Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - April 27, 2016
Highlights this week include:
April 29-30, Rochester
Rochester International Association World Festival
April 28 - May 1, Minneapolis
Art in Bloom
April 30, Onamia
Loom Beading Workshop
April 30, Park Rapids
Laurentian Divide Vista Hike
April 30 - May 1, Sandstone
Kettle River Paddle Festival
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [ Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
April 28-30, Winona
Mid West Music Fest
This all-ages, multiple-venue and multiple-genre music festival kicks-off with a special show at the historic Masonic Theatre featuring Jeremy Messersmith and Romantica. 507-452-0735
April 29-30, Austin
Taste of Nations
The 7th Annual Taste of Nations celebrates Greece with a fabulous Greek meal, Greek music, dance "lessons" and dancing. Mower County Senior Center. And on Saturday night, April 30, head to the Paramount Theatre for Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s! 507-437-4563; 507-434-0934
April 29-30, Rochester
Rochester International Association World Festival
The Rochester International Association brings you southern Minnesota's largest multi-ethnic festival. On Friday evening, April 29, enjoy a wide array of cultural performances. Featured on Saturday, April 30 are cultural displays, ethnic foods, the Parade of Nations, children's activities, a large marketplace, and live entertainment. Mayo High School. 507-328-5500
April 30, Preston
Orvis Fly Fishing 101 Free Beginner's Class
This free fly fishing class for beginners teaches how to fly fish hundreds of miles of top trout streams in beautiful southeastern Minnesota. Also learn fly selection, knot-making, casting, where to access streams, and how to read the water to locate trout. The Driftless Fly Fishing Company. 507-327-4276
May 6-8, Red Wing/Lake City/Wabasha/Winona
100 Mile Garage Sale
Fifteen historic river towns and two states clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around. Bargain hunters can begin their treasure hunting anywhere along the 100-mile perimeter of the Mississippi River's Lake Pepin. Detailed map & information. 651-385-5934
May 7, Albert Lea
Crossroads of Destruction Demolition Derby
Ranked in terms of thrill, excitement and sportsmanship, the Crossroads of Destruction Demolition Derby was awarded 7th place on a list of Top 10 Demolition Derby Events in the World for 2015! Freeborn County Fairgrounds. 507-373-2316
May 13-15, Rochester
Gold Rush
Gold Rush, known as one of the top antique destinations in the nation, celebrates its 44th year! This premier indoor and outdoor event features more than 1200 vendors from throughout the U.S. in 9 buildings, 3 arenas, and spread out across the entire 52-acres of the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. 507-269-1473
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
April 28 - May 1, Minneapolis
Art in Bloom
Enter a world of timeless art and fresh flowers during the 33rd annual Art in Bloom – a four day festival of more than 150 fresh floral arrangements inspired by fine art. And, it’s free! Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000, 612-870-3131
April 29-30, Chanhassen
The Beatles' Abbey Road: An Album Tribute
Join Collective Unconscious as they "drop the needle" on the Beatles Abbey Road! A complete performance of one of the greatest rock albums of all time. This album is a joy to listen to and even more fun to watch! Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
April 30 - May 1, Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour 2016
Discover art where it's created. Visit 8 artists' studios in the Lake Minnetonka area to view and purchase fine art creations by 23 artists. 952-475-1491
April 29 - May 1, Minneapolis
Telling: Minnesota 2016
Continuing the conversation between Minnesota veterans, military families and the Minnesota community at large, The Telling Project returns with Telling: Minnesota 2016 – a new play with a new cast of local veterans and military family members, performing their own experiences. These free, live performances are a forum for necessary person-to-person conversations, deepening our community’s connection to our military and military families. Guthrie Theatre. 612-377-2224
May 1, St. Paul
Stars On Ice
Six medalists at the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, including the Men's, Ladies and Ice Dance champions, will join the Emmy Award-winning Stars on Ice tour. 651-726-8240
May 1, Minneapolis
MayDay Celebration
Join more than 50,000 people for the 42nd Annual MayDay Celebration. The MayDay Parade features hand-built puppets and masks (some over 10-feet tall), live music and street performances. Also enjoy poetry readings, great food, canoe rides, and the Tree of Life Ceremony. Powderhorn Park. 612-721-2535
May 4-8, St. Paul
Festival of Nations
