Weekend Best Bets: July 22-24

Friday

Crazy Days

WHAT: Excelsior Crazy Days
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Water St., Excelsior
As summer passes the halfway point, the little lakeside town is throwing its annual multi-day fun fest. Crazy Days promises the best deals on clothes, food, a walking tour, a flea market, and more. After the recent opening of new stores in the area, the event is the perfect time to explore a reimagined Excelsior. excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com

Painting Portraits

WHAT: A Third Space: New Works by Leslie Barlow
WHEN: All day
WHERE: 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul
Local painter Leslie Barlow’s newest installment at the Flow Art Space is especially timely in the midst of national events. She focuses on creating meaning from portraits, and her paintings draw on personal relationships as well as larger inspirations. Opening night is Thursday, and the exhibit will run through August 13. flowartspace.com


Saturday

Kick off

WHAT: U.S. Bank Stadium Open House
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: 900 S. Fifth St., Minneapolis
Final touches have been made on the Vikings’ new home, menus have been announced, and it’s only a matter of weeks until the new season kicks off. Be one of the first to step inside MN’s newest sport spot this weekend during a day of tours and treats. usbankstadium.com

Aquatennial’s Last Act

WHAT: Carifest
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: West River Road between Plymouth Ave. and Broadway Ave.
Celebrate Caribbean culture on the last night of Aquatennial, Minneapolis’ annual citywide event. There will a family-friendly festival featuring vendors, singers, and dancers all day long. aquatennial.com


Sunday

Hear Me Roar

WHAT: The Lion King
WHEN: 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
The classic show is back for its fifth visit to Minnesota since 1997. Learn more about Minneapolis’ long history with the show and see it live this summer. hennepintheatretrust.org

Swoon for Sweeney

WHAT: Sweeny Todd
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Mill City Museum, 704 S. Second St., Minneapolis
Join the Mill City Summer Opera in its fifth season for its last performance of this spooky show. Weather has never stopped Minnesotans before, and the non-traditional outdoor venue makes the spectacle even more amazing, so get in line early for tickets. millcitysummeropera.org