Friday, July 14
Art for Thought
What: Still Life: Karen Broos Exhibit Opening
When: 7 p.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis
Swedish artist Karen Broos’ acclaimed solo exhibition opens this weekend, featuring women amid wildlife, inspired by her daughters and grandchildren. Grab a cocktail from the FIKA cafe and stroll through the contemplative gallery. Broos and her daughter, Sara Broos, will host conversations about women and art for an enlightening girls’ night out. Learn more.
Food, Beer…and Wiener Dog Races
What: Highland Fest
When: 5–11:30 p.m.
Where: 790 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul
Celebrate the summer’s midpoint at the 34th-annual Highland Fest. The two-day event will include a beer tent, a petting zoo, the Ford car and truck show, and adorable wiener dog races. Highland Festival has recently implemented a waste reduction goal, as well, encouraging attendees to recycle so you can feel good about your festivities. Learn more.
Saturday, July 15
Locally Sourced Music
What: Nershfest
When: 3–10 p.m.
Where: Inbound BrewCo, 701 N. 5th St., Minneapolis
This free, dog-friendly event offers live music and ice-cold craft brews from Inbound. With the fest in its fifth year, guests can expect performances from local bands such as Black River Revue and Hustle Rose, with all proceeds benefiting the Minnesota Music Coalition, which supports creative and independent musicians in the Twin Cities. Learn more.
The Boy Who Spoke to Crows
What: The Story of Crow Boy
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOTB), 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
20th-century Japanese writer Taro Yashima’s children’s book Crow Boy follows a dejected, bullied kid who learns how to sing the “voices of the crows.” The story, reflecting the discrimination the author faced in the U.S. during WWII, returns to the HOTB stage, calling on historical texts, Yashima’s graphic novels, and—of course—puppetry. Learn more.
Sunday, July 16
Voila, Bastille!
What: Bastille Day Block Party
When: 3–10 p.m.
Where: The corner of Irving Ave. S. and Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis
America’s birthday is over, but France’s national day is just beginning. So celebrate this weekend with frites, cake, local music, and arts at this summery, waste-free block party. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Be The Match, an organization that matches blood cancer patients to potential donors, so say oui to this street soirée. Learn more.
Xtreme Xperience
What: X Games
When: Noon–7 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis
Go big or go home. The X Games come to Minneapolis for the first time this weekend, featuring big air contests, concerts from Atmosphere and Flume, and plenty more—there is an event to awe any crowd. Learn more.
