Weekend Best Bets: June 15-17

This weekend around the Twin Cities, your to-do list includes street magic, food truck extravaganzas, festivals, and more

Friday, June 15

Magic in Minnesota

What: David Blaine Live Tour
When: 8 p.m.
Where: State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
David Blaine, one of our most celebrated magicians, graces Minneapolis on his national summer tour. He’s been buried alive, frozen in a block of ice, and has balanced on a 100-foot pillar for 36 hours straight. This modern-day Houdini and Guinness World Record holder for holding his breath for 17 minutes will test human endurance at State Theatre. Learn more.

Up Late Downtown

What: Northern Spark
When: 9:02 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Downtown Minneapolis at three locations (The Commons, Minneapolis Central Library, and Nicollet Mall between 3rd and 8th Streets)
Night owls, listen up—Northern Spark isn’t your typical art festival. This progressive fair takes you through historic downtown Minneapolis to three locations in the middle of the night. The festival features video projections, experimental performances, and temporary art installations playing to this year’s politically charged theme of “commonality.” Learn more.


Saturday, June 16

Walker Rockers

What: Rock the Garden
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
Enjoy the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden while indie artists play one of the most anticipated outdoor musical festivals in Minnesota. Father John Misty headlines, sharing the spotlight with Feist, Kamasi Washington, P.O.S., Nikki Lane, Chastity Brown, Low Cut Connie, and U.S. Girls. Mingle between stages and visit the beer tent, along with more than a dozen food trucks. Learn more.

Food Truck Fiesta

What: Food Truck Extravaganza
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N., Stillwater
Come for 32 food trucks, a climbing wall, a pizza-eating contest, live music all day by five local bands, and tons of activities, including a fun and easy mix of crafts, henna tattoos, obstacle courses, and giant board games—with just a $1 entry fee. Free shuttles take you to and from the parking lot (at the Washington County Fairgrounds) all day. Learn more.


Sunday, June 17

Dad Dash

What: Father’s Day Ugly Tie 5K
When: 8 a.m.-Noon
Where: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 SE Main St., Minneapolis
Start Dad’s special day strong. This 5K is more than just a run to the finish line in your ugliest tie—it’s a morning full of live music, snacks, a 0.5K race for kids, and prizes for the whole family on Minneapolis’ Mississippi riverfront. After finishing the race, sport your medal and free T-shirt, and maybe even accessorize with a complimentary beer to cool down. Learn more.

Shop, Art, Beer on Stone Arch Bridge

What: Stone Arch Bridge Festival
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Along Main St. SE beginning at Hennepin Ave. and extending to the Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis
Looking for a less sweaty Father’s Day event? The Stone Arch Bridge Festival carries your family along the Minneapolis riverfront to enjoy art, live music, a car show, and potentially Dad’s selling point—a beer sampler. Enjoy family yoga in the park, paint and drink some bubbly at the Mandala’s and Moscato’s art class, and shop around the artist exhibits. Learn more.