Weekend Best Bets: April 14–16

Egg hunts, chocolate, and Viking combat in the Twin Cities area this weekend

Friday, April 14

That Good TC Theater

What: The Master Builder
When: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: The Southern Theater, 1420 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
For a week, culture-clash company Theatre Novi Most presents a Norwegian play about a master architect whose desires come up against middle age, loss, and a troll. Theatre Novi Most represents that Twin Cities theater scene you’ve been meaning to check out: Russian techniques, physical methods from the U.S. and Europe, and cross-cultural playwriting. Learn more

Local Guys-Gone-Global

What: The Cactus Blossoms
When: 7:30–11 p.m.
Where: Coffman Union Theater, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis
They’re bound for Stagecoach Fest (sort of a country-music Coachella) later this month, but today, The Cactus Blossoms embrace their Minnesota heritage at the University of Minnesota with a performance of their vintage rockabilly sound, darkly melodic enough for the new Twin Peaks series, with harmonies soaked in reverb, and joined by Jack Klatt and Wetter. Learn more


 Saturday, April 15

A Mansion-size Egg Hunt

What: Easter at the Castle
When: 9–10:30 a.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis
Colorful eggs fill the nooks and crannies of the 33-room Turnblad Mansion for castle-scouring families to find. Kid-friendly activities include story time with the Easter Witch, decorating the Easter tree with feathers, crafting your own Easter decorations, and writing Swedish-style Easter greeting cards. Because, yes, I guess Easter does come with a witch and a feathery tree. Learn more

Run for Chocolate

What: The Minneapolis Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Road Race
When: 8–10 a.m.
Where: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St. NE, Minneapolis
Serious and recreational runners alike start off from Boom Island Park, stopping at “sweet stations” for mid-race snacks and finishing for upscale swag, including a zip-up hoodie and a bag full of chocolate treats, cookie straws, and pretzels. More than 4,000 pounds of melted chocolate is prepared for each race. All funds raised go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Learn more


Sunday, April 16

Easter Brunch & Beer

What: Surly Easter Brunch
When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Surly Brewing Company, 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis
It may be at Surly, but it’s open to kids and proprietous grandparents: a huge buffet with honey-glazed ham, smoked brisket, oysters, smoked salmon, assorted cookies and pastries, artisanal cheeses, mac ‘n’ cheese with breadcrumbs, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, Gruyere hasbrowns, chicken and biscuits, banana French toast bread pudding, beer, and much more. Learn more

Viking Combat in the ‘Burbs

What: Asfolk Viking Martial Arts Grand Opening
When: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Asfolk Viking Martial Arts, 625 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
Head into Eagan to meet the instructors at the new martial arts school, also featuring world-famous sword fighters. Get an up-close look at real weapons and talk with Viking combat experts while taking in live sparring contests and a metal working expert’s demonstration of Viking-age blacksmithing. Given the timing, you’ll also get the chance to hunt for some Easter eggs. Learn more