Weekend Best Bets: April 4-April 6

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

Friday, April 4

Open Doors

WHAT: Northrop Inside Out Grand Reopening
WHEN: 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Northrop, Mpls.
The University of Minnesota’s famed Northrop opens its doors again after an extensive and historic remodel. The night’s program features American Ballet Theatre’s Giselle, a play that has been described as “the epitome of Romantic ballet”. Following the show, audience members will be invited for complimentary dessert and Champagne. Learn more at northrop.umn.edu.

Rolling on the Floor

WHAT: Die Laughing: 50 Hours of Nonstop Comedy
WHERE: Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America, Bloomington
WHEN:  7:00 p.m.
This comedy extravaganza will literally go for 50 hours straight. Don’t worry: Attending the full event isn’t required. A look at the schedule will help you decide which laugh-out-loud acts are worth your giggle time. Learn more at dielaughingmarathon.com.

Saturday, April 5

Now You’re Cookin’

WHAT: Kids in the Kitchen: Eggstraordinary Eggs
WHERE: Byerly’s, St. Louis Park
WHEN: 12:00 p.m.
Kids between the ages of 8-12 (with a registered adult) will have a chance to learn their way around the kitchen at this Byerly’s class. The theme this time out is the test of a true chef: mastering the many, many ways to cook an egg. Learn more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Civil Conflict

WHAT: Minnesota Civil War Symposium: A Universe of Conflict 1864
WHERE: Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul
WHEN:  8:30 a.m.
The year 1864 was perhaps the most significant of the Civil War for Minnesota’s involvement. There will be a wide range of regional experts on-hand for this event to speak and answer questions about Minnesota’s mobilization, including author John Lundstrom. Registration is recommended; learn more at events.mnhs.org.

Sunday, April 6

Good Folk

WHAT: Once
WHERE: The Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is a folk-music-inspired love story that has been drawing adoring audiences since its first release as a 2006 musical film set in Dublin, Ireland. Come to see hits like “Falling Slowly” and “If You Want Me,” among an array of other romantic gems. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org.

How Continental

WHAT: MSP International Film Festival
WHERE: Multiple Locations
WHEN: Multiple showtimes
The MSP International Film Festival is a showcase for more than 200 movies through the early weeks of April, with venue locations including the St. Anthony Main Theatre, the Walker Cinema, the Aster Café in Minneapolis, and the Galaxy 44 Cine in Rochester.  No matter where you go, though, the eclectic list of options gives a taste of something for everyone this weekend. For more background info, check out Quinton Skinner’s preview. Get ticket information at mspfilm.org