Friday
CGI Circus
WHAT: Borealis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mystic Lake Casino
Borealis features all the hallmarks of a nouveau cirque show: high-flying aerialists, an archer who uses her feet, and elaborate and fanciful costumes. But Borealis, which was first performed last year at Mystic Lake, may be the first to integrate projection mapping, using sensors and projectors that allow performers to interact with computer generated effects. As a special bonus, Santa will be on hand for photographs an hour before the curtain will rise on opening night. Tickets and more info at Mystic Lake.
Irish Trio
WHAT: St. Dominic’s Trio
WHEN: 9 p.m.
WHERE: Kieran’s Irish Pub
St. Dominic’s Trio may have started as the offshoot of a Van Morrison cover band, but they have established themselves as one of the premier bar bands in Minneapolis and beyond. The Belfast Cowboys, which is St. Dominic’s Trio plus a full horn section, have played in Times Square and Ireland, and once opened for the band Chicago. The trio gives a more intimate show than the nine-piece Cowboys, and lets their Irish folk roots show a little more. The best way to hear them is live, with an Irish whiskey in hand; Kieran’s has a prodigious selection. Visit Kieran’s for more info.
Saturday
Three Rings
WHAT: Shrine Circus
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Target Center
The Shrine Circus has been going strong since it debuted in Detroit in 1906, somehow managing to survive the death of vaudeville, the Dust Bowl, and even the rise of television. In Minneapolis, the circus is the major fundraiser for the Zuhrah Shriners, which allows them to continue their charitable work in the Twin Cities. The circus this year includes tumblers, aerialists, magicians, clowns, and even a human cannonball. Tickets and more info at Minneapolis Circus.
Living Night
WHAT: The Night Alive
”‹WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Jungle Theater
The Jungle has staged plays by Irish writer Conor McPherson in the past—most notably Shining City. This time out, McPherson’s eerie aesthetic is displayed to great affect in a show about a down-and-out divorcee living in his uncle’s house who brings home a young woman he rescued from domestic abuse. What follows is sometimes harrowing, consistently well-performed, and will leave you puzzling over its deeper layers on the drive home and well into the next day. More info at The Jungle Theater.
Sunday
Get Your Sweater On
WHAT: Ugly Sweater Run
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Harriet Island
It’s been a warm autumn (for Minnesota). If you haven’t pulled out your winter gear yet, this 5K run, walk, or whatever, can be the reason you’ve been waiting for to rummage up your favorite ugly sweater. Volunteers will be serving hot chocolate at Holiday-themed stations along the route. Afterwards, enjoy more cocoa and a beer. Each registration comes with a custom knit hat that looks a lot like those at Askov Finlayson. Register at Ugly Sweater Run.
Holiday Village
WHAT: A Day in Stillwater
”‹WHEN: All Day
WHERE: Stillwater, MN
After a long weekend of cooking and shopping, spend a quiet day in Minnesota’s favorite small town. Meet local authors at Valley Bookseller. Schedule a family photo session with Santa, or snap a selfie with Santa and the Victorian carolers who will be strolling down Main Street. If you want to get some shopping in, check out the St. Croix River Valley Vintage Crawl. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride along the river. Take in a show, either the St. Croix Ballet’s Nutcracker or the Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods at the Phipps Center for the Arts. Wrap up the evening with a fondue dinner at the Lowell Inn (reservations required).
