April 13, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report Highlights this week and weekend include the 13th Annual Ibsen Festival in Lanesboro, the American Craft Council Show at the St. Paul RiverCentre, the First Steps Baby Expo at the St. Cloud Civic Center, the Red Bridge Film Festival in Park Rapids, the 20th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop at galleries and artist studios throughout Duluth.
Southern MinnesotaDowntown Morton will host a Spring Garden Party, Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, with a Spring Pageant, special attractions and discounts at area merchants, food vendors, art and craft exhibitors, and a Spring Garden Party parade. For more information, dial 507/697-6912, or visit
www.mortonmn.comThe 13th Annual Ibsen Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, throughout the city of Lanesboro. Highlights include a world premiere adaptation of the rarely-produced John Gabriel Borkman. In addition, enjoy lectures, fine art, music, post show discussions, and many other events designed to put this deeply personal work into context. For a complete schedule of events, check out the Ibsen Festival Website. For more on the city of Lanesboro, dial 1-800-944-2670, or check out
www.Lanesboro.comThe Veterans Memorial Center in downtown Tracy will be the site of the 4th Annual Prairie Women's Expo on Saturday, April 17, with special seminars, a huge variety of exhibits, a fashion show, hourly door prize drawings, and great food throughout the day. In addition, the first 200 women will be greeted with a "goodie bag" filled with items from area businesses. Before or after the show, head to the Tracy Area High School for the 8th Annual Tracy Area Sportsmen's Show and the 4th Annual Tracy Area Sportsmen's Car and Motorcycle Show. To learn more, dial 507/629-4021, or contact the Tracy Area Chamber at
www.tracymnchamber.comThe Bluff Country Studio Art Tour at will be held at various cities in southeastern Minnesota, Friday through Sunday, April 23-25. In addition to the beautiful scenery of the bluff country, you will enjoy amazing and unique artwork of local artists and a variety of demonstrations while visiting artists in their studios. The studio art tour is free and open to the public. To find out more, dial 1-800-428-2030, or visit
www.bluffcountrystudioarttour.comThe city of Le Sueur will be the site of the 33rd Annual Pioneer Power Swap Meet, Friday through Sunday, April 23-25, with over 1,000 vendors selling and displaying antique machinery, farm collectibles, flea market items and crafts. This is largest show of its type in the U.S. Admission is free. For further information, dial 507/931-2296, or check out
www.pioneerpowershow.comThe 35th Annual Salt Lake Weekend 2010, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, will be offered Saturday, April 24, in and around the town of Madison. Volunteers will guide birders to Salt Lake, the Big Stone Refuge and various lakes, wetlands, and native prairies of Lac Qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Guided car caravans will leave between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Stop back at the Legion for lunch and to compare notes. Birders of all levels are welcome, and field trips are free! Then on Saturday evening, enjoy a chicken dinner and program. Sunday birding is also encouraged, but this will be self-guided. For more information, visit
www.moumn.org/saltlake. To make reservations for the Saturday evening dinner, dial 320/598-3797
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinityFarm Babies will be offered daily at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley during the month of April. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Wells Fargo Family Farm, and interact with baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, and bunnies in the touch-and-feel area. Special kids? activities on the farm will be provided Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3, and a "Peter Rabbit? costume character will greet visitors on Saturday, April 3. Tram rides from the Grain Elevator to the Farm will be offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in April. And on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 &18, head to the Minnesota Zoo for EarthFest, a party for the planet. Highlights will include hands-on, eco-friendly activities, information on recycling and sustainable living, live music, crafts, and more! For further information about any of these events, dial 952/431-9200, or visit
www.mnzoo.comThe Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul will host numerous popular shows the weekend of April 16-18, including the Antique Spectacular Show & Flea Market, the Super Golf Sale, the Munchkin Markets Spring/Summer Children's Consignment Sale, and the Military Relic Show. For more information, and for specific dates, rates and times, check out
www.mnstatefair.org, or dial 651/288-4400.
