Friday, October 20
Every Sha-La-La-La…
What: Close To You: The Music of the Carpenters
Where: The Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville
When: 8 p.m.
Close To You, a tribute band to the Carpenters, perform in Burnsville. The brother-sister duo that made up the Carpenters became famous after their soft-rock singles “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Close to You.” They had a knack for pop melodies that transcended their occasionally cheesy lyrics, reproduced here by a team of 10 musicians. Learn more.
Twin Cities Toe Tapping
What: Twin Cities Tap Festival Masters Concert
Where: The Cowles Center for Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
When: 7:30 p.m.
Top tap talent come into the spotlight for this rare concert. Performances include Dianne Walker, a.k.a. Lady D, who tapped her way to Broadway, films, and international dance concerts. Minnesota dance teachers, choreographers, and troupes will also take the stage. If you’re too shy to take the fest’s tap classes, feast your eyes and ears instead. Learn more.
Saturday, October 21
A Pre-Halloween Waltz
What: Pre-Halloween Masquerade Ball
Where: The Oakeshott Institute, 1035 SE 14th Ave., Minneapolis
When: 8 p.m.–Midnight
Waltz your way through history at this masquerade held in a museum dedicated to ancient weaponry. History tidbits will be shared throughout the night. A historically accurate sword-fight demonstration will take place. So, don’t worry, even if your feet get tired, there will be plenty to do until the clock strikes midnight. Don’t lose a shoe! (Or your ankle.) Learn more.
Trick-or-Treat-or-Drinking
What: 50th & France Annual Pumpkin Fest
Where: France Ave. S. and W. 50th St., Minneapolis
When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
The worst part of trick-or-treating is bundling coats and sweaters over costumes to keep out the night air. The pumpkin fest solves that dilemma by offering trick-or-treating in the morning. Other treats for the little ones include a petting zoo, a costume contest, and a bouncy house. And 612Brew will be in attendance for Mom and Dad. Learn more.
Sunday, October 22
If Violins Could Speak
What: Chamber Music Series: Lembit Beecher
Where: Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University, 408 Saint Peter St., St. Paul
When: 2 p.m.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra composer-in-residence Lembit Beecher tells stories through sound. Here, he translates his grandmother’s experiences in Estonia near the end of WWII, conjuring up the sound of her voice as she related her stories, and his string-quartet piece evokes the process of memory through thematic repetition. Learn more.
A Final Taste of Fall
What: Minnesota Cider Fair
Where: Minnesota Harvest Orchard, 8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd., Jordan
When: 1–5 p.m.
It’ll be winter before you know it, so embrace what’s left of fall at a cider fest in Jordan hosted by the Minnesota Cider Guild (yes, we have one), featuring local favorites (Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis Cider Co.), plus the things you’ll miss: wagon rides and apple picking. Also: sandwiches from Urban Sub and pizza from WildEarth. Learn more.
