Weekend Best Bets: April 11-April 13

What you need to do, see, hear, and experience this weekend

Friday, April 11

A Great Laff-igan

WHAT: Jim Gaffigan
WHERE: The Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Famous for his riffs on Hot Pockets, the holidays, camping, and other everyday topics, this comedian can make the sternest audience member crack a grin with his (usually) family-friendly, hilarious stand-up act. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org.

Another Side of the Story

WHAT: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
WHERE: Stages Theatre, Hopkins
WHEN: 7 p.m.
The Big Bad Wolf (or Al, as his friends call him) is on trial for an attempted assault on the three beloved little porkers in this stage production, opening tonight. Adapted from Jon Scieszka’s eponymous children’s book, this story will make you reconsider events that you might have taken as true since childhood. Perhaps the coolest part: The audience is the judge, and decides Al’s fate. For ticket information, go to stagestheatre.org.

Saturday, April 12

Cruise for a Cause

WHAT: Fraser Walk For Autism
WHERE: Mall of America, Bloomington
WHEN:  7 a.m.
The hour-long Fraser Walk for Autism through the Mall of America is an annual April trek to raise autism awareness, and the event is much more than a mere stroll. Sensory-friendly activities, therapy dogs, prizes, and giveaways will all be available for the whole family, along with breakfast and an official t-shirt. Register at fraser.org.

What a Circus

WHAT: World Circus Day Open House
WHERE: Circus Juventas, St. Paul
WHEN: 10 a.m.
Ever have the inclination to run away and join the circus? This will be a good chance for you to feel it out for a day before committing to anything serious. Shows will be performed every hour, along with hands-on demonstrations of equipment such as trapezes and high wires. Learn more at circusjuventas.org/.

Sunday, April 13

Get Crafty

WHAT: The American Craft Council Show
WHERE: St. Paul River Centre, St. Paul
WHEN: 11 a.m.
Now in its 28th year, this springtime event brings together more than 225 of the finest jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from around the country. Check out the contemporary work and learn about the work that goes into creating such high-quality pieces. Learn more at shows.craftcouncil.org.

Yesterday into Today

WHAT: Zeitgeist Early Music Festival: The Music of George Crumb
WHERE: Studio Z, St. Paul
WHEN: 2 p.m.
Zeitgeist’s 4th Annual Early Music Festival keeps its tradition of honoring yesterday’s composers with this year’s tribute to the legendary American George Crumb. Crumb is no stranger to the Midwest, having attended college in both Illinois and Michigan, and this four-day festival will celebrate his music with performances, discussion, and an exploration of his most iconic works. For ticket information, go to zeitgeistnewmusic.org/.