Weekend Best Bets: October 21-23

Friday, October 21

Pantone party!

WHAT: After Hours Preview Party
WHERE: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 9 p.m. to midnight
Be among the first to see the Walker’s cool and comprehensive new exhibit, “Graphic Design: Now in Production,” celebrating the best in advertising, magazine, and media design, at this preview party featuring food, drink, and music. Plus, you can create your own personal font in the Art Lab. Learn more at walkerart.org

Friday, October 21

Johnny be good

WHAT: John Lithgow In Conversation
WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 8 p.m.
The wide-ranging actor known as much for his comedy (Third Rock From the Sun) as his drama (The World According to Garp) is a raconteur onstage—as is Garrison Keillor, of course, who will interview him here. Learn more at fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

Saturday, October 22

Movies on the river

WHAT: Flyway Film Festival
WHERE: Stockholm and Pepin, Wisconsin
WHEN: Showtimes vary
Among the newest and most ambitious local film festivals to take off (no pun intended) in recent years is the Flyway Film Festival, which this weekend will showcase a host of well-crafted indie films, from comedies to a documentary on micro-states (How to Start Your Own Country) to the true story of an infamous boys correctional facility in Norway, where a vicious rebellion overthrew a tyrannical and abusive system. The drive to these artsy river towns is half the fun. Learn more at flywayfilmfestival.org

Saturday, October 22

Holiday couture

WHAT: Fashion Around the World: A Holiday Bazaar
WHERE: Ritz Theater, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Models, cocktails, and affordable fashions—here’s a pre-Christmas bargain-hunting extravaganza starting with cocktails then a a runway show of the fashions from Berlin, Beverly Hills, Paris, and more followed by shopping. Top consignment boutiques (GH2, Fashion Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Second Debut) will all have their wares marked down even more than usual. Learn more at ritzdolls.com

Sunday, October 23

New dance

WHAT: James Sewell Ballet
WHERE: Cowles Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 2 p.m.
Among the many dance companies shifting to the Cowles Center this season is the James Sewell Ballet, whose inventive and edgy works will include a twist on the infamous Black Swan pas de deux (less lethal, if just as lovely, as the movie, we suspect). Learn more at jsballet.org

Sunday, October 23

Opening the birdcage

WHAT: La Cage Aux Folles
WHERE: State Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
George Hamilton stars in this touring production of the Broadway smash, famously remade onscreen as The Birdcage, about an aging gay nightclub owner whose son surprises him and his partner with a visit of his prospective in-laws. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org