Weekend Best Bets: February 7-February 9

Friday, February 7

A Foodie Frenzy

WHAT: Alton Brown Live!
WHERE: The State Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Alton Brown is the Food Network’s answer to a mad scientist, and he’s Twin Cities-bound with his live tour to spread the craziness. The show will combine food experimentation, stand-up comedy, live music, and more in Mr. Brown’s practically patented witty, wise style for a culinary evening like none other (ponchos are recommended). For tickets, go to hennepintheatretrust.org.

A Sculptural Take

WHAT: Made in Minnesota
WHERE: The Katherine E. Nash Gallery, Mpls.
WHEN: 11 a.m.
Sculpture is one of the most diverse forms of visual art, and this exhibit at the U of M’s Katherine E. Nash Gallery features more than 20 Minnesota artists showing off their talents in a variety of media. The exhibition runs through the 15th, so it’s also perfect for a pre-Valentine’s Day culture date. Go to events.umn.edu to learn more.

Saturday, February 8

Pure Royalty

WHAT: The Royal New Zealand Ballet
WHERE: The Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
It doesn’t get much dreamier than the ballet—and it is the month for romance. The Royal New Zealand Ballet is in town for its first Minnesota performance, featuring choreographer Benjamin Millepied’s 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini, choreographer Javier de Frutos’ Banderillero, and choreographer Ethan Stiefel’s Bier Halle pas de deux. Get ticket information to check out the three very different dances at hennepintheatretrust.org.

Piles of Pancakes

WHAT: Women’s Prison Book Project Pancake Breakfast and Book Sale
WHERE: Minnehaha United Methodist Church, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 a.m.
The Women’s Prison Book Project strives to provide reading material to women in prison, and this weekend, they’re also striving to provide you with pancakes. In addition to breakfast, the group will be holding a book sale with excess donated books, so pick one up to curl up with and hide from the chilly weather. Go to wpbp.org for more info.

Sunday, February 9

Snowy Playtime

WHAT: Family Snowshoeing
WHERE: Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement, Maple Plain
WHEN: 3 p.m.
Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary family outing this weekend? Head to the Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement for a day of snowshoeing. Open to anyone ages four and up, it’s a fun activity to get the whole family outside and active. Reservations are required, so go to threeriversparks.org to learn more.

“Mirrors” and “Holy Grail,” Oh, My!

WHAT: Justin Timberlake
WHERE: The Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 8 p.m.
He said “Bye Bye Bye” to his N’Sync days long ago, but Justin Timberlake is still on top. He’s ready to “Take Back the Night” at the Xcel Center this weekend for an electrifying show, so put on your “Suit & Tie” and “Let the Groove Get In” for the show. Go to xcelenergycenter.com for ticket info.