Friday, June 19
Deutschland Days
WHAT: Germanfest
WHERE: Historic Schmidt’s Brewery, St. Paul
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Now converted into artists’ lofts, the former brewery houses this three-day festival that’s focused more on German culture and heritage rather than Oktoberfest imbibing. Events include live music and dancing, storytelling, and a neighborhood tour. Still, the event wouldn’t be complete without a supply of craft beers on hand. For more information, check out the event’s website.
Feel the Beat
WHAT: Curio Dance: Drop the Mic!
WHERE: The Cowles Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Under the direction of renowned dancers and choreographers Dario and Giselle Meija, Curio Dance has gained national recognition through combining classical, Latin, and urban styles of dance in an eclectic and lively repertoire. This incarnation of Drop the Mic!, which pairs its dazzling choreography with a focus on environmental activism, is set to live music and features a breakbeat DJ for a bit of added flair. For tickets, check out the Cowles Center website.
Saturday, June 20
Down to the River
WHAT: Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Exhibition
WHERE: Mississippi Riverfront, Mpls.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This annual festival, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, appeals to the Father’s Day crowd with its “Pop Art” car show and motorcycle gallery. The event features 250 artist booths, three riverfront stages with live music, and a family activities area where kids can build birdhouses and get their faces painted. While the event may be celebrating Dad, the whole family will leave satisfied. For more information, visit the event’s website.
Rock it Out
WHAT: Rock the Garden
WHERE: Walker Art Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In a summer full of outdoor concerts, this is the one to beat. Co-sponsored by the Walker and 89.3 The Current, this annual music festival is once again expanded into two days of live bands on the museum’s sloping front lawn. Headliners Belle & Sebastian top off the event’s first day, whose lineup features indie rock mainstays such as Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes), as well as up-and-coming acts including Australian rocker Courtney Barnett, dreamy pop duo Lucius, and local hip-hop group thestand4rd. Don’t forget an empty bottle—the event supplies free water to help combat the heat. For tickets and more information, check out the Walker’s website.
Sunday, June 21
Play it Up
WHAT: You Can’t Take It With You
WHERE: The Jungle Theater, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
This Pulitzer Prize–winning play from George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart depicts the lives of an eccentric and naïve New York City family during the Great Depression. A recent award-winning Broadway incarnation was called “pure escapism” in its glowing New York Times review. If you want a night of pure zany fun, look no further. For tickets, check out the Jungle Theater’s website.
Trendy Brews
WHAT: Northeast Food and Brew Jam
WHERE: The Broadway, Mpls.
WHEN: 12 p.m.
All proceeds from this event, which is sponsored by the Exchange Club volunteer service organization, go to local youth organizations in Northeast Minneapolis. Come drink beer, eat food, and listen to bands from Minneapolis’ trendiest neighborhood while you support a good cause. For tickets and more information, visit the East Minneapolis Exchange Club’s website.
