Friday, August 17
U.S. History Is Weird
What: The Dollop
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds’ hilarious bi-weekly podcast on American history—called The Dollop—stops in Minneapolis at the Pantages Theatre. The podcast typically features Anthony reading a strange, underrated story from U.S. history to his friend, Reynolds, who has no clue what he’s about to hear. The two create comedy gold in real time, making it the perfect show to go on the road. Learn more.
Friday, August 17 – Saturday, August 18
A Weekend of Dance
What: Rhythmically Speaking
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: The Southern Theater, 1420 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
The annual two-hour dance performance, going on 10 years, showcases works inspired by vernacular American dance. After an open call for artists, dancer and choreographer Liebhard selected 2018’s choreographers, spanning various social dance disciplines. The nonprofit company has presented jazz, tap, contemporary African, modern, various hip hop styles, and more. Each work features an energetic and eclectic ensemble of local dancers, this year including 44 performers—ranging from university students to seasoned professionals, business owners to yoga instructors, as well as the self-taught. Learn more.
Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19
The Most Beautiful Homes
What: Midwest Home Luxury Home Tour
When: Noon-6 p.m.
Where: Various Twin Cities metro locations
Eight metro houses open their doors the first three weekends of August to show visitors what million-dollar works of art look like when the best builders, designers, and contractors come together. In Orono, you’ll find a modern mountain retreat; in Linden Hills, an urban cottage; and in Lake Elmo, homes that look out over the Royal Club Championship Golf Course. Other locations include Afton and the Twin Cities. Take a few ideas, or many. Learn more.
Saturday, August 18
Secrets of Glensheen
What: Glensheen Gala
When: 7-10 p.m.
Where: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Rd., Duluth
Glensheen Mansion isn’t only the 39-room Jacobean mansion in Duluth; it’s also the 12-acre estate complete with a creek, manicured gardens, what was once the largest privately owned pier on Lake Superior, and more. This year’s Glensheen Gala: Unlocked is titled Secret Garden Party, and it focuses on the grounds. Now, the gardens are at their peak. Visitors get full range of the mansion including sections that are normally closed off like the silver safe, and for the first time ever, they can explore the second floor of the carriage house. As you wander, be on the lookout for surprises in the garden and one or two secret “shot in the dark” bar spots. Learn more.
Saturday, August 18 – Sunday, August 19
Arboretum Art
What: Art in the Garden
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska
This weekend, Art in the Garden gets points for the arts-and-crafts fest with the most beautiful surrounds: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—last year’s “best botanical garden,” said USA Today, and this year’s second best (whatever)—arranges more than 40 artisans among its exotic sprays, featuring pots, paintings, bags, soaps, jewelry, and more. Live music includes the Prairie Ramblers Dixieland Band on Saturday and hardcore fiddling by Mary DuShane and Nick Jordan on Sunday. Also on Sunday, fold your own little paper animals at the arboretum’s Origami in the Garden exhibit. Learn more.
