FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Turning 25
WHAT: Minnesota Sinfonia’s Magnificent Miniatures
WHERE: Johnson High School, St. Paul
WHEN: 7 p.m.
25 is a big birthday, and the Minnesota Sinfonia is celebrating its anniversary in style with the kickoff of its annual Winter Concert Series. The Sinfonia’s years of serving the musical and educational needs of Minnesota families are perfectly represented by Magnificent Miniatures, a show featuring Russian virtuoso violinist Gary Levinson alongside fresh talent from the Johnson High School and First Covenant Church choirs. Learn more at mnsinfonia.org.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Produce at its Peak
WHAT: Peak Pick: A Taste of the Fall Harvest
WHERE: Whole Foods Lake Calhoun, Mpls.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
If the snowfall this week (ugh) taught us anything, it’s that fall is coming to a rapid close—meaning the window for using fresh fall produce is dwindling as well. Get the most out of what’s left with this Lake Calhoun Whole Foods class, which highlights tasty fall favorites such as apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables. Learn how to get the best autumn flavors out of these ingredients, plus basics like caramelizing onions, and making a killer salted-caramel sauce. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Veg Out
WHAT: Twin Cities Veg Fest 2013
WHERE: Coffman Memorial Union, Mpls.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
Thinking about going vegetarian but still on the fence? Already made the leap and want to get the most nutrition out of your diet? Or just on the hunt for free vegan food samples? (We won’t judge.) Head to the Twin Cities Veg Fest to learn more about where the food you eat comes from, how to be healthy while adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, and the benefits of going veg. Learn more at tcvegfest.com.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Do the Time Warp (Again)
WHAT: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
WHERE: The Uptown Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 11:55 p.m.
Halloween kicks a stockinged leg in the direction of a trip to see the longest-running midnight movie of all time—which happens to also be one of the all-time great interactive movie experiences. Giggle at the sexy daft 1970s spoof of Hollywood horror movies and revel in the melodrama as you toss toast in the air and duck for cover under the tossed newspapers and general air of fromage. Learn more at landmarktheatres.com.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Zombies on the Tracks
WHAT: Ghost Trolley
WHERE: Como-Harriet Streetcar, Mpls.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to get everyone in the Halloween spirit without inciting nightmares? On the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, trolley conductors have taken on the roles of mad scientists and zombies for an amped-up trolley ride and spooky show. Afterwards, stick around the station to roast s’mores and chat with costumed conductors. Learn more at trolleyride.org.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
They’re Open Books
WHAT: Minnesota Writers Readings & Conversation
WHERE: Open Book, Mpls.
WHEN: 1 p.m.
Open Book is hosting Diane Wilson, Robin Asbell, and Amy Theilen, all of whom put out new books this year, and who will be available for readings and signings. Plus, the event is potluck-style (does it get any more Minnesotan than that?), so bring a favorite hors d’oeuvre to share and hope that new Food Network personality Thielen isn’t judging too harshly. Learn more at slowfoodmn.org.
