Friday May 4
Kicking off Canterbury
What: Canterbury Park Opening Day
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee
Sometimes called “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” live horse racing reconvenes this Friday at Canterbury. Those who find the races less than exciting will have plenty of alternatives, including live music, discounted food, and even a peach ale from Badger Hill Brewing brewed specifically for Canterbury. Learn more.
Under This Roof
What: Under This Roof
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis
The world-premiere play Under This Roof isn’t only about race and family. Billed as a family drama, the four-person performance centers around Mamie, a woman who recruits household help after her husband suffers an accident. The play tackles marriage, aging, and other weighty topics with unexpected humor. Learn more.
Saturday, May 5
Bourbon, Bluegrass, Birch’s
What: Twin Cities Kentucky Derby Party
When: Noon-2 a.m.
Where: Birch’s on the Lake Brewhouse & Super Club, 1310 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake
For many, the Kentucky Derby is a good excuse to celebrate spring and drink mint juleps. Birch’s on the Lake is the closest thing to an authentic derby party in Minnesota, with appetizers, bluegrass music, and plenty of beer and bourbon. The event will culminate with the big race, which commences at 5:24 p.m. this Saturday. Learn more.
Brewing from Home
What: Big Brew Day at Lift Bridge Brewery
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Lift Bridge Brewing Company, 1900 Tower Dr. W., Stillwater
Lift Bridge Brewing brings together some of the best brewers in the state, plus food from B3 food truck, for a home-brewing workshop. The brewery provides educational brew talks in the afternoon to help you kickstart your own home-based ambitions. All who sign up on Lift Bridge’s event page take home five gallons of wort to get you started. Learn more.
Sunday, May 6
MN’s Hottest in Barbecue
What: Minnesota Monthly‘s GrillFest
When: 1-5 p.m.
Where: CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway St., St. Paul
At this flavorful entry point to summer, more than 100 food and drink vendors bring their delectables to CHS Field this weekend, including such local favorites as Bauhaus Brewery and Pimento Jamaican Kitchen. Better yet, Bernick’s Beer and Burger Battle lets attendees taste the best burgers from seven critically acclaimed restaurants pitted against one another. Learn more.
Modest Mouse in Mankato
What: Modest Mouse
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Verizon Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato
Arguably one of the most influential rock bands of the early 2000s, Modest Mouse brings their swaggering rock to Mankato. The band will feature their newest release, 2016’s Night on the Sun, while including such songs as “Float On” and “Lampshades on Fire”—which both encapsulate the early aughts for many. New York rockers Mass Gothic opens. Learn more.