Twin Cities Scout #06

Happy Tuesday, friends!

As our community grows (nearly 3,000 strong!), I’ve been reflecting on what fosters real connection. One word comes to mind: vulnerability. It’s not easy to admit struggles or ask for help—I know this firsthand. I’ve often strived for perfection with Twin Cities Scout, keeping my worries to myself. But here’s the truth: sharing our fears and limits doesn’t push others away. It draws them closer.

With the rise of AI, I see a parallel. Many AI-powered tools promise to make life easier by minimizing our limitations. I find them useful myself. But I wonder—can this promise of perfection pull us away from each other? If we rely too much on AI to fill the gaps, do we lose the chance to turn to each other for support, compassion, and connection?

Last year, I burned out trying to seem endlessly capable in my tech job. When I finally asked for help, I was met with understanding, not judgment. Vulnerability didn’t drive people away—it drew them closer.

So here’s my commitment: to show up authentically, honoring both my strengths and weaknesses. I hope you’ll be inspired to do the same. If something’s weighing on your mind, consider reaching out to someone in your circle. A simple conversation can be a reminder that none of us have to handle everything alone. As always, my inbox is open, and I'd love to hear from you. Whether it's a thought, a question, or something on your mind, know that I genuinely value every message and take time to read each and every one.

—James

We’re continuing to partner with local restaurants to make the TC Scout Passport extra special—stay tuned for a full list of participating spots soon! Here’s a little preview: the Passport will offer 10% off at a variety of amazing local restaurants, giving you a fun way to explore the Twin Cities and support our incredible dining scene.

In the meantime, I’d love your input on pricing. Please take this quick poll to let me know what feels fair:

Three hikes for you to explore this week:

Meet Iha, a spirited Great Pyrenees/American Blue Heeler Mix. Always ready for an adventure, she’d make the perfect hiking buddy for an active household ready to explore the world with her. Charlie is a sweet 9-year-old cat with a love for quiet, cozy spaces. Though shy at first, she blossoms into a devoted snuggle companion who’ll fill your home with warmth. Bluebell is a charming parakeet with her own wingman—literally! This inseparable duo promises double the joy and cheerful chirps, all for one special adoption fee.

Looking for ways to make a meaningful impact in your community? Here are three to volunteer your time, skills, or resources and support important local initiatives.

Urban Roots, a major youth employer on Saint Paul's East Side, supports under-resourced youth through urban gardening, cooking, and conservation. Volunteer individually or in groups to help with vegetable gardens or park restoration efforts. Learn more

Small Sums equips individuals experiencing homelessness with gear, tools, training, and transportation to start new jobs. Their Community Day offers additional resources to boost wages and achieve long-term stability. Volunteers are needed for interview prep, resume support, LinkedIn registration, and services from barbers or photographers. Get involved

Bridge to Basics provides essential hygiene products to local non-profits, ensuring everyone can show up for school, work, and community life with dignity. Help by assembling hygiene kits at home or work for families or housing-insecure neighbors. Build kits for families or housing insecure neighbors

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

Support Rock the Rez’s music camps for Indigenous youth at the Kith + Kin Chorus Season 8 Finale on Saturday, May 3. Doors open at 7pm; show starts at 8pm. Enjoy the 75-voice chorus and special guest LAAMAR. Proceeds empower young artists—don’t miss this inspiring night. GET YOUR TICKETS

Join Crayon Kelly in St. Louis Park this Saturday, April 19 at 5pm, for an exciting all-ages art competition. Watch talented artists compete and cheer on your favorites as their masterpieces come to life! LEARN MORE

What's the Buzz about Bumble Bees, Fort Snelling State Park - Explore bumble bee species and learn how to support them at 1pm. Discover more

Lowertown Social, Alary's Bar & Barbeque - Free event for connecting with professionals and supporting local businesses starting at 4pm. Join the fun

Family Nature Club, Powderhorn Park - Discover and explore natural spaces weekly with your kiddos and a naturalist guide from 4/16 until 6/4. First session is tonight at 5:30pm Join Adventure

Yoga By The Lake, Lake Hiawatha Park - Join us for mindful yoga to enhance body flexibility at 6pm for $10. Find your zen

Amsterdam presents…The Moth, Amsterdam Bar and Hall - Share your five-minute story about growth and perseverance or listen to others at 6:30pm. Tell your tale

Adorable, Bryant Lake Bowl - Twin Cities improv duo showcases humor with grounded relationships at 7pm. Get tickets

Trivia Mafia, Inbound BrewCo - Enjoy a fun-filled trivia night with friends. Challenge yourself at 7pm. Use your noodle

Women, Woods and Wine Hike, Eastman Nature Center - Join a leisurely hike with other women for $6, ending by the campfire at 7pm. Hike here

Community Coffee Hour, Wildflyer Coffee - Share in Wildflyer's 2024 achievements and future visions with coffee and pastries at 8:30am. Join us

Vinyl Revival Listening Party, Minneapolis Central Library - Enjoy a community listening session to selections from the library’s vast catalog + bring your favorite vinyl to share at 3pm. Vinyl Vibes

Early Evening Jazz: BluLuna, Berlin - Experience the BluLuna Trio's enchanting jazz melodies starting at 4:30pm. No cover. Swing to Jazz

PhilanthroBrew: Drink For A Cause, Urban Growler Brewing Company - Support Urban Roots at this community event from 5-7pm. Join us

Meet at Mia: Giant Presence, Minneapolis Institute of Art - Enjoy live music, art, and unique offerings in connection with the 'Giants' exhibition starting at 5pm. More info

