Weekend Best Bets: April 27-29

Your weekend around the Twin Cities: taiko drumming, axe throwing, a Thai New Year celebration, and more

Friday, April 27

Bury the Hatchet

What: Bad Axe Throwing Free Open House
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Bad Axe Throwing, 2505 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis
The new pub, where you get to chuck axes at wooden targets, holds an open house this weekend—to welcome in anyone trepidatious about hurling hatchets in a public space. It’s a great way to chop off the tail end of winter. Learn more.

A Magical Italian Romance

What: Smitten!
When: 4:20 p.m.
Where: St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main St., Minneapolis
The Minnesota-bred director behind Oscar-winning film Rain Main premieres a new work with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival: Smitten!, a romantic comedy set in Italy with a twist of magical realism. Learn more.


Saturday, April 28

Beach House Party

What: Beach House Listening Party
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Solid State Vinyl Records, 4022 E. 46th St., Minneapolis
Dream-pop band Beach House releases new album 7, and Solid State Vinyl gets in on the indie hype with a listening party featuring LP and CD giveaways. The acclaimed Baltimore band hasn’t released a record since 2015’s Thank Your Lucky Stars. Learn more.

War and Darkness on Canvas

What: SooVAC Opening Reception
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Soo Visual Arts Center, 2909 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis
Three new exhibits open for spring at the Uptown visual arts center, including beautifully surreal, expressionistic paintings of war-torn areas and an on-canvas exploration of darkness spattered with life. Learn more.


Sunday, April 29

Thai New Year on the Streets

What: Songkran Uptown (Thai New Year)
When: Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Hennepin Ave., between W. Lake St. and W. 31st St., Minneapolis
Celebrate Thai New Year at this second annual Uptown block party, with performances, delicious street food (wontons, pad thai, chicken satay), food-eating contests, a parade, and more street vivacity. Learn more.

Dance to the Beat of a New Drum

What: TaikoArts Midwest Open House
When: 2-5 p.m.
Where: TaikoArts Midwest Studio, 2161 University Ave. W., St. Paul
This studio for all things taiko (think: the Japanese barrel-shaped drum) opens its new St. Paul location with performances, refreshments, and hands-on drumming activities for anyone looking for a rhythmic outlet. Learn more.