Festival of Nations, one of the largest multi-cultural events in the United States, brings together people from a vast array of backgrounds to celebrate their ethnic heritage. Through world-class entertainment with daily performances, exhibits, food, music, dance, and personal connections, this family-friendly festival provides a look into the traditions, history and journey of over 90 ethnic groups. St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-647-0191
May 5-7, Anoka
Diva Days
Get ready to "restyle your life" during three days of giveaways, special events, shopping and fun at Anoka’s many boutiques and merchants. Watch for the "Undercover Diva" who will be giving away coupons redeemable at participating merchants. 763-421-7130
May 7, St. Paul
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
Embracing the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture, this award-winning, family-friendly experience features over six blocks of food, music, dancing, children's activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, a "People’s Choice" salsa tasting contest and more. Cesar Chavez Street - District del Sol. 651/223-7401
May 7, Buffalo
Moonlight and Magic Expo
This free holistic festival includes more than 30 vendors, speaker workshops, live music, food trucks and occasional sales. The festival culminates with a Medium Gallery featuring psychics, mediums, tarot readers and energy healers -- tickets available at the door. Faery House. 763-233-1354
May 7, Falcon Heights
Model Railroad Show & Hobby Sale
This semi-annual model railroad show and hobby sale at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds' Education Building features operating layouts in several scales, over 200 tables of new and used scale models, toy trains, antiques, collectibles, tools, books, videos, toys, prints, and more! While at the fairgrounds, check out Craftstravaganza, a one-day art market for handmade goods at the Progress Center/Eco Experience Building. 651-647-9628; 651-288-4400
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
The Naked Magic Show at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 28
The Wild Kratts Live! at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 29 & 30
Dream Theater at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 1
Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 1
The Rides at the Ames Center in Burnsville, May 2
Paul McCartney at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 4-5
Ellie Goulding at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 5
Kidz Bop Kids at the Pantages Theatre, May 6
Tony Bennett at the Historic State Theatre, May 6
Michael Carbonaro at the Historic State Theatre, May 7
Stephanie Miller's Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour at the Pantages Theatre, May 7
The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to The Bee Gees at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, May 7
Alton Brown - Eat Your Science at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 8
Anderson Ponty Band with Jon Anderson & Jean Luc Ponty at the Ames Center, May 10
The Book of Mormon at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 10-29
Harry Connick, Jr. at the Historic State Theatre, May 12 Gregg Allman at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, May 21
Beyoncé - The Formation World Tour at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, May 23
The 1975 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, May 25
Florence and the Machine at the Xcel Energy Center, June 2
For more on these and other performances, contact Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
April 29-30, Dalton
Life's Crazy Journey
Life's Crazy Journey is a romantic comedy that will bring back humorous memories of earlier adventures in the dating scene. Escape the rigors of life and recall past experiences bringing forth tears of laughter. The Fantastics Theatre Troupe is made up of seasoned local actors and writers. Dalton Opera House. 218-739-2211; 218-770-0095
April 30, Onamia
Loom Beading Workshop
Participants will learn the art of loom beading through hands-on experience. Create a design, put it on a loom and learn how to apply the beaded piece to leather or cloth when it is finished. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
April 30, Brainerd
Theology On Tap
An informal gathering of area Catholics, but all Denominations are welcome. This event usually draws a full house so those planning to eat should arrive early. The Last Turn Saloon. 218-829-4856
May 7-8, Little Falls
Greater Minnesota Two-Cylinder Club Field Days, Swap Meet & Auction
Featured this year at the Greater Minnesota Two-Cylinder Club show are John Deere Twenty Series tractors, John Deere bicycles, all brands of garden tractors, and Ski Doo snowmobiles. Also enjoy a swap meet, flea market, auction, parts vendors, tractor & equipment displays, tractor obstacle course, antique tractor & pedal tractor pulls, toy & craft show, old-fashioned jam session, play area for the kids, demonstrations of tractor & garden tractor plowing, and much more! Morrison County Fairgrounds. 320-393-5353
