Friday, November 10
Under the Sea
What: Fins and Flights
Where: Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America, 120 E. Broadway, Bloomington
When: 8–10:30 p.m.
Sample beer from local breweries while watching sea creatures swim overhead. 612 Brew, Big Wood Brewery, Indeed Brewing Company, and Sociable Ciderwerks will be there, a portion of the proceeds going to Georgia Sea Turtle Hospital to fund the creation of more tanks for rescued turtles. Learn more.
Bach Meets Bluegrass
What: VocalEssence Bach & Bluegrass Jamboree
Where: Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave. W., Roseville
When: 8 p.m.
VocalEssence celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by playing a selection of pieces by Bach. The group will use mandolins, fiddles, guitars, and other instruments not usually associated with the German composer to put a new spin on his music—plus some bluegrass to keep things interesting. Learn more.
Saturday, November 11
Grow Your Appreciation for Wine
What: Introduction to Wine Tasting
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Bee Center, 3210 West 82nd St., Chaska
When: 1–5:30 p.m.
Participants of this class at the arboretum learn how to describe wine, read wine labels, and pair food and wine from Drew Horton, an enology (wine research) specialist at the University of Minnesota, who will also discuss how a glass can affect your wine-tasting experience. Learn more.
Shopping for a Cause
What: The World Jubilee
Where: Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Rd., Eden Prairie
When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The World Jubilee is a bi-annual Twin Cities event founded 38 years ago to support grassroots organizations, independent artisans, and small communities throughout the developing world. More than 80 vendors sell fair-trade goods such as cards, pottery, clothing, toys, textiles, and photography. Learn more.
Sunday, November 12
Personalize Your Wardrobe
What: Art on My Sleeve
Where: Schmidt Artist Lofts, 900 7th St. W., St. Paul
When: Noon–4 p.m.
Thrift store Arc’s Value Village and local artists collaborate for this event that’s part pop-up shopping and part clothes customizing. Participants bring clothes or accessories and get then personalized through tailoring, graffiti art, beadwork, embroidery, denim distressing, enamel pinning, and painting. Learn more.
Pet Painting Party
What: Pet Portraits
Where: Wicked Wort Brewing Co., 4165 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale
When: 2–5 p.m.
You email a photo of your furry family member to Merry Times Art, the host of the event, before you arrive. Then you receive a canvas featuring your pet professionally pre-drawn. With a drink in hand, you finish painting the masterpiece yourself (with help from a professional artist, of course). Learn more.
All Weekend
Super Bowl-Size Shopping Spree
What: Minneapolis Holiday Boutique
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hundreds of vendors gather in the newly minted stadium to kick-off the holiday shopping season with art, gardening equipment, apparel, and almost everything else that can be gift-wrapped. Since the Vikings are playing in Washington this weekend, you’ll have plenty of time to peruse exhibits without fear of getting tackled by a Norseman. Learn more.
