Weekend Best Bets: August 12-14

Your weekend to-do list in the Twin Cities

Friday, August 12

Challenge Your Mind, Change Your Life

WHAT: TedxMinneapolis: InSight
WHEN: 4-11 p.m.
WHERE: Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 S. Eighth Street, Minneapolis
”‹TedxMinneapolis is back with eight thought-provoking speakers that will strive to confront and deepen how audience members see race, the environment, technology, the child welfare system, and other crucial issues. Tickets are $55 and include drinks, dinner, and post-talk refreshments. ted.com

Jiggin’ and Jammin’

WHAT: Irish Fair of Minnesota
WHEN: 3-11 p.m.
WHERE: Harriet Island Park, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul
Have you ever wanted to learn to Irish step dance—without leaving the comfort of your own city? Your chance arrives this weekend at the country’s largest free Irish festival. Enjoy food and drinks, music, dancing, and shopping vendors all weekend. Only a love for the Emerald Isle required. irishfair.com


Saturday, August 13

Pokemon Go (To The Bar)

WHAT: Gotta Drink ‘Em All Pub Crawl
WHEN: 9 p.m.
WHERE: Uptown & Downtown Minneapolis
Pokemon Go has invaded Minneapolis (it’s too late to stop it), so why not let it invade the bar scene as well? Go catch ’em all with your friends at more than ten bars throughout Minneapolis this Saturday. Participating bars will have drink and appetizer specials for Pokemon trainers (or non-trainers, if you’re just along for the ride). Costumes are encouraged and t-shirts are available for purchase. facebook.com

Rally for Food!

WHAT: Northeast Food Truck Rally
WHEN: Noon-7 p.m.
WHERE: Able Seedhouse & Brewery, 1121 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis
Food trucks from all over the Twin Cities will gather in Northeast to support Meals on Wheels, a vital and storied nonprofit organization that brings meals to seniors and people with disabilities. Enjoy food, Able drinks, free yoga classes, outdoor games, and music from five live bands all day long. facebook.com


Sunday, August 14

I Scream, You Scream

WHAT: August’s Free Ice Cream Tasting Event
WHEN: 3-6 p.m.
WHERE: Tin Whiskers Brewing, 125 E. Ninth St., St. Paul
The dog days of summer call for gourmet ice cream samples, of course (a feeling to remember come January). Try any—or all 15—of Sweet Science’s flavors and purchase pints of your favorites. And don’t miss August’s seasonal flavor, Sweet Corn Blueberry. facebook.com

Theater on the Fringe

WHAT: Minnesota Fringe Festival
WHEN: 1-8 p.m. (starts August 4)
WHERE: Theaters around the Twin Cities
Minnesota Fringe comes to a close this Sunday, but there is still time to see some of the festival’s featured performances. A $22 wristband will get you into any and all shows—and the shows are under an hour long, so it’s easy to see several in a day. Get a taste of one of the world’s great freewheeling theater festivals and you’ll be hooked (and counting the days until 2017’s). fringefestival.org