May 8, Willmar
An Afternoon at the Opera
Spend an afternoon with the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra and enjoy a performance of "An Afternoon at the Opera." 320-214-9433
May 14, Brainerd
Spring Arts and Crafts Festival
This popular arts and crafts festival features quality handmade items by more than 150 artists and crafters. Free admission. Brainerd Senior High School. 218-454-6926
Northwest Minnesota
April 30, Crookston
Gear Daddies
Enjoy a concert by the very popular Gear Daddies. This group played an important role in the Twin Cities music scene and has performed on The Late Show with David Letterman. Special guests, The Billy's, will also perform. Crookston Sports Center. 218-281-2465; 218-281-4320
April 30, Park Rapids
Laurentian Divide Vista Hike: Exploring the North Country Trail and the Mississippi/Red River Watershed
Hike to a spectacular overlook on the Laurentian Divide (elevation 1,730 feet). Looking northeast, you will view the Mississippi watershed basin at its beginnings around Itasca State Park; view the Red River (of the North) watershed to the west. This strenuous 4-mile hike is well worth the effort. Begin at Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
May 1, Bemidji
Of Remembrance and Romance
Master cellist Wesley Baldwin returns to the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra stage for Alan Schulman’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, and Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei. Also on the program are Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Overture and Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, "Romantic." Bemidji High School Auditorium. 218-444-7914
May 7, Moorhead
The Market: Mother's Day Showcase
Bring your Mom and all her friends for a day of food & drinks, live music, and shopping for fun items from more than 20 different vendors. Gio's Grill & Bar & Eastgate Event Center. 701-630-9308
May 7, Park Rapids
Ducks Unlimited Banquet & Auction
The 42nd Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet & Auction will feature prints, Ducks Unlimited items, sporting goods, guns, and more. Park Rapids Legion Club. 218-538-6508
May 13, Mahnomen
Kenny Rogers "Farewell Tour"
Don't miss this country music legend's "Farewell Tour" and hear some of his biggest hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” “Lady,” “Islands in the Stream,” “She Believes In Me,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Daytime Friends,” “Through The Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” and “Buy Me A Rose.” Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
Northeast Minnesota
April 30, Grand Rapids
Tim Kliphuis and Sam Miltich with the Itasca Symphony Orchestra
The Itasca Symphony Orchestra will feature internationally renowned gypsy jazz violinist Tim Kliphuis, along with Grand Rapids nationally recognized jazz guitarist, Sam Miltich. Together they will play Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” in a re-working by Tim Kliphuis to feature improvisation, Russian folk, American grooves and minimal music elements. Myles Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5781
April 30 - May 1, Sandstone
Kettle River Paddle Festival
Whitewater and flat water paddlers gather for a weekend of paddling fun including the Kettle River Run, a river race by kayak, canoe and raft. Also enjoy a Whitewater Rodeo, paddle making demo, paddler party, and gear swap. The Kettle River is a designated "Wild and Scenic River" offering a beautiful float from its headwaters down to the St. Croix River. Robinson Park. 651-302-1774
May 1-8, Duluth
Homegrown Music Festival
This year's Homegrown Music Festival features 200 musical acts, along with a few filmmakers and other artists performing at a variety of locations throughout Duluth. Official schedule. 218-590-1210
May 7, Mora
Snake River Canoe Race
The 36th running of the Snake River Canoe Race is about 24-kilometers long, beginning at the Hinckley Road Bridge on County Road 3 E. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers (per canoe or kayak, not per person). 320-679-2629
May 7, Grand Rapids
Sammy Kershaw
Sammy Kershaw helped make the ‘90s a shining decade for country music. He remains one of the most consistent power hitters in the country music scene with sell-out tours and a chain of major hit records. Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5781
May 14, Duluth
Dulcimer Day Music Festival
The 15th Annual Dulcimer Day Music Festival features mountain and hammered dulcimer. Enjoy performances by four popular dulcimer players, and participate in classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced dulcimer players. Complete class schedule. First United Methodist Church, a.k.a. The Coppertop. 218-525-5098
