Friday, August 10
Joker in Chief
WHAT: Politico
WHERE: Open Eye Figure Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Kevin Kling’s latest collaboration with puppeteer extraordinaire Michael Sommers is a rare political piece, though with Kling’s distinctly down-home tenor. Simone Perrin returns with her accordion, and Michelle Kinney and Jacqueline Ultan bring their cellos. openeyetheatre.org
Friday, August 10
Just Your Luck
WHAT: Irish Fair
WHERE: Harriet Island, St. Paul
WHEN: 3 to 11 p.m.
The ever-popular Irish Fair returns with Gaelic Storm (8:30 p.m.) as its Friday night headliner and more acts on Saturday and Sunday, including the Young Dubliners and the Atlantic Steps. Learn more at irishfair.com
Saturday, August 11
Bollywood Dreams
WHAT: IndiaFest
WHERE: Capitol grounds, St. Paul
WHEN: 12 to 6 p.m.
Among the many cultural festivals in town, this is one of the lesser known. And yet, given the recent temple attack in Milwaukee, it may be the most poignant. Here, you can get henna paintings, listen to the latest Bollywood dance music, watch kite flying, and, of course, eat the best local Indian food. Learn more at iamn.org
Saturday, August 11
Garden-variety Opera
WHAT: Picnic Operetta
WHERE: Eat Street Community Garden, Minneapolis
WHEN: 4 p.m.
The popular Picnic Operetta charms with The Return of King Idomeneo, a rewrite of Mozart’s delectable tale of passion post-Trojan War, performed in the Eat Street garden. Chef Nick Schneider complements the music with sustainable summer fare. Learn more at mixedprecipitation.org
Sunday, August 12
Neighborhood Nosh
WHAT: 46th Street Block Party
WHERE: Kings Wine Bar, Minneapolis
WHEN: 12 to 6 p.m.
Kingfield, known for its public art and numerous resident artists, is hitting the neighborhood sweet spot of cool restaurants and shops without the crowds, and this party ought to prove it. Ostensibly a birthday bash for Kings Wine Bar, it features the kind of family fun you wish you had had instead of balloon-blowing clowns: Adam Levy’s Bunny Clogs band, a guitar showcase, treats from Patisserie 46, art stations, etc. Learn more at kingsmpls.com
Sunday, August 12
From Rome, with Amore
WHAT: Il Volo
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
The Three Tenors meets the Jersey shore in this remarkable, see-it-to-believe-it evening of easy opera. Il Volo are three Italian teenage tenors with the slick hair and leather jackets of ’50s crooners, performing O Sole Mio and other red-sauce classics with the surprisingly entertaining brio of the Jonas brothers channeling Andrea Bocelli. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org
