Friday
Heady Conversation
WHAT: Twin Cities Book Festival Opening Night
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHERE: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
The Twin Cities Book Festival opens with a cocktail hour. It’s an opportunity to catch a drink with Twin Cities book lovers and dozens of guest authors, including Laila Lalami, Craig Thompson, and Amy Klobuchar. After the drinks and snacks, Lalami (a finalist for the Pulitzer and the Man Booker Prizes) will read from her novel The Moor’s Account. The full list of authors and a link to purchase tickets can be found at Rain Taxi.
The Funny One
WHAT: Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Historic State Theater
Hurling toward his ninth decade, Ringo Starr was just as eager on Ellen six months ago as he was on Ed Sullivan fifty years ago. He’ll be onstage in Minneapolis this weekend promoting his album Postcards From Paradise. He also has a new book, Photograph, which compiles a lifetime of his photography, from Liverpool to super-stardom. Ticket Master is sold out, but Stub Hub still has a few seats.
Saturday
Choral Riffs
WHAT: Cantus Season Opener: The Four Loves
”‹WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Ordway Concert Hall
Cantus, a nationally recognized men’s vocal ensemble, is opening their season with a new concert inspired by one of the oldest themes: love. From ancient Greek wisdom to Beethoven, The Four Loves draws from many fountains to interpret the experiences of romance, friendship, family, and faith. For more information and tickets, visit Cantus.
Black-tie Bike Ride
WHAT: Bike Prom
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Boom Island Park
Do you remember your high-school prom? Maybe you were the homecoming queen or maybe you got stuck escorting your cousin. But whether you want a replay, a redo, or just an excuse to rendezvous with other bike-lovers, check out Bike Prom. Presented by BIKEFUN!, it’s a slow-pace, seven-mile, rainbow-themed social bike ride that ends at Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, where, organizers promise, “all your prom dreams will come true.” Prizes will be awarded for best dressed.
Sunday
State-of-the-Art Theater
WHAT: PlayLabs Festival Playwriting Fellows Showcase
”‹WHEN: 12 p.m.
WHERE: The Playwrites’ Center
The 32nd annual PlayLabs Festival is here and while the festival runs all week, Sunday includes a showcase of scenes from new works by nine different authors, followed by a panel discussion on the relationships between writers and their collaborators. For more information, including a full list of the week’s events, visit Playwrights’ Center.
Swedish Chefs
WHAT: Fall Harvest Smörgåsbord
”‹WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: American Swedish Institute
Brown sugar glazed butternut squash. Red wine demi glaze braised shortribs. Apple cinnamon cardamom apple crisp with whipped cream. These are just a few of the offerings that Slate and Stone Catering (the American Swedish Institute’s in-house caterers) will be serving up on Sunday. But act quickly, reservations must be made by Wednesday.
