Friday, March 16
Empire State of Mind
What: Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks
When: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Build your own empire at the Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks this Friday at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Witness the mastery of professional LEGO builders as they replicate famous skyscrapers from around the world, including a replica of U.S. Bank Stadium using only the clickable plastic bricks. With over 200,000 Lego pieces available for public use, LEGO builders have the opportunity to add their own edifices to the growing public metropolis inside the exhibit. Learn more.
Hopping for Hops
What: Craft Brew Hop Frozen Faceoff
When: Noon–3 p.m.
Where: Rock Bottom Brewery, 825 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Celebrate the tepid arrival of spring and the boisterous arrival of St. Patty’s Day by participating in the Craft Brew Hop’s Frozen Faceoff on Friday and Saturday. It’s a classy way to pub crawl, reaching craft breweries beyond walking distance of the Xcel Energy Center. Think it’s still too cold? A professional driver will ferry you around in a luxury coach. You’ll get to taste flagship, local, and seasonal brews while enjoying the unique atmospheres of some of Minneapolis’ best bars. Learn more.
Saturday, March 17
Hey Diddle Diddle, a Banjo and a Fiddle
What: “We Banjo 3”
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud
Ireland-based band We Banjo 3 performs in St. Cloud this Saturday at the Paramount Center for the Arts. The group blends various Irish instruments to create a style of music known as “celtgrass.” These acclaimed musicians have performed for big names including Barack Obama, making them worth the drive. Their 2018 tour, “Earth & Sky,” aims to divest you of your troubles and ease you into the warm embrace of a St. Patrick’s Day you’ll remember. Learn more.
A Sea of Green
What: Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
St. Paul’s St. Patrick’s Day parade might be better known (and we definitely recommend it), but this year, don’t miss Minneapolis’ 50th march. Join hundreds of green Minnesotans or enjoy from the sidelines of Nicollet Mall. Then head over to the event center at the Westminster Presbyterian Church for a St. Patty’s Day after-party—or hit up any of the bars and pubs downtown, listening for coteries of bag pipers and ordering Guinness after Guinness. Learn more.
Sunday, March 18
Real Life Creative Mode
What: Minefaire: A Minecraft Fan Experience
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Grab your diamond pickaxe, because Minefaire is coming to town. Join hundreds of Minecraft enthusiasts at Minefaire to take part in tournaments, build battles, and a costume contest. Official Minecraft Education Global Mentors will host live shows to introduce new gamers to the tips and tricks of navigating the pixelated world alongside the game’s most popular YouTubers. Get a feel for new virtual-reality technology and build Minecraft characters out of LEGOs, too. Learn more.
No Strings Attached
What: PuppetLab 2018
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: In the Heart of the Beast, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Seven years later, PuppetLab is infamous for experimental performances. Its first week starts this weekend, with performances including Star Girl Clan by Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra and Magdalena Kaluza and The MoFo by Shelby Richardson. One invites audience members to look to the stars for answers to inspire future generations, while the other depicts an empty Earth filled with the objects humanity left behind, which now provide the only way to define our species. Learn more.
