World Premier of Stinkers
What: Stinkers
When: July 19-22 (continuing through August)
Where: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S.
Stinkers, a humorous play about the humanity and complexity of parenting, comes to Jungle Theater in Minneapolis. The cast? All-stars, if you know the Twin Cities theater scene. The premise? Hilarious and relatable. The audience? Anyone and everyone who can appreciate the pain of stepping on a LEGO or the pleasure and comfort of holding a little one in your arms. Learn more.
One Giant Leap For Mankind
What: Apollo: First Moon Landing Celebration
When: July 20
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Hit up the Science Museum of Minnesota to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Watch Apollo 11: First Steps Edition on the giant omnitheater screen. Check out the exhibit galleries while you’re there and meet NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, who has lived on board the International Space Station and serviced numerous NASA missions from Mission Control. It’s going to be—brace yourself for an excruciating pun—out of this world. Learn more.
Heartland Rock Heroes
What: Night Moves Concert
When: July 20
Where: First Avenue & 7th St Entry, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis
The Minnesota natives behind indie rock band Night Moves come to First Ave to entertain a hometown crowd. After releasing their breakout hit “Carl Sagan” in 2016, the trio came out with their third album in June, called Can You Really Find Me. It’s a complete work of psych-rock Americana, driven by swaying vocals, meandering synth, and wailing guitars. Hear it live. Learn more.
Feminist Agenda Rising
What: National Organization for Women’s Annual Conference
When: July 19-21
Where: Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America, 3800 American Blvd. E., Bloomington
The National Organization for Women (NOW) will host their annual conference in Minneapolis this year, the theme being “Feminist Agenda Rising: Our Time Is Now.” NOW and its members come together to tackle the most important issues confronting women of all races, in all communities. Speakers include comedian, Daily Show co-founder, and Minneapolis native Lizz Winstead, among other luminaries. Learn more.
Twin Cities Summer Jam
What: Twin Cities Summer Jam 2019
When: July 18-20
Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee
In its first year, Summer Jam touts a star-studded lineup with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Aerosmith, Pitbull, REO Speedwagon, and Tim McGraw performing. The three-day festival’s multi-genre approach means you can listen to a little bit of pop, rock, and country right in Canterbury Park. Learn more.
Minnehaha Falls Art Fair
What: Minnehaha Falls Art Fair
When: July 20
Where: Minnehaha Falls, 4801 S. Minnehaha Dr., Minneapolis
Painting, ceramics, textiles, woodworking, photography—you can view art of all kinds at the inaugural Minnehaha Falls Art Fair. Hosted by Ben Cooley and Jill Hayes, owners of nearby Homespun Decor & Gifts, this new fair will bring over 100 artists to showcase their works. To the Twin Cities’ robust roster of summer art fests, this one adds a host of art-based activities, the beautiful falls location, and art under $30 at every booth. Learn more.
Saint George Middle Eastern Festival
What: Saint George Middle Eastern Festival
When: July 19-22
Where: Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1250 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul
With authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, camel rides, and a performance from the nationally renowned John Khoury Band, the Saint George Middle Eastern Festival again offers a cultural immersion experience, for free. Learn more.
Beer and Bacon. Need I say more?
What: 2019 Twin Cities Bacon and Beer Classic
When: July 20
Where: CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St., St. Paul
Close your eyes and imagine yourself with an ice-cold summer beer in one hand and a hot serving of bacon mac ‘n cheese in the other. Does it get any better? Newsflash: It does… There’s a (virtually) unlimited supply. This Saturday, CHS Field hosts the 4th Annual Twin Cities Bacon and Beer Classic, with beer available from over 65 regional breweries alongside 30-plus creative bacon dishes from local chefs. From 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy as much bacon and beer as you want/can, along with music, yard games, and a bacon-eating contest. Learn more.