Friday, July 8
Hit the deck
WHAT: Patio Nights
WHERE: City House, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
The second Patio Night sponsored by the Minnesota Museum of American Art features Matthew Inkala & the Hostages in the cool surroundings of a restored grain elevator on the Mississippi River directly across from Harriet Island. Learn more at mmaa.org
Friday, July 8
Twee life
WHAT: Miranda July’s The Future
WHERE: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Celebrated humorist, author, and filmmaker Miranda July introduces her new film, The Future, well before its theatrical release in mid-August. Be among the first to see this wacky but sweet story narrated by a special-needs cat. Learn more at walkerart.org
Saturday, July 9
Enter the dragons
WHAT: Dragon Boat Festival
WHERE: Phalen Park, St. Paul
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Teams of rowers compete over the course of two days with heavily, and traditionally, decorated boats while Asian arts, food, and crafts are available for landlubbers. Learn more at dragonfestival.org
Saturday, July 9
New York, New York
WHAT: Street Scene
WHERE: Theater Garage, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
The sharp and lovely Anna Sundberg stars in Girl Friday’s ambitious and lively production (featuring 26 actors playing more than 60 roles) of this Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the nation’s biggest melting pot and the sometimes fractious rubbing of shoulders there. Learn more at girlfridayproductions.org
Sunday, July 10
The maestro plays
WHAT: Sommerfest opening weekend
WHERE: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Osmo Vänskä steps off the podium to play the clarinet in a rare, intimate program that includes beautiful summer chamber music like Nielsen’s “Serenata in Vano” and Greenstein’s energetic “Four on the Floor.” Learn more at mnorch.org
Sunday, July 10
Party penguins
WHAT: Minnesota’ Zoo’s new penguin exhibit
WHERE: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Forget Jim Carrey’s movie, the Minnesota Zoo opened its highly anticipated new penguin exhibit this week—and got permission to remain open during the state shutdown. There’s even a good chance you’ll have the cute little birds practically to yourself. Learn more at mnzoo.org
