Weekend Best Bets: July 8-10

Friday, July 8

Namaste in Loring Park

What: cOMmon Grounds Urban Yoga & Music Festival
When: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: Loring Park, Minneapolis
Grab your yoga mat and join hundreds of other yogis for a day of balance, stretching, performances, and healthy food at the fifth annual cOMmon Grounds Urban Yoga & Music Festival. Seventy-five-minute yoga classes and workshops for all levels of experience begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. Morning, afternoon, and all-day passes are available online. For similar events, check out our guide to outdoor summer yoga. commongroundsfestival.com

Bumping Beats at Basilica

What: Cities 97 Basilica Block Party
When: 5:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Where: 16th St. and Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
This two-day block party’s first evening lineup will include Cities 97 favorites American Authors, X Ambassadors, plus Death Cab for Cutie, and blues rock singer Gary Clark Jr. In between sets, enjoy food and beverages from vendors, as well as a new silent disco. basilicablockparty.org


Saturday, July 9

Spooky St. Paul

What: St. Paul Ghost Walk
When: 8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Where: 11 Kellogg Blvd. E., St. Paul
Ghosts, spirits, gangsters, oh my! Learn about St. Paul’s haunted history on this 90-minute walking tour. Tickets are available online. universe.com

Speedy Scenes

What: One-Minute Play Festival
When: 8:00 p.m.
Where: Southern Theater, 420 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
The Minneapolis One-Minute Play Festival is returning for its fourth year with two nights of performances at the Southern Theater. The Festival will feature one-minute plays by more than 30 female playwrights and directors. southern.ticketworks.com


Sunday, July 10

Bring on the Baguettes

What: Bastille Day Celebration hosted by Alliance Française of the Twin Cities
When: 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: Landmark Plaza, St. Paul
Celebrate Bastille Day and all things French with food, performances, and kids activities at St. Paul’s Landmark Plaza. This event will also include crepes and wine from French restaurant Meritage and an Artist Marketplace featuring ceramics, jewelry, and more. afmsp.org

Dance in Downtown Streets

What: Open Streets Minneapolis: Downtown
When: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Washington Ave. N. from Eighth Ave. N. to First Ave. N., and First Ave. N. from Washington Ave. N. to Eighth St. S.
Explore the streets of Downtown Minneapolis without the presence of motorized traffic for a day of fun and family-friendly activities. Programs include free fitness and yoga classes, live music, and a kids play zone. openstreetsmpls.org