Friday, June 29
Funk Royalty Returns
What: Chaka Khan at Music in the Zoo
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Weesner Family Amphitheater, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley
The last time Chaka Khan played in Minnesota, she belted out a powerful Prince cover at the Xcel with Stevie Wonder. Her concert at the Minnesota Zoo, as part of the summer-long Music at the Zoo festival and featuring gone-viral talent Victory Boyd, will feel a like a homecoming since she spent many days recording at Paisley Park. Learn more.
Bill Burr at Northrop
What: Bill Burr
When: 7, 10 p.m.
Where: Northrop, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis
Known for his hour-long comedy specials, animated Netflix show F is for Family, and The Monday Morning Podcast, Bill Burr brings a set to Northrop sure to showcase his in-your-face, blustering, contrarian sense of humor. Catch the 17th best standup of all time (according to Rolling Stone last year) at an added third date on Saturday, too. Learn more.
Saturday, June 30
Central Minnesota Celebration
What: Melrose Riverfest
When: 9 a.m.-Dusk
Where: Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce, 223 Main St. E., Melrose
About an hour and a half northwest of the Twin Cities, this annual fest in Melrose features a morning 5K, pig and duck races, a kickball tournament, games for kids, a parade at 6 p.m., fireworks, entertainment by St. Cloud rockers the Fabulous Armadillos, and more—to celebrate before July 4 lands on a hump day this year. Learn more.
Corgis, Cupcakes, Cookies
What: Corgi Dog Races and Cupcake Festival
When: 12:45 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee, MN
The marquee event at Canterbury this weekend is the most adorable thing on the planet: corgi races. By the end of the day, one of these Snickers-shaped canines will be crowned the fastest Corgi in the land. Even better, the racetrack is hosing a “cookie and cupcake” expo at the same time. Learn more.
Sunday, July 1
Harry Self-Styled
What: Harry Styles and Casey Musgraves
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Harry Styles has shaken off his boy-band reputation with a bluesy set of newish songs from his self-titled album, but we still think of him as the front man for One Direction. He’s bound to sing his entire album plus a few covers. In the past, he’s covered Shania Twain, Fleetwood Mac, and Kanye West. The rising Nashville starlet Casey Musgraves will open. Learn more.
Pre-Independence Day Carnival
What: Forest Lake Fourth of July Carnival
When: 1-10 p.m.
Where: Forest Lake American Legion, 355 W. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake
This weekend up to July 4, get a healthy dose of Independence Day festivities at Forest Lake’s American Legion, just northeast of the Twin Cities. Aside from the grilled-food bounty and Bingo, the legion has set up a carnival in their parking lot that includes a handful of rides for the kids and old-fashioned games like hoop-toss. Learn more.
