Friday, May 17
Rock On
WHAT: Rock of Ages
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Dig out your shoulder pads and acid-wash denim: the ’80s are coming to town. Loaded with classic hits from such iconic rockers as Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, and Foreigner, consider this Broadway hit a three-night stand with your former big-haired self. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org
Friday, May 17
Get Artsy
WHAT: Art-A-Whirl
WHERE: Northeast Minneapolis
WHEN: Friday, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, 12–8 p.m.; Sunday 12–5 p.m.
The largest open studio tour in the United States, Art-A-Whirl fills more than 70 northeast Minneapolis locations with demonstrations, performances, exhibitions, and the work of some 500 artists. Even the taprooms are getting in on the action: head to Indeed Brewing on Saturday for Rails and Ales, where they’ll release their latest brew, L.S.D. Honey Ale, to the tunes of The Como Avenue Jug Band. For maps, free Metro Transit passes, and an artist directory, see nemaa.org
Saturday, May 18
Meat-palooza
WHAT: Minnesota Monthly’s GrillFest
WHERE: The Depot, Minneapolis
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
What’s summer if not an excuse to eat as much grilled goodies (paired with local brews, natch) as possible? Learn tricks from the masters, fill up on samples, and enjoy live music, then go home and show off your new skills. For tickets and more information, see grillfestival.com
Saturday, May 18
Do-Re-Mi Time
WHAT: Sound of Music sing-along
WHERE: Ordway Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Way more fun than belting “The Hills are Alive” at home alone is joining with other Sound of Music fans in pretending your voice is just as good as Julie Andrews’s. The classic nun-turned-super-mom movie will only play twice, though, so warm up those vocal chords and get ready to harmonize. Learn more at ordway.org
Sunday, May 19
A Whole New World
WHAT: MCBA SpringCon Comic Carnival
WHERE: State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul
WHEN: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Midwest Comic Book Association turns 25 this year. To celebrate, they’re taking over the Grandstand and inviting everyone from superstar creators to newbies to come see about comics. If you’ve never delved into the world of superheroes and anime, this is your chance to get acquainted. Learn more at midwestcomicbook.com
Sunday, May 19
All in the Family
WHAT: The Steele Family Singers
WHERE: Cathedral of St. Paul
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Like the Jackson Five minus all the drama, the Steele siblings—J.D., Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta, and Billy—have performed around the world, their soulful jazzy vocals lighting up stages from Rome to Carnegie Hall. Individually, they’re good. Together, they’re unbeatable. Learn more at cathedralsaintpaul.org
