Weekend Best Bets: May 18-20

Your weekend to-do list in the Twin Cities includes Art-A-Whirl, pillow fights, and that little wedding at Windsor Castle

Friday, May 18

Our Big Pre-Summer Art Bash

What: Art-A-Whirl
When: 5 p.m. 
Where: Northeast Arts District 
More than 50 art studios and galleries throughout Northeast are hosting open houses. The neighborhood-wide art-centric tour includes mini-workshops, demonstrations, and special exhibitions. Plenty of bars, breweries, and businesses are also getting in on the action, including a funk-themed dance party at Bauhaus Brew Labs. Learn more

World-Record Pillow Fight Attempt 

What: Pulse Twin Cities Concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
Even though it’s the marquee event for Pulse Twin Cities—a student-led Evangelist group based in Minneapolis—this free concert has something for everyone. The night kicks off with a free performance by Lecrae—the hip-hop artist who won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album in 2013—and concludes with a stadium-wide pillow fight that is billed as the “world’s largest.”  Learn more


Saturday May 19

Attend the Royal Wedding (Kinda) 

What: Watch the Royal Wedding
When: 5 a.m. 
Where: Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Brit’s Pub is throwing a big party for those of us who didn’t get the invite from the Royal Family (still waiting on mine). Enjoy a classic English breakfast while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot at Windsor Castle. Sure, Brit’s may not have the ethos of Windsor, but the big-screen projector and wedding cake are the next best thing. Learn more

Indie-Rockers Descend on Art-A-Whirl

What: Live Music at Grumpy’s Northeast
When: 12:30 p.m. 
Where: Grumpy’s Northeast, 2200 Fourth St. NE., Minneapolis
After you’re done Art-A-Whirling on Saturday, head over to Grumpy’s Bar and Grill—the one in northeast—for a backyard music festival that includes such big acts as the the Cactus Blossoms, the local folk band that appeared on Showtime’s reboot of Twin Peaks. Longtime indie-rockers Superchunk will headline, too. Learn more 


Sunday May 20

A Challenging yet Hilarious Debut

What: Acting Black 
When: 2 p.m. 
Where: Illusion Theater, 350 Saint Peter St., St. Paul 
Part TED Talk, part stand-up, part Power Point presentation, Acting Black is a one-man production that considers the damage racism has inflicted on everyone in America. Billed as both challenging and hilarious, the one-hour show zeroes in on how the African-American narrative has been appropriated over the years. Learn more

Do or Die for Minnesota United 

What: Minnesota United vs. Kansas City
When: 1 p.m. 
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave., Minneapolis
Minnesota United FC looks to continue their (nearly) unbeaten streak at home when they take on Kansas City. It’s a must-win game for Minnesota’s beloved soccer squad, who happen to be on the cusp of playoff glory. Check out Surly Brewing beforehand for the full experience of song and cheer and beer drinking. Learn more