The St. Paul RiverCentre will be the site of the American Craft Council Show, Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, with over 240 contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture and home decor artists selling one-of-a-kind handmade artwork! These artists are the best in their class. For rates and times, dial 1-800-836-3470. Discounted tickets are available online at
www.craftcouncil.org/stpaulA Spring Festival Arts & Crafts Affair will be held at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, with hundreds of the nation's best artists and crafters displaying and selling their handmade crafts and fine artwork. In addition, enjoy hourly gift certificate drawings, stage entertainment, great food and drink, and many family fun activities! This show was voted one of the top 100 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. For rates and times, dial 402/331-2889, or for more information, visit
www.hpifestivals.comThe Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes will offer a Family Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24. Featured will be animals, a climbing wall, earth art projects, canoeing, light refreshments, and the Earth Day Fair, where local organizations and businesses will provide information and activities about earth-friendly practices and products. Admission is free. To find out more, dial 651/429-8007, or check out
www.anokacountyparks.comAnd just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
The Magnolias 25th Anniversary Show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, April 23
Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 28
Aqua Teen Hunger Force at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 29
The Bangles at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, April 29
Craig Ferguson at the Historic State Theatre, April 30
Simon & Garfunkel at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 8
Natalie Cole at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 9
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
Brooks & Dunn "Last Rodeo" Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 14
Henry Rollins: Frequent Flyer Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14
Mo'nique at the Target Center, May 14
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14-16
The Barenaked Ladies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17
Daughtry at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 19
The Goo Goo Dolls at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 19
Nickelback with Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown & Sick Puppies at the Target Center, May 24
Carole King / James Taylor - Troubadour Reunion at the Xcel Energy Center, May 25
Soundset 2010 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, May 30
The Second City at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 4
Russell Peters at the Pantages Theatre, June 16 & 17
Steve Martin at the Historic State Theatre, June 13
Rescue Me Comedy Tour 2 w/Denis Leary w/Lenny Clarke & Adam Ferrara at the Historic State Theatre, June 15
Aziz Ansari - Dangerously Delicious Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 19
Patty Griffin at the Fitzgerald Theater, June 19
Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, June 21
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
Cirque du Soleil : Alegria at the Target Center, June 23
Ween at at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, June 26
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Justin Bieber at the Target Center, June 29
Star Wars In Concert at the Xcel Energy Center, July 11
Titanic at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, July 15-31
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, July 16
Lilith Fair at Canterbury Park, July 18
Vans Warped Tour at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, August 1
Phoenix at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, August 12
Virgin Mobile Presents the Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga at the Xcel Energy Center, August 30
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, September 12
The Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, September 15
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 3 & 4
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Central MinnesotaThe First Steps Baby Expo will be held at the St. Cloud Civic Center on Saturday, April 17. New and expecting parents will find an abundance of information, products and services for their new little one. Just some of the highlights include car seat safety demonstrations, Newborn Necessities and Breastfeeding Basics information sessions, and a fun maternity fashion show. And while in St. Cloud, head to Crossroads Center Mall for the annual Gingerbread Arts and Crafts Show, held April 16-18. For more on these and other area events, contact the St. Cloud Visitors Bureau at 1-800-264-2940, or visit
www.granitecountry.comThe Brainerd Civic Center will host the 9th Annual Lakes Area Women?s Expo on Saturday, April 17, with a wide array of vendors and information sessions for women of all ages. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/851-1974, or contact the Brainerd Lakes Visitors' Bureau at
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comThe 18th Annual Family Shotgun Fair Sportsman?s Extravaganza will be held Saturday & Sunday, April 17 & 18, at LeBlanc's Rice Creek Hunting and Recreation in Little Falls. Highlights include Benelli's Trick Shooter Tim Bradley, the Central Minnesota Trophy Whitetail Exhibit, performances by the Minnesota Mounted Shooters, the Black River Bandits cowboy fast draw, a youth obstacle course, rock climbing, free shooting for youths, a baby farm animal petting zoo, a silent auction, raffles, and lots of great food such as pheasant wild rice soup and duck chili. For more information, dial 320/745-2232, or visit
