Weekend Best Bets: December 9-11

Your weekend to-do list in the Twin Cities

Friday, December 9

Songs and Spells

What: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium, 1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
”‹Muggles and wizards alike can enjoy the first Harry Potter film on the big screen, with every song performed live by the Minnesota Orchestra. Watch Harry escape the Dursleys, play his first Quidditch match, and face He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in high definition with a stellar soundtrack. Tickets can be purchased in advance at minnesotaorchestra.org.

All Aboard!

What: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train & Concert at Union Depot
When: 7:15 p.m.
Where: Union Depot, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul
Union Depot’s Hub for the Holidays celebration—an ongoing series of holiday festivities—is welcoming the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train for a musical performance by Colin James and Kelly Prescott. The train is committed to donating to community food shelves, so bring a nonperishable food item or cash donation. More info at uniondepot.org and Visit Twin Cities.


Saturday, December 10

Pedal for Good

What: Annual Krampus Charity Bike Ride
When: 10 a.m.
Where: One on One Bicycle Studio, 117 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis
Bundle up and bike for charity by delivering toys and children’s books to local homeless shelters, ensuring that all children have something to open on Christmas. Riders will need backpacks to transport books and toys from Kiddywampus toy shop and the Wild Rumpus bookstore to the People Serving People shelter. Afterwards, enjoy a frosty beverage and tater tots at Grumpy’s downtown. More info at krampusworldorder.com.

Holiday Spirits

What: Cocktail class at Constantine
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Constantine bar, 1115 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
Learn from experts about Twin Cities cocktail culture, specialty recipes, and spirit knowledge. The class (recommended by Minnesota Monthly food critic Jason DeRusha) will cover nine cocktails over three hours and light food will be provided. RSVP to this event at info@constantinempls.com. More info at minneapolis.org.


Sunday, December 11

I’m Dreaming Of…

What: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ordway Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
This timeless Christmas musical features many of Irving Berlin’s hits such as “Blue Skies, “I Love a Piano,” and of course, “White Christmas.” Be prepared for big dance numbers, unforgettable choreography, and plenty of snow. The Ordway will be collecting hat, mitten, and scarf donations in the lobby before and during the performance. More info at ordway.org.

Don’t Be Chicken

What: Eastlake Brewery’s Wing Thing Party
When: 12 p.m.
Where: Eastlake Brewery, 920 East Lake St., Minneapolis
Eastlake is celebrating their 2nd birthday with a weeklong party, including a new special release beer every day. Sunday is the last day of events, closing with the “Wing Thing” party—a $25 ticket will give you access to sample the best chicken wings from eateries including Manny’s Tortas, Midtown Global Market, Hot Indian Foods, and more, plus two beers and a commemorative glass. Find tickets at eastlakemgm.com.