Weekend Best Bets: January 17-19

Friday, January 17

The Cutest Hungry Bug

WHAT: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites
WHERE: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:00 p.m.
Brought together by the combination of black lights and professional puppetry, and performed by Novia Scotia’s Mermaid Theatre, the classic and colorful children’s stories of Eric Carle come to life on stage. This show for preschoolers and older features three of the author’s most famous works. Learn more at childrenstheatre.org

Elder Statesman

WHAT: Cornbread Harris
WHERE: Loring Pasta Bar, Minneapolis
WHEN: 6:00 p.m.
A force behind Minnesota’s first ever rock record (1955’s “Hi Yo Silver”), Harris has been on the Minneapolis music scene for over half a century. His range blends a combination of country, blues, and soul, giving listeners glimpses into the origins and the evolution of rock and roll. Learn more at loringpastabar.com.

Saturday, January 18

Ranger Weekend

WHAT: Junior Ranger Day
WHERE: Coldwater Spring Park, Fort Snelling
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.
Not just a chance for the kids to earn their Junior Ranger badge, not just an outdoor family experience, but also a great chance to experience an ongoing restoration project by the National Park Service. Learn more at missriverfund.org.

Fusion Power

WHAT: Science Fusion: African Americans in Science
WHERE: Science Museum, St. Paul
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
Now in its 22nd year, this Science Museum event gives attendees a look into African American science and education leaders through a series of compelling interactive presentations and displays; this is an inspiring look into innovations and contributions to technology, medicine, health, and more. Learn more at smm.org.

Sunday, January 19

Holiday in Spain

WHAT: Urban Expedition: Spain
WHERE: Landmark Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.
A great way to travel without putting a dent in your bank account or dealing with airline travel. This one-day cultural event explores the music, artwork, and even wildlife of different regions of Spain. Featured will be Sendero Flamenco dancing, along with the always-virtuosic Minneapolis Guitar Quartet. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org.

Henna Party

WHAT: Jawaahir 21st Annual Henna Dance Party
WHERE: Jawaahir Studio, Minneapolis
WHEN: 2:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
An opportunity to learn about and embrace Middle Eastern culture—all while enjoying open dance and traditional henna painting. Starting with a 2:00 p.m. performance Jawaahir, an informal dance instruction follows shortly after. For those who don’t dance but love the music, bring a drum to keep the beat. Learn more at jawaahir.org