Weekend Best Bets: October 11-13

Friday, October 11

Hats On, Hats Off

WHAT: Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Exhibition
WHERE: Jean Stephen Galleries, St. Louis Park
WHEN: 5 p.m.
Celebrate the mad genius who brought us Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and dozens of other surrealist gems at this exhibit. A personal collection of the beloved Doc’s hats will be unveiled at this special opening event (and you’d better believe there are a lot of them), as well as works adapted from Seuss’s private prints and sculptures.  Learn more at jsgalleries.com.
 

Friday, October 11

Mysterious Puns

WHAT: The Harty Boys in The Mystery of the Mall of America of Death
WHERE: Bryant Lake Bowl, Mpls.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Because there just aren’t enough Halloween twists on classic mystery stories, the Harty Boys aim to please. Laugh your way through this family-friendly show as the Boys leap headfirst into a mission to save their friends, parents, and the Mall of America from such sinister forces as evil clowns and deceptive marriage counselors. Learn more at bryantlakebowl.com.
 

Saturday, October 12

Tribal Culture

WHAT: Tribes
WHERE: Guthrie Theater, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 pm.
Dealing with family is difficult enough. Being deaf in a family that doesn’t bother to learn how to speak sign language is near impossible. Tribes features deaf actor John McGinty and invites audiences to immerse themselves in the world of deaf culture—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s not to be missed. Learn more at guthrietheater.org.
 

Saturday, October 12

A Perfect Pick

WHAT: Farmer Ken’s Pumpkin Patch
WHERE: Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Mpls.
WHEN: 12:30 p.m.
Still on the hunt for the perfect Jack-o-Lantern? Look no further. Take a trolley ride from the Como-Harriet stop to a miniature pumpkin patch, where the kids can pick out their very own to take home for carving. For the regular fare plus a $3 pumpkin, you’re sure to have an afternoon of fun along with gorgeous fall colors. Learn more at trolleyride.org.
 

Sunday, October 13

October Oysters

WHAT: Third Annual Meritage Oysterfest
WHERE: Meritage, St. Paul
WHEN: 12 p.m.
They’re the pearls of the sea, and Meritage is ready to celebrate all that oysters bring to the table with its third annual Oysterfest. This all-day event includes raffles, an Oyster Shucking Showdown featuring local chefs, live music, and, of course, lots and lots of seafood. Plus, Meritage has added a charity component this year, so your oyster consumption serves Helping Paws and Pets4Patriots. (Sounds like ample reason to shell out.) Learn more at meritage-stpaul.com.
 

Sunday, October 13

Happy Harvesting

WHAT: Stillwater Harvest Fest
WHERE: Water Street, Stillwater
WHEN: 11 a.m.
This weekend-long fest is an ideal celebration of all that fall has to offer. Along with live music, a kid’s tractor pull, and a pumpkin regatta (yes, pumpkin boats), there will be the prospect of a giant pumpkin drop (which will likely be as messy as it sounds, but that’s half the fun, right?). Learn more at harvestfeststillwater.com.