Rosie Daze Band "Nobody Here But Us" Album Release Show, Bryant Lake Bowl - Celebrate with local band Rosie Daze and soulful harmonies at 7pm. Get tickets

Thursday Trivia with Trivia Mafia, Forgotten Star Brewing Co. - Test your knowledge with friends from 7-9pm for fun and prizes. Join the fun

The Whiskeys, Inbound BrewCo - Enjoy a free two-man acoustic show starting at 6pm. More info

One Hit Wonders, BlackStack Brewing - The One Hit Wonders return for an unforgettable performance at 6pm, no cover charge. More deets

Vanishing Landmarks, Sibley Historic Site - Explore Minnesota's historic buildings with a local photographer and storyteller at 6pm. Discover stories

Dawes, First Avenue - Join Dawes with Michigander (duo) on the Oh Brother Tour. Doors at 6pm. Get tickets

Marigold x BLNCD 4/20 Experience: Fuse Launch Party, Marigold - Celebrate BLNCD’s beverage launch with live music, NA drinks (first drink on them), and local vendors starting at 7pm. Join the vibe

Johnnie Brown: “On My Way To Harlem”, Dakota - Relive classic R&B hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s at 7pm. Groove here

Mogwai, Varsity Theater - Experience the iconic post-rock band's mesmerizing music live at 7:45pm. Get tickets

Early Birders, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary - Join a guided walk to spot migrating birds starting at 7:30am. Join now

Off the Beaten Path Hike, Whitewater State Park - Explore rarely-seen sections of the park with a guided 2-mile hike at 9am. Register now

Twin Cities True Vintage Show, North End Event Center - Explore 45 vendors offering antique fashion and accessories. Early bird at 9am, regular at 10am. Discover more

Earth Day Cleanup, Lake Nokomis Park - Join the city's largest volunteer event and tidy up Lake Nokomis starting at 9:30am. Join cleanup

Totally Rad Vintage Fest, Mall of America - Dive into vintage fashion and retro finds from diverse vendors starting at 10am. $5 in advance, $8 at the door. Shop the past

Intro to Vegetable Gardening, St. Louis Park Library - Learn the basics of vegetable gardening with expert guidance during Earth Week at 10am. Dig in

Taking Root: Stories of Southeast Asian Resettlement & Resilience, MN8 - Spend an afternoon at this fundraiser and screening featuring a docuseries that sheds truth on the stories of refugees and immigrants. Starts at 12pm. Learn more

Where the Waters Meet, Fort Snelling State Park - Join a trail walk to explore the significance of river confluence at 1pm. Discover More

Letter Writing Social Hour, Arvonne Fraser Library - Escape screen fatigue by indulging in vintage social media. Supplies provided. Starts at 1pm. Get unplugged

My Neighbor Totoro, The Parkway Theater - Enjoy a screening of this magical film at 1pm. Get tickets

Creating Art In and With Nature, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park - Craft art using nature and watercolors while learning techniques at 1pm. Discover more

Intro to Wood Whittling, Eastman Nature Center - Learn basic wood whittling techniques and create items like roasting sticks. Starts at 1:30pm. Whittle away

You Belong Where You Feel Free, Praxis Gallery - Explore Christine Ambruster's photography on identity struggles and youth self-definition. Artist talk at 5pm, opening reception at 6pm. Learn more

MN United FC vs FC Dallas, Allianz Field - Watch the Loons take on Dallas at 7:30pm. Get tickets

Garrett Jones Quartet, Berlin - Enjoy an evening of unique jazz compositions at 7:30pm. Catch the show

Misfit Market, Misfit Coffee - Hang with 20 local artists, vintage vendors, and Dahlia’s pop up bakery from 10am-2pm. Info

Between Us: Exploring Bonds That Shape Us with Lillie Benowitz of Sustain Studio, Resource Mpls - Explore the depths and nuance of connection through writing prompts and grounding practices, 10:30am-noon. Learn more

Zine Club, Hosmer Library - Create your own zine with provided materials starting at 12:30pm. Join us

Family Fishing, Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park - Learn basic fishing skills and enjoy an afternoon at the park in New Prague starting at 2pm. Reserve now

Paul Simon's A Quiet Celebration, Orpheum Theatre - Celebrate Paul Simon's legendary career with a mesmerizing concert of his award-winning music at 8pm. Get tickets

Silent Book Club MPLS April Meetup, Wooden Hill Brewing - Read your own book with other literary lovers from 5:30-7pm. More deets

GreenFit Club: Nordic Walking, Hyland Lake Park Reserve - Explore trails and meet new friends while learning Nordic pole walking at 5:45pm. $36 for six sessions. Join the trek

Wine and Canvas, Third Act Brewery - Enjoy a night of painting in Woodbury with a pint of craft beer or hard cider at 6pm. Explore more

Sunset Yoga, Silverwood Park - Join Laura Singh for a breath work and posture session at 6pm. Find your flow

37th Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, Ordway Center - Celebrate Minnesota’s inspirational stories with awards and book signings at 6pm Celebrate books

Waite Park Puzzle Exchange, Waite Park Elementary School - Join this free, all-ages puzzle swap and bring new or gently-used puzzles, starting at 6pm. Swap Fun

half alive Persona World Tour, Fillmore - Enjoy half alive with special guests The Walters and Mehro at 6:30pm. Get tickets

BoyWithUke, Palace Theatre - Enjoy BoyWithUke at 7pm. Get tickets