Friday, August 3
Pop-up Art
What: Ad Hoc Art
Where: 88 S. 10th St., Minneapolis
When: 7–10 p.m.
Pop-up everything is all the rage right now: vintage shops, food trucks, blow-out trailers. The art world has thrown its hat into this ring of temporary existence with Ad Hoc Art, a “dynamic community arts hub celebrating amazing local art.” Find 50-plus local artists, live music from Back Pocket Hymnal, food, and films this Friday night downtown Minneapolis. But hurry: after 10, it’s like they were never there. Learn more at adhocartmpls.com
Friday, August 3
Stick ’Em Up
What: Circus Juventas’s Showdown
Where: The Big Top, St. Paul
When: 7 p.m.
Cowboys and backflips don’t really go together. But in Circus Juventas’s summer show, Showdown, set in the Wild West, not only will there be cartwheeling cowboys, but leaping outlaws and soaring saloon girls to boot. The summer show features the most advanced performers in Juventas’s cast, so expect a wild ride of a time. Learn more at circusjuventas.org
Saturday, August 4
Theater-Go-Round
What: Fringe Festival
Where: Around Minneapolis and St. Paul
When: Times vary
Ah, the Fringe Festival: an 11-day whirlwind of shows ranging from the hilarious to the heart wrenching. From 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, some 90 shows will take place all over Minneapolis and St. Paul. You won’t be able to catch them all, but with the help of a few experts, you’ll at least be able to take in a good chunk of the Fringe fun. Learn more at fringefestival.org
Saturday, August 4
Heavy Metal
What: Hot Metal Pour
Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer
When: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Watching molten metal being cast into stately statures isn’t your average art lesson. But at Franconia Sculpture Park this Saturday, you’ll not only be able to watch sculptors craft blazing hot metal into artwork, you can make a sand mold of your own and walk away with a signature piece. Just leave the pouring of the liquid metal to the experts. Learn more at franconia.org
Sunday, August 5
Art Fair Frenzy
What: Uptown, Loring Park, and Powderhorn Art Fairs
Where: Minneapolis
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
It’s that time of summer again, when the streets of Minneapolis are taken over by tents filled with art, jewelry, crafts, and creations—and hordes of adoring art-lovers ready to fill their homes with new goods. All day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy free Metro Transit rides between the Uptown, Loring Park, and Powderhorn Art Fairs. Happy browsing. Learn more at uptownartfair.com, loringparkartfestival.com, powderhornartfair.com
Sunday, August 5
Who Let the Dogs Out
What: Paws on Grand
Where: Grand Avenue, St. Paul
When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
You know about Grand Ole Days, but in August, it’s all about the pups with Paws on Grand. This Sunday, take your four-legged friends to Grand Avenue for treats (Frosty Paws Ice Cream, Bowzer Beer), pampering (doggy massages, anyone?), and even a chance to say “I do” at the Wedding Shoppe, should the mood strike them. It’s doggy’s day out in the dog days of summer. Learn more at grandave.com