http://www.ricecreekhunting.com/up_files/2010_gun_fair3.pdfThe National Guard Armory in St. Cloud will be the site of the Granite City Train Show on Saturday, April 24. Come see operating model and toy train layouts and displays. In addition, there will be door prizes, food, refreshments, and vendors selling and buying trains, accessories, books, videos, railroad collectibles, memorabilia, antique trains and toys, hobby items and more! Kids will have a chance to build a wooden train layout and run a model train. For specific directions, rates and times, dial 320/255-0033, or check out
www.granitecitytrainshow.comThe annual Alexandria Spring Arts & Craft Show will be held Saturday, May 1, at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, with a wide variety of quality exhibitors. The Runestone Community Center will also host the 15th Annual Train Show & Sale on May 1. To learn more about these and other area events, dial 1-800-235-9441, or visit
www.alexandriamn.orgNorthwest Minnesota
Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, will offer Sharp Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind Reservations through May 15. Between early April and mid-May you may reserve a spot at the Lake Bronson viewing blind, and witness the comical and entertaining display of the male Sharp Tailed Grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Viewing is best at dawn. Reservations are required and are limited to one per day. To learn more, dial 218/754-2200, or visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bronson/index.htmlSpring Rummage Sales will be held in and around the city of Barnesville, Friday and Saturday, April 16 & 17, with more than 70 area sales. To learn more, dial 218/354-2479, or check out
www.barnesvillemn.comThe John Glas Field House, located on the campus of Bemidji State University, will be the site of the 34th Annual Bemidji Jaycees Home, Sport & Travel Show, Friday through Sunday, April 16-18. More than 130 exhibitors will present a wide variety of home, sport and travel ideas at this much-anticipated show. For further information, dial 218/556-2709, or visit
www.bemidjijaycees.comThe annual Red Bridge Film Festival will be offered at Park Theatre in Park Rapids, Friday through Tuesday, April 16-20, with seven exceptional feature films, two documentary programs, and a visiting filmmaker. For rates and times, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out
www.redbridgefilm.orgThe Lodge on Lake Detroit will host a Murder Mystery Dinner & Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 24. Come be part of the action, and enjoy a night of secrets, scandals and scoundrels during this inter-active getaway. A Cruise Ship Cocktail Reception with dinner buffet, wine sampling, and crime solving fun will also be offered. Advance reservation is required. For further information, and for rates and times, dial 1-800-761-VIEW, or visit
www.thelodgeonlakedetroit.comThe Northstar Sportsmen Club Wild Game Feed at Moondance Saloon and Grill on April 24. In addition to a Prime Rib dinner and wild game appetizers, enjoy games, prizes and more. For rates and times, dial 218/547-1515, or check out
www.nssclub.orgNortheast Minnesota
The 2nd Annual Iron Range Earth Fest will be held at various locations in Mountain Iron on Saturday, April 17. This annual show centers on sustainable living, and offers a chance to learn about new and existing technological approaches, rediscover some long-standing local traditions, tap into the knowledge of cutting-edge experts, and check out a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, speakers and vendors. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. To find out more, dial 218/742-9504, or visit
www.ironrangeearthfest.wordpress.comGalleries and artist studios located throughout Duluth will open their doors to the public during the 20th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop on Saturday, April 17. Come meet area artists, view and purchase fine artwork, and enjoy free receptions. The Port Town Trolley will offer free shuttle service between sites. On Saturday and Sunday, April 17 & 18, Duluth public schools and St. Scholastica will offer a celebration of northern Minnesota's native heritage during the 2nd Annual United Schools Pow Wow, with grand entries each day. And while in Duluth don't miss the Twin Ports Pet Expo at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, April 17 & 18. For more on these and other events, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out
www.visitduluth.comA Women's Wellness & Adventure Weekend will be offered at Audubon Center of the North Woods, located on Grindstone Lake in Sandstone, Friday through Sunday, April 23-25. The Audubon Center?s 535 acres of beautiful landscapes provides the perfect setting for this holistic adventure. Spend this weekend with your friends or take the opportunity to get away by yourself, meet new people, and learn new skills. A mix of professionals in the fields of health, exercise, crafts and nutrition will offer a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual activities. For more information on overnight packages and commuter rates, dial 1-888-404-7743, or visit
www.audubon-center.orgThe North House Folk School in Grand Marais will present the Northern Sustainability & Simple Living Symposium, Friday through Sunday, April 23-25. Featured will be information and education on creating a more sustainable world, with a series of informative presentations, films, discussions, hands-on workshops, traditional skills and crafts, and more. For a complete list of programs and events, check out
www.northhouse.org, or dial 1-888-387-9762
The 11th Annual Children's First Expo will be held at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 24, with a free breakfast, kids' carnival games, storytellers, live music, door prizes, a teddy bear clinic, Boy Scout Pinewood Derby, and Lego robotics. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/327-5730, or visit or
www.visitgrandrapids.com "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."
