Friday, April 13
The Sound of Strings
What: Maureen Nelson Plays The Lark Ascending
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Rd., Eden Prairie
Based on George Meredith’s poem, solo violinist Maureen Nelson performs The Lark Ascending, originally a 122-line poem about the song of the Eurasian skylark bird. Written and composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the piece is performed by Nelson, accompanied by our decorated St. Paul Chamber Orchestra wind section. Let them serenade you with the beautiful sounds of strings and wind instruments on a spring morning. Learn more.
Another Reason to Wear Purple
What: Purple Up Day
When: 2-7 p.m.
Where: Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington
Support the children of military service members for April’s Month of the Military Child, which recognizes the sacrifices children of military parents have made. Activities available to military children and the general public include an art contest, a photo contest, and a special performance by the Teddy Bear Band. Don’t forget to wear purple in support of Minnesota’s military families. Learn more.
Saturday, April 14
I Wheelie, Wheelie Like You
What: Monster Energy AMA Supercross
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
It’s motocross season, which means that the 17-race Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme World Championship is in full swing and traveling to Minneapolis to showcase the world’s best off-roaders. Monster Energy draws more than 50,000 supercross enthusiasts to its five-month, coast-to-coast tourney. All races are broadcast on FOX, so if you can’t make it, don’t forget to watch! Learn more.
Have an Ice Day
What: Maple Grove Ice Show
When: 1 and 6 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove
Attend the 18th annual Maple Grove Ice Show, as the Maple Grove Skating School and the city host an entire day showing off Maple Grove’s talented figure skaters. Watch as students of the skating school dance on ice, whizzing around in glittery costumes to ease your Olympics withdrawal. (The hockey state, home to some of America’s best gliders, includes highly skilled ice dancers, too.) Learn more.
Sunday, April 15
Beautifully Brawny
What: The Art of Boxing—the Sport of Ballet
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
The crackling performances in The Art of Boxing—the Sport of Ballet prove beauty can take many forms. The St. Paul Ballet and Element Gym collaborate for a unique theatrical experience that challenges the stereotypes associated with boxing and ballet, emphasizing the humanity of both parties, to “[blur] lines and [illuminate] the grace, athleticism, and common rituals of ballet and boxing.” Learn more.
Pickin’ Up Chicks
What: Twin Cities Festival Spring Babies
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Twin Cities Festival, 8001 109th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Springtime includes sunshine, budding blossoms, and cute animals. The second Twin Cities Festival Spring Babies event invites visitors to cuddle with baby goats, ducks, ponies, chicks, sheep, and bunnies. Other activities include a corn pit, pony rides, hayrides, a giant slide, inflatables, and a straw bale maze. The first 400 kid visitors get a free plush bunny. So, yes, you can spend your Sunday afternoon picking up chicks. Learn more.
