Friday, November 15
Christmas for Cool Cats
WHAT: Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks 10th Anniversary Tour
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
It’s about that time: Any minute now, you’ll be hearing holiday carols in stores, on the streets, and just about everywhere else. If you’re burning out early, the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s holiday concert is the thing to revive an affinity for seasonal tunes. The Minneapolis resident and three-time Grammy winner, along with the rest of his 18-piece orchestra, rev up out jazzy takes on holiday classics that’ll jumpstart the season. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.com.
Friday, November 15
Home Sweet Home (& Holiday Show)
WHAT: The 23rd Annual Midwest Home & Holiday Show
WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 1 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix to spruce up your home for the holidays or plan a full-on remodel as your New Years’ resolution, this weekend-long event will definitely deliver inspiration. Check out the hottest trends in renovation and home design, and shop for unique gifts and appealing holiday décor to make your place pop. Learn more at midwesthomemag.com.
Saturday, November 16
On the Run
WHAT: Girls on the Run Fall 5K
WHERE: Nokomis Community Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 9 a.m.
It feels as though temperatures are already plummeting by the day, and chances to get outside and run a race might be dwindling for a while… Brrrr. This one benefits Girls on the Run Twin Cities, a group that integrates running into a program aimed at helping boost the confidence of elementary-school-age girls. This year’s run is the first in which community members can participate along with the girls, a nice way to get out and show support. Learn more at gotrtwincities.org.
Saturday, November 16
Craftstravaganza
WHAT: Minneapolis Craft’za
WHERE: Grain Belt Bottling House, Mpls.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
You might be feeling the need for art this weekend—drop by the Minneapolis Craft’za, where local artisans will show the best of what they have to offer. It’s a one-day art market for handmade pieces, and it’s going to be full of shopping, interactive workshops, and tasty food truck goodies. Learn more at craftstravaganza.com.
Sunday, November 17
Wolfie Live
WHAT: The Mississippi Valley Orchestra’s Greatest Symphonic Hits – Mozart in Person
WHERE: First Lutheran Church, Mpls.
WHEN: 4 p.m.
Mozart in person? Well, kind of! The Mississippi Valley Orchestra has put together a show featuring Mozart’s First Symphony alongside famed numbers from Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and other greats—and the event is emceed by a young Mozart (portrayed by local actor Noah Deets), who will discuss his life and music. Learn more at mississippivalleyorchestra.com.
Sunday, November 17
Sweet Rewards
WHAT: The Charlie Awards
WHERE: The Pantages Theater, Mpls.
WHEN: 3:30 p.m.
It’s time for the tastiest awards show of the season—the Charlies, honoring the year’s standouts in Minnesota cuisine. Categories represent the full scope of what the state has to offer, ranging from a Lifetime Achievement award to Outstanding Interior Design and Outstanding Cup of Coffee. Don’t miss the afterparty and the VIP dinner catered by last year’s winners—we’re talking Doug Flicker, Steven Brown, Lenny Russo, and Michelle Gayer, so this is elite company indeed. Learn more at charliesexceptionale.com.
