting with sommelier Bill Summerville, and small bites on April 15 at 6pm. Tix

Trivia, Wandering Leaf Brewing Company - An exciting trivia event hosted by Trivia Mafia at 7:30pm. Brain Battle

Pulp Fiction 35mm Presentation, The Parkway Theater - 35mm screening of Tarantino's classic at 8pm. Catch The Classic